GUIDANCE TEAM
Main Number 972-775-8237
FAX 972-775-3178
MARCH
TESA (TEXAS ELKS STATE ASSOCIATION) SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,250 per year for the 2010-2014 academic years
CRITERIA:
• NOT eligible ? Students in the top 5% of their graduating class
• Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of Texas
• Must attend an accredited junior college, college, or university in the state of Texas
• Must submit an official high school transcript
• Must submit most recent set of SAT and/or ACT scores
• Applications will be judged on financial need, scholarship, leadership and extra-curricular activities, and strength of character
• Application and requirements are available at www.texaselks.org/
DEADLINE: Application packet must be submitted to the local Lodge by MARCH 5, 2010
2010 SCHOLAR ATHLETE MILK MUSTACHE OF THE YEAR (SAMMY) AWARDS
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $7,500, a trip to Disney World and a spot in a special Milk Mustache ad to run in USA TODAY and other publications
CRITERIA:
• Must be in good standing with a minimum GPA of 3.20
• Must participate in a high school sport or club sport during the 2009-2010 school year
• Must enroll as a full-time student at a State accredited college or university
• Application and requirements are available at www.sammyapplication.com/default.aspx
DEADLINE: Apply online by MARCH 5, 2010
TEXAS TELEPHONE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION (TTAF)
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,500 per year for 4 years
CRITERIA:
• Each high school counselor can forward maximum of two (2) qualified applications
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must graduate from a Texas high school
• Must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Must plan to attend a Texas college or university in the fall of 2010
• Must submit a letter of acceptance from a Texas college or university
• Must submit a copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Consideration will be given to students who will be pursuing a college degree in telecommunications (math, business, engineering and computer science), along with courses of high school study, extra-curricular/civic activities and demonstrated leadership, and have established financial need.
• Application and requirements are available at www.tta.org
DEADLINE: Application packet must be postmarked by MARCH 12, 2010
KOHL’S KIDS WHO CARE SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: AGES 6-18
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $varies
CRITERIA:
• Must be nominated as an outstanding student volunteer within your community (only 1 nomination per nominee)
• Nomination information must include:
o Information about nominee – full name, address, age, birth date, phone number and grade in school
o Information about your volunteer project – including items collected, money raised, time spent, number of people affected, outcome of the project, general project description
• Nominate at www.kohlskids.com
DEADLINE: Nominations are accepted between FEBRUARY 1, 2010 through MARCH 15, 2010
TEXAS ELKS STATE ASSOCIATION EAGLE SCOUT SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,500
CRITERIA:
• Must enroll as a full-time student in four-year degree program at an accredited State of Texas college or university
• Must submit a sealed copy of you high school transcript
• Must submit at least two (2) letters of recommendation with application from persons in the area of school, community, church or scouting
• Must submit a copy of Eagle Scout certificate
• Application will be judged on financial need, extra curricular events and leadership participation and academics
• Application and requirements are available at www.texaselks.org/scholarships.html
DEADLINE: Application packet must be received at the local Lodge by MARCH 15, 2010
SIGMA PHI EPSILON BALANCED MAN SCHOLARSHIP (OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY)
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR MALE PLANNING TO ATTEND OSU – FALL 2010
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: Varied - $375 TO $500
CRITERIA:
• Must exemplify academic excellence, selfless leadership, service to community, and a healthy lifestyle
• Must submit a one-page summary of academic honors, leadership experience, and extra-curricular activities
• Must submit high school transcript
• Must submit an essay (250 words or less) answering the question – “What does it mean to be a balanced man?”
• Application and requirements are available HERE.
