March 2019 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES UPDATE for Grades 9-12 — READ & APPLY NOW!

Posted on by SFA

 

The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria office is open from 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. In addition to helping with scholarship questions, we’d also love to support your family with college, career, or financial aid planning! Please feel free to stop by and see me in room A-115 (grades 11-12) or Ms. Osei in room A-121 (grades 6-10). We look forward to meeting you and supporting your college dreams!

12th GRADE FAMILIES:

  • Make sure you have submitted FAFSA –  FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Every senior who is even considering pursuing education after high school should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. Funds are awarded first come, first served by many colleges. Most students receiving free/reduced lunch will qualify for $6,195 per year on the spot. Even if you don’t get free/reduced lunch you may still receive thousands in state and college aid. FAFSA doesn’t look at your grades, doesn’t require essays, and doesn’t obligate you to take out loans. FAFSA money can be used at 4-year colleges, NOVA, and most career/technical schools. There’s no reason not to fill it out!!
  • Financial aid verification – Have you gotten an email from IDOC or the School Servicing Center (sscwp.org)? These are not spam! Many colleges require submission of tax documents to verify that you completed the FAFSA accurately. Colleges often contract with third party vendors to collect these documents (IDOC and SSC). Be sure to respond to all verification requests in a timely manner.

    Since financial aid dollars are often awarded first come, first served, any delays in submitting verification materials can cost you thousands     of dollars in potential aid. Check your email, application portals, and home mailbox regularly for communication from colleges, and please see me if you have any questions or need assistance with the verification process!
  • CSS Profile past due for W&M, UVA, and more… – Are you applying to any colleges that require the CSS Profile? The CSS Profile is College Board’s (more complicated) version of the FAFSA. See this link for a list of the colleges that require the CSS Profile, and make an appointment to complete it with me ASAP.  If you fail to complete the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA, you will not receive any institutional aid from that college.

11th GRADE FAMILIES:

  • SAT School Day THIS WEDNESDAY, March 6th –  All juniors will be taking the SAT during the school day on Wednesday, March 6th. This will be an official SAT score that students may send to colleges. There is no advance registration required, and the test is free for all juniors. 
  • Apply now for QuestBridge College Prep Summer Program –  Students with high financial need (household income of $65,000 per year or less) who have a 3.75+ GPA and are enrolled in AP/DE courses should consider applying to QuestBridge College Prep Scholars summer program (including undocumented or DACA students). This all-expense-paid summer program will give students a leg-up in applying for QuestBridge College Match, a 4-year full-ride scholarship to top ranked partner colleges. Applications are due March 20th for the summer program and late September for the college scholarship. If interested, please see Ms. Feldman in A-115  ASAP!

  • Save the Date for Junior College Planning Night on April 3rd! – All juniors and their families should attend to learn more about how to choose the right colleges for you, how to package yourself for success in the application process, and for information about applying early action/early decision.

9th – 10th GRADE FAMILIES:

  • Don’t miss the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s College Night Virginia at 6pm THIS WEDNESDAY, March 6th – What are your goals for life after high school? Are you on track to achieve those goals? What can you do now to make sure you’ll be a great college applicant?9th and 10th grade families, please bring your questions and come to College Night Virginia for an interactive presentation with experienced college and financial aid advisers. Learn how to navigate the college process and make college affordable for your family. Attendees will be entered into a $1,000 scholarship drawing.Join us for free refreshments at 6:00pm in the cafeteria; the presentation and discussion session will begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium. Interpretation will be provided with FACE Center registration.  Please contact Ms. Osei with any questions in room A-121, email [email protected] or call (703) 824-6730!

9th-12th GRADE FAMILIES:

