The Scholar Budget - Helping Students Navigate Finances & Earn a Debt-Free Degree
Do you feel overwhelmed by the intricate world of paying for college and finances? Are you wondering if it’s really possible to graduate from college with a debt-free degree? Do you want to take advantage of opportunities like paid internships and fellowships, but you’re not sure where to find them? This podcast is your dedicated guide to unraveling the complexities around money, paying for college, and snagging every opportunity with your name on it. Hi There, I’m Rockell Bartoli, scholarship coach, speaker, and author. I’m excited to share about all the money choices, opportunities, and scholarships you can start taking advantage of now. You’re in the right place to learn how to: -Grow your money -Earn a degree with little to no student loan debt -Claim every educational, extracurricular, and personal growth opportunity -Be inspired to turn your dreams into a reality Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves. Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com Learn: www.scholarbudget.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Hello Friends!
Let’s talk to Megan Singleton, founder of Aspire to Intern, as we discuss the significance of internships in shaping careers and providing essential skills for students. Megan emphasizes the importance of starting internships early, the preparation needed for applying, and the financial benefits that come with internship experiences. She shares her personal journey and insights on how internships can help students discover their career paths, build professional networks, and enhance their employability. Gain insights on crafting compelling applications, the importance of networking, and how to balance internships with other commitments. Megan encourages students to be confident and to step out of their comfort zones, highlighting that they already possess the skills needed for success.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Connect with Aspire To Learn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-singleton-megansingleton/
Website: https://aspiretointern.com/
Email: info@writeframeconsulting.com
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Hello There!
In this conversation, we talk to Thyra and Vivian, the founders of Origami for Good, a nonprofit organization that uses origami to spread joy and creativity to various communities, including the elderly, youth, and soldiers. We discuss their organization's origins, their work's impact on recipients, the importance of creativity in volunteering, and how inclusivity and cultural understanding are central to their mission. Thyra and Vivian also share insights on how students can get involved and manage their time effectively while balancing school and nonprofit work.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Connect with Origami For Good
Instagram: @origami.forgood
Website: https://www.origamiforgood.org
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Hello There!
In this conversation, Tori Meglio, VP of Donors at Bold.org, discusses the organization's mission to reduce student debt through impactful scholarships. She explains how Bold.org differentiates itself from other scholarship platforms by offering exclusive opportunities and a user-friendly application process. Tori emphasizes the importance of authenticity in scholarship essays and shares success stories of students who have benefited from Bold.org's funding. The discussion also covers practical advice for students on budgeting, networking, and increasing their chances of winning scholarships, as well as encouragement for both students and potential donors to engage with the platform.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Connect with Bold.org
Donors: https://bold.org/donors/
Students: https://bold.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriameglio
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Hello Friends!
Abraham Sculley shares his personal journey of becoming a mental health advocate for college students. He discusses the challenges he faced as a first-generation college student and how it led to his own experience with depression. Sculley emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health and highlights the role of finances in mental well-being. He encourages students to share their mental health journeys in scholarship applications and emphasizes the need for self-awareness in spotting signs of mental health issues in oneself and others. The conversation touches on the role of peers in supporting each other's mental health and the resources available on college campuses. Learn about tips for balancing academic success, mental health, and resources for students needing extra support.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Connect with Abraham: https://youtube.com/@speaks2inspire
https://facebook.com/storytellingsolutions
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Hello Friends,
Meet Rachel Davison Humphries, Senior Director of Civic Learning Initiatives at the Bill of Rights Institute. She discusses the organization's mission to teach civics and equip students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society. The Bill of Rights Institute offers free educational resources for teachers and students, including AP prep materials and in-person programs. Rachel also introduces the My Impact Challenge, a nationwide civic engagement contest for students ages 13 to 19. The challenge encourages students to design and implement their own community projects and offers cash prizes from $500-10,000. Learn more about the Bill of Rights Institute Student Fellowship Program and Think the Vote, an online debate platform.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Apply: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/my-impact-challenge
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Hello Friends!
Sally Watanabe talks about the World of 8 Billion International Student Video Contest, a program that encourages middle and high school students to create 60-second videos on global issues related to human population growth. The contest, sponsored by Population Education, aims to promote critical thinking, communication skills, and creativity among students. Sally highlights the benefits of participating in the contest, such as developing video editing and public speaking skills, building confidence, and gaining experience in teamwork and collaboration. Prizes range from $300-$1,200, and the contest deadline is March 5th, 2025.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Apply: https://www.worldof8billion.org/video-contest/
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Hello Friends!
In this conversation, Benjamin Warren from the Washington Society of CPAs discusses the importance of scholarships for accounting students, the role of the WSCPA in supporting aspiring CPAs, and the various scholarship opportunities available. He emphasizes the significance of storytelling in applications, the criteria for selection, and offers advice for students on how to position themselves as strong candidates. Benjamin encourages persistence in applying for scholarships and highlights the resources available for students seeking financial support in their educational journey.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Hello Friends,
Treyvious Copeland, a first-year doctor of pharmacy candidate at Florida A&M University, shares his journey and offers advice for students. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional and knowing your why, as well as getting involved in extracurricular activities to stand out. Treyvious discusses the challenges of balancing high school and college courses and the importance of time management and adaptability. He also highlights the impact of programs like TRIO Educational Talent Search in providing support and guidance. Treyvious shares his success in earning scholarships, including the prestigious Gates Scholarship, and encourages students to apply for scholarships locally as well.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Hello Friends!
In this episode, Chaffee Viets, Director of the Office of Scholar Programs at Georgia Tech, discusses the broader impact of scholarship programs beyond financial awards. He oversees programs like the Stamps President Scholars and Tech Promise Scholars at Georgia Tech. Viets highlights trends in scholarships, including the increased focus on service and rising competitiveness. He advises students to start early, be authentic, and ask for help to avoid losing scholarships.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Hello There!
In this episode, we connect with Ariana, her mother, and Ms. Smith to discuss the Time for Change Youth Challenge and how Ariana's initiative, Celebrate Crates, came to life. The discussion highlights the importance of community involvement, the role of family and educators in supporting youth projects, and the positive impact of such initiatives on personal growth and community well-being. The Time for Change Youth Challenge is open to students in K-12 and includes prizes from $1,000 to $5,000 to spark your journey or move forward with your idea.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!
Love Rocky!
Learn more and apply: https://www.changemakers.com/en/challenge/tfc-youth-challenge
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/