SHS - Counselor’s Corner
December 11, 2017
Important Reminders for SHS Students:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid – Available NOW for seniors!
Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete the FAFSA
A completed FAFSA application is required for students to receive certain financial aid opportunities in college. Please speak with a college admissions representative for more information about the financial aid process at the schools that you are applying to.
Seniors - Scholarship Deadlines Fast Approaching
Seniors, take note of the academic scholarship deadlines for the schools you are considering. If you are unsure of the scholarship deadline for a particular college or university, contact the admission representative from that school. Most schools require students to be admitted before considering them for an academic scholarship.
Seniors - ***As you receive scholarship offer letters, please bring in a copy of your award letter to your school counselor!!! Do this for EVERY offer you receive as soon as you receive it!***
Community Events:
Bulldog Pharmacy Camp at Samford University
Application Deadline: February 1, 2018
McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University is offering a one-week Pharmacy Camp this summer for high school students that are interested in investigating a career as a Pharmacist. We would like to invite your students to participate in this McWhorter School of Pharmacy Camp. During the week of pharmacy camp they will experience hands-on learning about health careers in pharmacy, participate in tours of local health care facilities and local pharmacies, participate in compounding activities and hands on demonstrations in the McWhorter School of Pharmacy science laboratory.Students who attend the camp will have the unique opportunity to spend time on the Samford campus and experience campus life with us, spend time with pharmacy professors, and have a lot of time to interact with other students also interested in careers in pharmacy. Information about the camp and the camp application can be found athttps://www.samford.edu/pharmacy/bulldog-pharmacy-camp.
Bezos Scholar Program (Juniors Only)
Application Deadline: February 9, 2018
The Bezos Scholars Program inspires and challenges young people to act on their passions and collaborate to address community needs. Scholars are teams of rising high school seniors and educators who have demonstrated accomplishment, embraced new challenges, and aspire to lead change in their community. Scholars continue to pursue their passions after graduating, drawing inspiration and support from the Bezos Scholars Program and Scholar alumni network. Applicants must be available to participate in the program June 23-29, 2018 in Aspen, Colorado (all expenses paid for students who are selected to participate). Applicants must be a junior during the 17-18 school year, must demonstrate leadership, and must be enrolled in or have previously taken at least one AP class. For more information, visit www.bezosscholars.org.
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SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
***As you receive scholarship offer letters, please bring in a copy of your award letter to your school counselor!!! Do this for EVERY offer you receive as soon as you receive it***
Below is a list of free scholarship search sites to find out what free money is available before applying for student loans. Start your search today!
· www.scholarships.com
· www.fastweb.com
· www.highfivescholarships.com
· www.scholarshipexperts.com
· www.tuitionfundingsources.com –like their page on social media!
· www.cappex.com
· www.schoolsoup.com
· www.studentscholarships.org
· www.scholarshipguidance.com
· http://lendedu.com/scholarships.ph
AXA Achievement Scholarship
Deadline: December 15, 2017
The AXA AchievementScholarship offers college scholarships of $2,500, $10,000 and $25,000 to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their activities in school, the community or the workplace. Scholarship winners are known as AXA Achievers. They are ethnically and economically diverse, but they share these qualities: ambition and drive; determination to set and reach goals; respect for self, family and community; ability to succeed in college. The 2018 program will be accepting applications from September 5, 2017 until 10,000 applications are submitted or December 15, 2017, whichever comes first. Your application MUST be one of the first 10,000 submitted electronically by the deadline date.Apply early! For more information and to apply, visit https://www.scholarsapply.org/axa-achievement/.
University of Alabama Academic Scholarships
Deadline: December 15, 2017
First time freshmen who meet the December 15 scholarship deadline in their senior year of high school, have a qualifying score on the ACT or SAT, and have at least a 3.5 cumulative high school GPA will be eligible for merit-based scholarships. For more information, visit www.scholarships.ua.edu.
