Did you know that receiving non-athletic scholarship and/or grant monies can actually improve your chamces of lamding a collegiate basketball roster spot?  Many college coaches actually look for players who have obtained or that can qualify for non-athletic money!  From acoaches perspective, this means more athletic scholarship money is availble for players.  In some cases, it is like giving the team additional full and/or partial scholarships which helps the program to be more competitive.

As a potential collegiate-athlete you should work to attract coaches to you, not only as a player, but also as a studebt and as a person who will be a solid citizen and represent a school well off of the court.  Getting money for college is one way to do this.  This also demonstrates initiative to college coaches and may be an indicator of positive parental involvement with the athlete.  

YOU have to do some work; but the money is out there and someone is going to get it (and, potentially improve their chances of landing that roster spot)!  Here are some examples; get started today!

A tip from "The Dad":  You do not have to be a senior to benefit from this information.  As a matter of fact, the REAL work is dome long before filling out that scholarship application.  After all, you have to have something to enter ON the app!.  By reviewing this data, you can learn what your player should be doing NOW to increase his/her chances of securing money for college.

 KFC Colonel's Scholars Program--assists students with financial need and an entrepreneurial spirit who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree at a public institution within their legal state of residence. Applicant must be maintaining a minimum high school GPA of 2.75. Obtain additional details and apply online at www.kfcscholars.org. Application is available December 1, 2011 through February 8, 2012. 
 
 AXA Achievement Scholarship, in association with U.S. News & World Report offers college scholarships of $10,000 and $25,000 to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their activities in school, the community or the workplace. Learn more and apply online at www.axa-achievement.com by December 1, 2011.
 
 NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award--nationwide ranging from $1,000 to $10,000--open to students who: will attend a 2 or 4-year college/university or vocational/technical institute for the full 2012-2013 academic year, demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and initiative through starting his/her own business (An officially established business is a requirement) and participating in organizations such as DECA, Junior Achievement, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Future Farmers of America (FFA), National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), among others; or through other initiatives. Students are encouraged to mention any endeavors or work experiences offered as community service, for example: babysitting, lawn care, dog walking, tutoring, etc. Scholarships are merit based .For more details and to apply online www.NFIB.com/YEA. Apply through December 15, 2011. 
 
 Living for Zachary Scholarship--open to seniors who will enroll in an accredited undergraduate program at a two or four-year college/university with plans to pursue post-secondary education in the medical profession. Requires one teacher recommendation letter and an essay. Additional information and application available at www.living4zachary.org. Deadline is December 23, 2011.
 
 Haz La U Educational Grant Program--Hispanic Heritage Foundation partnering with Colgate-Palmolive "to encourage young Hispanics to "Haz La U" (Make the U) and get on the path to higher education". One Grand Prize of a $15,000 Educational Grant, 10 second prizes of $2,500 each. Applicant must be of Hispanic American heritage and have plans to enroll in a two or four year accredited U.S. institution for the 2012-2013 school year. Requires an application and 3 short essays of 500 words or less on a selection of topics. Submit entries on-line at www.colgate.com/hazlau. Deadline is December 31, 2011.
 
 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, North Dallas Chapter (Alpha Iota Chapter)--open to seniors (male and female). Applicants will be judged on academics, extracurricular activities, community involvement and financial need. Applications must be received by December 31, 2011. 
 
 Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE)--open to college bound seniors who intends to pursue an academic career in the field of engineering at an ABET-accredited university. See www.tspe.org for requirements, to download the application and find local coordinator (select Preston Trail coordinator). View ABET-accredited universities at www.abet.org/accreaditeac.asp. Submissions must be postmarked by or submitted to the local chapter scholarship coordinator by January 13, 2012. 
 
 Michigan, University of, Ann Arbor--The Geisinger Scholarship Program, College of Engineering merit scholarship provides $20,000 in annual support to students from selected geographic areas. Awarded to first-year students (non-Michigan residents) admitted to the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan , Ann Arbor for 2012-2013 academic year. For additional information and an application, visit http://www.engin.umich.edu/students/scholarships/newstudents/index.html. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. EST, January 13, 2012.
 
