Senior Scholarship Newsletter
December 2013
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ATTENTION PARENTS OF SENIORS!!!
Students who have a 20 or higher on the ACT, a B average (84.5 or higher), and who have taken the classes they need to get into a 4 year college might be eligible for the HELP scholarship. This scholarship gives full tuition to students who go to an in-state college. You have to meet the family income requirements, so keep reading….
If you make this amount or less (for the past 2 years) you could qualify!!!
Students who are the only child………………. $36,500
Students with one sibling under 21…………… $41,500
Students with two siblings under 21………….. $46,500
Students with three siblings under 21………… $51,500
Students with four siblings under 21…………. $56,500
Students with five siblings under 21…………. $61,500
Visit www.ihl.state.ms.us for more info or talk with your student’s guidance counselor.
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Scholarships
The AXA Achievementsm Scholarship: Deadline December 15, 2013. This very competitive scholarship, in association with U.S. News & World Report, provides $10,000 to one recipient in each state. AXA Achievement Scholarship recipients are students who demonstrate ambition, the ability to succeed in college, and respect for self, family, and community. AXA Achievers are students with remarkable accomplishments such as setting up a food bank in their community, designing a curriculum to get kids interested in science, and founding a nonprofit organization for young people that encourages community service and civic involvement. Get details and apply online at www.axa-scholarship.com
NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation Scholarship: Deadline December 18, 2013. Students are eligible who own and operate his/her own small business. Scholarships start at $1,000. A selection committee will award students based on the applicants’ academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership, character, & evidence of entrepreneurial spirit & initiative. Financial need is not a factor. Students complete the online application at www.NFIB.com/YEA.
Burger King Scholars Program: Applications accepted from November 15 - January 10.
Seniors must have an 84.5 or higher GPA, should be very involved in community service/leadership activities, and must work a minimum of 10 hours per week (does not have to be at Burger King!). Applications and information available at http://www.bkmclamorefoundation.org under the “What We Do” tab.
FIRE Free Speech Essay Contest: Deadline January 1, 2014- “Why is free speech important at our nation’s colleges and universities?” Using examples from two videos on the website, discuss how censorship of student speech is incompatible with higher education. Specific guidelines and the two videos may be found at www.thefire.org/contest. The essay must be submitted online and should be 800- 1,000 words. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $10,000.
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: Deadline January 6, 2014. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation invites U.S. high school students to write an essay on an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1956. For contest information, registration, and to submit your essay, visit the Profile in Courage Essay Contest at www.jfklibrary.org. The first place winner will receive $10,000 and a trip to Boston to be recognized at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Ron Brown Scholar Program: Deadline January 9, 2014. The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify African-American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society. This scholarship is highly competitive. Applicants must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need. The applicant must be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card. The program awards 10 students nationwide each year with a $10,000 annual for 4 years, totally $40,000. Download the requirements and application at http://www.ronbrown.org/apply/ApplicationDownload.aspx.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program: Deadline January 15, 2014. Apply for the 2013 Bill Gates Millenium Scholarship (GMS) for outstanding minority students. 1000 talented students will receive a GMS Millenium scholarship each year. The scholarship is targeted toward minorities with significant financial need who have high academic achievement and leadership potential. Eligible if you are African American, American Indian, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American- GPA 3.33 unweighted-(Good ACT Score) Leadership abilities through participation in community service or other activities- Meets Pell Grant eligibility. Apply online at www.gmsp.org
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Scholarship: Deadline January 15, 2014. Applicants must have MS or have a parent with MS. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000. Apply online at www.nationalmssociety.org
AXA Achievement Community Scholarship: Deadline February 1, 2014. $2000 college scholarships awarded to students who set and reach ambitious goals, demonstrate drive, determination and ability to succeed in college and who have respect for self, family, and community. More info available on their website
www.axa-scholarship.com
National Association of Federal Education Program Administrator (NAFEPA) Scholarship: Deadline February 1, 2014. Students are eligible who have financial need (free/reduced lunch), a good GPA (95 or higher), and who have extracurricular/leadership activities within the community. Students must complete an application, submit their transcript, 3 letters of recommendation, and a 300 (maximum) word essay on their leadership activities and future goals. Applications are available in the guidance office.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Counselor Association: Deadline February 14, 2014. Students are eligible who have a good G.P.A. and who are involved, but students do not have to demonstrate a financial need. An application, essay, and official transcript are required. Applications are available in the guidance office.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: Deadline February 15, 2014. This is a very competitive national scholarship for minority students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community service, and financial need. Students must also have a 21 or higher on the ACT. Scholarship amounts range buy may be up to $24,000 over 4 years. Apply online at www.jackierobinson.org
Veronica Holloway Nursing Scholarship: Deadline March 1, 2014. Students who plan to major in nursing at a 4 year college, who are members of HOSA, with a 3.0 GPA and minimum ACT score of 18, and who demonstrate financial need (household income less than $40k/year) or are first generation college attendee are eligible to apply. The scholarship is $500 annually. Applications are available in guidance.
