40 hot scholarships: scholarships are one of the best types of college aid because they provide free money—you don’t have to pay them back
Lori Grandstaff
THE TRICK IS FINDING ONES THAT MATCH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND THEN GETTING ORGANIZED AND PUTTING IN THE TIME TO FILL OUT THE APPLICATIONS AND WRITE THE ESSAYS THAT MANY REQUIRE.
TO GET YOU STARTED ON THE HUNT, OUR EDITORS ASKED SCHOLARSHIPEXPERTS.COM TO PUT TOGETHER A LIST OF 40 DIVERSE AWARDS THAT ARE NORTH LOOKING INTO. BUT YOU SHOULDN’T STOP HERE. LOOK INTO ALL THE ONLINE SOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE AND ASK YOUR SCHOOL GUIDANCE OFFICE, COMMUNITY GROUPS, AND PARENTS IF THEY KNOW OF OTHER FUNDING PROGRAMS. AND, IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN A SPECIFIC CAREER, CONTACT ANY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THAT CAREER. COLLEGES THEMSELVES ALSO OFFER MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS DEPENDING ON YOUR MAJOR.
ACS SCHOLARS PROGRAM
SCOOP: African-American, Hispanic/Latino, or American-Indian students who plan to major in and pursue a career in chemical sciences or chemical technology can qualify for scholarships offered by the American Chemical Society. Applicants will be judged on their academic records, evidence of leadership ability, participation in school and community activities, and level of interest in the chemical sciences as a career.
$$$: Approximately 100 to 200 awards of $2,500.
WHO: Minority high school seniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA and the intent to major in chemical science.
DEADLINE: March 1, 2005.
INFO: American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (800) 227-5558 Ext. 6250; scholars@acs.org; www.chemistry.org
AMERICAN FIRE-SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: For this award, you have to write a an essay about a successful fire sprinkler activation in your town, area, or state. The essay should include details about the cause of the fire, number of sprinklers that activated, or actions of fire fighters. You should also discuss how local media reported the fire.
$$$: Seven regional winners get $1,000. From those seven regional winners: the first-place national winner receives an additional $3,000; the second-place national winner receives another $2,000; and the third-place national winner gets an additional $1,000.
WHO: High school seniors. DEADLINE: January 5, 2005-but act now because this contest is limited to the first 1,000 eligible entries received through the AFSA website.
INFO: American Fire Sprinkler Association, 9696 Skillman St., Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75243; www.afsascholarship.org
AMERICAN HISTORY SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: If the thought of George Washington, the Civil War, and our country’s Constitution really rattles your bones, this scholarship is for you. The American History Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school students who will have a concentrated study of American History and American Government. To enter, you must get a letter of sponsorship from your local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter (but you don’t have to be a member). Applications are first judged at the state Only state winners are eligible for judging at the division el. Division level first-and second-place winners are judged at the national level.
$$$: Three $2,000 awards, which can be renewed for three years.
WHO: High school seniors planning to major in American History.
DEADLINE: February 1, 2005.
INFO: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006; www.dar.org
AMERICAN INDIAN SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution wants to give you a scholarship just for being an American Indian. Although you don’t have to be a member of DAR to apply, you’ll need a letter of sponsorship from your local DAR chapter. You will also need written proof of your heritage. Oh, and don’t forget to keep those grades up! You need at least a 2.75 GPA to be eligible.
$$$: One award of $500.
WHO: High school seniors and college students of American Indian descent.
DEADLINE: April l, 2005.
INFO: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D St. NW, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 628-1776; www.dar.org
ASHLEY MARIE EASTERBROOK SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: Created in memory of Ashley Easterbrook, a young woman who was killed by a drunk driver five days prior to her high school graduation, this award is for students involved in programs/ activities that are designed to help other students improve the quality of their lives.
$$$: One four-year renewable scholarship of $1,000; two two-year renewable scholarships of $1,000 each.
WHO: High school seniors with GPAs between 3.5 and who will be attending four-year institutions.
DEADLINE: March 31 2005.
