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• Groupon, LivingSocial, ThefreeSite.com, StartSampling, and Free Stuff Channel: Websites dedicated to helping users find giveaways, services, perks, samples, trials, and other promotional items.
• Kids Meal Deals: Search kids meal deals and kids eat free restaurants in your area using their search tool.
• Sweet Free Stuff: Daily updated blog of real free stuff, free samples, coupons, deals and more. All 100% free of charge.
• Totally Free Stuff: Directory of freebies online includes free posters, software, t-shirts, mouse pads, clothing, hats, food samples, and more.
• MyOpenBar.com: Find free (or cheap) drinks in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Honolulu, and Miami.
• Craigslist: Check out category dedicated to “free stuff” for each of its participating cities. Find everything from furniture to electronics to clothes.
• Freecycle and other reuse groups: Search listings of items being given away by people in your area.
• CouchSurfing: Connects travelers with hosts around the globe. You get both a free place to stay and locals to hang out with for an inside glimpse of other cultures.
• Digsville, Home Base Holidays, HomeExchange.com, and HomeLink: Free accommodations while travelling. Use to find traditional home-exchange opportunities.
• Favorpals: Trading skills and favors – barter style. Clean someone’s house in exchange for dog walking when you’re at work or for tutoring your kid in math. Or offer painting services and get help with designing a website.
• U-Exchange: Trade anything from babysitting and calligraphy lessons to pianos and foosball tables to cars and boats.
• Swap.com: Swap books, music, DVDs, or video games via mail through. Print a postage label right from your computer for easy mailing.
• Swapstyle: Trade clothes, accessories, shoes, and even cosmetics.
• Freegrabber: Free stuff, free samples, freebies, Walmart samples, beauty samples, household samples free coupons, hot deals.

10 Upgrade Tips

1. Participate in a Frequent Flier program
2. Talk to the right people — from the agent on the phone to the desk agent and be polite. Be personable, pleasant or share information or even a nightmare experience which may get you a sympathetic upgrade.
3. Several airlines offer upgrades for a small fee. You can pay a little extra the day of the flight and work out a deal the agent at the gate.
4. Secret Codes — Most airlines have economy fare codes that are automatically upgradeable — but there are a few catches. First, these codes are for fully refundable coach fares (look for Y or M class) and the automatic upgrades all depend on what seating is available in first class when the ticket is purchased. In addition, these fares are generally not offered on direct flights, and are best booked directly through an agent or the airline — not online.
5. Family and Friends — Almost anyone who works for particular airline, a supplier or a contractor may have access to upgrades and/or the right people to get you bumped into first. The key here is having a solid connection with someone — not just a casual relationship — and asking well in advance of your departure.
6. Book the Package — Check vacation package pricing; many airlines now offer first-class fares as part of the packages, and the savings can be considerable. If you only need or want the flight and not the rental car or hotel part of the package, then don’t use the other package amenities. There are no penalties for being a no-show since the vendors are paid no matter what.
7. Make an Impression — Manners matter and dressing nicely can get you in first class. Your appearance and behavior at the gate can make all the difference when it comes to calling a name on the upgrade list; obnoxious and pushy almost always loses out to polite and patient. Rude passengers will not curry favors with airlines staff.
8. Be Significant — Are you in charge of booking your company’s upcoming trips? Or maybe you’re the assistant to a VIP-decision maker in charge of travel, or you’ve got a cast on your leg from a ski accident. Then be sure to mention your special stature to your travel agent when booking, and – if appropriate — ask them to add an OSI note to your reservation. That’s a way the agent can get a message to the airline that you’re either important, in need of some special help, or have a circumstance that’s notable – and might just get you bumped to first.
9. Get Some Credit — Linking your airline frequent flier number to hotel, car rental and other travel loyalty programs is a fast way to earn mileage — which can then be used for upgrades and other travel perks. Also do some research on the credit cards offered through carriers for bonus mileage opportunities; while we are not encouraging you to go into debt, this is an excellent way to earn points for everyday purchases like business expenses that your company reimburses you for.
10. Company Travel — As a passenger on business you are still eligible to take advantage of frequent flier programs. So, be sure to ask that your number is included on every flight. You’ll soon find yourself in mile-high territory, mileage-wise, and that’s when the upgrades come automatically.
11. Sign up for newsletters and e-mail alerts from airlines that serve the routes you’re shopping for, and from sites like AirfareWatchdog, JohnnyJet, Farecast and others, including FareCompare, Kayak, Orbitz and Travelocity. Many airlines post their best fares only on their own Web sites, including Southwest, Allegiant Air, SAS, Aloha, Aer Lingus, Qantas, Alaska, Air New Zealand and JetBlue.