DEADLINE: Application packet must be received by Scholarship Committee by MARCH 19, 2010
FIELD & MARY SCOVELL SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: 10 individual $3,000 grants
CRITERIA:
• Must attend an institution of continuing education within the State of Texas, Big 12 Conference, or Southeastern Conference
• Must graduate with a “C” or equivalent class average
• Must demonstrate financial need, leadership qualities, high personal character, and a connection to sports
• Must not be receiving other scholarships and/or grants that equate to a “full-ride”
• Application and requirements are available at www.scovellscholarships.com and www.attcottonbowl.com
DEADLINE: MARCH 22, 2010
CHARLES, LELA AND MARY SLOUGH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: Up to $5,000 per year, up to 5 years OR completion of Bachelor’s Degree OR a total accumulation of 136 semester hours, whichever comes first
CRITERIA:
• Must be a U.S. citizen and Texas resident
• Must have a 3.0 GPA
• Must submit results of Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Must submit a one page essay
• Must submit an official high school transcript
• Must submit SAT/ACT scores
• Application and requirements are available at www.midland.edu/admissions/aid/forms/slough.pdf
DEADLINE: Application packet must be postmarked by MARCH 29, 2010
APRIL
STATE FARM TEXAS SCHOLAR ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA:
• Must be nominated by a High School Counselor, or Varsity Coach, or School Official for excelling in academics, athletics, and school/community initiatives
• Must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA or equivalent
• Must currently participate in at least one UIL Varsity High School sport
• Must be actively involved in community
• Nominate at www.texasscholarathlete.com/rules/nominationreq.aspx
DEADLINE: Nominations are accepted through 8:00 AM on APRIL 1, 2010
SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS (EAST TEXAS SECTION) SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: Freshman $500 per semester, upper classman $1,000 per semester – total $7,000 over 4 yrs
CRITERIA:
• Must plan on majoring in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering or chemical engineering at an accredited four year university
• Must submit recommendation/appraisal form, completed by principal, adviser or counselor, under separate cover
• Must submit high school transcript
• Application and requirements are available at www.easttexas.spe.org/scholarship.aspx
DEADLINE: Application must be postmarked by APRIL 1, 2010
2010 $10,000 OZARKA “EVERY DROP COUNTS” EARTH SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $10,000
CRITERIA:
• Must be a U.S Citizen and Texas resident
• Must have a 3.0 or higher GPA
• Must plan to pursue a four-year degree in the field of earth/environmental science (geology, hydrogeology, environmental science, environmental law, environmental education, forestry, oceanography, and ecology)
• Must submit high school transcript
• Must submit a typed, double-spaced 1 to 2 page essay about why you are currently pursuing a degree in Earth/Environmental Sciences, detailing your course of study
• Application and requirements are available HERE.
DEADLINE: Application packet must be postmarked by APRIL 2, 2010
TEXAS ELKS STATE ASSOCIATION GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,500
CRITERIA:
• Must submit a sealed copy of your high school transcript
• Must submit at least three (3) letters of recommendation with one (1) being from an adult Girl Scout who is not a relative. Other letters may be from school, church or community representatives.
• Must submit a copy of Girl Scout Gold Award Final Report as submitted to your Girl Scout Council
• Application and additional documents must be enclosed in a clear folder or 3-ring binder
• Applications will be evaluated on leadership, achievement, recommendations and financial need
• Application and requirements are available at www.texaselks.org/scholarships.html
DEADLINE: Application packet must be received by the Scholarship Committee by APRIL 15, 2010
THE FOUNTAINHEAD ESSAY CONTEST
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR OR SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: 1st place - $10,000, 2nd place $2,000, 3rd place $1,000, Finalist $100, Semi-Finalist $50
CRITERIA:
• From The Fountainhead novel you must write an essay on ONE of three topics
• Instructions are listed HERE.
DEADLINE: April 26, 2010
JUNE
2010 OWN YOUR LOOK PROM CONTEST
ELIGIBLE: AGE 14-19
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: Grand Prize $50,000 and $1,000 Jo-Ann Fabric Gift Card
CRITERIA:
• Make your own prom outfit, including an accessory, which fabric and other products from Jo-Ann
• Winning entries chosen from Workmanship, Originality, Level of Detail
• Application and requirements are available at www.joann.com/prom
DEADLINE: Application packet must be postmarked by JUNE 15, 2010
JULY
$1,000 GEN AND KELLY TANABE SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL 9TH – 12TH GRADE
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA:
• Must be a legal resident of the U.S.
• Students may study any major and attend any college in the U.S.
• Must submit a 250 word or less personal statement on one of the following:
o “Why do you deserve to win this scholarship?”
o “Describe your academic or career goals.”
• Application and requirements are available at www.gkscholarship.com/
DEADLINE: Application packets must be postmarked by JULY 31, 2010
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Please refer to the College and Career page for general scholarship sites. It is the MHS Counseling Department stance that college advising for financial aid should be available for free as a first option. Come see your counselor or the College and Career Liasion for help or advice.
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
NEW! Click below for a complete listing of all scholarships available so far.
MHS scholarship applications are available online. Students who do not have access to computers at home may use computers in the Library. Once you have printed the scholarship application please check for the deadline date and where to turn in or mail the completed application. All deadline dates must be met as stated on the application forms. There will be no exceptions.
As new scholarships become available they will be posted at that time.