INFO: Foundation for Ashley’s Dream, P.O. Box 1808 Troy, MI 48099; www.ashleys dream.org
AYN RAND FOUNTAIN-HEAD ESSAY CONTEST
SCOOP: Read Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead lately? If you have or if you plan to, you have the chance to win cash. To enter, you must visit the Ayn Rand Institute Web site, choose one of the three book topics listed, and write an essay of 800 to 1,600 words. Essays will be judged on both style and content. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate, and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic and psychological meaning of the novel.
$$$: One $10,000 first prize; three $2,000 second prizes; five $1,000 third prizes; 35 $100 finalist prizes; 200 $50 semifinalist prizes.
WHO: High school juniors and seniors.
DEADLINE: April 15, 2005.
INFO: “The Fountainhead” Essay Contest, Dept. W, The Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 57044, Irvine, CA 92619-7044; essay@aynrand.org; www.aynrand.org/contests
COPCAST LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: If you think there’s no way that TV can get you into college, think again[ Comcast is looking for nominations for students who excel academically, get involved in their communities, and demonstrate leadership at school or work. All eligible schools receive nomination forms in mid-January, and the principals of those schools nominate their “leaders and achievers.” Two letters of recommendation, two essays, and a list of at least three activities that you participate in are also needed.
$$$: 1,500 awards of $1,000 each.
WHO: High school seniors in a community serviced by Comcast.
DEADLINE: March 16, 2005.
INFO: comcast@spaprog.com; www.comcast.com/inthecommu nity/scholarships/scholarship_intr o.html
CALGON CAMPUS TMA SCHOLARSHIPS
SCOOP: Want to be taken away with scholarship dollars? if so, be sure to register online for this non-competitive sweepstakes The CALGON/Coty sponsored program is for students graduating from high school in 2005 and those even older; you just have to be enrolled in (or planning to enroll in) college next fall to participate. Visit the Web site to answer a few online questions, and you’ll be instantly entered to win. Then just sit back, cross your fingers, and wait for that winner notification e-mail to land in your inbox!
$$$: Three students will receive $500 each.
WHO: High school seniors who will be 18 years old as of August 15, 2005.
DEADLINE: June 30, 2005.
INFO: www.takemeaway.com
COLLEGE STEPS SCHOLARSHIP SWEEPSTAKES
SCOOP: If you have been looking for money for college as well as information on scholarships, student loans, and the college financing process, you should definitely sign up for this program sponsored by Wells Fargo Education Financial Services. The College-STEPS Program Scholarship Sweepstakes only requires you to register online, and you instantly become eligible to compete for one the $1,000 checks being given away in 2005! Plus you gain helpful information and tips on college funding and college admission.
$$$: 100 awards of $1,000 each will be given away.
WHO: High school seniors.
DEADLINE: May 31, 2005.
INFO: Wells Fargo Education Financial Services , Attn: College-STEPS Program, Scholarship Sweepstakes, 301 E. 58th St. N., Sioux Falls, SD 57104; (800) 6583567; www.wellsfargo.com/collegesteps
EDDIE ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: If you are a senior with leadership experience, academic achievements, and athletic success, you should apply for this award. The Eddie Robinson Foundation rewards students who “display a can-do attitude despite obstacles.” The application (see the Web site) requires an essay about values, two letters of recommendation, and a transcript of grades and test scores.
$$$: Four students each receive a renewable $5,000 award.
WHO: High school seniors.
DEADLINE: Feb./March 2005.
INFO: Scholarship Committee, 3500 Piedmont Road, Ste. 100, Atlanta, GA 30305; scholarship@eddierobinson.com; www.eddierobinson.com
EDFINANCIAL, SERVICES OFFICIAL, SCHOLARSHIP GIVEAWAY
SCOOP: Calling all students who don’t like long, cumbersome scholarship applications! To register for this award, students just have to visit the EdFinancial Services Web site online, register, and sign up for the scholarship giveaway. Official rules and regulations are on the Web site.
$$$: Ten winners will each receive $1,000.
