Scholarship+and+Financial+Aid+Information

//**__ATTENTION SENIORS:__**// All students who are in need of financial aid for their post-secondary endeavors need to file the FAFSA-(Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can apply on-line at [|www.fafsa.ed.gov]. If you are staying in state for college, the deadline to file to be eligible for Maryland State Aid is March 1. Please stop in to the guidance office if you have any questions. Be sure to check out the scholarship table link for additional scholarship opportunities. The scholarships listed below are mainly from previous years, but they are typically awarded annually and the information will be updated as I receive current information. Students will be been given various resources to use to begin their scholarship search (as juniors). Please be sure to refer to those resources in addition to the following opportunities (as I mentioned, most of these awards are past date, but scholarships are often renewed each year so it can still be helpful to review them). Seniors are given the new Cecil County Guide to Financial Aid booklets in November. These books contain local, national, regional, state scholarship information and more. For additional information regarding federal student aid programs, the United States Department of Education has provided a link where parents and students can get detailed information ( [|www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide] ).

If you have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and you have critical financial need, check out this program. Other requirements: 2.0 GPA and involvement in activities. Go to [|www.horatioalger.org//scholarships]. Deadline: October 25.
 * HORATIO ALGER SCHOLARSHIP –updated for 2012-2013 **


 * MEYERHOFF SCHOLARS PROGRAM-updated for 2012-2013 **

Seniors who are interested in a STEM major, have outstanding SAT scores and who would be willing to attend a 6-week residential Summer Bridge Program prior to freshman year, should see Mrs. Moore in guidance regarding a scholarship opportunity for UMBC. See Mrs. Moore by October 10th if you are interested.


 * SUNTRUST OFF TO COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP SWEEPSTAKES-updated for 2012-2013 **

$1000 scholarship for high school seniors. Free to enter, and eligibility is not based on GPA or financial need - just random chance. There are 15 chances to win, with one winner chosen every two weeks from October 26 through May 10. Students can begin registering September 14. Only one entry per person for each drawing - but you can register for each drawing. For more info or to register, go to [|www.offtocollege.info]or [|www.suntrusteducation.com].

Go to: [|www.gallerycollection.com/greeting-cards-scholarship.htm] for more information and to apply. The deadline is January 16, 2013.
 * The 6th Annual Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest **

Abbott and Fenner Business Consultants are awarding $1000 scholarships to students on the basis of an essay. Full details are available at [|www.abbottandfenner.com]. Deadline: ** June 14, 2013. ** Additional scholarship opportunities can also be found at the website above.
 * ABBOTT AND FENNER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM-updated for 2012-2013 **


 * Check out StudentScholarships.org for additional scholarship opportunities such as: **

-What Makes your School Rock Scholarship (deadline: Oct 22, 2012) -Youth Activity Fund Student Grants (deadline: Nov 1, 2012) -Free Speech Essay Contest (deadline: Nov 25, 2012) -Carrington Dental Centre Scholarship (deadline: Dec 15, 2012) -RMHC U.S. Scholarships (deadline: Dec 20, 2012)

**__ General Scholarship Information __** //**__ATTENTION SENIORS:__**//

Most scholarship opportunities for high school students are for seniors, but students and parents can review last year's information below in order to have a good idea of what to expect during senior year. Students will be been given various resources to use to begin their scholarship search (as juniors). Please be sure to refer to those resources in addition to the following opportunities (as I mentioned, most of these awards are past date, but scholarships are often renewed each year so it can still be helpful to review them). Seniors are given the new Cecil County Guide to Financial Aid booklets in November. These books contain local, national, regional, state scholarship information and more. For additional information regarding federal student aid programs, the United States Department of Education has provided a link where parents and students can get detailed information ( [|www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide] ). Also, be sure to check out the websites listed below and the link to the right labeled "scholarship table" for more scholarship information.

**// Useful websites for additional financial aid and college planning information: //**

College.gov ** [|www.college.gov] ** This website is designed to motivate high school students with inspirational stories and information about planning, preparing,and paying for college.

Student Aid on the Web ** [|www.studentaid.ed.gov] ** At this U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website you can… •• Find detailed information on Federal Student Aid programs; research school and career choices; learn about the entire federal student aid process, eligibility, and the application process; and access other Federal Student Aid websites and publications online. •• Create a “MyFSA,” a federal student aid personalized folder to help you decide on a career, research schools, and find scholarships. Track your progress in the college planning and application process and access other sources of nonfederal aid.