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• Keep a food journal
• Drink green or black tea daily
• Take it one day at a time
• Exercise at least 3 times a week
• Plan your meals ahead of time – have healthy foods ready to avoid temptation
• Start with small changes – swap whole milk with fat free milk, eat fruit Instead of drinking juice
• Eat a high protein diet
• Walk or run as much as you can
• Drink lots of water
• Eat a sandwich or portioned meal – automatic portion control
• Don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon – just get back on with the next meal or the next day
• Eat breakfast to get your metabolism going
• Weigh yourself regularly – once a week
• Reduce carb intake gradually
• Substitute whole grains for white bread, white pasta and cereals
• Fight chocolate cravings with low fat hot chocolate or chocolate milk

article source: adzines.com

• Hire a personal trainer for a few weeks
• Walk or jog a little faster than usual
• Do your weight training as circuit training
• Look for opportunities to Walk instead of driving or catching elevators

article source: adzines.com

• What will our major products and services be?
• What will be our target market?
• Will we be market leaders, followers or niche players?
• What will our unique competitive position be?
• How will we ‘know’ our ideal customer?
• How will we be perceived by our customers?
• How will we promote your services to our customers?

Minimize Risk:

Training Provided:

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Marketing Assistance:

A Proven Business Model:

About Author:

1. Cover page-short identification and description of your business.
2. Table of contents-allows readers to reference a specific section.
3. Executive summary-overview of your total plan, outlining the steps you will take for success.
4. Business background-highlights your skills and experience in the field.
5. Marketing plan-details the products and services you’re offering, your market, pricing strategy, and plans for marketing and advertising your business.
6. Action plan-details the specific action-items you will utilize to create and deliver your products and services.
7. Financial management, statements, and projections-source of start-up capital, monthly budgets, projected expenditures, expected return on investment, projected balance sheets, accounting strategy, and more.
8. Operations-hiring procedures, insurance, leasing, equipment and other expected operational costs.
9. Closing statement-confirmation of goals and objectives for a successful business.
10. Appendix- statistical analyses, sample marketing materials, and resumes.

1. Research – Find out all you need to know about the type of business you’re getting into. Get necessary training, research online, ask around to make sure you are as well informed as possible about all sectors of the business.
2. Know Your Market – Consumers are an essential part of any successful business. Make sure you know your target market well. Find out how your product or services can best meet their needs.
3. Business Plan – If you are seeking investors in your business, a business plan will be required.
4. Make it Legit – contact Small Business Administration (sba.gov) to find out how to get a business license. Get incorporated starting at $139, plus state fees at Legalzoom.com
5. Register the name of your business (“Doing Business As” – D.B.A.) with the state government.
6. Finance Your Business – Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to get started.
7. Get a Tax ID Number – Find out which tax identification number you’ll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency.
8. Register for state and local taxes – Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance.
9. Get Business Licenses and Permits – Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business.
10. Get Help – contact International Virtual Assistants Association (ivaa.org) for administrative assistance. For $20, get 250 business cards at Vistaprint.com. Register your website at Godaddy.com. You can hire CuteVamp.com to get website in within 24 hours in just $100.

• Take advantage of group insurance through your employer or other associations you may have.
• Study the needs of your family and decide how much you can afford to pay.
• Shop around and get at least two quotes.
• Consider a higher deductible to lower your premium.
• Ask about other discounts that may be available (for a good driving record, safety equipment, multiple policies with the same provider, etc.) to reduce your cost of coverage.
• Review your insurance coverage annually to make sure you have appropriate coverage as your situation changes.
• Like all investments, be sure to get all the facts before parting with your hard-earned money.

• Experienced financial stresses caused by unemployment, medical bills or divorce.
• Could not control spending, did not plan for the future and did not save money.
• Lacked knowledge of financial and credit matters.

• Develop a budget and stick to it.
• Save money so you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances. You should have at least three to six months of living expenses stashed in your rainy day savings account, because as the poet Longfellow put it, “Into each life some rain must fall.”
• When faced with a choice of financing a purchase, it may be a better financial decision to choose a less expensive model of the same product and save or invest the difference.
• Pay off credit card balances monthly.
• If you must borrow, learn everything about the loan, including interest rate, fees and penalties for late payments or early repayment

• Pay cash.
• Set a monthly limit on charging, and keep a written record so you don’t exceed that amount.
• Limit the number of credit cards you have. Cut up all but one of your cards. Stash that one out of sight, and use it only in emergencies.
• Choose the card with the lowest interest rate and no (or very low) annual fee. But beware of low introductory interest rates offered by mail. These rates often skyrocket after the first few months.
• Don’t apply for credit cards to get a free gift or a discount on a purchase.
• Steer clear of blank checks that financial services companies send you. These checks are cash advances that may carry a higher interest rate than typical charges.
• Pay bills on time to avoid late charges or increased interest rates.

• Contact the credit reporting company online, by fax or certified letter, identifying the creditor you have a dispute with and the nature of the error.
• Send the credit reporting company verifiable information, such as canceled checks or receipts, supporting your complaint.
• The credit reporting company must investigate your complaint within 30 days and get back to you with its results.
• Contact the creditor if the credit reporting company investigation does not result in correction of the error. When you resolve the dispute, ask the creditor to send the credit reporting company a correction. If the issue remains unresolved, you have the right to explain in a statement that will go on your credit report. For example, if you did not pay a car repair bill because the mechanic didn’t fix the problem, the unpaid bill may show up on your credit report, but so will your explanation.