WHO: Any student enrolled in (or planning to enroll in) an institution of higher education.
DEADLINE: August 1, 2005.
INFO: EdFinancial Services, 123 Center Park Dr., Knoxville, TN 37922; www.edfinancial. com/giveaway/default.aspx
CHRISTOPHERS HIGH SCHOOL, POSTER CONTEST
SCOOP: The Christophers “uses mass media to encourage all individuals to recognize and use their unique abilities to raise the standards of public life.” For the 2005 Christophers Poster Contest, all posters must include the statement “You can make a difference.” Each student’s poster will be evaluated on the following: overall impact, effectiveness in conveying this year’s theme, originality and artistic quality.
$$$: First prize of $1,000; second prize of $500; third prize of $250; and five honorable mention prizes of $100 each.
WHO: High school students.
DEADLINE: January 21, 2005.
INFO: The Christophers, 12 East 48th St., New York, NY 10017; 212-759-4050; www.christo phers.org
ENID HALL GRISWOLD SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: This award is for students who will pursue study in political science, history, govern merit, or economics. To enter, you must get a letter of sponsorship from your local DAR chapter (but you don’t have to be a member). Applications are first judged at the state level. Only state winners are eligible for judging at the division level. Division level first- and second-place winners are judged at the national level.
$$$: One $1,000 award.
WHO: High school seniors planning to major in political science, history, government, or economics.
DEADLINE: February 1, 2005.
INFO: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006; www.dar.org
ESA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
SCOOP: Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) lists more than 70 scholarship programs for the academic year 2005-2006. Students may only apply for one award each year. Programs range from the Rosagene Huggins Memorial Scholarship, which is open to all students, to the McConnel Family Scholarship, which is only for females majoring in veterinary medicine.
$$$: Award amounts range from $500 to $2,500 per recipient.
WHO: High school students or grads with one of the following: 3.0 or higher GPA; top 25% of class; ACT score of 22 or higher; or SAT score of 950 or higher.
DEADLINE: February 1, 2005.
INFO: www.esaintl.com/esaf/ scholarship application.html
GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARS PROGRAM
SCOOP: Minority students who are eligible for a Pell Grant can be nominated for the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, administered by the United Negro College Fund. Candidates should have an outstanding academic record and leadership abilities.
WHO: Minority students in their senior year of high school with a 3.3 or higher GPA
$$$: Approximately 1,000 awards. Amounts vary based on college costs, as well as grants and other scholarships reported on the student’s aid award letter.
DEADLINE: January 14, 2005.
INFO: Gates Millennium Scholars, P.O. Box 10500, Fairfax, VA 22031; (877) 690-4677; www.gmsp.org
HELLENIC TIMES SCHOLARSHIP FUND
SCOOP: Every year, the Hellenic Times awards money to students just for being of Greek descent. If you’re 17 to 25 years old and planning to enroll in college for the 20052006 academic year, you may be eligible for this scholarship. To apply, you’ll need to submit an official transcript and (in some cases) a copy of your family’s tax return. Winners will need to supply a copy of their tuition bills. Some applicants will be interviewed by a member of the scholarship committee. Scholarships are awarded based on need and merit.
$$$: $1,000 to $5,000.
WHO: High school seniors and college students of Greek descent.
DEADLINE: January 16, 2005.
INFO: Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund, 823 11th Ave., Attn: Nick Katsoris, New York, NY 10019-3535; htsfund@aol.com; www.htsfund.org
DON’T COUNT YOURSELF OUT. THERE ARE MANY AWARDS OUT THERE THAT REQUIRE ONLY A 2.5 GPA AND RECOGNIZE TALENT, COMMUNITY SERVICE, HERITAGE, AND OTHER FACTORS.
HILTON HEAD JAZZ SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: Do you plan on studying jazz music in college? Then this award is for you. To enter, you must submit three selections on an audiocassette or CD that demonstrate your talent in the field of jazz. Only one of the three selections should be a self-composition. You may use a combo, rhythm section, or ensemble for accompaniment, but you must be the only soloist. The recording should be no more than 10 minutes.
$$$: One $2,500 award. From time to time, additional scholarships (usually ranging from $1,200 to $1,800) are awarded from specially donated funds to runners-up in the competitive judging.