MARCH
M.C. AND MATTIE HIGH CASTON SCHOLARSHIP (NAVARRO COLLEGE)
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT:
General = $604 per semester (up to four semesters)
Distinguished = $1,170 per semester (up to four semesters)
CRITERIA:
- General – “B” average in HS coursework or minimum of 800 on SAT or 18 on ACT
- Distinguished – “A” average in HS coursework or minimum of 1100 on SAT or 25 on ACT
- Must plan to attend Navarro College
- Must show academic potential and leadership skills
- High School activities, community service and awards are considered
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center TXI ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $to be determined CRITERIA: · Must have a B or better average · Must enroll in an accredited college or recognized vocational school · Must submit a brief information self-evaluation (100 words or less) that describes your character, goals, dreams, career ambitions, role models, accomplishments, events/experiences that have influenced your life. · May attach any relevant information that may be helpful in the selection process. TXI’s goal is to select recipients by considering each applicant’s personal evaluation/goals, not only academic achievements. · Applications and requirements are available HERE. INEZ LEWIS SCHOLARSHIP 2010 – PRESENTED BY THE ELLIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN
DEADLINE: Applications must be postmarked by NOON on MARCH 8, 2010
DEADLINE: Application packet must be received in the
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000 divided between 2 semesters
CRITERIA:
- Must graduate from an Ellis County high school
- Must be in the top 25% of your graduating class
- Must enroll in an accredited college
- Must submit ACT/SAT scores
- Must submit Class Rank and GPA
- Must submit written autobiography not exceeding 2 pages, telling about yourself and background, showing involvement in school, church, community and political activities
· Finalists will have a personal interview with selection committee
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by the Scholarship Committee by MARCH 12, 2010
ELLIS A&M CLUB SCHOLARSHIP (TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY @ COLLEGE STATION)
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA:
· Must graduate from an Ellis County High School
· Must attend Texas A&M University
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by the Scholarship Committee by MARCH 15, 2010
AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (ABWA) – MIDLOTHIAN 2010-2011 UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA:
- Must be a resident of Ellis County
- Must have a GPA of 3.0 or better
- Must NOT be an ABWA member or be an individual within an ABWA member’s household
- Must submit 3 reference letters (should include one academic reference among the three)
- Must submit a type-written statement as to why you are applying for the scholarship (may include a biographical sketch, educational background, school activities, outside interests, honors and awards, work experience, etc., as well as short and long term goals)
- Consideration will be given to financial need, progress toward completion of a degree program and contributions to your community
·Additional information is available HERE or 972-723-0017
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received at ABWA by MARCH 15, 2010
VAN KENT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $to be determined
CRITERIA:
· Must intend to pursue a career in education, health, sciences, vocational agriculture or ministry
· Must submit 2 letters of recommendation (one must be from school personnel)
· Selection committee will screen and select candidates for in-house interviews
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by the selection committee by MARCH 26, 2010
OPENING DOORS TO SUCCESS (NAVARRO COLLEGE)
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $to be determined
CRITERIA:
· Must plan to attend Navarro College as a full-time student for at least one complete academic year
· Must complete Navarro College application for admissions
· Must be a first generation college student and from an economically disadvantaged household
· Must provide proof of completed Financial Aid Pell Grant Application (FAFSA)
· Must submit 1 letter of recommendation and reference checks
· Must participate in the interview process
· Must meet every two weeks with Opening Doors to Success representatives
· Must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by NOON on MARCH 26, 2010
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: MHS SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA:
• May NOT be an immediate family member of an employee of Charter Communications, Inc. or any of its related affiliates
• Must plan to major in a field of relevance to Charter Communications, such as marketing, accounting, business administration, business management, communications, computer technology, engineering, or a related field at an accredited college
• Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Must submit 2 letters of recommendation confirming participation in community service projects – describing the nature and level of involvement, amount of time and effort devoted to activities, and the applicant’s attitude toward the involvement
• Must submit a 250-300 word typed essay stating future goals (college major, career plans) and how they relate to Charter Communications or the cable television industry, and any experiences/accomplishments that help define the person you are and want to become
• Applications are available HERE.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received at Charter Communications by MARCH 31, 2010
APRIL
ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000 - $2,000
CRITERIA:
• Must be a past or current Ellis County resident
• Must elect to major in a horticulture-related field that includes, but is not limited to: horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, forestry, botany, entomology and horticulture-related business
• Must present notification of acceptance at an accredited institution of higher learning
• Must write and submit a one-page essay entitled: “Why I Chose Horticulture Related Studies”