// FAFSA on the Web // ** [|www.fafsa.ed.gov/] ** Apply for federal student aid online using FAFSA on the Web (the online version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA)

Military ** [|www.studentaid.ed.gov/military] ** If you are in the armed forces or have a family member in the service, visit this site to find out more about grants, repayment, and forgiveness options.

National Student Loan Data SystemSM (NSLDSSM) ** [|www.nslds.ed.gov] ** Use your personal identification number, called Federal Student Aid PIN, to access all your federal student loan

__** Important Financial Aid Information specific to Maryland **__ Seniors—Make sure to log on to MD CAPS ( [|https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us]) at least once every couple of weeks once you complete your FAFSA in order to see if you have qualified for any Maryland only scholarships. You must log in to MD CAPS and accept your awards in a timely matter or you will not be able to receive them. Refer to the website and explanation below for additional information.

MD CAPS is MHEC's new comprehensive financial aid system that allows us to process state scholarship applications and allocate funds more efficiently using today's technology. It replaces our old Student Inquiry system. To use MD CAPS, you must first create a Student Login Profile and then click the activation link in the message sent to your email account. To create a profile, go to [|https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us]. Then create a student log in. ** What features does MD CAPS offer? ** If you need assistance you may email the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at osfamail@mhec.state.md.us or call OSFA Toll-Free at 1-800-974-1024 or 410-260-4565. ** Maryland Higher Education Commission **  ** Office of Student Financial Assistance **  ||   ||   ||   ||
 * ||  ||   ||   ||  ** What is the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MD CAPS)? **
 * Apply On-Line for certain scholarship programs
 * Check your To Do List
 * Check your Application Status
 * See if MHEC has received your FAFSA
 * Accept or Decline Awards
 * Check Award and Payment Status
 * Transfer and Add Schools
 * Change Enrollment Status
 * Change Housing Status
 * Update Your Contact Information and more!

Chatham University—Rachel Carson Book Award Chatham University is advertising an opportunity for a student to be honored with a Rachel Carson Book Award. The Book Award is an inscribed copy of Rachel Carson’s //Silent Spring,// along with a $1,000 renewable scholarship to Chatham University if the student enrolls as a full-time undergraduate. The student who receives the Book Award should be a young woman who is a junior who demonstrates promise in the study of science and English and is deeply concerned about the environment. If this describes you and you are even somewhat interested in attending Chatham University, please see Mrs. Moore for more information.

__ Do Something Invites Applications for Six Flags Friends Scholarships  __ Do Something has teamed up with Six Flags Friends to award college scholarships to young leaders who are taking action to make their community (local and/or globally) a better place. Scholarships will be awarded based on past, current, and planned action in the community as well as the applicant's passion, commitment, and proven leadership skills. The applicant must be 25 years of age or younger, and a U.S. or Canadian citizen. A recommendation from a non-family member is required for application.

Six scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded Visit the Do Something Web site for complete program guidelines **Deadline:** April 30, 2010 Please check out the following website for more information: []
 * Posted:** April 7, 2010

Wendy’s 2014 High School Heisman Award – Athletics and Citizenship (Updated for 2014-2015) The award is meant for both male and female students who exhibit excellence in the classroom, on the field and within their communities (this is a recognition award as opposed to a scholarship).
 * General Information:**


 * Deadline and Eligibility:**
 * Eligibility**: Eligibility is limited exclusively to men and women entering their senior year of high school in the 2014-2015 academic year who have at least a “B” average and participate in at least one school-sponsored sport.

As many students can apply who meet the criteria For more information and to register, visit the following website: [|**www.wendyheisman.com**]. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please email **wendys@act.org**
 * Deadline:** Completed Applications are due by 5:00 pm central time on October 3rd, 2014. **__Important:__** Each student who applies must have their online application reviewed and confirmed online by a school representative**, so be sure to inform Mrs. Moore if you are applying and to identify her as your school representative who will review your application when you apply.**

** Ron Brown Scholar Program (Updated for 2010-2011) ** The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify African-American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need. The applicant must be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card. **Application Deadline:** The Ron Brown Scholar Program currently has two deadlines for applications (students must be current high school seniors at the time of their application): **November 1st** - application will be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program AND forwarded to a select and limited number of additional scholarship providers. **January 9th** - final postmarked deadline in order to be considered for only the Ron Brown Scholar Program ONLY. Visit [|www.ronbrown.org] for more information and to apply.

