Crystal Green Memorial Scholarship

Sponsored by Blood Assurance, the Crystal Green Memorial Scholarship is designed to give students a chance to receive a $1,500 scholarship towards their college tuition for the 2016-2017 school year. Financial need is a major consideration, as one of the primary goals of this scholarship is to help students who might not otherwise be able to make it without this assistance. 

In an effort to provide as much opportunity as possible to your students, Blood Assurance is extending the application deadline this year.   All applications must now be postmarked or submitted online by Friday, April 15.

Please follow this link for the application and more information.

Scholarship from the BBB

This scholarship was first posted in early February, but I don't want it to get lost in the shuffle.  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gave away ten $1,000 awards last year, so this year you might be a winner!

The Better Business Bureau is offering a $1,000 scholarship based on leadership, community service, and academics.  A couple of GPS girls have won this in the past, but you won't win if you don't enter!

In addition to the application, you will need to provide:

• 500 word essay on “The Importance of Ethics in Business and our Community”
• Extra-Curricular Activities
• Current transcript
• College Plans and Proposed Major Information

 Please have your completed application to Mrs. Haley by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 6.  

Don't forget: stop by College Guidance for the application and more info!

And one more scholarship from AlphaCard

For this $1,000 scholarship, students are required to submit a 350-400 word essay on the following topic.

"What would you argue are the two most important measures schools or universities can implement to improve campus safety?"

The majority of school campuses in the U.S. have implemented security measures to ensure the safety of students and faculty. We want to hear from you on the subject — what measures would you institute to augment safety?

Deadline: July 1, 2016 by 5 pm Pacific Standard Time. See the AlphaCard website for more details.

Love History? Here's a scholarship for you!

The deadline is approaching quickly, but if you love to write, you might consider submitting an essay for the Facing History Together Student Essay Contest.  This contest invites students to reflect on the themes, characters, and settings from the classic American novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

The top prize is $2,500, but there are several smaller awards as well.  Your 500 word essay is due March 16, so start writing!

Scholarship Possibilities

1.  Each year, the Cindy Monroe Values & Vision Scholarship honors a girl in the Chattanooga area who embodies Cindy Monroe's core values of building relationships, leadership, and community involvement.  The chosen applicant will receive an annual $3,100 scholarships, totaling $12,400 over four years.

Students must have a GPS of 3.0 or higher and must attend a two or four year college as full time student.  For more information and the application, visit www.thirtyonegives.org/scholarship.  The deadline is March 1, 2016.

2.  The National Catholic College Admission Association (National CCAA) is offering a $1,000 scholarship for students who plan on attending one of their institutions.  This scholarship is awarded to eight high school seniors from various geographic regions.

The application is brief and will only take a few minutes to complete.  The deadline to apply is March 17.  Details regarding the scholarship and application procedures can be found here.

3.  We also just found out about this one.  For the second year, The Atlantic and the College Board are sponsoring a scholarship, and this time they are looking for essays that "insightfully analyze and interpret" a meaningful piece of art.  This one is sure to be competitive, but I believe we have some outstanding writers who could win. The essay is due by February 28, so check out the details here.

Better Business Bureau Scholarship

The Better Business Bureau is offering a $1,000 scholarship based on leadership, community service, and academics.  A couple of GPS girls have won this in the past, but you won't win if you don't enter!

In addition to the application, you will need to provide:

• 500 word essay on “The Importance of Ethics in Business and our Community”
• Extra-Curricular Activities
• Current transcript
• College Plans and Proposed Major Information

 Please have your completed application to Mrs. Haley by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 6.  

Don't forget: stop by College Guidance for the application and more info!

Church's Chicken Scholars Program

If you live in Tennessee or Georgia and have a minimum 2.7 GPA, you qualify for this scholarship. Financial need is not a criteria for this one time $1,000 award.  For more information and the application, go https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/churchsscholars/

The deadline is February 15, 2016.

Ned McWherter Scholarship for TN high school seniors

The Ned McWherter Scholarship (named after a former Governor) is for Tennessee high school seniors who plan on attending school in the state of Tennessee, and the award is $6,000 per academic year.

To be eligible, seniors must:

• be a Tennessee resident and attend an eligible Tennessee college or university
• have at least an unweighted 3.5 cumulative GPA
• have a minimum composite scores of 29 on the ACT or 1280 on the SAT math and critical reading sections

The application must be accompanied by an official high school transcript and an official ACT/SAT score.  