• Must submit a list of horticulture-related projects or activities
• Must submit a letter of recommendation
• Finalists will be interviewed
• Applications are available HERE.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by the selection committee by APRIL 1, 2010
WALNUT GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL “ONCE A CAT, ALWAYS A CAT” SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: FORMER WGMS MHS SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA:
• Must be a former Walnut Grove Middle School student graduating from MHS
• Must exhibit the WGMS character traits of integrity, respect, pride and the 4Ps of being prompt, prepared, productive and polite
• Applications are available HERE.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 1, 2010
GEORGE RAFFIELD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (STAND MEMBERS)
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA:
· Must be a STAND (Students Taking Action Not Drugs) member in good standing
· Must demonstrate character and leadership, academic ability, and community and school contributions
· Must enroll as a full-time academic student in a Junior or Senior College or Trade School
· Must submit a recent photograph
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 5, 2010
MISD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA:
· Must demonstrate academic progress
· Must demonstrate school attendance
· Must demonstrate civic and/or school contribution
· Must demonstrate financial need
· Must submit a 100 word essay explaining your goals and aspiration for life
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 5, 2010
JACCI VITOVSKY COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $250 to 1 male and $250 to 1 female
CRITERIA:
· Must demonstrate High School Community Service and Club participation
· Must demonstrate character and leadership
· Must demonstrate academic ability
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 5, 2010
M.E. SINGLETON SCHOLARSHIP TRUST (CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK)
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000 per semester for 4 years
CRITERIA:
· Must attend an Ellis County High School
· Selection is based on financial need and student performance/involvement
· Must submit an essay (maximum 500 words) explaining why you should become a recipient
· Must submit Parent/Guardian most recent Tax Return
· Must submit a current photo
· Must submit 2 or 3 letters of recommendation from a principal, superintendent, counselor, teacher, or pastor/priest
· Be prepared to participate in an interview with the selection committee
· Information Sheet and requirements are available HERE.
· Must complete application online at http://www.singletonscholarship.org/ with additional documents submitted to Ms. Jennifer Rash (via fax, mail, Email, or in person to any CNB of Texas branch) by 6:00 PM APRIL 5, 2010
DEADLINE: by 6:00 PM APRIL 5, 2010
JERI LYNN JORDAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA:
· Must demonstrate school participation
· Must demonstrate church participation
· Must demonstrate academic excellence
· Must demonstrate personality
· Must demonstrate sincerity of purpose
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 5, 2010
ROBERT K. MASSEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA:
· Must demonstrate academic excellence
· Must demonstrate school attendance
· Must demonstrate civic and/or school contribution
· Must demonstrate sincerity of purpose
· Must demonstrate personality (friendliness, acceptance by peers & faculty)
· Must submit a 100 word essay stating your goals and aspirations in life
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 5, 2010
PATRICK H. BYRD MEMORIAL ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,500
CRITERIA:
· Must demonstrate athletic participation at MHS
· Must demonstrate financial need
· Must demonstrate participation in school activities
· Must demonstrate academic success
· Must submit an essay describing your plans for the future, including the College you will attend and major/career choices, and financial need for the scholarship and how it is necessary to your college pursuit
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 5, 2010
MANNA HOUSE / GENE RODGERS MEMORIAL HELPING HANDS SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA:
· Must submit a written essay
· Must demonstrate academic information
· Must submit school photo
· Must include 2 letters of recommendation (one from school personnel)
· Applications are available at HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 5, 2010
MIDLOTHIAN EX-STUDENT ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $to be determined
CRITERIA:
· Must attend college in the fall of 2010
· Must demonstrate academic excellence
· Must demonstrate class rank and GPA
· Must demonstrate church and community involvement
· Must demonstrate self-evaluation
· Must demonstrate future plans
· Must demonstrate sincerity of purpose
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 6, 2010
JOSTENS SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $to be determined
CRITERIA:
• Applications are available HERE.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 6, 2010
MIDLOTHIAN BOARD OF TRUSTEES STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP (SPONSORED BY JOSTENS)
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA:
• Must demonstrate service through leadership in school and community activities, exemplifying the “Best of MISD”
• Must demonstrate leadership in school activities
• Must demonstrate leadership in community
• Must demonstrate high moral character
• Must demonstrate academic achievement
• Must demonstrate recognition, awards, honors and other scholarships
• Must submit personal letter of approximately 200 words, discussing your ambitions and future plans
• Applications are available HERE.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 7, 2010
MISD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA:
• Must demonstrate academic progress
• Must demonstrate school attendance
• Must demonstrate civic and/or school contribution
• Must demonstrate financial need
• Must submit a 100 word essay explaining your goals and aspiration for life
