The biggest challenge in researching these scholarships is that it’s not usually an exercise in just spending a few hours on Google.  Many of the scholarships don’t have dedicated web pages, and instead are advertised in print material that is sent directly to a small group of people.

That said, many scholarships will send information to local high schools, and these “Master Lists” can be a great resource.  To find this information, Google phrases like Midway ISD Scholarships or Lorena ISD Scholarships.  This will direct you to counselor’s pages that will be continually adding new scholarships.  You definitely do not want to limit your search to your child’s school district.  Many scholarships are available to all central Texas students, regardless of high school.

The best resource in looking for local scholarships is to look to your family.  For parents, this means to start by making a list of everyone that your child is related to:  aunts, uncles, grandparents, and other extended family.  Look at your list.  What groups do these people belong to that might offer some kind of scholarship?  Think banks, credit unions, electric co-ops, employers, and alumni and professional organizations.  Rocket Federal Credit Union and Heart of Texas Electric Co-op, for example, have historically offered scholarships to children and grandchildren of their members.

Once you’ve identified some options, have your child start calling those people on your list.  Have him or her talk about the school they want to go to, what they want to study, and why they think it is so important to get an education.  Then have your child ask that relative to keep an eye out for scholarship announcements.  Be sure and give each relative examples where these announcements might show up, which you’ve brainstormed in advance.

Having your child directly make these calls is an important part of this process, for the primary reason that young adults are unparalleled in enthusiasm.  Relatives will be moved by your child’s excitement for going to college and are much more likely to actively keep an eye out if they have spoken to your child directly.

One more avenue to explore is related to your child’s primary area of study.  If your child is interested in agriculture, for example, scholarships are available through the Heart of Texas Fairgrounds.  Nursing students should consider the Lubie Moss Nursing Scholarship.  Look for local professional associations whose goals align with your child’s interests, and see what opportunities they may provide.

As you put together your list of options, note that scholarships tend to be offered annually.  Scholarships awarded last year will probably be offered again this year.  Keep an eye out, get your family involved and your child engaged.  We are very fortunate in central Texas to have such supportive business and social communities dedicated to our children’s education.  Enjoy your search!

Applications will be accepted through July 31 and will be announced before August 24.  Applications are available at  http://www.mclennan.edu/departments/foundation/schol.html.  A hard copy of the application must be received in the MCC financial aid office by 6 pm on July 31.
The book scholarship program is funded through a $100,000 grant from Round Rock-based TG Public Benefit Program and will be in place through summer 2010.  For more information, contact the MCC Foundation at 254-299-8604.

On Saturday, June 27, Cameron Park Zoo will be hosting a kid’s version of the previous evening’s festivities.  KidZoobilee begins at 6 pm and runs until 8 pm. Guests will get a special sneak preview of the new exhibits, and enjoy great food, games, face painting, water games, a rock climbing wall, and more.  All children will receive party favors, an animal hat and t-shirt. KidZoobilee is designed for children 2 yrs. to 12 yrs. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. For more information call (254) 750-8415 or click here to purchase KidZoobilee Tickets.

Monthly Star Parties are at the Waco Wetlands (”WW”) at 1752 Eichelberger Crossing Road.

Directions: From Interstate 35 take the Exit 330 and proceed west (toward Meridian) on Hwy. 6/Loop 340. Continue for approximately ten miles to the intersection of Hwy 6 & FM 185. Turn right on FM 185 and continue 0.6 miles then turn left on Eichelberger Crossing Road. The Lake Waco Wetlands Research and Education Center will be 1.6 miles on your right at 1752 Eichelberger Crossing Road.

CTAS also visits classrooms to talk with school children about astronomy.

For more information about star parties, or to learn about how to invite CTAS to your child’s classroom, contact Paul Derrick at (254) 753-6920 or (254) 723-6346, or email Paul at paulderrickwaco@aol.com.  The CTAS website is at http://www.centexastronomy.org/.

Upcoming Star Parties

Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 8:30 pm

In conjunction with the Leonardo da Vinci Machines in Motion, special events will be planned on Thursdays throughout the month of June.  Learn more about Leonardo, his machines, and his interpretation of the world around him.

Thursday, June 11: da Vinci Day - Machines in Motion
Thursday, June 18: da Vinci Day – Water: Leonardo da Vinci called water “the vehicle of nature.”  Come explore the amazing properties of water, engage in exciting experiments and enjoy a cool break from the summer’s heat!
Thursday, June 25: da Vinci Day – Flight:  Discover more about flight and explore the marvelous world of Leonardo’s flying machines.

Tour hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person (children three years of age and younger are free) and are good for both days.

Tickets are available at Cameron Park Zoo, Hill Creek Water Gardens, Landscape Supply, North Waco Tropical Fish, and Wild Birds Unlimited.  For more information, call (254) 666-5135.

The event is free, and those who plan to attend can RSVP by contacting Jo Welter at (254) 836-4599 or Jo_Welter@hotmail.com.

Children’s Swimming: Level 1-2
Instructor Missy Kittner has the personality and experience to help children of all ages and abilities approach swimming and water safety with a positive mindset. This course will introduce children, ages 5-15 years old, to master water exploration and primary skills such as water entry and exit, buoyancy, treading, changing directions and positions, and developing a comfort level in the water. Sign your child up now to begin these lessons that will continue in the summer schedule. Children should bring their own towels. The pool is heated to approximately 82 degrees.
2 wks (6 hrs), Cost: $39, Course No. AVC 1978
Sect. 02 June 1-11 MTWTH, 5:45-6:30 p.m.