WHO: High school seniors who are interested in studying jazz music in college, and will be enrolling full time in the fall of 2005.
DEADLINE: May 15, 2005.
INFO: Hilton Head Jazz Society, P.O. Box 22193, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925; www.hhjs.org/scholarship.htm
HSF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: Hispanic students with plans to enroll in either a two- or four-year college or university in the fall of 2005 should consider applying for this award. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is looking for students with 3.0 or higher grade point averages and will choose recipients on the basis of academic achievement, personal strengths, leadership and financial need. HSF scholars have achieved success in many fields and are often visible role models in their communities. Applications are available online.
$$$: Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are generally awarded to 10 students.
WHO: High school seniors of Hispanic heritage.
DEADLINE: December 15, 2004. INFO: Hispanic Scholarship Fund, 55 Second St., Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA 94105; 1-877 HSF INFO (toll-free), highschool@ilsf.net; www.hsf.net
IFT FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: Bam! Do you dream of following in Emeril’s footsteps? Then this scholarship is for you! The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) offers scholarships to incoming freshmen at the IFT-approved colleges and universities every year. If you want to major in food science/technology, then get an application online in November and get started on “cooking up” a college degree!
$$$: One award for $1,500 and twenty-four awards for $1,000.
DEADLINE: February 15, 2005. WHO: High school seniors.
INFO: Institute of Food Technologists, Attn: Patty Pagliuco, 221 N. LaSalle, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601; (312) 782-8424; pgpagliuco@ift.org; www.ift.org/education/scholarships
IMATION COMPUTER ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: If you can create awesome computer-generated art, get your school to nominate you for this competition, sponsored by Imation, a manufacturer of data storage products. You do not need to be enrolled in art classes, but you should be your school’s top computer artist. A panel of museum directors, art educators and technologists will select 25 national scholarship recipients from 100 semifinalists.
$$$: 25 national winners will receive $1,000 scholarships, plus a trip to the Twin Cities for fun national recognition events.
WHO: High school students interested in computer graphics.
DEADLINE: Mid-December 2004.
INFO: Imation, 1 Imation Place, St. Paul, M N 55128; CAS@imation.com; www. imation.comn/computerarts
KOHL’S KIDS WHO CARE
SCOOP: Do you care about your community? Let Kohl’s department stores know about it, and you could win money for college! Beginning on February 1, get a nomination form from any Kohl’s store or online.
$$$: Store winners receive a $50 Kohl’s gift card. Regional winners each receive $1,000 as well as a certificate. Ten national winners receive $5,000 each and will be featured in a Kohl’s back-to-school ad.
WHO: Students who are 6 to 18 years old, U.S. citizens, and live in a state with a Kohl’s Department store.
DEADLINE: March 15, 2005.
INFO: Your local Kohl’s or Community Relations Dept., N56 W 17000 Ridgewood Dr., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051; (262) 703-7000; www.kohls corporation.com/Community Relations/Community01.htm
MGG JAMES URSANO SCHOLARSHIP FUND
SCOOP: Army Emergency Relief (AER) is dedicated to helping Army soldiers and their dependents attend college. Applications for the 2005-06 school year are available online and by mail starting on November 1. Any dependent of an active duty, retired, or deceased Army soldier may apply, provided the dependent is single, a U.S. citizen, and under the age of 22 (as of May 1, 2005). You also have to have a 2.0 or higher GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Awards are primarily based on financial need.
$$$: $900 to $1,900.
WHO: High school seniors and college students who are Army dependents.
DEADLINE: March 1, 2005.
INFO: Army Emergency Relief, 200 Stovall St., Alexandria, VA 22332; (866) 878-6378 aer @aerhq.org; www.aerhq.org
NAHJ GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: The National Association of Hispanic Journalists created this award to encourage Hispanics to pursue journalism-related careers, since Hispanics are under-represented in mainstream newsrooms throughout the United States. Each student will be evaluated on his/her commitment to the field of journalism, financial need, community awareness and academic abilities.
$$$: 15 students will each receive scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.
