By James Feichtner
The process for applying for scholarships at Hamilton Southeastern Schools just got a technological update thanks to the Hamilton Southeastern School Foundation. Beginning in November, students can now officially apply for scholarships through a digital platform called SmarterSelect, making the application process much more efficient for both students and staff.
“It allows students to really focus on the merits of the application and what makes them unique, and the process really positions their strengths and skill sets,” HSSF Executive Director Freedom Kolb said. “It’s timesaving for our students but it’s also for our faculty, specifically guidance counselors and faculty coaches/advisors that do reference letters, so they can also do it all online in a point click system. They were literally doing copied paper forms where students were having to do a ‘please print legibly,’ kind of thing.”
Over the past several months, HSSF partnered with Fishers High School, Hamilton Southeastern High School and the Fishers Rotary Club to put the program together.
“The Rotary Club has a rich history of supporting local students both through our scholarship as well as project based funding,” Fishers Rotary Club President Gregg Hiland said. “The SmarterSelect opportunity is a natural extension of our work since it serves students, faculty and families throughout Fishers. We believe it is a great investment in the future of this remarkable community.”
Before the new system, students were forced to submit applications via hardcopy, making application for several different scholarships tedious. Students will now have the ability to apply for more than 36 different scholarship opportunities through a single medium.
“Your senior year in high school is exciting, but can also be overwhelming,” HSE senior and HSSF Board Member Mindy Pratt said. “This tool allows me to focus on putting together the best possible application, not on repetitive paperwork.”
For more, visit www.hsefoundation.org