Important deadlines…
Mississippi State University- Dec. 1 was the priority deadline for competitive scholarships, but you can still apply! Feb. 1 is the deadline for the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program (METG). This is an incredible scholarship for students who want to be math or English teachers!! Free tuition, room, board, etc.
University of Mississippi- Competitive scholarships (like Lott Leadership and Lucky Day), Honor’s College/Croft Institute, School of Pharmacy, and the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program- January 15
University of Southern Mississippi- Competitive scholarships (like Lucky Day)- Feb 15
*Check other college websites you are interested in and make sure you know how their scholarship application works and what their deadlines are. Your guidance counselor can help!
Mississippi State:
Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 1-662-325-2224
Fax: 1-662-325-1MSU
E-mail:
**Students must apply for admission before applying for competitive scholarships. Create and upload a scholarship resume by the Dec. 1 priority deadline for consideration**
Freshman Academic Scholarship
Students with above average GPAs, good ACT scores, and excellent leadership/service activities are eligible for scholarships ranging from $4,000 - $34,000 over four years.
Presidential Scholarship
Students with 30+ on the ACT, a 3.75+ overall GPA, exceptional leadership, and application to Shackouls Honors College by Dec 1 are eligible. This “full ride” scholarship covers all expenses.
Accounting Excellence Scholarship
Students planning to major in accounting with outstanding ACT and high school record are eligible for up to $10,000 over four years.
Engineering Excellence Scholarship
Students with 30+ on the ACT and who plan to major in engineering or computer science are eligible for up to $12,000 over four years. Essay required.
Ramsay and Elaine O’Neal Scholarship
Pre-med students with 28+ on the ACT with exceptional high school academic records are eligible for up to $12,000 over four years.
Sharp Academic Scholarship
Forestry major students with outstanding academic records and exceptional ACT scores are eligible for up to $12,000 over four years.
Other Scholarships…
MSU awards scholarships for Star Student, Student Body President, Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and National Merit/Achievement Semifinalist and Finalist.
University of Mississippi
Apply for admission AND submit an online Special Programs & Scholarships Application by the Jan. 15 deadline.
W. R. Newman Scholarship- up to $40,000 over four years for outstanding academic and leadership record
Robert M. Carrier Scholarship- up to $40,000 over four years for outstanding academic and leadership record
Sally Vick Hill Scholarship- up to $40,000 over four years for outstanding academic and leadership record
Luckyday Scholarship- $8,000 to $20,000 over four years for students with 20+ on the ACT, 3.2 GPA, financial need, leadership, and service activities.
Lott Leadership- $40,000 over four years for students pursuing a degree in public policy with outstanding leadership and academic records
Honors College Scholarships (SMBHC Honors, McDonnell Barksdale, Doris Raymond, Harold Parker Memorial)- Awards $32,000 over four years. Students are eligible to apply who have been accepted into the honors college. Contact the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at or 662-915-7294 for info.
Croft Scholarship- $32,000 over four years for students pursuing a degree in international studies and with strong academic and leadership records.
School of Business Administration Scholarships (Christine & Clarence Day)- $40,000 over four years for business students with outstanding academic and leadership record.
Patterson School of Accountancy Scholarships- Several scholarship opportunities are available- worth up to $12,000 over four years for students majoring in accounting.
School of Engineering Scholarships- Several scholarship opportunities are available- worth up to $24,000 over four years for students majoring in engineering.
