The “KEYS” to Scholarship Clearinghouse

Scholarship Clearinghouse is a program which assists college-bound students in finding and applying for college scholarships. JLM maintains a comprehensive and easy to use database of scholarships to assist students living in West Texas. 

In keeping with this year’s Junior League of Midland theme, “Education is the Key to the Future,” we asked our Scholarship Clearinghouse Committee Chair, Meredith Dubose, along with Scholarship Clearinghouse Mentor, Courtney Beloin, to tell us about the “KEYS” to this placement.

K - What KIND of placement is this?

This community placement is important because it extends our theme, “Education is the Key to the Future,” into the secondary level.  We are helping high school seniors navigate through the scholarship application process.  They are faced with so many tough decisions during their senior year.  We are able to help lighten the load for students (and parents, too) by helping them locate and apply for local and national scholarships. – Meredith Dubose

We are filling a gap for these students, as their parents and schools are not always equipped with the information that we are able to provide. – Courtney Beloin

E -  What is the most EXCITING part of this placement, for you?

I’m excited to provide students with help that could be the difference in whether or not they are able to attend college. When I was applying to college, I was largely on my own throughout the application and scholarship-finding process, and I am glad to be able to provide some guidance to other students who may not know where to begin. – Courtney Beloin

Our placement is just beginning—we have so MANY exciting moments to enjoy!  However, the most exciting part right now is finding ways to serve Midland’s students through partnering with MISD.  We were fortunate enough to meet with MISD’s Attorney, Leah Robertson, and the Director of Counselors, Ron Moss.  We plan on a representative from our committee attending the College Connection Meeting that will be attended by all MISD high school counselors.  Our hope is to make a bigger impact in the community through this collaboration.

We are also enjoying meeting our program participants through our season of registration.  Committee members attended Midland Lee’s Rebel Muster and Midland High’s Dawg Days in August.  We will be participating in the Midland College Forum Night later in October. – Meredith Dubose

Y - How will/did YOU grow through this placement?

     I was fortunate enough to serve on this committee last year, too.  During my placement as a mentor, I gained a new appreciation for the support system that my family provided during my own college application process. (Ten years ago. Wow.  Time flies!)  I was fortunate enough to have a mom who helped, and took charge, of all of it.  Many of the students I mentored were not as fortunate.  Some were first generation graduates.  Some came from low socio-economic families.  I realized that when we were helping the student find money to help further his/her education, we were also helping the parents of our community.  Parents that wanted a bright future for their children, but needed a little guidance along the way. – Meredith Dubose

S - How does this SERVICE impact the community?

Our goal is to serve Midland through helping students and their families in our community locate and apply for local and national scholarships.  By doing so, we are truly carrying out this year’s theme, “Education is the Key to the Future.”  We are helping our young Midlanders open the door to the next phase of education and at the same time contributing to a bright future. – Meredith Dubose

This service helps our community’s high school seniors by potentially making college affordable, and furthers the League’s goal at the secondary and post-secondary levels. – Courtney Beloin

To learn more and access scholarship information, visit the Scholarship Clearinghouse website.