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Helping Every Student Get the Funds Needed for College

In the next five years, more than 16 million high school students will graduate, making up one of the largest groups of high school graduates in this country's history. Many will be the first in their family to attend college and are particularly unsure about how to approach the scholarship process. Those students who are fortunate enough to be on the honor roll or the star quarterback of the football team will have access to the best scholarships. But what will happen to the rest of them-those students who have the potential for a great college career, but not necessarily the financial backing to attend the school of their dreams?

Author Kimberly Stezala passionately believes that every student should have access to a quality education. Now, in SCHOLARSHIPS 101: The Real-World Guide to Getting Cash for College (AMACOM; August 7, 2008; Paperback), she shows parents and their kids how to approach the scholarship process like a pro. The founder of Wisconsin's only online scholarship database, she is an advisory board member at Parents Plus Wisconsin, a parent education information and resource group, and writes a scholarship column for the Milwaukee Community Journal, Wisconsin's largest African-American newspaper. Her new book goes beyond the generic information on how to win scholarships and provides a clear plan of action. Students will develop a personalized strategy that incorporates all people in their lives who want to see them succeed such as immediate and extended family, coaches, teachers, faith leaders and neighbors. Filled with insider advice from successful students, financial aid experts, and scholarship sponsors, SCHOLARSHIPS 101 shows aspiring college kids and their parents:

· how the scholarship process works behind the scenes

· how students can set themselves apart from the competition

· first-hand advice from successful students, scholarship judges and scholarship sponsors

· how students can build a team of people to help them

· what they can do to improve their chances at winning scholarships

· how parents, grandparents and supporters can help students

· how to uncover scholarships that are not listed in the national search engines

· tips on writing style, applications, letters of recommendation, scholarship award language and more

· information on pre-college programs and experiences

· how scholarships affect overall financial aid packages

· how creating a personalized plan will give them a competitive edge

· Terms and definitions to help readers navigate the jargon in the scholarship world

Straightforward and savvy, SCHOLARSHIPS 101 provides the extra boost many students need to plan for their futures and receive the education they deserve.

About the Author:

Kimberly Stezala is a recognized scholarship expert and has devoted the past 10 years to helping students achieve their educational goals. She was the founder of Wisconsin's only online scholarship clearinghouse and is an advisory board member at Parents Plus Wisconsin. She writes a bi-weekly column for Milwaukee Community Journal, Wisconsin's largest African-American newspaper, and has appeared on several TV and radio shows. She also runs a successful website at www.scholarshipstreet.com.

Title: SCHOLARSHIPS 101:

The Real-World Guide to Getting Cash for College

Author: Kimberly Stezala

ISBN: 0814409814

Pub. Date: August 7, 2008

Price: $17.95 Paperback

Pages: 256

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com