Gov. Evers Proclaims National Scholarship Month in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), together with the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB), today announced Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed the month of November as National Scholarship Month in Wisconsin. The proclamation is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the vital role that scholarships play in reducing student loan debt and expanding access to higher education.

“Every Wisconsinite deserves the opportunity to access a high-quality, affordable education from early childhood through college and career training,” said Gov. Evers. “In addition to our efforts to make higher education more affordable and accessible for every student, scholarships play an important part in reducing the financial burden students and their families face when paying for higher education while celebrating our students’ unique talents and helping them reach their academic and career goals.”

“Keep in mind, scholarships aren’t just for athletes and valedictorians. There are scholarships for nearly every interest, hobby, or background,” said DFI Secretary-designee Wendy K. Baumann. “It’s important for both our high school seniors and current college students to research and apply for scholarships each year because scholarships aren’t just for incoming first-year students. There are many scholarships for students already enrolled in higher education as well.”

“Scholarships are considered gift aid meaning they do not need to be repaid, and unlike grants, eligibility for scholarships is usually based on merit or achievement, rather than financial need,” said HEAB Executive Secretary Tammie DeVooght Blaney. “Scholarships are widely available through local schools, clubs and organizations, faith-based institutions, and employers, and the state of Wisconsin strives to assist students and families with identifying and accessing available resources, too.”

Gov. Evers, DFI Secretary-designee Baumann, and HEAB Executive Secretary DeVooght Blaney offer the following tips to help students and families secure scholarships for higher education:

• Start with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). To qualify for federal student financial aid, including many scholarships, students and families must complete the FAFSA® as soon as possible each year.

• Every dollar counts. Most scholarships will not provide a full ride to pay for school, but every dollar helps and no scholarship is too small. Search for scholarships on DFI’s grants and scholarships​ webpage​​ and HEAB’s website.

• Avoid scams. Legitimate scholarships don’t charge fees, they never guarantee money to applicants, and they don’t create a sense of urgency to apply beyond meeting the required deadline.

For additional information on finding and applying for scholarships, college affordability, and the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program, visit DFI’s college and career readiness​ webpage.

For information on Wisconsin’s financial aid, including scholarship, grant, and loan programs, tuition reciprocity agreements, and tuition capitation contracts, visit HEAB’s website.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.