Westlake High hosts scholarship workshop
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

High school students and parents need to know about all the college scholarship money available to them and how to obtain it, according to Cassie Urspringer, Westlake High School's college and career guidance specialist. That's why the school is hosting a college scholarship workshop for parents and students from 6 to 8 p.m. on Mon., Feb. 25 in the school library.

"There is a tremendous amount of money out there and it can really make a difference in helping to pay that big college bill," Urspringer said.

Open to the public, the event will provide information on scholarship resources; on coming up with essay topics; and on writing in a concise, clear, effective way, Urspringer said. The workshop will be handson, with students actually beginning the process on at least one scholarship application, she added.

"Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. This workshop will make it easy for you to do just that," Urspringer said.

Parents are invited to attend also, not only to educate themselves about scholarship programs but also to provide support to students.

"Many seniors have senioritis, and sitting down to do scholarship essays is tough, especially after having just completed college applications," Urspringer said.

Younger students are encouraged to attend as well because some scholarships are available to any age high school student and "it's never too early to start the process," Urspringer added.

Cost is $25 per student and no charge for parents with a paying student. The event is also sponsored by the school's Parent Teacher Student Association, which will receive $5 from each paid student to give back to the school.

For more information about the workshop, e-mail Urspringer at curspringer@conejo.k12.ca.us.