It's important for students to know that the Dollars for Scholars scholarship they receive is the result of community support and may be the result of one individual or a family in their community. One of the best ways to raise this awareness is to have students write personal and compelling notes of thanks.

Fortunately, there are many ways to write a great thank-you letter. In homage to "Late Night" hosts David Letterman and Jimmy Fallon, here is the Scholarship America "Top 10" list for helping students write great thank-you letters.

10. Address your letter to the donor contact name, given to you by your Dollars for Scholars affiliate, when appropriate.

9. Hand-write or type your thank-you letter; either is acceptable. However, if handwritten, it must be neat and legible.

8. Use a thank-you card, personal stationery or plain stationery; any of these options is acceptable.

7. Be concise in your letter, but sincere

6. Make sure that you sign your letter.

5. Check all spelling and grammar after you have completed your letter. Have a reliable person, such as a teacher, proofread your letter.

4. Acknowledge the exact name of the scholarship -- if named -- in your letter. It's important, for example, to recognize the honor intended for a cherished family member or a favorite teacher that the scholarship has been named after.

3. Mention your appreciation for the scholarship that you received, and your plans for how you will use the funds. For example: "Thank you for making this scholarship possible"; or, "Your scholarship makes it possible for me to concentrate more fully on my courses."

2. Remember that the donor did not select you as the recipient, but provided the funds for the scholarship. This affects how you frame your thank-you. For example: "Thanks for making the Cambridge Dollars for Scholars Scholarship possible ..."And the No. 1 tip for writing thank-you letters to scholarship donors (drum roll):

1. Write about your accomplishments/achievements (obstacles that you've overcome to attend college); extracurricular activities (stories about a relevant extracurricular or community service project that impacted your life); and goals/aspirations (your future plans, both immediate and long-term, including the career you wish to pursue).

To request the address of your scholarship sponsor,
e-mail us at sdfscholars@gmail.com.