**Award Opportunity through Club Z!**

Interested students have the opportunity to apply for the Club Z! Annual Achievement Award. It is open to grades 5-12 and the deadline to enter is November 12th. The award allows students to showcase their talents and abilities for a chance to win up to $10,000 for school. Whether they've shown strong character in the classroom, overcome obstacles at school or has shown leadership among their peers.

For more information contact: Jennifer McKee Club Z! Area Director 410-287-8898 [[@http://www.clubztutoring.com/success4less|[|www.clubztutoring.com/success4less]]]

Annual Scholarship Awards – 2010

General Information

The winner(s) of this annual scholarship will receive their award within 2 weeks of the listed deadline. All applicants should include their full name and mailing address with their submissions.
 * Abbott & Fenner** are committed to continuing our efforts at helping those who have the desire and ambition to succeed.

Deadline and Eligibility


 * RENEWED DEADLINE: June 19, 2010**

· The A&F Scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post secondary institution. · Between the ages of 16 and 30 Application Procedure for 2010
 * AWARD VALUE: $1,000**

To apply for this scholarship you will need to write an essay on the topic below. The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at: **//scholarships@abbottandfenner.com//**


 * //• What do you see as the long term impact of our current recession on the average family? How might it affect their future decisions?//**

SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST-updated for 2010-2011

The Gallery Collection's 4th Annual Create-A-Greeting-Card $10,000 Scholarship Contest <[]> has officially begun. We are offering students a chance to win $10,000 towards their education plus a $1,000 award for their school! With all the recent budget cuts, every bit helps.

Entering the contest is easy! Students must submit a unique photo, piece of artwork, or computer graphic for the front of a greeting card. The student with the best design will win a $10,000 scholarship and have his/her design made into an actual card to be sold in our line.

For more information, visit the website below. The Gallery Collection's 4th Annual Create-A-Greeting-Card $10,000 Scholarship Contest < [] >
 * Deadline: January 15, 2011 **

More General Information--FINANCIAL AID: SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, LOANS Financial Aid comes in three types: scholarships and grants (do not have to be repaid), and loans (do have to be repaid). Most scholarship money comes from the individual schools to which you apply. These scholarships are usually based on grades or talent (athletic or artistic). Grant money can also come from the schools or from the federal government. Grants are typically based on financial need. Loans can come from the federal government or from individual banks. Some loans are based on financial need, but pretty much anyone can get a loan for college. Student loans have a limit placed on them – parent loans do not. In addition to the aid provided by the schools and the government, there are scholarship contests. These are administered by various organizations, and can be based on need, grades, talent, service, or a combination of all of these.

How are you considered for financial aid? To be considered for scholarships, grants, or loans, parents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This must be done as soon as you can after you receive your W-2 information for 2010, but no later than March 1, 2011. Some schools have a February 1 deadline for aid consideration. Once you have been accepted to a school and filed the FAFSA, you will automatically be considered for any scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study programs that they have. But don’t miss deadlines, because once the money is given away, you won’t get it, even if you qualify for it.

For more information about the FAFSA, go to [|www.fafsa.ed.gov]. On this site, there is a financial aid calculator where you can estimate what your “Estimated Family Contribution” (EFC) will be. You can also apply for a PIN number so that when the time comes, you can file the FAFSA online. The PIN serves as your electronic signature. Be careful to avoid the fafsa.com website – it is a scam.

There is another financial aid form that may benefit some students. It is called CSS/Profile and is available through the College Board. This service is used by some colleges and scholarship programs, and allows you to submit information about family debt (the FAFSA doesn’t consider debt – just income, assets, and number of students in college). To find out more about this program and to see if it is right for you, go to [|https://profileonline.collegeboard.com]. There is a fee for using this service, but it may qualify you for more aid if you are applying to participating schools.

For the most information about Financial Aid, come to the Financial Aid night during your senior year which will be held in December (specific date to be announced). Kate Lockhart, the Financial Aid Director at Cecil College, will be there to explain it all. She is our local expert, and will even sit down with parents individually and walk them through the entire process – whether you are interested in Cecil or not. Also, check out FastWeb.com publications: //Quick Guide to Financial Aid Terms, FAFSA: Step by Step, Introduction to the Student Aid Report (SAR), Scholarship Guide, Scholarship Scams Tip Sheet.//

For scholarship contest information, keep reading the newsletters that Mrs. Moore distributes and/or check the website: [|www.ccps.org/ehs] > Guidance > Junior News. Another excellent source of financial aid information is the Cecil County Counselors’ Financial Aid Guide. Students received a copy of this publication at school. Next year’s edition will be distributed to all seniors around November.