• Discuss your options with your creditors before you miss a payment.
• Seek expert help, such as Consumer Credit Counseling Services, listed in your local telephone directory.
• Avoid “credit repair” companies that charge a fee. Many of these are scams.

• Find good information to help you make informed decisions.
• Make sure you know and understand all the costs associated with buying, selling and managing your investments.
• Beware of investments that seem too good to be true; they probably are.

• A savings account.
• A retirement plan.
• Stocks and bonds.
• A house.

• A home mortgage.
• Credit card balances.
• A car loan.
• Hospital and other medical bills.
• Student loans.

• Be realistic.
• Establish time frames.
• Devise a plan.
• Be flexible; goals can change.

• Understand where your money goes.
• Ensure you don’t spend more than you make.
• Find uses for your money that will increase your wealth.

• Calculate your monthly income.
• Track your daily expenses.
• Determine how much you spend on monthly bills.

• Access your money at any time.
• Earn interest.
• Move money easily from one account to another.
• Savings insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.

• Earn interest.
• Pay no fees if you maintain a minimum balance.
• May offer check-writing services.
• Savings insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.

• Earn interest during the term (three months, six months, etc.).
• Must leave the deposit in the account for the entire term to avoid an early withdrawal penalty.
• Receive the principal and interest at the end of the term.
• Savings insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.

• Pay yourself first
• Control your spending
• Get free of debt
• Build a contingency fund
• Become an informed investor
• Give

• Pay yourself first
• Control your spending
• Get free of debt
• Build a contingency fund
• Become an informed investor
• Give

1. Determine how a home purchase will affect your current lifestyle. In addition to the overall expense of the home, it is important to consider how long you plan to stay in the home, as well as your overall debt, both on credit cards and other loans. According to Investopedia.com, affordability should be the No. 1 thing you look for in a home, but you also need to be stable enough to know you are going to want to live in the home you pick for at least 10 years. If not, you could get stuck in a home you can’t afford in a city you’re ready to leave.Not surprisingly, location not only affects affordability, but also potential resale value. Amy Hoak of MarketWatch states, “Homes located within walking distance of amenities such as schools, parks and shopping aren’t only more convenient for their owners, often they’re also worth more than homes in neighborhoods where driving is the rule.” Consider your lifestyle when you choose a location. Spending more to live within strolling distance of your favorite shops and restaurants is only valuable if you’ll take advantage of that proximity. BankRate.com offers a handy tool to help predict your monthly mortgage payments in different communities.
2. Consider your options for purchasing a home. Building a new home gives you greater control over style and finishes, though your move-in date will depend on the construction schedule. Newer existing homes will likely require fewer updates than an older home, but may be priced at a premium. If you are shopping for a starter home, consider your plans for the future. A smaller house may require less home maintenance and upkeep, but if you are looking for a larger long term investment and a place to grow and raise a family, opting for more space from the get-go may make the most sense.
3. Whatever the condition or age of the home you purchase, there’s always the chance you’ll want to make some changes, such as renovating a bathroom or upgrading your kitchen, or remodeling parts of the home to accommodate an expanding family. Try to anticipate and factor these costs into your total budget before purchasing a home. When it’s time for these changes, will you be ready financially?According to Consumer Reports, kitchen and bathrooms are at the top of homeowner’s wish lists in terms of rooms that need work. Luckily, updating the kitchen or bathroom to reflect your personal style doesn’t have to be an expensive task. Replacing your plumbing fixtures and finishes can dramatically transform the space. No matter if your design preference is modern or contemporary, Delta Faucet offers a wide range of styles and designs at various price points to meet your needs. For instance, the Linden kitchen and bath collection, in the Venetian Bronze finish, offers a striking combination of transitional style and old-world charm. Carry that look throughout the space with coordinating accessories and a fresh coat of paint for an affordable room makeover.Buying a home is one of life’s major milestones. If you are just starting the house hunting process, consider starting your search online at sites such as Zillow, Houzz, and Pinterest to get a feel for the homes and decor styles that appeal to you most. In addition to finding styles you like, this research will also help you find potential options within your price range. Remember, before making any purchases, consider your total budget and make sure you’re prepared for not just the mortgage, but also any necessary improvements.

