FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Spring 2012

Updated 01/09/2012

 

Be sure to check the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office for any of the colleges to which you are applying. Typically each institution will have its own scholarship application(s), even Community Colleges like MJC!

 

!!!!!!!!!!Bad Deals and Scams: Know and Avoid Them!!!!!!!!!!

  • Fee-based scholarship searches. Bad deal. Commercial financial aid advice services may cost more than $1,000, but you should never have to pay for this information.   Here are sources that offer information FREE:
    • The Federal Student Aid Information Center. Call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243); TTY users can call 1-800-730-8913
    • Your State Website: http://www.csac.ca.gov/
    • A college or career school financial aid office
    • Your high school counselor
    • Your library's reference section
    • FREE online scholarship searches
    • Foundations and religious or community organizations
    • Ethnicity-based organizations
    • Your employer or your parents' employer
  • Fee-based FAFSA assistance. Bad deal. Lots of free help is available to help you fill out the FAFSA. Web sites that offer FAFSA help for a fee are NOT affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. If you are asked for your credit card information, you are NOT at the official FAFSA Web site.
    Get assistance from these FREE resources:
    • The official FAFSA site at www.fafsa.ed.gov
    • The financial aid administrator at your school
    • The Federal Student Aid Information Center. Call 1-800-4-FED-AID
      (1-800-433-3243); TTY users can call 1-800-730-8913
  • Protect your identity. Avoid scams. Be safe as you go through the financial aid application process to protect your identity. To reduce risk:
    • After completing your FAFSA online, exit the application and close the browser.
    • Don't tell anyone your Federal Student Aid PIN, even the person helping you fill out the application.
    • Review your financial aid documents and keep track of the amounts you applied for and received.
    • Never give personal information over the phone or Internet unless you made the contact. For questions about a solicitation or your student loan account, call 1-800-4-FED-AID.
    • Shred receipts and documents with personal information when you are done with them.
    • Immediately report lost or stolen identification to the issuer and to the police, if appropriate.
  • Report fraud and identity theft. For more information about financial aid fraud or to report fraud, visit the Federal Trade Commission's scholarship scams page at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/scholarship . If you suspect that your student information has been stolen, contact one of these resources immediately:
    • U.S. Department of Education, 1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733)
    • Federal Trade Commission, 1-800-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)

 

Free scholarship search services - Look for scholarships by type, name, location or field of study at www.anycollege.com  , www.iefa.org , www.scholarships.com. www.fastweb.com  , www.finaid.org , www.collegeboard.com , www.collegebound.net , www.findtuition.com/ , https://studentaid2.ed.gov/getmoney/scholarship/v3browse.asp , www.cappex.com ,

www.zinch.com , and http://www.collegeanswer.com/index.jsp for free scholarship matching services and college and career planning tips. Never pay for a scholarship search service!

 

WARNING – If you receive an invitation in the mail to attend a financial aid seminar or personal interview to “maximize your eligibility to receive financial assistance” for college, please contact the Guidance Office at guidancecounselor@connectingwaters.org  before attending. There are several companies in our area who are selling this service, which can cost you over $1,000. The information being sold can be obtained for free.

 

Want an idea of how much federal financial aid you might be eligible for? Use FAFSA4caster to get an estimate (just an informal calculation) of how much financial aid you possibly could receive. Then, learn what types of aid are available.

 

QuestBridge is a non-profit program that links bright, motivated low-income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation's best colleges. Check out this amazing opportunity at: http://www.questbridge.org/

 

A great education can help you achieve your dreams!  Find out how education creates more opportunities, learn how you can make your college dream a reality, and how to pay – it might be easier than you think!  Check out this helpful website:  www.college.gov

 

$11 Billion in merit-based scholarships is available from colleges.  The problem is, it’s never been easy to find…until now.  Go to www.meritaid.com and see what your college has to offer!

 

The following scholarships are being offered by www.scholarshipexperts.com for students 13 and older who must submit a written response.  Check it out:

Education Matters Scholarship (Application Deadline: October 31, 2011)

$1,000 Top Ten List Scholarships (Application Deadline: December 31, 2011)

 “I Was Born In 1994” Scholarship (Application Deadline: December 31, 2011)

 “I Was Born In 1995” Scholarship (Application Deadline: December 31, 2011)

 “I Was Born In 1996” Scholarship (Application Deadline: December 31, 2011)

 

 

Are you left-handed?  Are you tall?  Check out this site for some unusual scholarships! http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/unusual.phtml Deadlines vary.

 

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Students who are residents of WICHE states may enroll at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state at a reduced tuition rate. WICHE states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming. For more information, visit http://wue.wiche.edu/

 

Veterans Fee Waiver Program: Children of disabled veterans may be eligible for the College Fee Waiver Program. Waiver only applies to California State Universities, University of CA campuses, and CA community colleges. Details may be found at: http://www.cacvso.org/

 

Discover Colleges has a $2,500 scholarship drawing and this is available to any student who

Apply Online is planning to attend a private college anywhere throughout the United States. Simply log onto www.discovercolleges.com  to request information and automatically be entered in the scholarship drawing.

