[hotcouponmama]

The first project for 2008 that we're posting about in the HHH forums...

I am a firm believer in the power of higher education. I know we have some people here who are already in college or wanting to go back and start. Either way, one of our HHH projects this year is that we're going to offer a HCW scholarship for Sept. 2008 fall term. We don't know how much it will be yet - it will depend on what we raise. We know we'd like to at least offer a $500 scholarship - that's our goal!

What we can say is some of the criteria we'll be looking for, so at least if you think you might be interested in going back to school, you'll know how to plan.

Scholarship criteria:

* Length of time as a member - six months of active membership. Active means:

- Posts, trades (Itrader ratings), positve reps, helping along newbies, upholding HCW rules.

* Enrolled in an accredited program that would eligible for federal funds (so some fly by night thing won't work - the program has to have a FAFSA code to qualify as a legit program. A letter from the program stating that the member is enrolled there will be needed.

* Letter to us about why you want to go back to school.

* Academically in good standing with your program if you're already enrolled.

* Financial need - although this won't be need based, we will take it into condsideration.

* A letter of reference from someone in their outside community, and two HCWers (one mod/one non-mod) to vouch for them.


While we know school isn't cheap, and it is a commitment, we also know that school can make a huge difference in the long run with regard to being marketable and can increase your future salary potential. Being back in school myself this year, I know it's not easy with kids, coupons, a spouse, and everything else going on in your life. But we are hoping that a little financial boost can be a good shot in the arm to get going.

We'll be here to help along the way. Watch for some posts about how to get through the maze of paperwork for school, as well as some other ideas to fund your program.

We're hoping this project will be a huge success! $500 dollars, here we come!