• Applications are available HERE.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 7, 2010
JENNY LEHMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA:
• Must have successfully completed at least one year of HS Community Service Problem Solving
• Must submit 3 letters of recommendation addressing applicant’s character, involvement in the community and commitment to service activities
• Must complete two of three essay questions listed on Application
• Applications are available HERE.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 8, 2010
MHS HOLCIM SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: MIDLOTHIAN HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA:
· Must submit a 1 page essay expressing your educational and career goals and the factors that helped influence those goals
· Must have a “B” or better average
· Selection criteria will be based on academic standing, extracurricular activities and personal goals
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 9, 2010
BROOKE ASHTON CAMBRON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA:
· Must demonstrate academic standing
· Must demonstrate civic and/or school contributions
· Must demonstrate outstanding moral and ethical character
· Must enter a field of student that will impact young children (i.e. teacher, social worker, etc)
· Must submit a written essay telling why you want to go into a field that will positively impact young children
· Must submit a written essay telling how you feel you will make a difference
· Must submit 2 letters of recommendation
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 9, 2010
HILCO SCHOLARSHIP FOR EXCELLENCE FUND
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $to be determined
CRITERIA:
· Must be a TX resident
· Must be considered a dependent, living at the residence of parents or legal guardians who are active member-consumers of HILCO Electric
· Must not be related to a HILCO employee or Board of Director
· Must submit a 300 word essay detailing “The Importance of Good Leadership”
· Criteria will be based on financial need, academic excellence, involvement in extracurricular activities, support of community and family life goals, and content of essay
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted by the selection committee NO SOONER than APRIL 1 and NO LATER than APRIL 15, 2010
NAVARRO COLLEGE & NAVARRO COLLEGE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $to be determined
CRITERIA:
· Admission to Navarro College is required
· Must demonstrate financial need
· Must complete an essay explaining your reasons for attending college, your educational goals, intended major area of study and career objectives
· Must submit letters of recommendation
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received at Navarro College Foundation by NOON APRIL 16, 2010
MIDLOTHIAN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
ELIGIBLE: HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA:
· Must have been a senior football player from the class of 2009
· Must have participated in the MHS football program for at least one year
· Applications are available HERE or you can pick up a copy in the MHS Guidance Center
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the MHS Guidance Center by APRIL 16, 2010
| ATTENTION: DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS for 2009-2010 |
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| Navarro is offering scholarships for both semesters. Please click HERE (PDF) or come to the Counseling Center for an application. NEW DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 20th for the 2010 Semester. APPLY TODAY!!!! |
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FAFSA TO BE SIMPLIFIED
Read HERE all about it.
SPECIAL ARTICLE:
Want financial aid for college in this economic downturn? Better do your homework
Opportunities for financial help are out there, but you’ll need an 'A’ in persistence
BY GENE TRAINOR
gtrainor@star-telegram.com
Sheila Fletcher, who works part time for a foster-home agency, and her husband, Jason, who works in banking, make a good living.
Her daughter, Kiera Cheever, has her heart set on attending the University of Oklahoma, which both mother and daughter describe as a beautiful place with a great program in finance, her intended major. But the cost — more than $26,000 a year — would amount to about a quarter of the couple’s gross income.
"It’s a huge hit," said Sheila Fletcher, of Arlington.
Resigned to make it work, the family is seeking whatever help it can get. But it will likely find fierce competition for financial aid. The economy is lagging, so more adults are returning to college to learn new skills. And a bumper crop of high school seniors will graduate this spring. Adding to the competition:
With the national unemployment rate rising, more people may qualify for money. Federal officials expect about a 10 percent increase in applications for federal college financial aid for the upcoming school year. For this academic year, such applications were also up 10 percent from 2007-08 to a record 14.7 million, according to the Education Department.
Home-equity loans have been a popular way to finance a college education, but declining home values make it more difficult to borrow.
The value of many 529 college savings accounts has dramatically declined. The accounts, named after a section in the Internal Revenue Service code, are tied heavily to the plummeting stock market.
As a result, government grants — the most sought-after form of financial aid — are likely to fall short of covering all who might qualify, leaving aid more in doubt for applicants. Federal officials have already warned that the government could face a nearly $6 billion shortfall in the federal Pell Grant program, the nation’s largest, with about 5.5 million grants awarded as of the 2007-08 school year.
Financial aid experts say federal, state and university aid is important, but they urge parents and students to look beyond traditional funding sources. University officials, aware of the strain, are trying to expand help for more middle-class families. And high school students can pare expenses by taking high school courses that can result in college credits.