 Mensa Foundation, North Texas Mensa Scholarship Program--awards from $500 to $1,000 will be presented to one or more deserving students. Applicant need not be a member of Mensa nor qualified for Mensa. Awards will be made on the basis of an essay of fewer than 550 words, What I Want to Be and Why" which describes the applicant's career, vocational, or academic goal toward which the scholarship is to provide aid. Download an entry form at www.mensafoundation.org/scholarships. Enter your zip code, and then print the official entry form. Essay and completed application must be postmarked on or before January 15, 2012.
 
 Stevie Kendall Performing Arts Spirit Award (SKPASA) established by the Performing Angels Helping Performing Artists (PAHPA), will be presented annually to a Plano East senior or seniors who embody and exemplify the spirit of Stevie's life and his passion for the Performing Arts. The Spirit Award will include up to a $1000 funding. This funding will be used to assist deserving Plano East seniors in achieving their artistic goals and dreams, be it related to theater, or music (band, orchestra, choir). Application deadline is January 27, 2012.
 
 Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship Program is comprised of 4 individual scholarship programs of which an applicant may apply for a maximum of 1 scholarship program. Applicant must be eligible to attend a two/four year college/university or vocational/technical school. Selection based on financial need, academics, leadership and community involvement. The programs include RMHC: ASIA (at least one parent of Asian-Pacific heritage), African American Future Achievers (at least one parent of African American or Black Caribbean heritage), HACER (Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources, at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage) and Scholars (all students regardless of race, color, etc. are eligible to apply). Apply online at www.rmhc.org. Click: "What We Do" then "RMHC U.S. Scholarships". Deadline for submitting applications is January 27, 2012.
 
 Texas Student Housing--Scholarship is open to students accepted to colleges in Austin, College Station or Denton Texas who have not signed off-campus housing leases. Rewards academic and leadership excellence. Family financial needs may be considered. SAT or ACT scores required. Additional information and an application are available at www.texasstudenthousing.net. Postmark by January 31, 2011.
 
 CoServ Electric--W. Tip Hall Jr. Scholarship, $2,500--applicant's permanent residence must be served by CoServ Electric and have a minimum of one year membership with CoServ. Postmark by January 31, 2012. Applications are available at www.coserv.com. Click Community, Academic Initiatives and Scholarships. 
 
 Baylor University , Carr P. Collins Scholars Program, $4,600/year, renewable up to three years. Applicants must: meet all university requirements for unconditional admission; have a minimum combined Critical Reading & Math score of 1250 on the SAT or a minimum 28 on the ACT; have completed a balanced college prep program including history, science and a foreign language; be in the top quarter of the graduating class; and be a resident of the state of Texas for at least one year. An application may be obtained at www.baylor.edu/admissions/CarrPCollins. Deadline is January 31, 2012.
 
 Terry Walkup Scholarship--is open to Plano East seniors who attended Bowman Middle School . Applicant must: be enrolling in an accredited two or four college/university and have a B average. Citizenship, strength of reference recommendation, merit and financial need are also considered. Applications accepted February 1 - March 15. 
 
 AXA Achievement Community Scholarship program offers $2,000 college scholarships to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their activities in school, the community or the workplace. Learn more and apply online at www.axa-achievement.com by February 1, 2012.
 
 Arkansas Alumni Association Scholarship--applicant must be an incoming admitted freshman (degree-seeking) student to the University of Arkansas , Fayetteville . Minimum 3.6 GPA, ACT composite of 24/SAT 1090. Applicants do not need to be related to a UA graduate to apply. Application available at www.arkansasalumni.org/scholarships. Priority Deadline is December 1, 2011. Final deadline is February 1, 2012.
 
 Missouri, University of, Columbia--Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business--The following are the two largest scholarships offered by the College of Business:
 Ponder Scholarship--minority majoring in Accountancy, Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, or Marketing. scholarships that are awarded students The primary qualifications are being a minority, academic achievement, and financial need. Renewable.
 Sam M. Walton Scholarships in Business are awarded to students majoring in Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, or Marketing.
 Trulaske College of Business general scholarships are also available.
 Download application at www.business.missouri.edu/scholarships. Click undergraduate, scroll down to "Link to current scholarships that require separate application", click application. Deadline is February 1, 2012.
 
