SCHOLARSHIPS

Make sure to check the Counseling Center Bulletin each week for the most up to date scholarship information!

  • HSF Scholar Program

    • Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving Latino students ‒ Can apply as early as senior year of high school

    ‒ Annual scholarship, must reapply and compete each year

    Timeline
    • Phase 1 opens: January 1st
    • Phase 1 Deadline: February 15
    • Finalist Phase: March
    • Notification: June
    • Documents submission: June-September • Award: October-December

  • • CreatemyHSFprofileonHSF.net

    Award

  • • Ranges from $500-$5,000

  • The Gates Scholarship

    Website: thegatesscholarship.org

    The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to 300 of these student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.

    Total Award

    • Selected Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance to earn a bachelor’s degree, that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university. Costs covered include tuition, fees, books, room and board, and may include additional personal costs.


    The Gates Scholarship

    Basic Eligibility

    To apply, a student must be:

    • A high school senior

    • From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American

    • Pell-eligible

    • A US citizen, national, or permanent resident

    • In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

      Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university

  • Voice of Democracy “Why My Vote Matters”

    • Website:https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and- Education/Voice-of-Democracy-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf?v=1&d=20200428T134713Z&la=en

    Merit-Based Scholarship

    • Audio essay on a patriotic topic
      ‒ This year’s topic is: “America: Where do we go from here?”

    • Awarded at Post, District, state and national level

    • Top award is $30,000. Over $2 million in scholarships awarded each year. • Deadline:October31,2021

    • Eligibility
      ‒ 9-12 grade
      ‒ Enrolled in public, private, parochial, or home school in the US
      ‒ US citizens or permanent residents (intending to become citizen as early as law permits)

    • Requirements:
      ‒ 3-5 minute essay on audio CD or flash drive (one per student) ‒ Submit an entry form 

12 TIPS TO WINNING SCHOLARSHIPS

1. Start searching for scholarships as soon as possible. Don't wait until the spring of your senior year in high school to start searching, or you'll miss half the deadlines. There are many scholarships available to students in grades K-11, not just high school seniors. Continue searching for scholarships even after you are enrolled in college.

2. Use a free scholarship matching service like Fastweb.com. The Fastweb database is updated daily and the site will email you notifications of new scholarships that match your personal background profile.

3. Answer all of the optional questions on a scholarship matching web site for about twice as many matches.

4. Look for local scholarships on bulletin boards near the guidance counselor or financial aid offices, or the library's jobs and careers section. Also look in the coupon section of the Sunday newspaper. Improve grades for more matches.

5. To win more scholarships, apply to every scholarship for which you are eligible. It's a numbers game. Even among talented students, winning involves a bit of luck, not just skill. Pursue less competitive scholarships, such as small awards and essay contests. They are easier to win and help you win bigger scholarships. You can't win if you don't apply. It gets easier after your first 6 applications. Essays can be reused and tailored to each new application.

6. Don't miss deadlines. Use checklists to get organized.

7. Tailor your application to the sponsor's goals. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

8. If you have difficulty writing essays, record yourself as you answer the question out loud and transcribe the recording. Most people think and speak faster than they can write or type. Write an outline afterward to organize your thoughts.

9. Personalize your essay and be passionate. Write about something of interest to you. Make your application stand out from the crowd. Talk about your impact on other people. Give examples and be specific.

10. Google your name to ensure that you have a professional online presence. Use a clean email address, such as firstname.lastname@gmail.com. Review your Facebook account, removing inappropriate and immature material.

11. Proofread a printed copy of your essay and the application for spelling and grammar errors.

12. Make a photocopy of your application before mailing it. Send the application by certified mail, return receipt requested or with delivery confirmation.