1. Get your credit in good shape Make sure your credit history is in good shape since you’ll probably need to get a mortgage to buy your house. Get your credit report months ahead of house hunting. Check the facts and get any errors on the report corrected.
2. You can buy home with less than 20 percent down You might qualify for a low interest mortgage from a private or public lender that only requires a down payment as low as 3 percent of the sale price.
3. Buy a house you can afford Generally, you shouldn’t buy a home that is more than twice your annual take home pay. Use one of the many online calculators to determine how much house you can afford when you factor in your debts and expenses.
4. Don’t buy a house for the short term Buy a house only if you plan to live in it for a few years. Buying and selling a home is an expensive transaction. You could wind up losing money if you sell your home too soon after buying it.
5. Buy a house in a good school district When you’re ready to sell, you’ll find that strong school districts are a priority for many home buyers. Property values are highest in areas with good schools.
6. Research before you start bidding Find out what other homes in the area have been selling for. Once you get an average, your opening bid can fall just under that and the negotiating can begin.
7. Work with a Buyer’s Agent An exclusive Buyer’s Agent is a must to help you navigate the difficult home buying process. You can start your search online, but when it comes time to strategize and bid, you need someone who is on your side.
8. Get pre-approved to hit the ground running It doesn’t make sense to house hunt when you don’t know how much house you can afford. If you find the house of your dreams before getting pre-approved, you won’t be able to make a serious offer. A pre-approval is based on your income, credit history and debt.
9. When picking your mortgage, pay attention to points versus rate During the mortgage selection process, to get a lower interest rate you can usually choose between paying additional points –part of the interest paid at closing. It makes more sense to take the points if you plan to stay in the house beyond five years. Lower interest rates will save you more money down the line.
10. Don’t buy a house without doing a home inspection The home inspector is an essential part of the equation. A home inspection is different from a home appraisal. A home appraisal by the bank helps them determine if the house is worth what you plan to pay. You should hire your own home inspector who has experience inspecting the type of home you are buying. A home inspector will find problems that may need repair before you move in. If there are major issues resulting from the inspection, you may be able to garner a reduction in the sale price of the house.

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YouthBuild USA Urban Strategies Youthbuild 294 Sumpter Street Brooklyn, NY 11233 (718) 919-3600 In YouthBuild programs, unemployed and undereducated young people ages 16-24 work toward their GED or high school diploma while learning job skills by building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people. Strong emphasis is placed on leadership development, community service, and the creation of a positive mini-community of adults and youth committed to success.

• Career and academic advancement
• Leadership roles in the YouthBuild Alumni Association, YouthBuild National Leaders Council and other community development organizations that can have impact beyond their local communities
• Civic engagement and community service
• Asset building and financial management skills through IDA and asset trust programs
• Networking through conferences and youth councils

Job Corps ~ The nation’s largest and most comprehensive residential, education and job training program for at-risk youth, ages 16-24. Job Corps operates 118 primarily residential Job Corps centers located across the country and in Puerto Rico. For more information, call 1-800-733-JOBS. Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in life.

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• Make an income of $3,000+ with orders for June: 2
• Develop a buzz about my company: 4
•  Increase catering for events to at least 5 parties per month: 4
• Improve time management: 1
• Manage and build an effective team: 5

1. Research the company Never go to a job interview without first checking out the company online. If you show up without any knowledge of the company you will look unprepared, lazy and uninterested in the company’s background.
2. Be your own salesperson Don’t be afraid to blow your own horn. Let employers know that what you have going for you and what sets you apart.
3. Make sure are prepared Get a good night’s sleep, have a god breakfast and show up for the interview 15-20 minutes early. Have a copy or two of your resume, a list of your references. At the interview be friendly, gracious and engaging to everyone you come in contact with. Make sure you demonstrate that you are eager for the position without coming across as desperate.
4. Make it easy for the employer Make things crystal clear for the employer. Your experience, your value as an employee are for you to explain to them. Don’t expect them to know what is best for you.
5. Know what you want Apply for a specific job. Don’t just search for a job without a specific goal in mind.
6. Do your research Do some research, go online, ask around to find out how much you should earn for a particular job. This will help you when you’re working out your salary and benefits.
7. Back up the info on your résumé If you can, get people who have thought highly of your job performance to put it in writing. This can give your resume extra credibility.
8. Have an edge If you know someone at the company, get them to sing your praises. Use whatever advantage you can to set you apart from the pack.
9. Make them want to hire you Send an enthusiastic thank you letter after the interview reiterating why you want the job and are the perfect person for the job. Make sure you send it within 2 days of the interview so you are fresh in the employer’s mind.
10. Have a back-up plan Keep in the back of your mind that you may lose your job and prepare for that day. Keep your resume up to date and keep track of your accomplishments. If the time comes, you will be set up to get a job quickly if you’ve planned ahead.

