Why Attending a Scholarship Workshop Can Change Your College Journey

Josemiguel Gomez
6 days ago
2 min read

Paying for college can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. The Quapaw Nation Higher Education Department is hosting a Scholarship Workshop on August 20, 2025, to help students and families learn how to search and apply for scholarships that can significantly reduce college expenses.

Scholarships Make a Real Difference

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for a four-year public college in the U.S. was over $9,700 per year for in-state students in 2022–23. For private colleges, that number jumped to more than $38,000 per year. But here’s the good news: billions of dollars in scholarships and grants go unclaimed every year, often because students don’t know how to find or apply for them.

In fact, Forbes reported in 2023 that roughly $100 million in private scholarships are left unused annually due to lack of awareness or applicants not meeting deadlines. Workshops like this one help bridge that gap.

What You’ll Learn

This free session will cover:

Where to find scholarships
How to write a strong application
Tips for staying organized and meeting deadlines
Insider advice from an experienced academic professional

Special Guest: Dr. J Hall

Attendees will also hear a featured 30-minute talk from Dr. J Hall, Dean of the Division of Social Sciences. Dr. Hall will share practical guidance and real-world advice to help students navigate the financial side of higher education.

Free Book for All Attendees

Everyone who attends will receive a free copy of College Unpacked, a practical guide written by Dr. Hall to help students choose, prepare for, and succeed in college. This resource alone offers incredible value, especially for first-generation college students or families navigating the process for the first time.