Above all, be persistent, experts recommend. Realize that aid packages that fall short can often be negotiated and that sometimes the colleges with the highest costs can offer the most generous financial help.
"Students are so stressed out, and parents are," too, said Kim Stezala, who wrote Scholarships 101: The Real-World Guide to Getting Cash for College. "You need to be entrepreneurial. The students who are entrepreneurial do better. You don’t take one rejection as the end of the road."
Colleges offer help
Linda Misenheimer, a cook, said she and her husband, Wyatt, who analyzes cash flow for a water company, earn too much to qualify for most federal grants but not enough to easily pay tuition. Her daughter, Laurie, a senior at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts charter school, is looking at several universities in Texas and New Mexico.
"We’re going to have to come up with some bucks," said Misenheimer, of Benbrook.
The total cost to attend college — tuition, room, board, books, etc. — varies widely, from $50,250 this year at the private Harvard University in Massachusetts and $43,930 at Rice University in Houston, to $21,470-$25,284 at the public University of Texas at Austin and $16,159 at Texas Woman’s University in Denton.
The cost of a college education has outpaced family incomes since at least the early 1980s. Based on the most recent data, for 2003-04, college students graduated with an average debt of $19,200, according to the national nonprofit Project on Student Debt. That’s more than twice the $9,250 debt during the 1993-94 school year.
The figures do not include loans taken out by parents, Project spokeswoman Edie Irons said.
Under pressure from Congress and to offset fears about affordability, the country’s most selective universities have begun using money from healthy endowments to lower costs.
At Harvard, for example, families earning $60,000 or less a year are not expected to contribute anything toward the cost of their child’s education. A family earning $120,000 will have to contribute $12,000, down from $19,000 during previous years.
At Rice, incoming freshmen with family incomes below $80,000 will not be expected to take out loans. Their costs will be covered by grants, scholarships or work-study programs. For families with incomes above $80,000 that have a demonstrated need, Rice will ensure that the student’s loans will not exceed $10,000 over four years.
Chris Munoz, Rice’s vice president for enrollment, said that in mid-December applications for admission and for financial aid were both down from the previous year. So the school sent out an e-mail to prospective applicants touting the $80,000 program. A flood of applications came in for a record 11,048 for the fall freshman class.
This trend has put pressure on public schools.
Texas A&M University recently announced a renewable free tuition program for freshmen whose family incomes don’t exceed $60,000. They will also be eligible for additional grants, loans or work-study programs to cover textbooks and room and board.
UT-Arlington, which does not have a comparatively large endowment, announced in October that it will offer free tuition to undergraduates whose families have an annual income of $65,000 or less if they qualify for a federal Pell Grant, officials said. That’s a significant condition because 89 percent of families that qualify for the Pell Grant earned $40,000 or less, according to the most recent federal figures.
UT-Arlington officials had spent weeks discussing what the 25,000-student university could afford, taking into consideration federal income requirements and an endowment of $64 million as of June. That endowment has since fallen to $47 million in November because of the woes on Wall Street.
In comparison, the 5,200-student Rice had an endowment of $4.61 billion as of June 30, the most recent figure available.
There are other options to help foot the bill. Some selective private schools, such as The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City and Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts, provide free tuition regardless of family income, leaving them to pay only for room and board and personal costs. Sometimes, other aid is available to help with those expenses, which can still be formidable.
Fees and room-and-board costs add up to about $15,600 a year at Cooper Union, for example. Most colleges and universities also offer scholarships. Misenheimer said she is feeling the pressure to collect all the forms, since the deadline is approaching for some schools.
"There’s so much," she said.
More help could be on the way. The Texas Legislature may step in this year to control costs. A bipartisan coalition of state senators hopes to win approval of a bill that would impose a two-year freeze on tuition increases at four-year public universities. After the freeze expires, future increases would be limited to the rate of inflation.
"Having had five children in college, I understand from firsthand experience the impact high tuition costs are having on family budgets," said state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, one of the bill’s authors. "We cannot afford to price anyone out of higher education, especially in this economy, in which many Texans may unfortunately find themselves in need of new skills to find jobs."
Private scholarships
Misenheimer’s lament is something author Stezala says she hears across the country. She suggests that students take the following four avenues:
Online. These four Web sites will match students with scholarships for free: www.scholarships.com, www.fastweb.com, www.findtuition.com and www.scholarshipexperts.com. Other sites include Zinch.com, which targets students who are "more than a test score."
