Jefferson Scholarship to the University of Virginia

2009 – 2010 SCHOLARSHIP NEWSLETTER

September 23, 2009

JEFFERSON SCHOLARSHIP TO THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation seeks to find high school seniors who possess exceptional ability in leadership and scholarship who show promise of making significant contributions to the University community as students and to society at large as graduates. Successful candidates for the Jefferson Scholarship have demonstrated uncommon academic abilities, exceptional leadership talents and an understanding of the broader community around them. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation does require as a condition of nomination that each nominee agree not to make application to a college or university under a binding early decision plan, however any senior who wishes to apply to a college or university under a non- binding plan would be eligible to compete for and win a Jefferson Scholarship. Applying to the University of Virginia is highly encouraged, but not required of nominees.

Eligibility: Graduating senior with an exceptional academic record and demonstrated leadership ability Award Amount: $21,210 (covers the full cost of attending the university) each year How to Apply: Complete the Local/Universal application and return to Ms. McKinnie in the Guidance and Counseling Office. Deadline: Local/Universal application due to Ms. McKinnie October 8, 2009

STUDENT OF INTEGRITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The Better Business Bureau Serving Western Virginia offers the annual “Student of Integrity Award” to honor seniors in the 32 county service area who personify high ethics demonstrated through leadership, community service, overall personal judgment and academic history.

Eligibility: The applicant must:  Be a member of the graduating class  Have a 3.0 GPA Award Amount: $1,000.00 How to Apply: The application and information may be found in the Guidance and Counseling Office in the Scholarship file. Deadline: Postmarked no later than January 30, 2010 AXA ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

The AXA Foundation in Association with the U.S. News & World Report offers college scholarships of $10,000.00 and $25,000.00 to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their activities in school, the community or the workplace. One student from each state will be selected to receive a $10,000.00 scholarship. From among the state recipients, 10 students will receive national awards for a total of $25,000.00 per national recipient.

Eligibility: The applicant must:  Be a US citizen or legal resident  Be a high school senior who plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university fall 2009  Demonstrate ambition and self-drive as evidenced by outstanding achievement in an activity in school, the community, or workplace  Be recommended by an unrelated adult who can attest to the student’s achievement  Describe in detail an outstanding achievement they have accomplished in a non- academic activity or project. The accomplishment may be a long-term achievement or activity or project that occurred in school, community, or workplace. The achievement must be reported by the applicant and supported by the appraisal completed by an adult who is not related to the applicant. How to Apply: The application may be found on line at www.axa-achievment.com or in the Guidance Department Scholarship file. Deadline: December 15, 2009

COMCAST LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program funded through the Comcast Foundation, recognizes high school seniors from Comcast communities for their commitment to community service, academics, and demonstrated leadership.

Eligibility: The applicant must:  Have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher  Demonstrate leadership abilities in school activities or through work experience  Have strong commitment to and involvement in community service  Plan to attend an accredited, nonprofit college, university, or vocational/technical school in the United States Award Amount: $1,000.00 How to Apply: Complete the Local Universal Application located in the Guidance and Counseling Office Scholarship file. Return the completed application to Ms. McKinnie by October 30. Deadline: October 30, 2009

BOSTON UNIVERSITY TRUSTEE SCHOLARSHIP COMPETION

The Boston University Trustee Scholarship Program has attracted students with outstanding academic ability and the potential to inspire fellow student to excel. Trustee Scholars are selected by a faculty committee from a pool of applicants who have been nominated by principals. Each scholar receives a renewable scholarship covering undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for four years. Trustee Scholars 2 are typically in the top ten percent of their class and are also very active leaders in their schools and communities.

Eligibility: The applicant must:  Graduate in the top 5 to 10 percent of their graduating class  Be very active leaders in their school and community Award Amount: Renewable scholarship covering undergraduate tuition and fees How to Apply: Information can be found at www.bu.edu/admissions/trustee Deadline: December 1, 2009

DAVIDSON COLLEGE – THE JOHN MONTGOMERY BELK SCHOLARSHIP

The John Montgomery Belk Scholarship recognizes and rewards students of demonstrated outstanding intellectual and personal achievement and significant leadership ability. The scholarship is annually renewable and provides the equivalent of the college’s annual fees (tuition, fees, room and board valued at $45,030 for the 2009-10 year). Each scholar receives two summer stipends (up to $3000 per stipend) to pursue international study and other enrichment activities.

