Before being hired to help Jordan High students obtain scholarships, Lisa Petersen became adept at finding funds for her education and then for her children’s college studies.

“Money was tight,” Petersen said. “I knew this was the only way they were going to go to school.”

Years later, Petersen now helps college-bound Beetdiggers acquire more than $7 million in financial assistance annually as the school’s scholarship specialist. One key part of her message is that there are tons of scholarships available from all manner of organizations, so everybody should apply, even students who might have the greatest grades or test scores.

“A lot of people think that it’s scary. Don’t be afraid,” Petersen said. “It’s no harder than any of the subjects students study. … It’s very doable.”

In this informative episode of Connect Canyons, Petersen offers a plethora of insight on where to start the process and what to do to give yourself or your student(s) the best opportunity at earning available funds to lighten the financial load.

Among the topics covered:

— Importance of building portfolios
— Best time to apply for scholarships
— Why everybody should apply
— What financial aid entails
— Who needs to fill out FAFSA form (hint: everyone) and why
— Tips for parents and students
— What to do if you’re delaying college for mission, military, etc.
— Every high school has a scholarship specialist
— Each high school website has a list of scholarship opportunities, including one for the zombie apocalypse 

The most important part of the whole process of applying for scholarships?

“Start,” Petersen said, chuckling. “Just start right away.”