Make Your Mark with an Enthusiastic Scholarship Essay
by Tanya Marchun, Communications Specialist
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (Feb. 2, 2024) Grand Valley Power is guided by seven cooperative principles. Two of them — Education, Training, and Information and Concern for Community — are emphasized by the $20,500 in scholarships that GVP awards each year to students for continuing education. Grand Valley Power is excited and honored to help advance the development of our communities and share in local students’ growth through scholarship opportunities.
The cooperative is accepting applications for 2024 scholarships through March 1. Scholarship applications are open to current members residing in a home served by Grand Valley Power. Several scholarships are available, including the $2,000 Jack Broughton-CMU Scholarship, which is renewable for up to four years; and six $1,500 GVP scholarships that can be used at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational schools for undergraduate education or technical and trade programs with at least a one-year course of study toward a degree or certificate. A $1,500 CMU Tech scholarship can be applied to the cost of full-time enrollment at CMU Tech.
The criteria used to weigh each application are academic performance, financial need, letters of recommendation, and an original written essay. Each of these areas is integral to choosing the scholarship recipients, but the essay carries the most weight.
It’s important that applicants’ essays impart their passion and demonstrate their professionalism and enthusiasm for their future. With that in mind, here are a few pointers on how to make your mark with your written essay.
Create an outline for your essay. Map out exactly how you want your essay to read. Make sure your spelling, grammar, and vocabulary are clear, elevated, and professional. Good writing is a skill set you will use throughout your entire life. It is important to communicate well with your readers.
Show your worth. Be humble, but the scholarship committee wants to hear about what makes you — YOU! Share and highlight your unique experiences and how they impact your life. For example, if you work part time, volunteer, and play a sport, make sure to include that. It demonstrates responsibility and time management skills. Don’t be afraid to share the great things you are achieving, but also incorporate how receiving the scholarship will help you to do what you love in the future.
Think outside the box. Share what makes you unique and worthy of receiving a scholarship. The readers know nothing else about you except what you share in your essay. For example, if you have overcome hardship or have an interesting circumstance, highlight how that has given you the strength and determination to continue pursuing your dreams.
Ask for help. Find a trusted teacher, friend, or family member (or all three) and ask them to read your essay. Take their advice and comments into consideration so that you can present your best work and your best self to the scholarship committee.
When it’s ready, submit your application to Grand Valley Power’s Hometown Scholarship Program. Scholarship applications are due no later than March 1.
Visit gvp.org/scholarship-program for application requirements.