 

Chafee Grant Program for Foster Youth gives money (up to $5,000) to current or former foster youth to use for career training, college courses and living expenses. Chafee Grants can be used at community colleges, vocational schools, public and private colleges. To qualify, you must be eligible, or have been eligible, for Independent Living Program (ILP) services between your 16th and 18th birthdays. To apply, submit a FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and complete the Chafee Grant Program application. For information go to: https://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/default.asp

 

SunTrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes - high school seniors can win a $1,000 scholarship to help pay expenses at a 2 or 4 year college or private career school. One winner will be chosen every two weeks from September 16 through May 14. Students may begin registering now and the first drawing will be held on October 31. Only one entry per person for each drawing, however students can register after each drawing for the next scheduled drawing. No purchase or transaction necessary to enter or win.  Apply online at:  http://www.suntrusteducation.com/sweeps/default.asp

 

 

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship applications are now available. Seniors who have strong academic records, demonstrated leadership qualities, involvement in community and school, and some financial need should apply. Points are given for each section, so don't count yourself out by not applying! Winners at the local level can advance in the competition to state, district and national levels with the same application. Five hundred National scholarships are given, ranging from $4,000 to $60,000. Download applications at http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm , check website, deadline usually November 2. Follow all instructions exactly and make sure you include all signatures and required items

 

Elks Legacy Award for Elk Families awards up to 500 one-year $1,000 scholarships to the children and grandchildren of active Elk members. Applicants must be high school seniors with plans to enroll in college, and exhibit the values of the Elks National Foundation: Integrity, Knowledge, Community and Charity. Applications are available at: www.elks.org/enf/scholars Check websiter, deadline usually January 8.

 

Hispanic Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors with plans to attend a two-year or four-year college full time in the Fall. Students enrolling at a two-year college must have plans to transfer to a four-year institution. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $2,500. Postmark deadlines vary, so please check the website.  General eligibility requirements are:

·  Hispanic heritage: Persons descended from Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Central, South American or other Spanish Cultures

·  U.S. Citizen OR legal permanent resident

·  Must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - FAFSA filing period begins January 1

·  Minimum 3.0 GPA

The General Scholarship Fund deadline is usually December 15, but other deadlines vary. Please check the eligibility requirements for each program and download applications at  www.hsf.net

 

 

JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest – The JFK Library Foundation invites high school students to write an original essay on the political courage of a U.S. elected official. Top prize is $10,000, 2nd place receives $1,000, five finalists win $500 each. For rules and to submit your essay online, go to www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest.aspx  . Usual deadline for submission is January 9.

 

Gates Millenium Scholars Program provides substantial scholarship awards to exceptional high school seniors of Hispanic, African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian Pacific Islander ancestry.

Eligible applicants must have a 3.3 GPA, demonstrated leadership skills, and significant financial need. More information and applications are online at http://www.gmsp.org/ .

The application is extensive, so don’t wait until the last minute to begin. Deadline is usually January 11

 

 

California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation provides three finalists with either a $2,500 First Award, a $2,000 Second Award, or a $1,500 Third Award for all California High School seniors for their use at any accredited college, university or vocational school.  The scholarship is based upan a simple one page application and a 700-1,000 word essay on the “Importance of Establishing and Maintaining Good Credit during Your College Years”.  Visit www.cacesf.org for scholarship information, Postmark deadline January 16

 

 

Christermon Foundation Beverage Industry College Scholarship Program has awarded 3.1 million dollars in college scholarships since 1987. Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 will be awarded to seniors whose parent, grandparent or legal guardian currently hold full time employment with, or who are owners of, a company holding a valid California liquor, beer or wine license. This includes restaurants, hotels, retail & wholesale grocery establishments, airlines, breweries, wineries, distributors, etc. Must be planning to attend a 4-year college in Fall 2006, show evidence of community service and a strong academic record. Apply online at: http://www.christermon.com/scholarship/applications.php  . Deadline to submit application is usually February 1.

 

Davidson Fellows Scholarship To be eligible for consideration as a Davidson Fellow, applicants must:
•Be 18 or younger as of October 4, 2012
•Be a U.S. citizen residing in the United States, or a Permanent Resident of the United States residing in the United States, or be stationed overseas due to active U. S. military duty.
•There is no minimum age for eligibility.
•The Davidson Institute is looking for students whose projects are at or close to the college graduate level with a depth of knowledge in their particular area of study. This scholarship is not geared toward students at the novice level. See Project Criteria at website.
Davidson Fellows must be available to attend, with at least one parent or guardian, the awards reception and other recognition events to be held in October 2012 in Washington, D.C. (Travel expenses and lodging will be provided by the Institute.)

http://www.davidsongifted.org/fellows/  Deadline February 1st

 


Best Buy @15 Scholarship Program will award 1,000 scholarships of $1,000 each to students in grades 9-12 living in the U.S. or Puerto Rico who plan to enter a full-time undergraduate course of study upon high school graduation.
Who’s Eligible? We’re looking for folks with solid grades, who are involved in volunteer efforts in their schools and communities, and/or have a work history. Students must be planning to attend a college, university or technical school in the fall immediately following their high school graduation. 9–12th grade students from private, public, alternative or home schools are eligible to apply. Grants are a one-time award, so if you were a winner in the past, you aren’t eligible to apply again.