WHO: Hispanic high school seniors pursuing careers in English or Spanish language print, photo, broadcast or online journalism.
DEADLINE: Jan. 28, 2005.
INFO: National Association of Hispanic Journalists, 1000 National Press Building, Washington D.C. 20045; www.nahj. org/student/scholarshipinformation.html
NATIONAL, HIGH SCHOOL, ESSAY CONTEST ON THE UNITED NATIONS
SCOOP: If you enjoy debating the decisions of the United Nations, this contest is for you! Each year, the UNA-USA invites high school students to examine the arguments about a topic of importance to the global community. The essays are first submitted to your local chapter of the UNA-USA. By January 7, the local chapters will submit winning essays to compete for national prizes.
$$$: $3,000 first prize; $1,500 second prize; $750 third prize. The first-place winner also receives a trip to a formal awards ceremony.
WHO: High school students
DEADLINE: January 7, 2005
INFO: Your local UNA-USA chapter or UNA-USA–Scott Leslie, 801 Second Ave., 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10017; (212) 907-1326; sleslie@unausa.org; www.unausa.org
NATIONAL PEACE ESSAY CONTEST
SCOOP: Developments around the world challenge us to rethink the role of the U.S. in the international community? What is our place in the global picture? The United States Institute of Peace invites you to write an essay about “Transitions to Democracy.” It must adhere to specific guidelines, and you must do research and analysis.
$$$: First-place state winners receive $1,000 plus a trip to the awards program in Washington, D.C. The first-place state winners will compete for national awards of $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500 for first-, second-, and third- place, respectively.
WHO: High school students.
DEADLINE: February 2, 2005.
INFO: United States Institute of Peace, National Peace Essay Contest, 1200 17th St. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036-3011; (202) 457-1700; www.usip.org/ed.html
NATIONAL, WRITERS SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: If you like to write, this award is for you. To enter, you must submit a writing sample–a short story, screenplay, article, essay, or several pages of a novella or novel. Submissions should not exceed 20 double-spaced pages. Preference is given to applicants pursuing the writing disciplines.
$$$: One $1,000 award, and two fully paid trips to the National Writers Association Foundation Conference–about $250 per award.
WHO: Students of all ages.
DEADLINE: December 31, 2004.
INFO: National Writers Association, 3140 S. Peoria St. #295PMB, Aurora, CO 80014; (303)841-0246; contests@nation alwriters.com; www.nationalwriters.com/ foundation/scholarship_criteria.htm
NATIONAL, HIGH SCHOOL, ORATORICAL, CONTEST
SCOOP: Speak out for your country! Students who want to learn more about the U.S. Constitution and let their voices be heard should enter the National High School Oratorical Contest. Students must compose a speech on a specified topic and ascend through the district and state levels to reach the National Contest.
$$$: National finalists receive $18,000, $16,000, and $14,000 for first, second, and third place, respectively. Each department/state winner participating in the first round of the contest receives $1,500. First-round winners who participate in the second round, but do not advance to the final round, receive an additional $1,500.
WHO: High school students under the age of 20.
DEADLINE: Varies according to state/region, but all department contests must be conducted and winners certified no later than March 4, 2005.
INFO: National Americanism and Children & Youth Division, The American Legion National Headquarters, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206; (317) 630-1200; www.legion.org
NATIONAL, HONOR SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: Your extracurricular activities really do pay off[ If you’re a member of your school’s National Honor Society, get your chapter to nominate you. Each affiliated N HS chapter may nominate two seniors, and then the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) will select 200 winners. Winners are selected for demonstrated outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
Provider: (NASSP).
$$$: 200 students will each receive an award of $1,000.
WHO: Senior members of the National Honor Society with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
DEADLINE: January 21, 2005.