    • Looking for summer opportunities? Check out the following, and please see me in A-115 with any questions ASAP!
      • Girls Who Code – Current 10th and 11th grade girls, this summer, there’s an opportunity to learn computer science & get exposure to jobs in tech with the Girls Who Code 7-week Summer Immersion Program. Applications due by March 15th!
      • UVA Advance – Current 10th and 11th graders are eligible to apply for UVA Advance, a 4-week residential summer program at the University of Virginia. Participants take two college classes and get a feel for university life! Some need-based scholarships are available – applications due March 15th.
      • QuestBridge –  Current 11th graders with high financial need (household income of $65,000 per year or less) who have a 3.75+ GPA and are enrolled in AP/DE courses should consider applying to QuestBridge College Prep Scholars summer program (including undocumented or DACA students). This all-expense-paid summer program will give students a leg-up in applying for QuestBridge College Match, a 4-year full-ride scholarship to top ranked partner colleges – applications due March 20th.
      • Carleton Summer Academic Program – Current 10th and 11th graders are eligible to apply for Carleton’s Summer Academic Program, a 3-week residential summer program at Carleton College. Need-based scholarships available for lower income applicants (including undocumented or DACA students). Applications due March 20th!
      • Black College Institute – Current 10th and 11th graders are eligible to apply for Black College Institute, a free 5-day academic summer enrichment program at Virginia Tech for talented, high achieving and intellectually curious students – applications due March 10th.
      • C-Tech ²  –  A two-week summer camp at Virginia Tech for current 10th and 11th grade girls. C-Tech² introduces participants to engineering and related technologies through various hands-on activities, laboratories, presentations and a team design project sponsored by General Electric.  Full scholarship available based on financial need – applications due March 22nd.
      • Pathways for Future Engineers – Current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders, apply for Pathways for Future Engineers, a FREE Virginia Tech multi-year program for first-generation students that includes pre-college activities (while students are still in high school) as well as additional support as students pursue their undergraduate degree. Program expenses are completely covered for students and a “Pathways Partner”- a family representative, mentor, coach, etc. – applications due March 25th.

Smithsonian Latino Center’s Young Ambassadors Program – Current 12th graders with 3.25+ GPA who are 

 interested in the arts, humanities, or sciences

 as it pertains to Latino communities and cultures are eligible to apply for the Young Ambassadors Program, a week-long leadership and college preparatory summer program followed by a 4-week internship. Participants will receive a $2,000 college scholarship at the conclusion of the program. Applications due by April 12th!

 

    • VALHEN’s Hispanic College Institute – Current 10th & 11th graders with 2.5+ GPA are invited to apply for VALHEN, a free summer program empowering Latinx students in the Commonwealth of Virginia with the tools to succeed in high school, college, and beyond – applications due April 15th.

7th GRADE FAMILIES:

  • Apply now for Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program – High-performing 7th grade students with financial need are invited to apply for a 5-year, pre-college scholarship.  The Young Scholars Program provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities. Each Young Scholar is assigned an educational adviser who works closely with the student and his or her family, individually and as part of a scholar community. Educational advisers support Young Scholars to maximize high school experiences and go on to thrive at the nation’s top-performing colleges. Applications due by March 14th!

Below is a list of upcoming scholarships. Local scholarships are indicated by pink text.

March

    1. ECF Kozy Kap Scholarship – March 4, 2019 – $5,000 scholarship for a DC area senior with 2.5+ GPA who has been diagnosed with cancer (or had a parent diagnosed with cancer) in the last five years
    2. Blacks In Government-Department of Labor Chapter – March 8, 2019 – Open to graduating high school seniors from the DC area with 2.0+ GPA
    3. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – March 8, 2019 – Local scholarship for graduating seniors with 2.5+ GPA
    4. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority – March 9, 2019 – Three $500 book scholarships for 1) female high school senior who plans to study STEM, 2) female high school senior who plans to study visual or performing arts, and 3) female college student with 3.0+ GPA
    5. Kenneth R. Scott Virginia Aviation Scholarship Program – March 9, 2019 – $3,000 scholarship for a Virginia high school senior with 3.5+ GPA planning a degree in the field of aviation
    6. John R. Lillard Virginia Aviation Scholarship Program – March 9, 2019 – $3,000 scholarship for a Virginia high school senior with 3.5+ GPA planning a degree in the field of aviation

TMCF Center for Advancing Opportunity Undergraduate Research Scholarship – March 11, 2019 – $7,500 scholarship open to college sophomores and juniors studying  Business, Criminal Justice, Economics, Education, Philosophy, Political Science or Sociology at an HBCU next year and who are involved in pursuing research in education, criminal justice, or entrepreneurialism

