SSIS College Spotlight: State and National Scholarships
volume 2, issue 3. Fall 2016
volume 2, issue 3. Fall 2016
Dear Seniors and Families,
It is true, after the expected family contribution, most financial aid comes from a college’s financial package: grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. However, this should not deter you from seeking out outside scholarships. This Spotlight focuses those scholarships coming from state and national sources.
If you are looking to reduce the cost of college, do not overlook non-college scholarship opportunities. Some are merit based, some need-based, and some depend on a specific area of interest or even location. Award amounts range broadly. Small amounts can add up. You do need to be aware that these monies will be taken into consideration by your college when presenting you with your final financial package, but for many families the net benefit of obtaining scholarship funds cannot be overstated, especially as the first thing to go is loans!
A separate Spotlight will target local scholarships.
As always, feel free to make use of the SSIS College Counseling office and me! I am available to you by appointment during Flex and after school.
Best always,
Caroline
Your College Counselor
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WASHINGTON STATE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (residents only)
OCTOBER 25
Horatio Alger Washington Scholarship (Award: $10,000). For a Washington State student with financial need who has shown integrity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
DECEMBER 1
Washington State Need Grant (Award: $3,500 – $9,500 depending in which college the student enrolls). For Washington State students with significant financial need enrolling in an eligible Washington State college or university. For consideration, complete the FAFSA early.
DECEMBER 15
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards: Washington State Affiliate (Awards: $500 – $1,000).
JANUARY 13
Pride Foundation Scholarships (Award: $10,000). For Washington State LGBTQ students who are committed to social justice.
FEBRUARY 26
NSHSS Tesoro Youth Leadership Awards (Award: $2,500). For high achieving students who demonstrate leadership and financial need.
FEBRUARY 28
Leadership 1000 Scholarship — Sponsored by College Success Foundation Washington State (Award: $2,500 – $5,000). For a student with financial need attending an eligible Washington State college or university.
FEBRUARY 29
Washington State Opportunities Scholarship (Award: $2,500 – $7,500). For students pursuing science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or health care at an eligible Washington State college or university.
MARCH 1
Washington State Scholarship Foundation (Award: $2,500 – $5,000). For students with significant financial need for the freshman year.
MARCH 15
McMenamin & McMenamin Washington Community Scholarship (Award: $2,500). For the student who creates a 90-second YouTube video on a topic pertaining to the value and support of one’s immediate community.
MARCH 18
Washington State Association for Justice High School Scholarship (Award: $2,000). For students submitting an essay or 60-second video based on a prompt concerning justice or who is a high-achiever who also has been challenged by an injury or disability.
MARCH 20
Sub Pop Loser Scholarship (Awards: $3,000 – $7,000). For artistic students who self-identify as a “Northwest arts-enthused misfit” who takes pride in creative pursuits whether they fail or succeed.
APRIL 30
Celebrate the West Art Competition (Award: $1,000). For students submitting an “original two-dimensional artwork inspired by their state or informed by living in the West. Students may draw ideas from a variety of sources, including state history, landmarks, natural resources, National Parks and Monuments, people, communities, and culture.”
APRIL 30
Pickett Law Firm Scholarship for Students Who Give Back (Award: $2,500). For a student submitting a 30-120 second video related to the topic of giving back.
APRIL 30
Henry & Joyce Sumid Scholarship (Award: $5,000). For a student pursing theater arts.
MAY 30
National Council of Jewish Women, Seattle Section (Award: partial tuition scholarships). For a Jewish male or female student with strong Jewish or secular community bond, special skill or talent, enrolling in an eligible Washington State college or university.
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARD OPPORTUNITIES
SEPTEMBER 20
Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology (Award: $1,000 – $100,000). For an individual or small team of students pursing a research project related to math, science, and/or technology.
SEPTEMBER 27
Questbridge College Match Scholarship (Award: 4-years full tuition at a highly selective college). For outstanding, low-income students. Common characteristics: household income below $65,000 for a family of four, qualifying for free or reduced lunch, 3.8 GPA, high SAT/ACT, often first-generation to a 4-year college.
SEPTEMBER 30
Digital Responsibility Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship (Award: $1,000). For a student willing to write a short, compelling essay on the subject.
OCTOBER 2
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards (Award: $1,000 – $3,000). For talented Latino youth going into fields such as business, health, education, and mathematics.
OCTOBER 25
Horatio Alger National Scholarship (Award: $25,000). For a student with financial need who has shown integrity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
NOVEMBER 8
Prudential Spirit of Community Award (Award: $!,000 – $5,000). For students who serve their communities, whether locally, nationally or internationally.
NOVEMBER 13
Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships — sponsored by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (Allegra Award: $2,500 / Anne Ford Award: $10,000 over 4 years). For strong students with documented learning disabilities and/or ADHD.
NOVEMBER 30
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (Award: $40,000 for 4 years as well as advising). For high-performing students with financial need. Common characteristics: median adjusted household income of $33,000, 3.8 GPA, high SAT/ACT, involvement in research, service, leadership, the arts or athletics, nearly half are first-generation to a 4-year college.
DECEMBER 2
National Space Club Keynote Scholarship (Award: $10,000). For students who are passionate about going into a STEM field and whose interest is in space.
DECEMBER 2
Letters About Literature Contest — sponsored by the Library of Congress and state libraries (Award: $125 – $1,000). For students who compose a letter to an author (alive or not) whose book changed the student’s view of the world or him/herself.
DECEMBER 5
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship (Award: $5,000). For students who engage in the fight against hunger.
DECEMBER 15
Burger King McLamore Foundation Scholarship (Award: $1,000 – $50,000). For students with high GPAs who also are engaged in extracurricular activities, work experience, and community service.
DECEMBER 15
AXA Achievement Scholarship (Award: $2,500 – $25,000). For high-achieving students who demonstrate determination and the ability to succeed in college with an interest in careers whether through education or action that address risk-mitigation regarding the environment, finance, health, safety or emergency preparedness.
JANUARY 4
John F. Kennedy Profiles In Courage Essay Contest (Award: $100 – $20,000). For a student interested in researching and writing about a publicly elected official who exemplifies courage.
JANUARY 19
Point Foundation Scholarship (Award: variable—as much as $10,000). For individuals, regardless of nationality, who are active in the LGBTQ community.
FEBRUARY 15
P.L.A.Y. Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship (Award: $1,000). for a student who is passionate about helping rescue animals or other animal welfare cause.
FEBRUARY 23
Society of Professional Journalists/JEA High School Essay Contest (Award: $300 – $1,000). For students submitting a winning essay on a topic related to the importance of an independent media.
FEBRUARY 29
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program (Award: $25,000 — renewable over 4-years with a 3.0 GPA). For a student interested in the automotive industry and pursuing a related college major in the fields of engineering, mathematics or design.
MARCH 15
AFSA/Building Peace Through Diplomacy National High School Essay Contest (Award: up to $2,500 + a Semester at Sea). For students who are interested in world diplomacy and willing to take on the persona of a foreign service member with the task of writing a memo to an Ambassador outlining the roots, consequences, and possible solution to a crisis.
MARCH 15
Youth Free Expression Film Contest — Sponsored by the National Coalition Against Censorship (Award: $250 – $1,000 top winner receives $5,000 towards attending the NY Film Academy). For a student who creates a 4-minute film on a topic related to free speech.
JULY 1
Harold E. Ennes/Robert D. Greenberg Scholarships from the Society of Broadcast Engineers (Award: $1,500). For students interested in the technical aspects of broadcasting.