To access the application, go to:

TSAC student portal
and click on the on-line application button at the top of the page.

Funds are limited, so complete your application as soon as possible. All applications are due by February 16.

A New Scholarship

Happy Friday, everyone!  Before the weekend begins, we have information about a new scholarship.

The Signal Mountain Lions Club is offering a scholarships for students living in the 37377 zip code. The total award is for up to $3,200 for four years of college.

The scholarship is based on financial need and academic achievement.  If you are interested, please see Mrs. Haley in the college office for a copy of the application.  The deadline is April 15, 2016. Note that you will be expected to submit a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA (which includes your expected family contribution).

Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship

Each year the Ronald McDonald House Charities awards 25 students with a $2,000 freshman year scholarship.  The awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement activities.

Applications are available at http://www.rmhc.org/rmhc-us-scholarships and must be submitted by January 20 (preferably before).  An essay is required, so get started on your application today.  All supporting materials and documentation must also be submitted by the deadline, so let your college counselor know if you plan to apply.  She will make sure your transcript and recommendations are turned in on time.

See Mrs. Haley if you have any questions.

Scholarships

You may already be registered with FastWeb, but here's a quick list of some 2016 scholarships.  Many deadlines are coming up soon, so you may have to act fast.

Cool and unusual scholarships

Although national or big name scholarships can be a shot in the dark, here are some that you might want to consider.  It's like the lottery: if you don't play, you'll never win.

For the creative type, consider the "Create A Greeting Card" Scholarship Contest.  Applicants must submit an original greeting card design for a chance to win $10,000.  For more details, visit http://www.gallerycollection.com/greeting-cards-scholarship.htm

If you're into social media, the Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge is offering several big prizes to the top three winners who submit a video public service announcement on teen driving safety.
http://www.teendrive365inschool.com/teens/video-challenge

For the worker bee: If you've been working part time during the school year (and not just at Burger King), Burger King might have a scholarship for you.  It might take a little digging, but start here: https://www.cappex.com/scholarship/listings/Burger-King-Scholars-Program/-s-d-2988

Can you create a prom dress out of duck tape? Then this one may be for you! stuckatprom.com

Here's a few more for your consideration:

The Girls Impact the World Scholarship: http://mnstr.me/1R2rHAY

The DietSpotlight Scholarship: http://bit.ly/1P3sUu8

Sun Trust Scholarship (there's no reason not to do this one...you just enter to win: http://bit.ly/17k2ugM

Added Friday afternoon:

For girls interested in STEM, check out the scholarship offered by Cards Against Humanity. To submit, students should "record and upload a public video to YouTube explaining a scientific topics you're passionate about." http://usat.ly/1VJPYNq

What Do YOU Think About Video Surveillance Cameras on College Campus'?

Your thoughtful opinion you could earn you scholarship dollars.  VideoSurveillance.com just launched a $1,000 school scholarship program. They are asking that students submit a 250-300 word essay on surveillance cameras in a college campus setting. The deadline for students to apply is August 1st, 2015. Students can apply directly through our site here: http://www.videosurveillance.com/College-Scholarship-Application.asp.

Better Business Bureau Scholarship

The BBB will award $1,000 scholarships to students in the Class of 2015 based on personal integrity and character, personal achievements, contributions to their school and community, and academic accomplishments.

In addition to the application, students are asked to write  a 500 word essay on "The Importance of Ethics in Business and our Community."  Applications must be postmarked by Friday, April 3.

Please see Mrs. Haley in the college office for the application.

Ned McWherter Scholarship

As we previously posted, the Ned McWherter Scholars Program is intended to encourage academically superior Tennessee high school seniors to attend college in Tennessee. Award amounts are up to $6,000 per academic year (i.e. $3,000 from TSAC and up to $3,000 from the college).  To apply, a student must have a minimum 29 ACT Composite/1280 SAT (Math and Critical Reading only) and a minimum 3.5 GPA, and you must plan on attending college in Tennessee.

If you are interested in applying, you can find the on-line application at http://1.usa.gov/16mA2P6. The application deadline is February 15.

NOTE:  The college office MUST send a 7th semester transcript, so please let us know once you have submitted your application.  Otherwise, you will not be considered.

Also, TSAC has notified us that if you see any "ineligible" notifications in the system to please disregard. Those will disappear once they determine your eligibility.