Army ROTC Scholarship- Apply to Ole Miss and contact the Army ROTC department at 662-915-7238 or . Amounts range from $8,000 to $113,000 over four years.
Academic Excellence Scholarships- Students with a 3.0 overall GPA and at least a 24 on the ACT will receive automatic scholarships upon admittance to Ole Miss. Scholarships range from $750 to $5,000 per year based on ACT (the higher the ACT score, the higher the scholarship amount). Students can continue taking the ACT through June 2014 and send higher scores to Ole Miss to get more money.
Holmes Scholarship- $4,000- $10,000 over four years to students with a minimum 24 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA are eligible.
Bledsoe Scholarship- $6,000 - $10,000 over four years to students with a minimum 24 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA.
Chinese Language Flagship Scholarships- Up to $24,000 for summer study and capstone year in China for students committed to achieving proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.
Additional scholarships- National Merit/Achievement, National Hispanic Recognition, High School valedictorian/salutatorian, student body president, Eagle scout/Gold award, and Boys state/Girls state. Find specific award amounts and information at http://www.olemiss.edu/finaid/scholarshiptypes.html#1
Ole Miss Opportunity Program- Students are eligible if they have a 3.0 overall GPA and whose family income on 2012 tax returns is at or below $30,000. This scholarship will pay the total difference in tuition, room, and board after the Pell Grant is applied. FAFSA must be filed by March 1 for automatic consideration.
Ole Miss Women’s Council- (for young women AND men) Students are eligible who have a strong academic and leadership record. Financial need is considered.
Ole Miss First Scholarship- Academic and leadership records are considered as well as financial need. Students may receive $18,000 over four years.
University of Southern Mississippi
Scholarship consideration deadline: February 1. Complete the 2013 Freshmen Competitive Scholarship Application available at www.usm.edu under admissions in the scholarship/financial aid section.
National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship- Students designated as National Merit Semifinalists will receive the National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship, a scholarship equivalent to the value of tuition for four years.
Presidential National Merit Scholarship- Students progressing to National Merit Finalist status will receive full tuition, housing, a meal plan, and stipend for four years. This is a “full ride” scholarship.
Academic Excellence Scholarship- Students with 26+ ACT scores and above average core GPAs are eligible for automatic consideration. Amounts range from $6,000 to $16,200 over four years.
Golden Opportunity Scholarship- Students with 24-25 on the ACT and above average core GPAs are eligible for automatic consideration. Amounts range from $3,000 to $9,800.
Other scholarships- Eagle Scout and Star Student scholarships are also available. See www.usm.edu/admissions/freshman-scholarships for more information
Competitive Scholarships
You must submit the Competitive Freshman Programs Application online to be considered for these!
Presidential Scholarship- Students with 30 or higher on the ACT and have been admitted to the Honors College should apply are considered. The application to the Honors College serves as the application for this scholarship. Housing is in Century Park.
Leadership Scholarship- Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher and exceptional leadership in high school and community activities are eligible to apply. The value of the scholarship is $20,400 over four years. Housing is in Century Park.
Luckyday Foundation Citizenship Scholarship- Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher and exceptional community service, campus involvement, and academic excellence are eligible. The value of the scholarship is $20,400 for four years. Housing is in Century Park.
University of South Alabama
To apply for freshmen scholarships, first complete the admissions applications. Then, complete the separate online application for scholarship consideration. Visit www.southalabama.edu to apply. Scholarship information and the application is found under the admissions tab. Amounts range from $2,500 per year for a 23 on the ACT and a 3.0 GPA up to $11,000 per year for a 30 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA.
William Carey University
Academic scholarships range from $3,500 per year for students with a 20 or higher on the ACT to $6,600 per year for students with a 27 or higher. William Carey also offers countless talent scholarships for students involved in music, annual staff, speech and debate, and theatre. Most of these programs require you to set up an audition. Visit www.wmcarey.edu for more information.
Alcorn State University
Academic scholarships are based on a combination of the student’s GPA and ACT score. These scholarships are renewable each year as long as the student maintains a certain GPA. Service scholarships through band, athletics, music, and ROTC are also available. Students should contact these individual departments directly to inquire about scholarships. Visit www.alcorn.edu to get updates on scholarships and deadlines.