Print. Check newspapers for scholarship announcements. Read last year’s graduation bulletins because they often contain information or listings about local scholarships. Visit the local library and talk to a librarian. "Their whole mission is to connect people with information," Stezala said.
Word-of-mouth. Students need to network with employers, a parent’s employer, community groups and others even if they feel uncomfortable about asking people for money. "They need to get over it if they want free money for college," Stezala said.
Self-promotion. Students need to elaborate about their accomplishments. Stezala remembers one student who wrote only "Red Cross volunteer" on a scholarship application when she was part of a mobile response team that required medical training. Stezala said a common phrase among scholarship providers is "We don’t know what you don’t tell us."
Military service is another option. Kyle Schroder graduated in December virtually debt-free from the University of North Texas in Denton. He received $38,000 over his college tenure after serving in the U.S. Army for three years. He now plans to train to become an officer.
"It’s a huge bonus," he said. "It makes going to school a whole lot easier."
Dual credit
Finally, high school students can cut college costs by passing tests such as the Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams. Students typically take AP classes before taking the exam, but they’re not required, said Jennifer Topiel, spokeswoman for the College Board, which administers the AP. But students must take IB courses before they can take IB exams, said Jenan Al-haddad of IB. If students score high enough on the AP or IB tests, colleges and universities will often give them credit so they can skip that course.
Some students earn credits for two years of college classes, saving tens of thousands of dollars.
Tarrant County College also has a program with almost every school district in the area that allows high school students to take college courses. The Arlington district, for example, has a modular classroom at each high school called a college center. Faculty members from TCC Southeast teach the courses, and the Arlington school district covers the cost.
Under the program, students are limited to two courses per semester. But they receive both high school and college credit. When they graduate from high school, they can skip a college semester or two or take fewer courses.
Kiera Cheever, Fletcher’s daughter, and Dyllon Boynton, both seniors at Seguin High School in Arlington, said that they appreciated that the TCC instructors treated them like adults and that the courses were more in-depth than in high school. But the chance to cut costs was not lost on Cheever.
"We’re pushing, pushing and pushing for scholarships," Cheever said. "Applying, applying and applying."
Federal grants
The federal government has five grant programs. To apply, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid available by visiting www.studentaid.ed.gov or calling 1-800-433-3243.
Pell Grant. Awarded to undergraduates based on family income, the cost to attend the school and other factors, such as family size. The maximum grant during the 2008-09 academic year was $4,731. Most students who qualify come from families whose incomes total $40,000 a year or less. Once eligible for the Pell Grant, students can apply for other federal help, including grants for those who plan to enter computer science, mathematics and other high-need fields.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Awarded to students who have exceptional financial need, with Pell Grant recipients getting priority. The grants can total up to $4,000 and are awarded by the students’ schools.
Academic Competitiveness Grant. Also awarded to Pell Grant-eligible students and provides up to $750 for the first year of study and up to $1,300 for the second. The grant requires that students take a rigorous high school program and maintain a 3.0 grade-point average (B average) during their freshman year in college.
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant. Given to Pell Grant-eligible students for their third and fourth years of study. Students can receive up to $4,000 for each year provided they major in mathematics; technology; engineering; physical, life or computer sciences; or a foreign language considered critical to the nation. Requirements include maintaining a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant. The TEACH grant provides up to $4,000 a year to students who teach for four years in public or private schools that serve elementary or secondary students from low-income families. They must also teach in a high-need area, including math, science, special education, bilingual education or reading specialist.
State grants
Students must have applied for Selective Service or be exempt from applying to be eligible for most of these state scholarships.
Engineering Scholarship Program. The scholarship of up to $5,000 per year is open to freshmen seeking an undergraduate engineering degree at a Texas public university. Applicants must have been in the top 20 percent of their high school graduating class. They also must have a 3.5 GPA (B-plus, A-minus average) on a 4.0 scale in math and science courses and complete the state’s recommended or distinguished programs. To keep the scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0 (B average) on a 4.0 scale. Applications are available at Texas engineering schools.
Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship. This scholarship of up to $5,000 is open to Texas residents attending a public or private college or university in the Lone Star State who plan to become accountants. Applicants must have completed 120 hours of college course work, including 15 hours in accounting, at the beginning of the term in which the award is made. They also must plan to take the state’s CPA examination. Applications are available at college financial aid and accounting departments.
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program. Residents who attend a private or public university in Texas can apply for these scholarships of up to $5,000. They must show financial need and apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. Students’ colleges will notify them if they receive the scholarship.