South Georgia Film Festival Scholarship
Deadline to Register: December 15, 2017
The South Georgia Film Festival will be held March 2-4, 2018 at Valdosta State University. This is an open film competition for filmmakers of all ages, including high school students. All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.com. Along with trophy and prizes from local sponsors, there are tremendous scholarship opportunities for our overall winners in the High School category. For more information, visit https://www.SouthGeorgiaFilm.com/
Linly Heflin Scholarship for Women
Deadline: December 31, 2017
The Linly Heflin Unit is a non-profit organization that provides scholarshipsto Alabama womenattending four-year Alabama colleges and universities.Scholarships are$5,000 per yearfor up to four years.Applicants must demonstrateboth significant economic need and sound academic records. The application, as well as detailed policies and requirements, are available on the website: www.linlyheflin.org.
FIRE Free Speech Essay Contest
Deadline: December 31, 2017
High school juniors and seniors are eligible to participate in FIRE’s essay contest. To enter, students must submit an essay between 800 and 1,000 words on the provided topic. One $10,000 first prize, one $5,000 second prize, and three $1,000 runner-up prizes will be awarded for the best essays. Four $500 winners will be chosen from the remaining entrants in a drawing. To enter, visit thefire.org/contest.
ACT Student Champion Scholarship
Deadline: December 31, 2017
The ACT Student Champion Award recognizes one student in each state who is tenacious and persistent, no matter the challenge, and is prepared for life after high school with a goal in mind and plan in place. ACT Student Champions receive a $500 non-renewable scholarship. Eligibility requirements include: students in the graduating class of 2018 who have taken the ACT, composite ACT score of 22 on a single test date or a 3.0 GPA or greater on a 4.0 scale, and a student who has overcome challenges and can articulate education and career actions. Preference will be given to underrepresented and/or first-generation college students. Applications can be found at www.act.org/readinesschampions.
Thomas E. Huey, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: December 31, 2017
BLSA, a Chapter of NALS, Inc., the association for legal professionals, will award its Thomas E. Huey, Jr. Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a high school senior in January 2018. Scholarship applications will be accepted based upon 50% financial need, 40% grade point average (must be at least a 3.0), and 10% achievements and accomplishments. Application requirements include an official high school transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a typed biographical statement. For a copy of the application, please see your counselor.
Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Scholarship
Deadline: December 31, 2017
The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative (officially recognized by the U.S. EPA) has engaged tens of thousands of young volunteers from around the world in environmental clean-up and conservation projects since 1999. To be considered for a scholarship, students must conduct an environmental stewardship project, take a few digital photos of the project in action, and write an essay about the project. Examples include removing trash, planting trees, starting a recycling program, and more. For more examples and full details, please visit http://www.wildernessproject.org/volunteer_apprentice_ecologist#scholarship.
Rove Pest Control Scholarship
Deadline: December 31, 2017
Rove Pest Control in Minneapolis is pleased to offer The Rove Pest Control Scholarship application for 2017. This scholarship opportunity is open to high school students and graduatesnationwidein the United States of America who have been accepted to a college or university. This award will be presented to a United States student for the following academic year in the amount of $500.00 and will be paid at the beginning of the fall semester (2018). For complete guidelines and an online application, please visit http://www.rovepestcontrol.com/rove-pest-control-scholarship/.
2018 Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Deadline: January 4, 2018
To apply for this award, students need to describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. official who served during or after 1917, the year of JFK’s birth. Essay length: 700-1,000 words. Cash awards up to $10,000 are available. For complete guidelines, please visit www.jfklibrary.org/essaycontest
The Smith Scholarship Foundation
Deadline: January 5, 2018
The Smith Scholarship Foundation will begin accepting online applications beginning on September 15, 2017 for the Smith Scholarship Program. The Smith Scholarship Foundation Program is an Accountability Scholarship Program providing assistance to high school seniors who have “given back” to their community through volunteer activities or care of family while overcoming financial and personal challenges. Proof of filing FAFSA must be submitted with SSF Scholarship application. For more information, visit www.smithscholarships.com.
National College Army ROTC Scholarship
Deadline: January 10, 2018
For seniors who are interested in the U.S. Army ROTC 3- and 4-year College Scholarship Program for school year 2018-2019, applications are currently available on the following website: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html. You will need to create an account, complete the application, send a copy of your high school transcript to U.S. Army Cadet Command, take the Physical Fitness Assessment, and set up and interview with the closest ROTC program.