1. Start with an attractive layout It’s best to go with a simple, classic layout but use bullet points, italics and bold fonts to emphasize key points. To stand out from the pack, you could make your name much larger than the body of your resume. You can get a bit more creative. But, generally speaking going with the standard layout is the way to go.
2. Keep the layout standard Don’t center the text or do anything that makes it hard to follow. The idea is to make an employer want to read your resume and not spend time trying to figure it out.
3. Never send out a resume without a cover letter This is the general rule of thumb. Don’t send a generic letter. Get the name of the person who is in charge of hiring for that position. At the very least, address the cover letter to the Human Resources Manager
4. Keep details consistent Don’t list September 2006 and then another date as 2/06. It looks careless.
5. Don’t use an unprofessional email address If your email address is [email protected], you may want to set up a different email account for professional use only. You can do this for free on yahoo.com, google.com, or hotmail.com. This takes just a few minutes and is well worth it. Most employers expect to see an email address on a resume. Make sure you include one along with the best number to reach you (preferably a cell phone number).
6. Follow grammatical rules This should not be left to chance. The fastest way to get your resume in the garbage heap is to use bad grammar.
7. Stick to traditional fonts Go with Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana, Georgia to be on the safe side. You don’t want to get experimental when it comes to your resume. Avoid graphics or anything distracting that can prevent your resume from being taken seriously.
8. Use action verbs to emphasize your responsibilities It’s recommended that sentences start with a powerful action verb like: created, established, organized, implemented, etc. Start each sentence with a powerful verb.
9. List only the year that you obtained your degree not dates of attendance When you list your dates of attendance, many résumé scanning systems will not recognize that you obtained a degree, only that you attended college for a period.
10. Review a printed version of your resume over and over again. Check spelling and grammar to make sure there are no errors.

Employment Guide

1. Research the company Never go to a job interview without first checking out the company online. If you show up without any knowledge of the company you will look unprepared, lazy and uninterested in the company’s background.
2. Be your own salesperson Don’t be afraid to blow your own horn. Let employers know that what you have going for you and what sets you apart.
3. Make sure are prepared Get a good night’s sleep, have a god breakfast and show up for the interview 15-20 minutes early. Have a copy or two of your resume, a list of your references. At the interview be friendly, gracious and engaging to everyone you come in contact with. Make sure you demonstrate that you are eager for the position without coming across as desperate.
4. Make it easy for the employer Make things crystal clear for the employer. Your experience, your value as an employee are for you to explain to them. Don’t expect them to know what is best for you.
5. Know what you want Apply for a specific job. Don’t just search for a job without a specific goal in mind.
6. Know how much you want Do some research, go online, ask around to find out how much you should earn for a particular job. This will help you when you’re working out your salary and benefits.
7. Back up the info on your résumé If you can, get people who have thought highly of your job performance to put it in writing. This can give your resume extra credibility.
8. Have an edge If you know someone at the company, get them to sing your praises. Use whatever advantage you can to set you apart from the pack.
9. Make them want to hire you Send an enthusiastic thank you letter after the interview reiterating why you want the job and are the perfect person for the job. Make sure you send it within 2 days of the interview so you are fresh in the employer’s mind.
10. Have a back-up plan Keep in the back of your mind that you may lose your job and prepare for that day. Keep your resume up to date and keep track of your accomplishments. If the time comes, you will be set up to get a job quickly if you’ve planned ahead.

• Brevard Community College, Child Development Center
• Bridgewater State College, Children’s Center
• Brooklyn College Carleton-Washburne Early Childhood Center, Carleton-Washburne Early Childhood Center
• Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Associated Students Inc., Children’s Programs
• Cal State Children’s Center, Anna Bing Arnold Children’s Center
• California State University, Fullerton, The Children’s Center
• California State University, Los Angeles, Anna Bing Arnold Children’s Center
• Carnegie Mellon University, The Children’s School
• Carnegie Mellon University, Cyert Center for Early Education
• Dean College, Children’s Center
• Eastern Connecticut State University, Child and Family Development Resource Center
• Florida International University, Children’s Creative Learning Center
• Florida State University, Child Development Programs
• Glendale Community College, Laboratory School
• Harper College (William Rainey Harper College), Child Learning Center
• Howard University, Early Learning Program
• Illinois State University, Child Care Center
• Indiana University-Bloomington (IUB), Child Care Services IUB Child Care Services sponsors six child care centers. Select “Child Care available at IUB” for information.
• Johnson County Community College, Children’s Center
• Kapiolani Community College, Alani Children’s Center
• Louisiana State University, Child Care Center
• Marshall University, Early Education Center
• Mesa Community College, Children’s Center
• Miami University, Child Development Center
• Northern Illinois University, Campus Child Care Center
• Penn State University, HDFS Children’s Programs
• Portland State University, Helen Gordon Child Development Center
• Salem State College, Preschool Program
• Skidmore College, Greenberg Child Care Center
• University at Buffalo, Child Care Center
• University of California, Davis, Child Care Services
• University of California, Los Angeles, Child Care Services UCLA Child Care Services operates four child care centers.
• University of California at Los Angels (UCLA), Megan E. Daly Infant Development Program
• University of Florida, Baby Gator Child Development and Research Center
• University of Houston, Child Care Center
• University of Illinois, Child Development Laboratory
• University of Illinois-Chicago, Children’s Center
• University of Maryland, Center for Young Children
• University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center
• University of Northern Iowa, Child Development Center
• University of Pittsburgh, Child Development Center
• University of South Dakota, Vucurevich Children’s Center
• University of Utah, Child Care Coordinating Office
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, Eagle’s Wing Child Care and Education Programs
• University of Wyoming, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and Department of Housing, Early Childhood Centers
• Washtenaw Community College, Children’s Center
• Western Washington University, Associated Student Child Development Center
• Wright State University, Child Development Center
• Yale University, Yale Early Childhood Education Program Yale University sponsors six affiliated child care programs.