http://bestbuy-communityrelations.com/scholarship.htm  Deadline February 15th

 

Oh…the places you’ll go! Earn a $5,000 reward for the college of your choice!  Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! College Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who understand and value the limitless possibilities that education can offer with a scholarship award.  Send your personal essay and application usually by February 15th , see details at http://origin-www.seussville.com/ohtheplaces/

 

Do Something Awards Are you one of the nation’s best young world-changers? Do Something Award nominees and winners represent the pivotal "do-ers" in their field, cause, or issue. In 2012 (up to) five finalists will be rewarded with a $10,000 community grant, media coverage and continued support from DoSomething.org.  The grand prize winner will receive $100,000 during the nationally televised broadcast.

http://www.dosomething.org/programs/awards Deadline March 1st

 

Young Naturalist Award 1.Select A Project  Scientific discovery begins with a question.
2.Read The Rules  Learn about how to prepare your entry for submission. 3.Submit Your Entry
Get ready to send your entry to the contest!

http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards  Deadline March 9th

 

Cabrillo Clubs of California AWARD: $500.00 CRITERIA: Portuguese descent, 3.50 GPA, participated in 3 extracurricular activities APLLICATION PROCESS: Submit application with:
- Transcript
- Three letters of recommendation

http://www.cabrillocivicclubs.org/scholarship.asp Deadline March 12th

 

Odenza Marketing Scholarship AWARD: $500 To be considered eligible for the Odenza Marketing Scholarship you must: A) Be between the ages of 16 and 25 on March 30, 2012
B) Submit answers to the essay questions, which can be found on the application page, prior to the March 30, 2012 deadline. C) Have at least one full year of post secondary studies remaining at the time of the award D) Have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. E) Be a citizen of the United States or Canada
The scholarship winner will be announced on or around June 1, 2012 and will be posted on this website immediately after. All applications must be received by 11:59pm ET on March 30, 2012. No late applications will be reviewed.

http://www.odenzascholarships.com/application.php Deadline March 30th

 

U.S. Bank Internet Scholarship Program U.S. Bank knows paying for college can be challenging, especially with the cost of college tuition increasing and student financial aid sources decreasing. Here's your opportunity to apply for one of 40 $1,000 scholarships.  Go to

http://www.usbank.com/cgi_w/cfm/studentloans/marketing.cfm Deadline to submit application is March 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The California Wine Grape Growers Foundation (CWGGF) is offering up to six scholarships in 2012 to graduating high school seniors. Students may study the subject of their choice. However, to stay active in this program, students must be enrolled in 12 college units during the scholarhip award period. Up to two scholarships being offered each provide $2,000 per year for four years (provided studies continue to be completed satisfactorily) at any campus in the University of California or California State University system. Another four scholarships each provide $1000 a year for two years at any California community college.
Who May Apply
Only the children of vineyard workers employed in the 2011 or 2012 winegrape growing season are eligible to apply. However, children of wine grape growers may request a waiver from the eligibility requirement based upon financial need.

How to Qualify
To qualify for the scholarships, students must: Be graduating from high school and plan to attend a four-year university or college, or a community college in the fall of 2012; Have a parent (or parents) or legal guardian who was employed as a vineyard worker by a winegrape grower during the 2011 or 2012 season; Complete the application form; Attach a high school transcript;
Attach a copy of your SAT or ACT results if you are applying for a four-year scholarship;
Provide a letter of recommendation from an instructor, the school principal or counselor. Submit a two-page essay (approximately 500 words) that tells the committee about you and your career goals. Go to http://cwggf.org/scholarship-info_293.html  Deadline April 2nd

 

 

Seniors: Be sure you are checking for scholarships offered at each college to which you apply. Nearly every college (including 2-year colleges and vocational schools) offers a scholarship program. This information is usually found on the school website under Financial Aid, Scholarships, or their Career Center. Some application deadlines may occur before you even know you’ve been admitted. Don’t miss out on free money!

 

Important Information for Seniors-Class of 2012

Important Dates to remember!

Ø  March 2nd – last day to file CalGrant GPA Verification Form (needs to be requested from Mary Halter at guidancecounselor@connectingwaters.org ) and FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov )

o    Paper GPA Verification Form by mail- Your student sends the form to Guidance, we certify it and send it back. Once CalGrant receives the form, it will take 6 weeks to process.

o    OR, GPA Release Form that includes SSN With this option, your student sends the Release Form to Guidance and we submit their information directly to CalGrant online.  CalGrant receives it instantly! 

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Ø  FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov and CalGrant (GPA Verification form which must be requested from the Guidance Dept at CWCS) application period is Jan.1st  through March 2nd  .  Remember, Financial Aid is available for community college and vocational schools as well as universities!

Ø  Read the Connecting Waters Newsletter online at the beginning of each month to learn about upcoming scholarships OR check our scholarship page, updated periodically