    2. Booz Allen Hamilton – March 14, 2019 – $3,000 renewable scholarship open to children of Booz Allen Hamilton employees
    3. Historical Essay Contest – March 15, 2019 – $3,000 scholarship open to a graduating high school senior from Virginia who plans to attend an in-state college or university
    4. Religious Liberty Essay Contest – March 15, 2019 – $2,000 essay contest open to high school juniors and seniors discussing why we have the “Johnson Amendment” in our current law and how it affects houses of worship, religious organizations and other charitable nonprofits
    5. WISER – March 15, 2019 – $1,000 scholarship open to high school seniors with community service experience and a documented learning challenge
    6. National High School Essay Contest – March 15, 2019 – $2,500 scholarship and all-expense-paid semester at sea for winner of  essay contest on why diplomacy and peacebuilding matter; open to 9th-12th graders
    7. Focused on My Future Scholarship – March 16, 2019 – $2,000 scholarship for graduating high school seniors with 2.5+ GPA who will be pursuing a degree in STEM, Entrepreneurship, Arts, Health, or Public Policy
    8. Willard G. Plentl Aviation Scholarship – March 18, 2019 – $1,000 scholarship for a Virginia high school senior with 3.5+ GPA planning a non-engineering degree in the field of aviation
    9. Virginia Mayflower Society – March 20, 2019 – $1,620 scholarship open to high school seniors from Virginia with a B average or higher
    10. QuestBridge College Prep Scholars – March 20, 2019 –  Students with high financial need (household income of $65,000 per year or less) who have a 3.75+ GPA and are enrolled in AP/DE courses should consider applying to QuestBridge College Prep Scholars summer program (including undocumented or DACA students). This all-expense-paid summer program will give students a leg-up in applying for QuestBridge College Match, a 4-year full-ride scholarship to top ranked partner colleges. Applications are due March 20th for the summer program and late September for the college scholarship. If interested, please see Ms. Feldman in A-115  ASAP!
    11. Flag House Scholarship – March 22, 2019 – $1,812 scholarship awarded to high school senior for 300 word essay contest

TMCF Wells Fargo Scholarship – March 24, 2019 – $5,000 scholarship open to current college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with financial need and 3.0+ GPA who are attending one of the 47 publicly-supported HBCUs within the TMCF member-school network

    2. Ft. Myer Thrift Shop Scholarship – March 28, 2019 – Merit-based scholarship for children of active duty, retired or deceased U.S. Army personnel
    3. Debra Deneise Smith Foundation – March 29, 2019 – $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior from TC Williams with 2.75+ GPA, community service, and leadership experience
    4. USPAAC – March 29, 2019 – $5,000 scholarship open to high school seniors of Asian Pacific Island heritage, 3.3+ GPA, community service experience, and financial need
    5. Legacy of Life Scholarship – March 31, 2019 – Write a 1,000 word essay or produce a video persuading the audience to become registered organ donors; $5,000 first prize in both categories
    6. Boule’ Foundation Scholarship – March 31, 2019 – $4,000 merit based scholarship for African American high school seniors with 3.0+ GPA
    7. CommonWealth One Kathryn Coleman Scholarships – March 31, 2019 – Two $2,500 scholarships open to current college students and high school seniors who are members of CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union
    8. Foster Care 2 Success – March 31, 2019 – $5,000 renewable scholarship open to students who have been in public or private foster care for the 12 consecutive months leading up to and including their 18th birthday; OR have been adopted or placed into legal guardianship after their 16th birthday; OR have been orphaned for at least one year at the time of their 18th birthday and not subsequently adopted

Congressional Black Caucus Visual Arts Scholarship – March 31, 2019 – $3,000 scholarship open to graduating African American seniors and current college students who are pursuing a degree in the visual arts; GPA of 2.5 or higher

Congressional Black Caucus Performing Arts Scholarship – March 31, 2019 – $3,000 scholarship open to graduating African American seniors and current college students who are pursuing a degree in the performing arts; GPA of 2.5 or higher

HAVE Foundation Scholarship – March 31, 2019 – $250 scholarship open to African American high school seniors from Arlington or Alexandria

GWSCPA Scholarship – March 31, 2019 – $5,000 scholarship open to current college juniors studying accounting at a college within 25 miles of the White House

TMCF Wells Fargo Emergency Grant – March 31, 2019 – Scholarship open to current college seniors at TMCF member-schools in good academic standing but at risk of not returning to school or graduating due to an outstanding financial need, and/or emergency situation that leads to a financial aid crisis

VSU NOVA Scholarship – March 31, 2019 – Open to graduating seniors from Northern VA who plan to attend VSU