INFO: National Honor Society Scholarship, P.O. Box 24605, Nashville, TN 37202; uhs@uhs.com; http://www.nhs.us/ schlr_awards/
PAPA JOHN’S SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: About one-third of Papa John’s restaurants provide money to high school students. In addition to having a 2.5 G PA or higher, students must show leadership, community involvement, creativity, athletic ability, quality of character, life goals and interests, and overcoming obstacles.
$$$: 1,000 awards of $1,000.
WHO: High school seniors attending a high school near a participating Papa John’s restaurant.
DEADLINE: January 31, 2005.
INFO: Papa John’s Intl., 4005 Briar Ridge Road, LaGrange, KY 40031; 800-865-9373; www.papajohns.com/comun/scholar.htm/
PERSINA SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: The National Press Club awards this scholarship to a talented minority student planning to pursue a career in journalism. The applicant must submit writing samples showing an ongoing interest in journalism.
$$$: One student will receive a $5,000 scholarship, renewable for three additional years.
WHO: Minority high school seniors planning to pursue degrees in journalism with GPAs of 2.75 or higher.
DEADLINE: March 1, 2005.
INFO: National Press Club, 529 14th St., N.W., Washingtion D.C. 20045; www.press.org/ programs/awards.cfm
PGSF NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
SCOOP: The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation gives scholarships to students seeking careers in graphic communications. Candidates are judged on academic records, class rank, letters of recommendation, biographical info, and extracurricular interests.
$$$: Approximately 300 $1,000 to $1,500 awards, renewable for three years if a grade point average of 3.0 is maintained.
WHO: High school seniors with a 3.0 or higher G PA who are planning to major in graphic communications.
DEADLINE: March 1, 2005.
INFO: Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, 200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143; (412) 741-6860 ext. 161; pgsf@gatf.org; www.gain. net/employment/scholarships/ annual.html
SALLIE MAE COLLEGE ANSNER SWEEPSTAKES
SCOOP: To enter this contest provided by Sallie Mae, visit the Web site below and complete a registration form or mail an entry to the address below. Winners will be picked by a monthly drawing.
$$$: A $1,000 award per month.
DEADLINE: Monthly drawing.
WHO: College-bound students, parents, guidance counselors, and financial aid officers.
INFO: Sallie Mae, 11600 Sallie Mae Dr., Reston, VA 20193; www.collegeanswer.com
POSITIVE-CHOICES.ORG SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: If you’ve made the choice to remain drug and alcohol free, Positive-Choices.org wants to help send you to college! By going online and making the Positive Promise to refrain from drugs and alcohol, you’ll automatically be entered in a drawing for scholarships.
$$$: 5 awards of $2,000 each. WHO: Drug-free and alcohol-free high school seniors.
DEADLINE: April 15, 2005.
INFO: Aurora Casket Company, Inc., Attn: Customer Service, 10944 Marsh Road, Aurora, IL 47001;www.positivechoices, org/scholarship.html
SBO MAGAZINE MUSIC STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: If you’re in band or orchestra, you’re eligible to enter the School Band and Orchestra Magazine’s annual essay contest. This year, you must write a 250-word essay on “What the national anthem means to me.” If you win, your school also receives prizes!
$$$: Five $1,000 awards in grades 4 through 8 and five $1,000 awards for high school students.
WHO: Students in grades 4 through 12.
DEADLINE: December 31, 2004.
INFO: Student Scholarships, School Band and Orchestra, 50 Brook Road, Needham, MA 02494; 1-800-964-5150 ext. 13; www.sbomagazine.com/essay contest.html
PRIVATE COLLEGES UNIVERSITIES SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: Private Colleges & Universities magazine offers those entering college for the first time an opportunity to win a scholarship for their freshman year. There is no application. Students must either register on the Private Colleges & Universities Web site, use one of the two response cards bound inside the magazine, or send an e-mail with their information (following the guidelines listed in the magazine).
$$$: One award for $10,000.
WHO: High school seniors who plan on enrolling full time in a private college or university.
DEADLINE: March 1, 2005.
