Author: Owen Bowers

Paying for college can be a challenge, but at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW), there are plenty of scholarship opportunities to help ease the financial burden. Whether you’re an incoming freshman, a transfer student, or already a part of the UWW community, there are several unique scholarships specifically for Warhawks that you can apply for. These scholarships are offered by UWW departments, alumni, and local organizations, ensuring a variety of options for students from all backgrounds.

Here’s a guide to finding scholarships that are unique to UWW:

1. The UWW Scholarship Portal

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater provides a centralized Scholarship Portal that offers a wide range of scholarships exclusive to UWW students. This portal is your one-stop shop for all UWW-specific scholarship opportunities, where you can apply for multiple scholarships with just one application. Scholarships here are offered by the university, individual departments, and even private donors.

How to Access:

• You can find the Scholarship Portal through your WINS account or access it at https://www.uww.edu/scholarships
• Make sure to check the portal every semester, as new scholarships become available on a regular basis.
• Be sure to follow any specific instructions for submitting documents or essays and adhere to deadlines.

2. Department-Specific Scholarships

Many academic departments at UWW offer scholarships specifically for students within their programs. Whether you’re studying business, education, science, or the arts, there’s a good chance that your department offers financial assistance to support your academic journey.

Examples of Departmental Scholarships:

• College of Business and Economics: This college offers a range of scholarships for students majoring in business disciplines, such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
• College of Education and Professional Studies: Students pursuing education, social work, or health-related programs can find scholarships through the College of Education.
• College of Arts and Communication: Scholarships for students in fields such as music, theater, and communication are available.
• College of Letters and Sciences: Many general scholarships are available for students in this college, which includes a wide variety of majors ranging from biology to political science to psychology.

How to Apply:

• Contact your department or check your department’s webpage for scholarship opportunities.
• Some scholarships may require a separate application, while others are part of the general scholarship application process in the UWW Scholarship Portal.

3. Club and Organization-Specific Scholarships

Many student clubs, fraternities, sororities, and campus organizations at UWW offer scholarships to their members. If you are involved in a student organization or club, there may be scholarship opportunities available specifically for members who demonstrate leadership, involvement, and academic success.

Examples:

• Greek Life Scholarships: If you’re a member of a fraternity or sorority at UWW, there may be scholarships offered by the Greek community or individual chapters.
• Honor Society Scholarships: UWW’s honor societies, such as Phi Theta Kappa or the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, often offer scholarships to active members.
• Club-Specific Scholarships: Many student organizations like the Student Government Association (SGA), International Student Organization, or the Warhawk Leadership Program provide scholarships to members.

How to Apply:

• Check with your club, organization, or Greek chapter for available scholarship opportunities.
• Most organizations will have a process for applying, which may involve submitting an application or a statement of involvement.

Final Thoughts

There are many unique scholarship opportunities for students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and it’s essential to explore all the available options to maximize your chances of receiving financial support. From the general UWW Scholarship Portal to department-specific opportunities, local community foundations, and alumni-backed funds, the resources available are vast and varied. Be proactive, check deadlines, and apply for as many scholarships as you’re eligible for. With the right approach, you can secure valuable funding to help you succeed as a Warhawk!

The holiday season is upon us, and while it’s the perfect time to celebrate with friends and family, it can also be an expensive time of year. However, gifting doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and effort, you can create heartfelt and personal presents that won’t cost a fortune. DIY holiday gifts are not only budget-friendly but also meaningful, as they show you’ve put time and care into the gesture. Below, we’ll share some affordable and easy-to-make DIY gift ideas for everyone on your list.

1. Handmade Candles

Candles are a classic gift, and making them yourself can be fun and cost-effective. You can experiment with different colors, scents, and even unique containers like teacups or mason jars. Plus, there’s something incredibly cozy about receiving a handmade candle during the cold winter months.

What You’ll Need:

• Wax (soy or beeswax)
• Wick
• Fragrance oils (lavender, cinnamon, etc.)
• Containers (mason jars, teacups, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Melt the wax according to package instructions.
2. Add fragrance oils once the wax is melted.
3. Pour the wax into your chosen containers, securing the wick in place as it hardens.
4. Allow the candles to cool for 4-6 hours before use.

Cost: $10 for several candles (bulk buying the wax and supplies)

2. Personalized Photo Calendar

Give the gift of memories with a DIY photo calendar. This is a great option for grandparents, parents, or anyone who enjoys looking back on special moments. You can easily create a photo calendar online using various services (like Shutterfly or Vistaprint) or make one by hand, selecting a photo for each month.

What You’ll Need:

• 12 photos
• Cardstock or pre-made blank calendar template
• Craft supplies (markers, stickers, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Select and print a photo for each month.
2. Attach the photos to the calendar template and decorate with personal notes or stickers.
3. If you prefer, you can simply create a handmade card for each month with a note attached to make it extra personal.

Cost: Free if using photos you already have, or $10 for online printing

3. DIY Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are a luxurious treat, and making them yourself is surprisingly easy! With a few basic ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils, you can create colorful and fragrant bath bombs that make the perfect self-care gift.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Essential oils for fragrance
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Slowly add the wet ingredients (coconut oil, essential oils, and food coloring).
3. Pack the mixture into molds (silicone molds work best) and let them dry overnight.

Cost: Around $5 for 6-8 bath bombs

4. Customized Cookie Jars

For those who enjoy baking, a jar filled with homemade cookies or cookie mix is a sweet and thoughtful gift. You can either bake the cookies and present them in a mason jar, or layer the dry ingredients for a DIY cookie mix and add a recipe card. Either way, it’s a gift that’s sure to be appreciated.

What You’ll Need:

• Mason jar or any glass container
• Cookie ingredients (flour, sugar, chocolate chips, etc.)
• Recipe card

Instructions:

1. Layer the dry ingredients in the jar in the order they’re needed for the recipe.
2. Tie a ribbon or twine around the jar with a tag that includes baking instructions.
3. You can also include a batch of homemade cookies in the jar for an extra touch.

Cost: Around $5 per jar

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Conclusion

DIY holiday gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Whether you’re making a personalized calendars, crafting homemade candles, or baking a batch of cookies, the key is putting thought and care into each gift. These affordable DIY ideas allow you to share something personal with your loved ones while staying within budget. So, get creative this holiday season, and enjoy the joy that comes from making a gift with your own hands!