The Scholar Budget - Helping Students Navigate Finances & Earn a Debt-Free Degree

Hello Friends! In this episode of the Scholar Budget Podcast, Rockell Bartoli, Anushka Polapally, and Sophia Ni discuss Peared, a nonprofit organization aimed at connecting students with tailored community service opportunities. The conversation explores how Peared optimizes volunteering experiences, the importance of community service in obtaining scholarships, and the skills students can gain th...

Hello Friends! In this conversation, Jefferson Pestronk, the executive director of Modern States, discusses the nonprofit's mission to make college more affordable through free online courses that help students earn college credit via CLEP exams. He explains the process of registering, studying, and taking exams, emphasizing the flexibility and accessibility of the program. The discussion also hig...

Hello Friends! In this episode, we delve into the profound generational and community impact of GEAR UP, a program dedicated to empowering students from low-income communities to pursue higher education. Join us as Dr. Katie Hill shares her personal journey from a GEAR UP student to a national leader, highlighting how the program's cohort model and community partnerships uplift entire families and...

Hello Friends! Let’s talk to Megan Singleton, founder of Aspire to Intern, as we discuss the significance of internships in shaping careers and providing essential skills for students. Megan emphasizes the importance of starting internships early, the preparation needed for applying, and the financial benefits that come with internship experiences. She shares her personal journey and insights on h...

Hello There! In this conversation, we talk to Thyra and Vivian, the founders of Origami for Good, a nonprofit organization that uses origami to spread joy and creativity to various communities, including the elderly, youth, and soldiers. We discuss their organization's origins, their work's impact on recipients, the importance of creativity in volunteering, and how inclusivity and cultural underst...

Hello There! In this conversation, Tori Meglio, VP of Donors at Bold.org, discusses the organization's mission to reduce student debt through impactful scholarships. She explains how Bold.org differentiates itself from other scholarship platforms by offering exclusive opportunities and a user-friendly application process. Tori emphasizes the importance of authenticity in scholarship essays and sha...

Hello Friends!   Abraham Sculley shares his personal journey of becoming a mental health advocate for college students. He discusses the challenges he faced as a first-generation college student and how it led to his own experience with depression. Sculley emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health and highlights the role of finances in mental well-being. He encourages students to share...

Hello Friends, Meet Rachel Davison Humphries, Senior Director of Civic Learning Initiatives at the Bill of Rights Institute. She discusses the organization's mission to teach civics and equip students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society. The Bill of Rights Institute offers free educational resources for teachers and students, including AP prep materials and in-person program...

Hello Friends!   Sally Watanabe talks about the World of 8 Billion International Student Video Contest, a program that encourages middle and high school students to create 60-second videos on global issues related to human population growth. The contest, sponsored by Population Education, aims to promote critical thinking, communication skills, and creativity among students. Sally highlights the b...

Hello Friends! In this conversation, Benjamin Warren from the Washington Society of CPAs discusses the importance of scholarships for accounting students, the role of the WSCPA in supporting aspiring CPAs, and the various scholarship opportunities available. He emphasizes the significance of storytelling in applications, the criteria for selection, and offers advice for students on how to position...

Hello Friends, Treyvious Copeland, a first-year doctor of pharmacy candidate at Florida A&M University, shares his journey and offers advice for students. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional and knowing your why, as well as getting involved in extracurricular activities to stand out. Treyvious discusses the challenges of balancing high school and college courses and the importanc...

Hello Friends! In this episode, Chaffee Viets, Director of the Office of Scholar Programs at Georgia Tech, discusses the broader impact of scholarship programs beyond financial awards. He oversees programs like the Stamps President Scholars and Tech Promise Scholars at Georgia Tech. Viets highlights trends in scholarships, including the increased focus on service and rising competitiveness. He adv...

