Out & About

Concerns with the future economy has individuals strapping their wallets a little bit tighter.

According to local businesses, January 2025 sales were down about 40 percent from last year.

As I was out and about this week, scholarships, grants and donations were points of discussion at an education meeting. There were several helpful tips given, though there were concerns that the majority of students that are eligible are not applying. Why?

Receiving a scholarship is an odds game: the more that an applicant applies, the more likely the chances of winning.

Another focus point could be in the niche scholarships. A focus on smaller awards rather than the larger awards is advised; and apply for all that are available.

One questionable comment was, “How is $250-$500 going to assist with tuition that can be tens of thousands of dollars?” Answer: It adds up.

Just like spending trends, the smaller amounts can quickly add up to a large sum.

Sometimes quantity can benefit more than quality. It does not take long for $20 here and $20 there to add up to hundreds of dollars. Anyone that has shopped to purchase one item and come out with a shopping cart full, can relate.

I am not one to jump on the bandwagon that the youth of today expect something for nothing. True, there may be some with that mind-set; however, locally youths can be viewed volunteering of their time and resources to help those in need.

The local scholarships awarded are memorials and honors of prior students and community members.

These scholarships were started as a resource to those that could benefit. (Everyone can use extra money, right?). All that is required is some effort and time to apply and reap the award.

Parents and guardians influence those students that plan to attend college or vocational school by sending them to the counselor’s office to view the many scholarships that can add up to a free (paid) education.

The Prospect-News