Crystal Green Memorial Scholarship/Blood Assurance

In 1999, Blood Assurance established a scholarship fund for high school students seeking to better themselves and aspiring to give back to the communities from which they came. 

 

The program offers a total of twelve (1) one-year scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each. Scholarship money is paid directly to each student's college or university for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses as may be required. Based on the institution's academic schedule, scholarship money will be paid on a semester or quarterly basis. Scholarship applicants will be judged on a written application, high school transcript, school and community service, letters of recommendation, and a marketing plan for a blood drive. The completed applications must be postmarked or submitted online by March 31st. 

Visit the Blood Assurance website for more information, and if interested, talk to your college counselor about letters of recommendation.

 

Two New Scholarships

The Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will award academic scholarships to eligible graduating African-American female seniors in Chattanooga area high schools this spring.  If you are interested, please see Mrs. Haley for more information.  The application must be received by February 13, so act soon!

The State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship does not require a high GPA, but rather focuses on students who are leaders and volunteers in their communities and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a 2015 high school senior
• You must have a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.2
• Plan to enroll full time in college next year
• Be a US citizen

For more information and to apply: http://bit.ly/1ymWstZ  The deadline is March 2, 2015.

More Scholarship Opportunities

Calling all seniors!  We received two more scholarship opportunities today, so please read over the criteria and see if you qualify.

1.  The Signal Mountain Lions Charity Student Scholarship Program - First, you must reside in the 37377 zip code area.  Now, if you're still reading, this scholarship is worth up to $3,200 for four years of college ($800 a year).  The award is based on the applicant's financial need and academic achievement.

Please see Mrs. Haley in the college office for an application.  Important Note: You will need a copy of the the Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA, so you cannot submit the scholarship application until that has been completed.  The final deadline for applications is April 15, 2015.

2.  The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (Alpha Xi Chapter) is sponsoring an essay contest for all Tennessee high school students (grades 9-12).  First prizes is $300 with a possible extra $100 from the local chapter.  There are also 2nd and 3rd place monetary prizes.

Here's the essay topic:
     Poetry can often be referred to as the window to one's soul. Read and respond to "The Road Not Taken'" by Robert Frost and explain the central idea or theme of the poem.  You will also need to include a personal connection to the poem, perhaps focusing on making decisions, the abundance of choices one may encounter in life, or the impact of change as one grows older (these are just ideas).

You must turn in your essay to the college office by Friday, February 27, 2015. For more information, see Mrs. Haley.

The Ned McWherter Scholarship Program

The Ned McWherter Scholarship (named after a former Governor) is for Tennessee high school seniors who plan on attending school in the state of Tennessee, and the award is $6,000 per academic year.

To be eligible, seniors must:

• be a Tennessee resident and attend an eligible Tennessee college or university
• have at least an unweighted 3.5 cumulative GPA
• have a minimum composite scores of 29 on the ACT or 1280 on the SAT math and critical reading sections

The application must be accompanied by an official high school transcript and an official ACT/SAT score.  Applicants may receive "extra credit" for honors/AP courses as well as leadership activities.

To access the application, go to http://www.tn.gov/collegepays/mon_college/ned_mc_shcolar.htm
and click on the on-line application button at the top of the page.

Funds are limited, so complete your application as soon as possible. All applications are due by February 15.

National Scholarship Month

November is National Scholarship Month, so if you're looking for a scholarship, here are a couple of sites you might want to investigate.

1.  Fastweb is one of the most often used scholarship search sites. Like any of the reputable websites, it's free too.  You can access a huge data base of scholarships on Fastweb, some of which will require some work, but some are quick and easy to enter.  When I last checked, there was a no-essay, $2,000 scholarship available.  It's a random drawing, but all you have to do is enter to win. Why not?

2.  You can also use bigfuture, sponsored by The College Board.  Like Fastweb, it's free, and the more information you enter, the more possibilities you will discover.

3.  If you want something easy, creative, and fun, try Zinch.  Here are only a few of the scholarships they currently have listed: a "smoke is a second hand killer scholarship," a "can recycling scholarship," and a "poetry slam scholarship.There are weekly scholarship drawings as well.  With scholarships this easy to apply for, the competition might be daunting, but it doesn't hurt to try. You might be a winner too.

And here's a bonus scholarship site:  Scholarships.com.  Similar to Fastweb, it is a free search engine that matches you to scholarships in your area of interest or background.

Remember, your college or university is probably still the best source of money, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort in outside searches, the results can be rewarding.