1. 1. You attend an ‘automatic scholarship’ school Students at Macaulay Honors College, part of the City University of New York system, don’t stress about the high price of tuition. That’s because theirs is free. At Macaulay and a handful of other service academies, work colleges, single-subject schools and conservatories, every student receives a full merit-based tuition scholarship for all four years. Macaulay students also receive a laptop and $7,500 in “opportunities funds” to pursue research, service experiences, study abroad programs and internships. “The most important thing is not the free tuition, but the freedom of studying without the burden of debt on your back,” says Ann Kirschner, the university dean of Macaulay. The debt burden, she says, “really compromises decisions students make in college, and we are giving them the opportunity to be free of that.” Schools that grant free tuition to all students are rare, but institutions increasingly provide automatic aid to enrollees with high grades. Such institutions as Indiana University Bloomington, Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., and the University of Kentucky in Lexington all offer automatic awards to high-performing students with stellar GPAs and class ranks. Residency requirements may apply.

1. 1. Your family financially qualifies Low-income families automatically qualify for some federal financial aid, but many schools step in to fill the remaining gap. At Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, Calif., all undergrads in the liberal arts program whose families earn $60,000 per year or less receive free tuition, a value of $27,214 for the 2012-2013 school year. Families still have to foot room and board charges. “The maximum (federal) Pell Grant is right around $5,500 . . . that’s not enough to meet most tuitions at private universities across the country,” says Soka director of enrollment services Andrew Woolsey. Soka’s not alone. Columbia University in New York and Texas A&M University in College Station both offer 100% free tuition for families with adjusted gross incomes of less than $60,000. Harvard University offers free rides to those with family incomes of $65,000 or less. Among the 1,171 institutions that provide information to U.S. News & World Report for their annual college rankings issue, the magazine reports that 62 meet 100% of enrollees’ financial needs. To find out a school’s policy on meeting need, call the institution’s financial aid office.

1. 1. You have native roots Since 2010, approximately 2,400 students in Michigan have attended college for free through the state’s Native American tuition waiver program, says Melissa Claramunt, American Indian and civil rights specialist for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. Available to state residents who are at least one-quarter Native American and enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, the waiver absolves eligible students from paying tuition at any two- or four-year public in-state institution. Claramunt adds that a few states offer tuition waiver programs for Native American students, but that even more individual institutions may offer waivers or special financial aid for indigenous students, including Eskimo and Aleut, as well as those hailing from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. “It is worth (a student’s) while to look into individual tuition waivers,” she says. “It always would behoove a student to check into programs for certain populations or certain types of student.” Students from these backgrounds may also find additional financial help through the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and the American Indian College Fund.

1. 1. You survived hardship Certain states also offer tuition waivers for students who have overcome significant adversity. In Michigan, for example, residents who have had Medicaid coverage for at least two years may be eligible for full tuition and fees at in-state public two-year institutions or up to $2,000 in assistance at in-state public four-year schools. To qualify, students must enroll no later than four years after finishing high school. A few states, including Minnesota, grant tuition waivers to students who have survived a substantial natural disaster, though how many of these waivers are available and who gets them are up to individual institutions. Other states, such as Massachusetts and Connecticut, provide free tuition at public schools to state-resident spouses and children of Sept. 11 victims. Private memorial scholarships for dependents of Sept. 11 victims abound, and the federal government offers immediate federal loan forgiveness for parents and spouses of those lost. Obstacles that resulted in unusually high medical bills or other costs aren’t reported in the federal aid methodology. To ensure that financial aid officers are aware of these costs, eligible students should be prepared to file a professional judgment form and provide documentation.

1. 1. You have the right job Most schools offer free tuition to their full-time employees, and many extend the offer to dependents and part-timers as well. According to Greg Hand, the director of public relations for the University of Cincinnati, these programs frequently come with limitations. “It’s difficult to be a full-time employee and a full-time student,” he says. “Beyond six credit hours, a (University of Cincinnati) employee needs some sort of special permission to take a course load greater than that.” Hand adds that his school’s tuition remission program doesn’t cover fees, and that remission for graduate coursework may be considered taxable income. A career in public service may open doors at some institutions. For example, the University of Washington in Seattle and Florida State University in Tallahassee extend tuition waivers to some state employees. A few schools, including Middlesex County College in Edison, N.J., offer limited waivers to volunteer firefighters, rescue squad workers, first aid professionals and their spouses and dependents.

