How to Craft Your Essay for the Eklutna Career Training Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your identity? Consider personal, cultural, and educational influences.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Include metrics and outcomes to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or skills and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Include humanizing details that showcase your values, interests, and character. Think about what makes you unique.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that presents a concrete moment or scene from your life. Follow with paragraphs that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each section transitions smoothly to the next. Conclude with a reflection on your journey and how the scholarship will enable your future contributions.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate, show your passion through specific examples and experiences. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, clearly articulated and supported by evidence. Remember to reflect on how each experience has shaped you and why it matters.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections are meaningful and connect back to the scholarship’s goals. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid the following mistakes:

• Using clichés or vague statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Including passive voice or bureaucratic language that obscures your message.
• Failing to connect your experiences and reflections to the scholarship’s mission.
• Neglecting to proofread for grammar, clarity, and flow.