Eligibility: The applicant must be a graduating senior with an exemplary academic record with the attributes of integrity, intellectual enthusiasm and excellence, global awareness, and leadership ability and potential. Award Amount: Approximately $196,000 How to Apply: Complete the Local/Universal application and return to Ms. McKinnie in the Guidance and Counseling Office. Deadline: October 20, 2009

ROANOKE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

The Roanoke Scholars Program was designed to recognize and reward achievement and leadership ability. Scholar applicants who are selected as semifinalist and invited to compete on campus will receive a $500 scholarship, totaling $2000 for four years.

Award Amounts: The William Beard Scholarship Value: $170,000 and covers full tuition, room and board for four years The David Bittle Scholarship Value: $127,000 and covers full tuition The Christopher Baughman Scholarship Value: $18,000 for four years The Julius Dreher Scholarship Value: $6,000 for four years The John Morehead Scholarship Value: $4,000 for four years How to Apply: Visit Roanoke College website at www.roanoke.edu/scholars Deadline: October 12 for November competition January 8 for the February and March competition

COCA-COLA SCHOLARS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP 3 Scholarship provided by the Coca-Cola Foundation to provide support to students of various academic disciplines. The award based on character, personal merit, academic achievement and motivation to succeed and serve. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate strong leadership in school, civic and extracurricular activities,

Eligibility: The applicant must:  Be a graduating senior  Have a 3.0 GPA Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution . Award Amount: National scholars - $20,000.00, Regional scholars - $10,000.00 How to Apply: Apply at www.coca-colascholars.org Deadline: October 31, 2009

HORATIO ALGER ASSOCATION SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship program provides financial assistance to students who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity.

Eligibility: The applicant must be enrolled full time as a high school student, progressing toward graduation in spring/summer 2010 committed to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution and be a United States citizenship. Students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution. There must be a critical financial need ($50,000 or less adjusted gross income per family, if higher explanation must be provided. The applicant must be involvement in co-curricular and community activities and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Award Amount: Range in award value from $2500 to $20,000. How to Apply: Submit an online application at www.horatioalger.com/scholarhips or contact the Association at [email protected] . Deadline: October 30, 2009.

THE GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provide scholarships to outstanding low income African Americans, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest.

Eligibility: The applicant must:  Be African American, American Indian/Alaska Native (tribal enrollment), Asian Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American  Be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the U.S.A.  Have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 on an neighed 4.0 scale  Be enrolling at a accredited U.S. college or university as a full time student  Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities  Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria Award Amount: Scholars will receive funds in an amount to be determined by the 4 Gates foundation on the bases of financial need How to Apply: Applications can be found and submitted online at www.gmsp.org Deadline: January 11, 2010 SAE INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP

SAE Engineering Scholarship recognizes the contribution made by engineers in improving the quality of our lives. In recognition of the important contributions made by engineers in improving the quality of our lives, particularly those related to mobility, SAE is proud to be able to offer a number of scholarships to qualified students who are interested in the study of engineering and related sciences. These scholarships are made possible by the support of the corporate and academic community

Eligibility: Applicant must be a high school senior How to Apply: Details and application can be found at www.sae.org/students/engschlr.htm Deadline: December 1, 2009

SUNTRUST OFF TO COLLEGE SWEEPSTAKES

One winner will be chosen every two week beginning October 31, 2009. Only one entry per person for each drawing Students can register after each drawing for the next scheduled drawing.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a high school senior and eligibility is not based GPA or financial need Award Amount: $1,000 How to Apply: Apply at offtocollege.info or suntrusteducation.com Deadline: May 14, 2010

THE RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM:

The Ron Brown Scholar Program is a national program that awards scholarships to academically talented, highly motivated African-American high school seniors who intend to pursue undergraduate degrees fulltime. These scholarships are reserved for exceptional individuals who share Brown’s traits of excellence, leadership, commitment to public service, and desire to make a difference.

Eligibility: The program seeks to identify students who will make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others. Award Amount: Each year a minimum of ten students will be designated Ron Brown Scholars and will receive $10,000 annually for four years. How to Apply: Applications are on file in the Guidance Department Scholarship file or online at www.ronbrown.org Deadline: November 1, 2009 – to be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program and to have your application materials forwarded to a select and limited number of additional scholarship providers. January 9, 2010 – to be considered for only the Ron Brown Scholar Program

DR. SEUSS’S OH, THE PLACE YOU’LL GO SCHOLARSHIP

5 Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go College Scholarship recognizes a high school senior who understands and values the limitless possibilities that education can offer.

