FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
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
- 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
- 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.
Free scholarship search services - Look for scholarships by type, name, location or field of study at California Colleges EDU, Fastweb, FinAid, Big Future, Federal Student Aid, CAPPEX, Chegg, IEFA, ACT Student,ACT Profile, College Week Live, Scholarships UNC, MALDEF, Scholarships.com, Today's GI Bill, HSF, for free scholarship matching services and college and career planning tips.
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 [email protected] 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.
Please use the search services recommended above and here are more tips and links to some of the more popular scholarships:
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.
"Using CLEP exams to save money in college"
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.
$11 Billion in merit-based scholarships is available from colleges. The problem is, it's never been easy to find…until now. Go to Merit Aid and see what your college has to offer!
$2,000"No Essay" College Scholarship
NEXT DEADLINE: October 31st at 11:00 p.m. EST
Winner notified by October 15th Be sure to apply every month! Super easy. Anyone can win.
Scholarships don't get any easier than this. Simply login or register for a free account using the
form to the right and you could be the next winner!
How it works The $2,000"No Essay" Scholarship is open to all students and those planning on enrolling within 12 months. The monthly winner will be determined by random drawing and then contacted directly and announced on our Facebook page. One entry per person, but you can come back each month to try again.
Are you left-handed? Are you tall? Check out this site for some unusual scholarships! 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
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.
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 Discover Colleges 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 and complete the Chafee Grant Program application.
Susan Steelman Bragato College Scholarship
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October
The California Charter Schools Association will award five $1,500 scholarships to high school graduates of Association member schools. Scholarship awards will be payable to the recipient upon proof of his/her enrollment into an accredited four-year or two-year public or private university or college. Selection Criteria: Scholastic record must reflect a proven ability to succeed at a college or university level; Student must be a graduating senior from a charter high school that is a member of the California Charter Schools Association; Student must demonstrate need for financial aid
The application deadline is early October, you can google the scholarship by name.
2012 Horatio Alger Scholarship Application
In order to apply for this scholarship you must meet the following criteria;
Intend to pursue a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution
Financial need, preferably $50,000 or lower adjusted gross income
Minimum GPA of 2.0
US citizenship
Involvement in extracurricular and community service activities
Deadline to apply is October 25.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will award over $3 million this year to 250 high-achieving
high school seniors. Minimum 3.0 GPA. These awards are achievement-based (merit awards).
Apply online. Our school CEEB code is 053706.
Deadline to submit applications is October 31.
The Ron Brown Scholar Program awards $40,000 scholarships to 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. Apply online by November 1
Bennington Young Writers Award Competition - students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades are
invited to submit one of the following: poetry, fiction (short story or play), or nonfiction (personal or
academic essay). First place winner receives $500; 2nd place receives $250. Enter online by November 1
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. The program's goals are to applaud young people who already are making a positive difference in their towns and neighborhoods, and to inspire others to think about how they might contribute to their communities. Over the past 17 years, more than 345,000 young Americans have participated in the program, and more than 100,000 of them have been officially recognized for their volunteer efforts. Who is eligible? Any young person who: is in grades 5-12 as of November 6, is a legal resident of any U.S. state or Washington, D.C., has engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred at least partly during the 12 months prior to the date of application, and submits a completed application to a school principal or the head of an officially designated local organization by November 5.
Stokes Educational Scholarship Program offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience
in your field while attending college. High school seniors with these qualifications are eligible: 1)
intend to major in computer science or computer/electrical engineering, 2) U.S. citizen, 3) SAT
minimum 1600 or ACT of 25. Apply online by November 15
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. 500 four-year scholarships, ranging from $1,000 per year to $15,000 per year, for graduating high school seniors based on financial need, leadership and scholarship online deadline December 6. Follow all instructions exactly and make sure you include all signatures and required items
Elks Legacy Award for Elk Families $4,000 ($1,000 year for four years) merit-based scholarships for children and grandchildren of Elks who are members in good standing. 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 online. Check website for deadline, usually Early January.
Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship - 20 scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded to high school seniors who know the value of helping others. Selection is based on financial need and community service. Download the application.
Postmark deadline is November 12.
VIOLET RICHARDSON AWARD - This monetary award is determined from a 750 word essay about where you volunteer and why. It is a service (volunteer) award. Applicants must be young women, currently between the ages of 14 and 17. Local winners can become eligible for one of 29 $1,000 awards. Pick up applications from your local Soroptomist Club. Deadlines vary, most are due to your local Soroptomist Club by December 1.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors with plans to attend a two-year or four-yearcollege 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.
SAE Engineering Scholarships: 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 seniors who are interested in thestudy of engineering and related sciences. These scholarships are made possible by the support of the corporate and academic community. The program includes undesignated and university sponsored scholarships. SAT or ACT scores are required. Postmark applications are usually due by January 15. There is a processing fee. You can find eligibility requirements and complete the application on your computer by using the Word format at:
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 . Usual deadline for submission is January 6.
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.
The application is extensive, so don't wait until the last minute to begin. Deadline is usually January 14
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 upon 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". Connecting Waters Charter School 2012 Graduate Chloe Waldrep won this scholarship! You can too! Visit website for scholarship information, Postmark deadline January 5
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. Deadline to submit application is usually February 1.
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. Deadline to submit application is in March, check website for details.
Sports is more than wins and losses and while we are committed to helping athletes find opportunities to play sports at the college level, we believe the most important thing is getting a college education. As an organization we are proud to award a $1,000 scholarship to a college student who best represents a true leader in sports and life. We encourage all current or future college students who competed in a sport at the high school level to apply for the College Sports Recruiting Scholarship. The winner will be selected by the CSS Recruiting Scholarship Committee. Deadline is in July 1st.
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!