 St. Edwards University , Austin --The Holy Cross Scholar Award--full tuition in the freshman year and the same amount in subsequent years. . Applicant must be in the top 10% of class and score a least a 1250* on the SAT or 28* on the ACT (* not including the writing section). Leadership, service and academics are also considered. All documents for the admission application and Holy Cross Scholar Award application must be received in the admission office by February 1, 2012. Application is available at www.stedwards.edu/scholarships. 
 
 St. Edwards University , Austin--President's Excellence Scholarship--$15,000 per year for four years. Apply for admission by February 1, 2012. You automatically qualify if you rank in the top 15% of your class and score at least a 1300*on the SAT or 29* on the ACT (*not including the writing section.) NO separate scholarship application is required.
 
 AAUW PLANO/COLLIN COUNTY BRANCH Scholarships:
 Biggerstaff CCCC Scholarship--open to female senior students who will attend Collin College . Applications and all materials must be postmarked by February 13, 2012 or they will not be considered. Applications are available online at www.aauwplanocc.org. 
 
 Graduating Senior Scholarship--open to female senior students who will enroll at an accredited college/university (must have a minimum 3.4 GPA). Applications and all materials must be postmarked by February 13, 2012 or they will not be considered. Applications are available online at www.aauwplanocc.org.
 
 Texas , University of, San Antonio -- Honors College offers two scholarships for outstanding students which require additional applications beyond the Texas Common Application.
 
 The Terry Scholars Program provides full-ride scholarships for select students who combine high academic achievement, service and leadership with financial need. Students must complete the UTSA Terry Scholarship. For additional information and scholarship application visit, www.utsa.edu/terryscholars (click on "Becoming a Scholar" and then "Application"). Deadline is February 1, 2012.
 
 The Presidential Honors Scholarship-based on academic merit, $1,500 to 2,500 per year. This scholarship can be combined with a need-based financial aid packet. Applicant must be in top 10% of class and have a minimum composite SAT score of 1200 or minimum ACT score of 27. To apply students must complete the UTSA Honors College Application available at www.utsa.edu/honors (click on "Students" then "Honors College Application" at left side of screen. Deadline is February 15, 2012.
 
 National Co-op Scholarship Program--open to students who apply and are accepted at one of the eight NCCE Partner Colleges and Universities (Drexel, Johnson & Wales, Kettering, Pace, Rochester Institute of Technology, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Wentworth Institute of Technology). For additional information and online application visit www.co-op.edu. Postmark deadline for submitting application and essay is February 15, 2012. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
 
 North Texas Pioneers Rotary Club, Charlie Kolb Memorial Scholarship-open to graduating seniors who have been diagnosed with and/or overcome learning differences and difficulties. Student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and enroll full time in an accredited undergraduate degree program starting Fall 2012 at an accredited two or four-year university. Requires an application, essay, resume and teacher recommendation letter. All required documents must be postmarked by May 15, 2012.
 
 Texas E. "Tex" Schramm Freshman Scholarship, Presented by the men of Phi Kappa Psi--open to male seniors who will attend The University of Texas at Austin--winners will be selected based upon academics (minimum 3.0 G.P.A- transcript required), extracurricular activities, community service and leadership. Interest in the fraternity is NOT one of the criteria applicants are evaluated on. Application deadline is May 31, 2012.
 
 Al's Formal Wear Scholarship-$1,000--Entries are accepted through May 31, 2012. For complete scholarship rules and an application, visit www.alsformalwear.com/Scholarship.
 
 SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION can be accessed on the Plano East website using the links below.
 The direct link: http://k12.pisd.edu/plano-east-senior-high-school
 OR
 The district link: http://k12.pisd.edu
 Under SITES click: HOME, SENIOR HIGHS, PLANO EAST
 Under SEARCH k12 type scholarships
 
 Quote of the Week: "A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same." -
 Elbert Hubbard  
 
 Many thanks to  Abby Cole of the Plano East High School for this information!

Note: An updated version of this article will appear in the BBC Recruiting Knowledgebase (RKB). which is available to member players.