By Meridith Orr, Program Executive

In addition to the fun, friendship and amazing experiences that come with being a Girl Scout, there is another wonderful benefit that comes with membership – scholarship opportunities! Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines has been the fortunate recipient of several scholarship programs funded by our generous alumnae.   We also try to pass along information on other Girl Scout-related scholarship programs as we learn more about them.

If you are a Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador, you’ll want to make a note of these important programs and apply when they open this winter. If you are a younger Girl Scout, perhaps these programs will encourage you to pursue our Highest Awards. As a Highest Awards recipient, you’ll have more scholarship opportunities available to you when the time comes!

The following scholarship programs are offered exclusively by our Council:

Misty Crabtree Eastham Scholarship (For Girl Scout Gold Award Recipients)

Opens: January 2, 2015

Deadline: March 13, 2015

As a girl in foster care, Misty joined Girl Scouts and gained a network of friends to support and guide her— friends who joined her in a journey of adventure that provided life-changing opportunities. Misty overcame adversity and embodied a sense of selflessness, generosity, drive, and determination. Her scholarship foundation recognizes and rewards Girl Scouts with these same qualities. The award from this scholarship is used to help pay for college expenses.

Jane S. Barringer Award (For Girl Scout Gold Award Recipients)

Opens: January 2, 2015

Deadline: March 13, 2015

“Mrs. B” has been an inspiration to Girl Scouts in our council for 50 years! As a teen advisor she has offered girls different perspectives and opportunities to make a difference. If you are proactive and passionate about making the world a better place, apply for this scholarship designed to further your education or skill development.

We are also pleased to pass along information about the Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation Scholarships (For Silver or Gold Award Recipients). This opportunity is open to Girl Scouts across the United States.

Opens: March 15, 2015

Deadline: May 15, 2015

Corinne was passionate about higher education for women. She understood the value of learning about other cultures through language. This scholarship honors her memory and is an investment towards ensuring that every girl reaches her full potential.

Be Prepared: Our Recommendations for a Successful Application

To ensure that your efforts have a better chance of success, you’ll need to do some preparation.   Read each application thoroughly so that you are familiar with the requirements of each program. Put reminder dates on your paper calendar and phone, if necessary. Gather needed items in advance so that you won’t be scrambling while you are in the process of completing your applications! Here’s a list to get you started:

1. High school transcript – check requirements for whether an official transcript is required so you that can order it in advance of the application deadline
2. If you are already in college, your first semester or quarter grades, as applicable
3. Letter(s) of recommendation
4. School picture or a nice high-resolution image that is a well-lit head and shoulders shot
5. Biographical information for yourself
6. How you would like your name to be listed
7. How you would like your parents’ and/or guardians’ names to be listed in any announcement
8. Your Highest Awards paperwork and any pictures of your project(s)

A few parting thoughts:

• Take a moment to journal about your favorite Girl Scout memories. Describe what Girl Scouting means to you in detail, and provide specific examples of what you learned during the experience. Having this step completed early will save you time later, and provide a more compelling story for the application’s reviewer.
• Thank you notes are always appreciated – for your recommenders, advisors, troop leaders, and awarding organizations.
• Pay it forward. Make plans to donate to scholarship funds in the future, volunteer to serve as an advisor or lead a troop!

Learn about all our scholarship programs including how to apply and the application itself here. Good luck, Girl Scouts!