1. 1. You have no job An unmarried independent student with no income will most likely qualify for the maximum $5,550 in Pell Grant funds for the 2012-2013 school year and may qualify for up to an additional $4,000 Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant from the federal government. On top of the need-based aid their school offers, the unemployed may find help through state retraining programs. New Jersey, for instance, offers a full-tuition waiver at in-state public schools for workers who have been out of a job for at least three years. Several states and individual schools offer waivers and tuition support for dislocated workers and victims of mass layoffs. Help on the state and college levels is also available for permanently disabled students who can’t find work. State vocational rehabilitation departments often offer specialized scholarships and tuition reduction opportunities, and Disaboom maintains a list of awards offered through various private and nonprofit organizations. Tuition waivers for public institutions are available in Maryland and Minnesota, though restrictions may apply. Certain individual institutions may offer them as well.

1. 1. You were adopted or were a foster child Financial aid at the state and institutional levels is abundant for young adults coming from adoption or foster care backgrounds, as well as those who are or have been wards of the state. Many states and individual institutions offer tuition waivers at in-state public schools for these students, while private organizations and nonprofits, including the Foster Care to Success and the National Foster Parent Association, offer outside aid. Students who have been in the foster care system, or who have become orphaned or wards of the state at any point since turning 13, may be eligible for heftier federal financial aid. These students, as well as legally emancipated minors, are considered independent students by the Department of Education. That means their federal aid package will be based on their income and assets, not the income and assets of their parents or guardians, which will likely make them eligible for more federal aid.

1. You’re heading back Ready to go back to school? The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., will give you a taste for free. The school offers a one-time tuition waiver good for four credits to new students taking courses through the school’s Evening and Weekend Studies program. “(The waiver) is basically designed for adult students returning to school,” says Kelly Norman, an Evergreen admissions counselor. “A lot of times, people will take some classes in our Evening and Weekend catalog to see if they’re a good fit for our institution or to see if they can go back to school. Sometimes getting back in the groove takes time.” Evergreen and many other schools across the country also offer tuition waivers for senior citizens, though the age eligibility requirements can range from 60 to 65. Other institutions, such as James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., and the City University of New York, offer college credit for life experience. Grants and scholarships for older, nontraditional students are also available through both private organizations and individual colleges.

1. 1. Source:

1. College of the Ozarks www.cofo.edu/ One of the top liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. Students pay no tuition and work at least 15 hours a week at a campus work station. At this school of 1,400; students are graded on their work performance in addition to their academics.
2. Deep Springs College www.deepsprings.edu/ Deep Springs is a two-year, all-male liberal arts college located on a cattle ranch and alfalfa farm in the Inyo-White Mountains of California’s High Desert. Every student admitted – 10 to 15 per year – receives free tuition, room, and board, and works at least 20 hours a week on the ranch. Most students complete their degrees at prestigious four-year schools after leaving Deep Springs.
3. Berea College www.berea.edu/ The first interracial and co-ed college in the South, every student admitted to Berea College in Kentucky receives a full-tuition scholarship valued at more than $90,000. Students are required to work at least 10 hours a week in one of more than 140 departments, and while room, board, and books are not covered, the work-study program enables some of the 1,500 students to lighten their financial. Berea offers degrees in 28 fields.
4. Olin College of Engineering www.olin.edu/ Olin College is a school of 300 in Neeedham, Mass., where every admitted student receives four years of free tuition valued at $130,000. The school is funded by a $400 million grant from thF.W. Olin Foundation and ranks as one of the top undergraduate engineering programs in the country.
5. Cooper Union cooper.edu/ Located in Manhattan, Cooper Union offers degree programs in art, architecture, and engineering, and every admitted student receives four years of free tuition valued at $130,000. The admissions rate at Cooper Union is about 8 percent, while the enrollment is a little more than 900. The Cooper Union endowment is valued at nearly $600 million.
6. Curtis Institute of Music www.curtis.edu/ Like Juillard, the Curtis Institute of Music is considered one of the most prestigious performing arts conservatories in the world. Unlike Juillard, tuition at Curtis is free. Every student admitted to the school of 160 in Philadelphia is provided a full scholarship, and all piano, harpsichord, composition, and conducting majors are lent Steinway grand pianos.
7. Alice Lloyd College www.alc.edu/ All students at Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, KY., are required to work at least 10 hours per week in exchange for free tuition. Students who need additional financial aid to pay for room and board may work up to 15 hours per week. Jobs at the school of 550 are assigned based on a student’s work experience and personal preference.
8. Web Institute www.webb-institute.edu/Webb Institute is an engineering college in Glen Cove, NY offering full tuition scholarships for the study of naval architecture and marine engineering.
9. Barclay College www.barclaycollege.edu/ Barclay College in Haviland, Kansas offers a full tuition scholarship (also known as our Free Tuition Scholarship) to all on-campus students. This scholarship is worth $11000 per student.
10. US Military Academy www.usma.edu/ The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in West Point, New York.
11. US Air Force Academy www.usafa.af.mil/ The United States Air Force Academy is a military school for officer candidates for the United States Air Force. Its campus is located immediately north of Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado
12. US Merchant Marine Academy www.usmma.edu/ The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of the five United States Service academies. It is charged with training officers for the United States Merchant Marine, branches of the military, or the transportation industry
13. US Coast Guard Academy www.uscga.edu/ The United States Coast Guard Academy is the military academy of the United States Coast Guard. Located in New London, Connecticut, it is the smallest of the five federal service academies
14. William E. Macaulay Honors College www.macaulay.cuny.edu/William E. Macaulay Honors College @ CUNY is a flagship program for 1,400 high achieving students at The City University of New York offering Full Undergraduate Tuition Scholarship, Laptop computer and $7500 Opportunities Fund to pursue global research, study, service, and internships.