Eligibility: The applicant must:  Be a graduating senior  Write an original literary composition Award Amount: $5,000 How to Apply: Applications are located in the scholarship file in the Guidance and Counseling Office or at www.ohtheplaces.org Deadline: February 15, 2010

BENJAMIN A. GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Gilman Scholarship Program offers competitive awards for undergraduate study abroad and was established in the International Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.

Eligibility: The applicant must:  Enroll as an undergraduate student at a two or four-year U.S. Institution Be aU.S. citizen  Be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or during the term of study  Be participating in a study abroad program that is no less than 4 weeks or no more than an academic year  Receiving academic credit Award Amount: $3,000 to $5,000 How to Apply: Apply online at www.iie.org/gilman Deadline: October 6, 2009 and April 6, 2010 for Summer 2010 abroad

EMORY SCHOLARS PROGRAM The Emory Scholars Program is one of the prestigious merit-based scholarship programs in American higher education at Emory University. The awards spans four years of undergraduate study. Scholars may participate in an extensive program of educational enrichment.

Eligibility: Students, who have outstanding records of academic achievement, Possess extra-ordinary personal qualities, and who have made significant contributions to their class, their school, and their community Award Amount: Two - thirds tuition to full tuition, room, board, and fees How to Apply: Please see Ms. McKinnie and you may visit the website at www.emory.edu/scholarsprogram Deadline: November 1, 2009

6 THE AMERICAN LEGION HIGH SCHOOL ORATORICAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The purpose of the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States.

Eligibility: Participants must be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of United States, under 20 years of age, enrolled in high school, and domiciled in the state they enter competition. Award Amount: First place State Scholarship $1,100.00, 2nd and 3rd place $600.00 First place National Scholarship $18,000; 2nd place - $16,000; 3rd place - $14,000 How to Apply: Please see Ms. McKinnie Deadline: District contests are to be completed in January, following the local Post contest

2009 SHOUT IT OUT SCHOLARSHIP

Winners will be chosen based on their responses (250 words or less) to the given topic: “if you were given a 60-second commercial spot on television that would air during the presidential debates, what message would you shout out to America?”

Eligibility: Students must be 13 years of age or older and legal residents of the United States Award Amount: $1,000.00 How to Apply: Apply online at: http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx Deadline: Before September 30, 2009

EDUCATION MATTERS $5K SCHOLARSHIP

The winner will be chosen from the best responses (in 250 words or less) to the following online topic: “What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?”

Eligibility: Must be a resident of the United States and 13 years of age or older and must have completed a scholarship profile on www.scholarshipexperts.com Award Amount: $5,000.00 How to Apply: Apply online at http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx Deadline: October 31, 2009

AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The American Chemical Society Scholars Program funds a scholarship program for individuals going into a field of chemical science.

Eligibility: US citizen or permanent resident, high school African – American, Latin, Native American senior, enrolling as a fulltime freshman, sophomore, or junior majoring in chemical sciences at accredited colleges/universities Must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and have financial need. Award Amount: $2,500 How to Apply: Visit website www.acs.org/scholarss or call 1-800-227-5558 ext. 6250 7 Deadline: February 1, 2010

APS MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The American Physical Society provides funds for African-American, Hispanic, or Native American US citizens to support study in the major of physics.

Eligibility: Must be African-American, Hispanic or Native American US citizen or permanent resident who is a high school senior and planning to major in physics. Award Amount: $2,000.00 How to Apply: Visit www.aps.org for an application Deadline: Applications will be available November 2009

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES/AFRICAN AMERICAN FUTURE ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Scholarship program sponsored for students who have one parent of African-American origin.