Professional Nursing Scholarships. Texas residents who are enrolled in classes to become a licensed professional nurse and who demonstrate financial need can apply for scholarships of up to $3,000 provided they attend a Texas public or private institution. Applications are available at college financial aid offices.
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship. High school students who attend public or private universities can apply for this $1,500 scholarship provided they graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class. Grades and scores on college entrance exams are also considered. Interested students can get information and applications from their high school guidance counselors.
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant. Students attending two-year colleges can apply for this grant provided they show financial need. They must have enrolled at least half-time for the first 30 hours of their program. Students can receive the equivalent of their tuition and fees. To be eligible, they must fill out the federal form. The financial aid office at their college will notify them if they’re eligible.
Towards EXcellence Access and Success Grant Program. Texas residents who attend public institutions in the Lone Star State can receive the equivalent of their tuition and fees if they show financial need. They must have earned an associate degree or completed the state’s recommended or distinguished high school program. To keep the grant, they have to maintain a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale during the second and subsequent years of their education. To apply, students must fill out the federal form. The financial aid office at their college will notify them if they’re eligible.
Texas Public Educational Grant. To be eligible, Texas residents must show financial need and attend a public college or university in the Lone Star State. Each college can set the award, but the money cannot exceed a student’s financial need. Students must fill out the federal form. The financial aid office at their college will notify them if they’re eligible.
Top 10 Percent Scholarship Program. Students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class, enroll in a Texas public institution and show financial need can receive up to $2,000 a year. Applicants must file the federal form by April 1 to be eligible. The scholarship can be renewed annually provided the students are enrolled full time (completed 30 semester hours), have maintained a 3.25 GPA (about a B-plus) and have completed 75 percent of hours attempted. The financial aid office at their college will notify them if they’re eligible.
Tuition Equalization Grant Program. Texas residents or nonresident National Merit finalists are eligible for this scholarship if they show financial need and attend a public or private school in Texas. Recipients can receive $3,331 per school year, or $4,966 if they show exceptional need. The scholarship can be renewed for full-time students who maintain a 2.5 GPA. Applicants must fill out the federal form. The financial aid office at the institution they plan to attend will notify them if they received the scholarship.
Vocational Nursing Scholarship. Texas residents who can demonstrate financial need can receive up to $1,500 a year if enrolled in a vocational nursing program at a public or private school in the Lone Star State. Students can get applications at their college or university financial aid office.
Federal loans
Financial aid officials urge parents and students to seek federally backed loans before seeking private loans. To apply, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid available by visiting www.studentaid.ed.gov or by calling 1-800-433-3243. Here are the federal loan programs:
Perkins Loans. Undergraduates can receive up to $5,500 a year if they demonstrate financial need. The interest rate is 5 percent. Students have up to 10 years to repay the loan and typically begin paying six to nine months after graduation.
FFEL Stafford Loans. Awards vary and are open regardless of need. But if students show financial need, the federal government will pay the interest while students are in school. Students have 10 to 25 years to repay this loan and can defer payments to six months after they graduate. The interest rate for 2009-10 will be 6 percent for the government subsidized loans and 6.8 percent for the unsubsidized loans.
Direct Stafford Loans. The conditions are the same as above, except students would repay the U.S. Education Department over 10 to 25 years instead of a private lender.
FFEL PLUS Loans. Parents who don’t have a negative credit history can take out these loans, and they can be as much as the cost of attendance. The interest rate would be 8.5 percent, and borrowers have 10 to 25 years to repay the loans.
Direct PLUS Loans. Conditions are the same as above, except that the interest rate is 7.9 percent.
Applying for financial aid
Filling out financial aid applications is akin to filling out income tax forms.
Though it can be worse.
Federal officials estimate that completing their form takes one to two hours for first-time applicants. Sheila Fletcher of Arlington, whose daughter is heading to college in the fall, said it took her family two days because of all the documents needed.
"It was craziness," she said. "It’s a lot of information."
Some forms require even more documentation, including information on home values, retirement accounts, expected pay raises and the value of various assets.
To apply for federal and other forms of financial aid, students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The form is available by visiting www.studentaid.ed.gov or calling 1-800-433-3243.
Students need the following to fill out the form: Social Security number; driver’s license number; 2008 W-2 income tax forms; a 2008 income tax return; a spouse’s 2008 income tax return if applicable; their parents’ 2008 income tax return; untaxed 2008 income records, such as child support; current bank statements; investment information; and alien registration or permanent-resident cards for non-U.S. citizens.
Some colleges require the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsp) from the College Board, the group that administers the SAT.
Students are typically informed about their financial aid packages through their colleges or universities.