1. Research schools. Look for a school with programs that are of interest to you. Ask around; go online to find out if the school is a good match for you. Weigh different financial aid and scholarship options. Find out if it you can afford it.
2. Contact schools and request information and applications.
3. Pay attention to application deadlines.
4. Prepare for standardized tests—Study independently, create a study group, find an affordable test prep program. On test day, make sure you are well-rested, have eaten a good breakfast and are in a clear state of mind. If you can, it’s wise to take standardized tests more than once to make sure you get the best score possible.
5. Write your essays. Think of topics that set you apart from other students. Find a way to emphasize how unique you are and how you would add value to the school.
6. Get recommendation letters from people who think highly of you, are good judges of character and will add credibility to your application.
7. Research financial aid and scholarship options.
8. Get money together for application fees.
9. Get your school transcripts sent to the schools of your choice.
10. If possible, visit the schools to help you in your decision.

1. ACT-SO Olympics of the Mind Scholarships
2. Actuarial Scholarships for Minority Students
3. Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships
4. Bell Labs Fellowships for Under Represented Minorities
5. Black Alliance for Educational Options Scholarships
6. BOEING scholarships
7. Brand Essay Competition
8. Burger King Scholarship Program
9. Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships
10. College Board Scholarship Search
11. Easley National Scholarship Program
12. FAFSA OnThe Web (Your Key Aid Form & Info)
13. Federal Scholarships &Aid Gateways 25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel
14. FinAid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid scholarships
15. Gates Millennium Scholarships
16. GE and LuLac Scholarship Funds
17. Graduate Fellowships For Minorities Nationwide
18. HBCU Packard Sit Abroad Scholarships (for study around the world)
19. Historically Black College & University Scholarships
20. Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships
21. Hope Scholarships & Lifetime Credits
22. INROADS internships
23. International Students Scholarships & Aid Help
24. Jacki Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship (for students in South Florida)
25. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program
26. Lowe’s Scholarship
27. Maryland Artists Scholarships
28. Microsoft Scholarship Program
29. Multiple List of Minority Scholarships
30. National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ)
31. National Merit Scholarship
32. Presidential Freedom Scholarships
33. Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford
34. The Roothbert Scholarship Fund
35. Saul T. Wilson Scholarships (Veterinary)
36. Scholarships and Fellowships
37. Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
38. Scholarship & Financial Aid Help
39. Scholarship Links (Ed Finance Group)
40. Scholarships for Study in Paralegal Studies
41. ScienceNet Scholarship Listing
42. Siemens Westinghouse Competition
43. Sports Scholarships and Internships
44. Student Inventors Scholarships
45. Student Video Scholarships
46. Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
47. Union Sponsored Scholarships and Aid
48. William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship for Minority Students
49. Wired Scholar Free Scholarship
50. Xerox Scholarships for Students

1. Search Online – Look for things that reflect your interests, what you can do. The Web site will take you through a process and generate scholarships that you should apply for.
2. Research Local Scholarships First – Ask your high school guidance counselor for scholarships students graduating from your high school or scholarships for residents of your town, county and state. You’ll have the best chance of winning a scholarship closer to home and among a smaller group of candidates.
3. Check with your public library – Those without access to the Internet should go to the library to look at books and catalogs with scholarships. Most libraries will have a number of books about financial aid, including scholarship guides such as the College Board’s Scholarship Handbook. They also may have information on local scholarships.
4. Check Membership Organizations and Employers – Explore religious, community service, fraternal, military, union and professional organizations as sources of scholarship money.
5. Don’t overlook your parents – Tap into whatever scholarships or tuition programs offered for the children of employees. Have your parents check with their Human Resources Department for details.
6. Check with your employer – Big companies like fast food chains, department stores, and supermarkets often give scholarships.
7. Use a Free Scholarship Search Service – Scholarship search companies gather information on tons of awards and evaluate a student’s eligibility. You’ll be matched to possible scholarships based on your answers on a questionnaire and your overall eligibility.
8. Contact Your State Department of Higher Education – Nearly every state has a scholarship program for residents, usually awards for students who attend college in their home state.
9. Research Institutional Scholarships – research what kinds of scholarships are available at the schools that interest you. Check out college websites, catalogs, and financial aid offices for this information.
10. Find Scholarships related your intended major – Institutional awards can be offered on a university-wide basis, or within a particular college or major. Eligibility for such awards can be based on merit, financial need, intended major, ethnicity, or a variety of other factors.