College Scholarships
Description and Objective:
 The One at a Time Financial Assistance Program is designed to help motivated students who may not have family resources or qualify for scholarships that emphasize grades or test scores. Many students in high school must work to help support themselves and their families. In some cases, they simply lack role models that will encourage them to achieve academic success or seek higher education.
One at a Time provides financial assistance for Arizona Universities and Colleges where education costs and living expenses are less, allowing us to help more students, as well as students with greater financial needs.
The clear objective is to change the future economic life of each student. In doing so, we will also impact their children and grandchildren. Siblings, cousins and even friends will see this student as a role model to change their own economic futures. In some cases, success in education might even reach back to change the economic conditions of their parents.
Where We Find Candidates:
High school counselors have the best day to day knowledge of a student's ability and motivation. Counselors at selected high schools (based on general economic conditions) assist us in initial screening of applicants. These counselors are visited each year by two committee members to be sure they understand the objective of the One at a Time Program and how it works.
We seek students who would not be able to attend college without our financial help, but with our assistance, they can obtain a degree. If they have enough resources to pay their own way, then they are not a One at a Time candidate. If our assistance combined with their other resources falls short, then they are not a candidate for our help.
To determine this, financial information is obtained from the student and the parents. This includes parental income, the student's employment, grants, scholarships, loans and savings. All costs for a college education are estimated. In addition to tuition and books, transportation, room and board, child care and clothing may be included.
If the amount need after subtracting costs from the available money is within our ability to fund, then the student qualifies for our financial assistance.
The intent is to provide aid for the entire four years of the college education.
First Generation Scholars:
A first generation scholar receives additional consideration in the selection process. These are the students who will be role models for entire families. Other family members and friends will achieve economic change in their lives from the examples set by these students.
Educational Goals:
The primary focus for financial assistance is for a four-year degree. The secondary focus is any community college technical degree such as nursing, electrician or auto mechanic as long as it will make a difference in their economic future.
Mentoring:
Each student is assigned a mentor during the period of assistance. The mentor's role is to be a source of knowledge, experience and support for the student. The mentors do not replace the parents, but work with them to help keep the student focused and progressing in his/her education.
The students and mentors communicate through email or phone at least once each month. Personal contact is made once a semester with two Vincentian members involved.
Mentors direct the students to the many resources available at the schools and urge them to utilize them.
Impact the future, one life at time. Support the One at a Time Financial Assistance Program by contacting St. Vincent de Paul's Development Department at (602) 261-6814.
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