Hello There! In this episode, we connect with Ariana, her mother, and Ms. Smith to discuss the Time for Change Youth Challenge and how Ariana's initiative, Celebrate Crates, came to life. The discussion highlights the importance of community involvement, the role of family and educators in supporting youth projects, and the positive impact of such initiatives on personal growth and community well-...

Hello Friends! Francisco Tezen, the president and CEO of A Better Chance, discusses the organization's mission to help young people gain access to competitive middle schools and high schools, leading to opportunities at top colleges and universities. A Better Chance works nationally in seven core markets, providing support and guidance to students and families throughout a rigorous application pro...

Hello Friends!   In this episode, Daniel Barkowitz, Assistant Vice President of Financial Assistance and Student Employment at the University of Miami, discusses the importance of completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and offers valuable tips for students and parents. He explains the FAFSA's role in determining eligibility for federal aid, including grants, scholarships,...

Hello Friends, In this episode of the Scholar Budget Podcast, we connect with Sarah Lankford and Taylor Gorycki from the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation. They discuss the foundation's mission to combat hunger, the legacy of Stephen J. Brady, and the various programs they run, including the Stephen J. Brady Scholarship. We highlight the importance of youth engagement in community service, the scholar...

Hey There! Create for Kids is a nonprofit organization founded by Suma Gadde and Sarah Younes. Their mission is to help kids all around the world, especially in places where they may not have access to organizations or nonprofits. They provide care packages to children in hospitals, reaching out to them through social media or hospitals. There is no age limit to get involved, and students can earn...

Hello There! Meet Percio Pichardo, Senior Manager of Recruitment and Retention for SEO Scholars. We discussed the amazing free eight-year program that aims to close the opportunity gap for underserved students. The SEO program provides academic support, mentoring, career development, and college readiness opportunities. The program guarantees that students who apply and enroll will attend a four-y...

Hello There! In season two of the Scholar Budget Podcast, we focus on providing information and resources to help students earn a debt-free degree. The stacking method, dual enrollment, and other methods are key ingredients to a debt-free college degree. We also emphasize the importance of completing the FAFSA application and addressing mental health and wellness in relation to scholarships and ac...

Hello There! Is it me, or did the summer get here faster than expected? Living in Miami makes it feel like the summer started three weeks ago. This is the time to start preparing for the beach, vacations, and getting scholarship ready. Learn what you can start doing right now to prepare for scholarship success. Don’t wait; this is your time to prepare for a debt-free degree. Grab your favorite not...

Hello There! This is one of those episodes that can save you time, money, and disappointment. Using AI tools like ChatGPT for scholarship essays is not recommended. Scholarship organizations are looking for authentic and honest stories from students, which AI cannot provide. Relying on AI tools can lead to negative consequences, such as being caught for plagiarism. Instead, listen to find out what...

Hi Friends! Happy Financial Literacy Month! Let's talk with Eric Smith, a financial literacy coach who shares his journey from being a banker to teaching money management skills to NFL players, NBA players, college athletes, and other groups. He emphasizes the importance of cash flow management as the first step to financial success and cautions against borrowing more than necessary for college ex...

Hello Friends! In this episode, Shaundrea Dixon, the founder of Progressive Opportunities, Inc., shares her mission to provide pre-college resources and scholarships to low-income students and families in Florida. She aims to break the misconception that low-income students cannot afford college and provides free guidance and resources to help them access scholarships. Shaundrea emphasizes the imp...

Hey There! Starting early is key when it comes to applying for scholarships. Scholarships and contests are available for students from elementary school to high school. By starting early, students can develop important skills and understand the value of scholarships. Let’s cover the opportunities for elementary and middle school students, including the Doodle for Google Contest, Gloria Baron Prize...

Hello Friends! Listen as Kay Thomson, the Executive Director of the British American Foundation of Texas (BAFTX), discusses the organization's mission to offer scholarships and programming to underserved scholars in Texas. We discuss the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the impact of scholarships on students' lives. Kay also provides tips for scholarship applications and encourag...