2018 Birmingham Alumni Network Scholarship to Georgia Tech
Deadline: January 25, 2018
Each year the local Birmingham Alumni Network offers a scholarship to an entering freshman to Georgia Tech. Each Applicant must complete an on-line application to the Georgia Tech Alumni Association on their website once the admission application has been made to Georgia Tech. This must be done no later thanJan 25, 2018. The review process consists of the application on the Alumni Association web site and an interview conducted by alumni in Birmingham in February. Notice is made to the winner byApril 1st. The website is now open for applications. Address:www.gtalumni.org/scholarshipapplication
USDA/1890 National Scholars Program
Deadline: January 31, 2018
The goal of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is to increase the number of students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and other related disciplines. The program is open to high school seniors, rising college sophomores, and juniors who exhibit exemplary leadership traits and demonstrated community service. The Scholarship is highly competitive and provides for full tuition payment, among other benefits, for up to 4-years to selected students enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an 1890 Land-Grant University. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, have been accepted to an 1890 Land-Grant University, have a high school GPA of 3.0 or better and an ACT composite score of 21 or more (or SAT score of 1080 or more), and intend to study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or a related discipline. Applicants must submit an official transcript, essay, resume, biographical questionnaire, and two recommendations. How to Apply:
· The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program 2017 High School Application can be downloaded from the given link:http://www.outreach.usda.gov/education/1890/2017%201890%20Scholars%20High%20School%20Application%20OMB%20Approved%20121515.pdf
AL Association of School Office Personnel (AASOP) Scholarship (High School and AASOP Members)
Deadline: February 1, 2018
Alabama Association of School Office Personnel will award up to four (4) $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a degree from the college of business or K-12 education. Recipients will be notified no later than JUNE 30, 2018. Please see Mrs. New for application.
Jacksonville State University Academic Scholarships
Deadline: February 1, 2018
Jacksonville State invites all accepted students to apply for academic scholarships. Eligibility begins at 23+ ACT or 1100+ SAT and a 3.0+ GPA. Visit www.jsu.edu/scholarships for more information.
SCAD Challenge Scholarship
Deadline: February 2, 2018
Your artistic vision could earn you the honor of being a SCAD Challenge scholarship recipient at The University for Creative Careers. The SCAD Challenge competition gives you the opportunity to submit your works of art to a panel of accomplished SCAD faculty. Entries must demonstrate creativity, innovation and a strong understanding of aesthetics. Let your design speak to your skill level and ability to handle university-level design assignments. Challenges are open to current juniors and seniors in high school as of the 2017-18 academic year. A panel of SCAD faculty will review and evaluate submitted entries, and three winners will be selected from each category. To learn more about this opportunity, follow this link: http://www.scad.edu/admission/financial-aid-and-scholarships/scholarships/scad-challenge.
Sleeping Organic Sustainability Essay Contest
Deadline: April 1, 2018
As big believers in promoting sustainable products, services, and other initiatives that make the world an eco-friendlier place, Sleeping Organic is proud to announce the first semi-annual sustainability scholarship!The scholarship will be awarded each semesterto an incoming college student who is committed to challenging the status-quo of what “sustainability” means in the industry they’re studying to enter. To apply, students will need to submit a personal video or essay that answers the following two questions: 1) How will online buying habits change as information about product sustainability becomes more accessible? 2) What’s one type of product that needs a more sustainable solution? Students must be a US Citizen and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. For complete guidelines, please visit https://sleepingorganic.com/scholarship/.
B. Davis Scholarship
Deadline: May 22, 2018
This Scholarship is available to all high school juniors and seniors. To apply for this scholarship, you will need to write an essay of less than 1000 words on the topic below: Describe the three characteristics of leadership you value most. Discuss why you believe that these traits are so important and how you feel that they are developed in an individual. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at . Be sure to include your name and the school you are currently attending, as well as the school you plan to attend next.
Athnet Sports Recruiting Scholarship
Deadline: June 1, 2018
Athnet Sports Recruiting believes in the ability of sports to teach young people important life lessons. As an organization committed to helping student athletes to further their education, Athnet is proud to offer a $1,000 scholarship to a current or future college student who plays, or has played high school or college sports. The Athnet Scholarship committee will award the scholarship to the student whose essay best demonstrates how the lessons they learned through sports have positively impacted them as they pursue their college education. Essays should be 400-500 words and can be emailed to . You will also need to include some information about your intended college plans. For complete information, please visit www.athleticscholarships.net/scholarship-contest.htm.