(Note: The following is an excerpt from Shayla's book, The Scholarship Search: A Guide to Winning Free Money for College and More.)

Congratulations! You have done an outstanding job. First of all, you should give yourself a pat on the back. It takes dedication, persistence, and effort to win a scholarship. Many employers and college personnel love to see students who have taken charge of their academic goals; it shows that you are serious about their education. Again, congratulations! Now keep up the good work, and you will soon be on your way to a free education. 

Thank You Letter 

Now that you have a won a scholarship, it is time for you to thank the sponsors and companies that will be funding your education. They are your stepping stones to new, exciting experiences that await you in college. Your simple letter of appreciation should include the following: 

• Address your audience specifically (Ex.: Mr. Danny Smith)
• State your name and reason for writing
• Display your sincere appreciation for the award
• State that you will keep them posted on your progress 

Renewal of Scholarships 

After all that hard work, you may reap another benefit. What kind of benefit? It’s called a renewal. The sponsoring organizations may distribute your scholarship money over a two-or-four-year period provided you continue to meet their requirements. You will periodically have to submit additional materials, participate in specified activities, or volunteer with particular organizations. The money has already been allocated to you, so it is in your best interest to stay on top of your game. Here are a few possible renewal requirements: 

• Academic Progress – Many scholarships require that you maintain a certain grade point average. In most cases, you should strive for a 3.0 or higher.
• College Choice – If you receive an award from a particular college, you will be required to attend that school in order to receive it. Make sure you want to attend before accepting!
• Sports – If you will be attending college on an athletic scholarship, you may be required to play a particular port for a set amount of time. You will want to check the rules of the scholarship if you are injured for a season.
• Progress Charts – Throughout your semester, scholarship committees may want you to submit documentation of volunteer work, grades, and any other requested information. 

Keep Applying 

Once you get to college, you will be busy with extracurricular activities, community involvement, and lots of homework. But remember that you must make time to keep applying and reapplying for scholarships. You’ve worked so hard to get here; don’t allow a preventable lapse in funding to keep you from fulfilling your dreams.