INFO: Private Colleges & Universities Magazine, 2 LAN Dr., Suite 100, Westford, MA 01886; (978) 692-5092; fax: (978) 692-4174; comments@ privatecolleges.com; www.private colleges.com
SPORTS TO SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: Sports To School.com recognizes high school athletes who wish to pursue sports in college. As part of the online application, you have to write 150 words or less explaining how sports have had a positive impact on your life.
$$$: One $1,000 award.
WHO: High school students.
DEADLINE: February 25, 2005.
INFO: SportsToSchool.com College Scholarship, P.O. Box 6071, Middletown, RI 02842; (401) 849-2639; www.sportstoschool.com
SAM WALTON COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: Attention scholarship shoppers! Pick up an application for this award at your local Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club during the first week of December, or visit your high school counselor’s office. Entries will be judged on grades, test scores, need, community/ extracurricular activity, and work experience.
$$$: About 6,000 awards are offered each year. $1,000 scholarships at the local level; $4,000 state scholarships; and one national $20,000 prize.
WHO: High school seniors.
DEADLINE: February 1, 2005.
INFO: Visit your local Wal-Mart Store or Sam’s Club ; www.walmartfoundation.org
SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL, ENGINEERS/HSF SCHOLARSHIP
SCOOP: If you’re Latino and have a mathematic or scientific bent, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund’s awards may be for you. Recipients are chosen on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, and need.
$$$: Ten students will receive awards of $1,250 to $2,500.
WHO: Hispanic high school seniors with GPAs of 3.0 or higher, planning to study engineering, mathematics, computer science, or physical or applied science.
DEADLINE: June 15, 2005.
INFO: Hispanic Scholarship Fund, 55 Second St., San Francisco, CA 94105; hffo@hsf.net; www.hsf.net
TEXAS HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST
SCOOP: You don’t have to be a Texan to enter this contest, but you do have to research Texas history! To enter, you must write an essay. This year’s topic: “The Battle of San Jacinto.”
$$$: First-prize is $3,000; second-prize is $2,000; third-prize is $1,000.
WHO: High school seniors.
DEADLINE: February 1, 2005.
INFO: Sons of the Republic of Texas, 1717 8th St., Bay City, TX 77414; www.srttexas.org/ essay.html
YES COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS
SCOOP: Interested in improving public health? The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the College Board want to see your original research on a public health issue. The YES (Young Epidemiology Scholars) Competition was created to encourage this kind of study. You will need a collegeboard.com username and password to enter.
$$$: Scholarships range from $1,000 to $50,000.
WHO: Juniors and seniors.
DEADLINE: February 1, 2005.
INFO: College Entrance Examination Board; (800) 626-9795 ext. 5932; yes@collegeboard.org; www.college board.com/yes/fs/atc.html
Scholarship Search Tips
By FindTuition.com, a scholarship search service
(1) EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS. Talk to your high school or college guidance counselor, look into local scholarships and use a trusted Internet service like FindTuition.com to find all the need-based and merit-based scholarship aid available to you.
(2) START EARLY. To avoid missing deadlines, start your scholarship search early. It takes time to research, request information, and complete your applications, so don’t procrastinate. In addition, make sure to search continuously throughout the year as new scholarships that can further supplement financial aid may become available.
(3) BE ACTIVE. Scholarship committees look favorably on those who participate in extracurricular activities and are active in their communities.
(4) STAY ORGANIZED. Students should keep a checklist of submission requirements and due dates. Be sure to complete all of the necessary paperwork before submitting an application.
FindTuition.com’s application tracking and management functions can help students stay on top of their scholarship search.
(5) FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. Watch your essay length and submit only materials that are requested. Proofread your application to avoid any embarrassing spelling or grammar errors, and be sure your writing is legible.
(6) AVOID SCAMS. All Internet search sites are not created equal, and students need to make sure they are working with a trusted resource. The following statements are signs a scholarship is a scare, according to the Federal Trade Commission:
* “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
* “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
* “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”
* “We’ll do all the work.”
* “The scholarship will cost some money.”
* “You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’ for a scholarship” or “You’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered.
COPYRIGHT 2004 EM Guild, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