  2. Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship – March 31, 2019 – Scholarship for high school seniors and current college students planning a career in the automotive industry

April

    1. Esperanza – April 1, 2019 – $5,000 – $20,000 scholarship open to students who were born outside the US (including undocumented or DACA students) or students who had two parents born outside the US

Curtis E. Huntington Scholarship – April 1, 2019 – $2,000 scholarship open to college seniors who have taken at least one actuarial exam

NOVA Pan-Hellenic Council – April 1, 2019 – $1,000 scholarship for local high school seniors with 3.2 GPA

Davis Putter Scholarship – April 1, 2019

    1.  – $15,000 scholarship open to high school seniors and current college students who actively participate in struggles for civil rights, economic justice, international solidarity or other progressive issues (including undocumented or DACA students)

Generation Hope – April 1, 2019 – $1,200- $2,400 scholarship and mentoring open to high school seniors and current college students with 2.5+ GPA who are teen parents attending college in the DC metro area (including DACA students)

Naval Officer’s Spouses Club – April 1, 2019 – Merit-based scholarship for children of active duty, retired, or deceased US Navy service members living in the DC area

Herbert Lehman Scholarship

    1. – April 1, 2019 – $2,000 per year renewable scholarship open to high school seniors and current college freshmen; must have family income below $65,000 per year

Vance Scholarship – April 2, 2019 – $2,000 scholarship open to Northern VA resident pursuing a career in law enforcement or the administration of justice. GPA of 2.5 of higher; open to high school seniors and current college students

Rose Koury Scholarship – April 2, 2019 – $5,000 per year renewable scholarship open to Northern VA senior with financial need planning to enter field of early childhood or elementary education

Elizabeth Koury Scholarship – April 2, 2019 – $5,000 per year renewable scholarship open to Northern VA senior with financial need planning to enter field of medicine

Charles Homer Barton Scholarship – April 2, 2019 – $4,000 scholarship open to children of police officers who are employed by Fairfax, Loudoun, Leesburg, Middleburg, Purcellville, VA Police Department, or VA Sheriff’s Department

Leslie V. Forte Scholarship – April 2, 2019 – $2,000 scholarship open to minority students who currently attend Northern Virginia Community College with GPA of 2.5 or higher

DC Phi Beta Kappa – April 5, 2019 – $1,000 merit scholarship open to DC area seniors with 3.5+ GPA

    2. Virginia ESL Scholarship – April 5, 2019 – Scholarship for current high school seniors from Virginia with 3.0+ GPA who was enrolled in an ESL program for at least 1 year in grades 6-12 (no citizenship requirement)

Ira Dorsey Scholarship – April 6, 2019 – $1,500 scholarship open to male high school seniors from the DC metro area with 2.5+ GPA who plan to attend a 4-year college in fall 2018

Alfred Street Baptist Church Scholarship

    1.  – April 7, 2019 – $1,000-$20,000 scholarships open to high school seniors from the DC metro area with 2.75+ GPA, combined SAT scores (reading/writing and math) of 850 or above /or composite ACT score of 19 or higher, community service involvement, and financial need
    2. Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Scholarship – April 12, 2019 – $2,500 scholarship for high school athletes
    3. VABA Aviation Scholarship – April 12, 2019 – $2,000 scholarship for a Virginia high school senior or current college student pursuing an aviation related degree

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)

    1. – April 15, 2019 – Open to high school seniors interested in a career in law enforcement or criminal justice

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

    1. – April 15, 2019 – $5,000 scholarship honors young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and our environment

Leak Street Scholarship

    1. – April 20, 2019 – $500 scholarship high school seniors with 2.5+ GPA or current college students with 3.0+ GPA

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Scholarship – April 22, 2019 – Essay contest on climate change; open to seniors from DC metro are

  2. Joshua David Gardner HBCU Scholarship – April 30, 2019 – $2,000 scholarship open to seniors and current college students with 2.8+ GPA who will be studying at an HBCU next year

Monthly Drawings

Have a wonderful March, and please feel free to contact me with any questions!  Stop by room A-115 for help with any of the following:

  • Scholarships and financial aid
  • Finding a good college fit
  • Writing college and scholarship essays
  • SAT/ACT preparation
  • Building a résumé
  • Financial aid options for undocumented students