Eligibility: Applicant must have one parent of African-American origin, US US citizen or legal resident and graduating from high school who will be eligible to enroll in and attend and accredited institution of higher learning in the US. Award Amount: Starts at $1,000.00 How to Apply: Visit the website for participating markets at www.rmhc.org Applications will be available for download on November 9. Deadline: February 15, 2010

SAM WALTON COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP WALMART FOUNDATION

Scholarship program sponsored by the Wal-mart Foundation

Eligibility: Must be a high school senior planning to attend a two-year or four year college/university. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 Award Amount: $1,000.00 non-renewable How to Apply: Call 866-851-3372

ARMY ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS

Army ROTC enrolls well-rounded students with the proven ability to set goals and achieve high standards of excellence in academics, fitness and leadership in their schools and communities

Eligibility: US citizen, SAT or ACT taken by November of the year you apply, good grades, participation in extra curricular and athletic activities ( or part-time job), meet physical standards, army Approved major

Award Amount: Students may be eligible for merit-based, full-tuition, and annual 8 Stipend of up to $5,000.00, plus allowances for books and fees.

How to Apply: Visit the website at armyrotc.com

Scholarship Websites

The websites below provide outstanding scholarship links. www.scholarship4students.com Free scholarship searchable database www.scholarshipexperts.com Free scholarship searchable database www.fastweb.com Free scholarship searchable database MeritAid.com Free source for merit scholarships from colleges across the county

Scholarship Tips

1. Apply for every scholarship that you feel you might have a chance to win. Do not limit yourself to the large awards. If you are eligible for several small awards, apply for them. They can add up. 2. Search for scholarship at the colleges you are applying 3. Meet all deadlines. Do not underestimate the amount of time that it may take to complete an application. 4. Search free scholarship databases. Start using the databases listed in the Scholarship Newsletter today. 5. Be aware of scholarship scams. They can be avoided. 6. Do not pay to get money for college. . 7. Do not pay to register on a scholarship database. Scholarship information is and has always been public information. The fee services build their database from public information. Don’t pay a fee when you can search for free.

Don’t Pay for Help to Find Money for College Commercial financial aid advice services can cost well over $1,000. You might have heard or seen these claims at seminars, over the phone from telemarketers, or online:

 "Buy now or miss this opportunity." Don't give in to pressure tactics. Remember, the “opportunity” is a chance to pay for information you could find yourself for free.  “We guarantee you’ll get aid.” A company could claim it fulfilled its promise if you were offered student loans or a $200 scholarship. Is that worth a fee of $1,000 or more?

9  “I’ve got aid for you; give me your credit card or bank account number.” Never give out a credit card or bank account number unless you know the organization you are giving it to is legitimate. You could be putting yourself at risk of identity theft. For tips on avoiding identity theft, see “Save Your Identity.” (U.S. Department of Education)

Don’t Pay for the FAFSA Several Web sites offer help filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for a fee. These sites are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. We urge you not to pay these sites for assistance that is provided free elsewhere. The official FAFSA is at www.fafsa.ed.gov and you can get free help from  the financial aid administrator at your college;  the FAFSA’s online help at www.fafsa.ed.gov; and  the Federal Student Aid Information Center).

If you are asked for your credit card information while filling out the FAFSA online, you are not at the official government site. Remember, the FAFSA site address has .gov in it! (U.S. Department of Education)

Save Your Identity (Keep Your Information Safe)

How Does Identity Theft Happen? Criminals gain access to personal data such as names, Social Security numbers, and bank and credit card information. Using the stolen data, the criminal can fraudulently obtain credit cards; establish cellular phone accounts, and more.

Reduce Your Risk When Applying for Aid  After completing the FAFSA online, exit the application and close the browser; any cookies created during your session will be deleted automatically.  Don’t tell anyone your Federal Student Aid PIN, even if that person is helping you fill out the FAFSA.  Review your financial aid award documents and keep track of the amounts applied for and awarded.  Never give personal information over the phone or Internet unless you made the contact. If you have questions about a solicitation or about your student loan account, call 1-800-4-FED-AID.  Federal Student Aid securely stores your information on the National Student Loan Data System. However, if you complete or even request a student loan application from a lender, you may be granting the lender permission to access your file. Before providing personal information to an organization, review its privacy policy.  Shred receipts and documents with personal information if they are no longer needed.  Immediately report all lost or stolen identification to the issuer and to the police, if appropriate. (U.S. Department of Education)

Report Fraud and Identity Theft Report Financial Aid Fraud A company charging for financial aid advice is not committing fraud unless it doesn’t deliver what it promises. For more information about financial aid fraud or to report fraud, call the Federal Trade Commission toll free at 1-877- FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or go to www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams.