Osbourn HS Counseling Newsletter
March 2024
Need to Contact Someone in the School Counseling Office?
SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES STAFF 2023-2024
Ms. Laura Rotella, Director of School Counseling Lrotella@mcpsva.org 571-377-7029
Mrs. Paula Erickson, Administrative Associate Perickson@mcpsva.org 571-377-7026
Ms. Dora Membreno, Registrar 571-377-7033
Mrs. Michele Edwards, Test Coordinator Medwards@mcpsva.org 571-377-7021
Mrs. Dania Otero, Translator Dotero@mcpsva.org 571-377-7025
Ms. Cherish Skinker, On-Time Graduation Coordinator Cskinker@mcpsva.org 571-377-7241
Ms. Rebecca Small, Gifted Education Resource Teacher Rsmall@mcpsva.org 571-377-7089
Mr. Paul Stansbery, College and Career Counselor Pstansbery@mcpsva.org 571-377-7040
Ms. Joann Gainard, School Social Worker Jgainard@mcpsva.org 571-377-6845
Mr. Dan Whittaker, School Psychologist Dwhittaker@mcpsva.org 571-377-7066
Mr. Conrad Smith, New Horizons Counselor Conradsmith@mcpsva.org 571-377-7240
Mr. Larry Gilligan, Attendance Officer Lgilligan@mcpsva.org 571-377-7023
School Counselor: Caseload: Email: Phone #:
Mrs. Logan Francisco A-B Lfrancisco@mcpsva.org 571-377-7028
Mrs. Emily Morales C-Eg Emorales@mcpsva.org 571-377-7024
Ms. Stephanie Greth Eh-Ha Sgreth@mcpsva.org 571 377-7038
Mr. Peter Uncles Hb-Lop Puncles@mcpsva.org 571-377-7056
Ms. Alka Howard Loq-M Ahoward@mcpsva.org 571-377-7039
Mr. St. Clair Phillips N-Rex Sphillips@mcpsva.org 571-377-7030
Mr. Lee Kaiser Rey-Sm Lkaiser@mcpsva.org 571-377-7027
Ms. Shayla Peterson (filling in for Ms. Michels) Sn-Z Speterson@mcpsva.org 571-377-7031
Upcoming Events
GMU Campus Visit for 11th & 12th Graders
Deadline to Register and Return Parent Permission: April 5, 2024
Description: George Mason University will be hosting a campus tour and information session for students in the 2024 Direct Admissions cohort as well as rising seniors who may be part of this cohort next year. As we are limited in how many students we can take, preference will be given to seniors who are part of the cohort and then juniors who are may qualify for the cohort next year. Osbourn High School will be providing transportation to and from the event. Students interested in attending must sign up at the link above and return the parent permission form (attached below) by April 5. See Mr. Stansbery (College & Career Center) for additional information.
NOVA Virtual Information Session
When: Tuesday, April 23rd @ 6:00 PM
Description: Learn about the numerous opportunities, services, and resources designed to get you connected to the NOVA Nighthawk Community. Open to all Manassas City Public School seniors and parents. Register at the link above. For questions, contact admissions@nvcc.edu.
Scholarships/Financial Aid Information
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Update
This year, the Department of Education has retooled the FAFSA. While it has been available now for a couple of months, there are still some issues being worked out. The good news is that it should be easier to complete and it should give more students access to Pell Grants. While the bugs are being worked out of the new system, colleges are not yet receiving student information. However, that is supposed to begin happening within the next week or so.
Individual FSA IDs Needed for FAFSA
Before you can complete the FAFSA, you must create an FSA ID. Students and parents should each create their own FSA ID, as both will need to complete parts of the form and sign it electronically. You need your own FSA ID to be able to do this. You can create your FSA ID at the following link as well as see updates and information about the FAFSA.
In-Person FAFSA Assistance at Manassas City Library
When: March 9; 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Description: Financial Aid Officers from Northern Virginia Community College’s Manassas Campus will be helping students submit their FAFSA forms at the Manassas City Library.
· Registration is not currently required. Walk-ins are welcome.
· It is highly suggested that students bring their own laptop. It should be fully charged upon arrival. We will provide access to laptops and charging units, but they are in limited supply.
· All prospective college students are welcome. Students do not need to be planning to attend NOVA to receive assistance.
View the online event calendar at pwcva.gov/library to see which items you must bring to receive assistance.
PRINCE WILLIAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
https://pwchamber.org/scholarships/
Deadline: March 14, 2023
Description: The Prince William Chamber of Commerce has established annual award(s) of $2,500 to graduating high school senior(s) who show significant promise in his/her chosen educational curriculum.
VSCA Class of 2024 Essay Scholarship
Deadline: March 15, 2024
Description: An Essay about your School Counselor could potentially win you up to a $1,000 Scholarship from the Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA)! See link above for application details.
Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
Deadline: March 15, 2024
Description: 600+ scholarships at $25,000 each for high school juniors. As one of the nation’s largest college financial aid programs in the country, the Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives and have significant financial need.
AFCEA DC STEM Scholarships
Deadline: March 17, 2024
Description: Since May 1989, AFCEA Washington, DC has awarded 450 scholarships totaling more than $2.86 million dollars to students from 125 area high schools going to 85 U.S. colleges. This program promotes higher education in the STEM fields of computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and management information systems through financial scholarship awards.
To apply for an AFCEA Washington, DC Chapter scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Resident within the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
- High school senior or 2nd-year student in a two-year Community College.
- Acceptance to a U.S. accredited college or university in a four-year, full-time STEM curriculum for computer science, engineering [all], mathematics, physics, chemistry, cybersecurity, and management information systems; and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I)-related fields of study including electrical, computer, chemical, aerospace, or systems engineering or electronics.
- Winners of full tuition scholarships are not eligible.
Questbridge - The 2024 College Prep Scholars Program
Deadline: March 20, 2024
Description: Applying to college can seem daunting, and the prospect of paying for it can seem even more overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. The College Prep Scholars Program equips high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges. This program often provides full scholarships to highly selective colleges.
Why apply as a junior? Being a College Prep Scholar is a notable distinction that shows our college partners that you are a competitive candidate for admission. In addition, your application will automatically carry over for the National College Match when you’re a senior, giving you a head start on applying for a full four-year scholarship to our college partners. College Prep Scholars are almost six times more likely than other applicants to receive full four-year scholarships through the National College Match.
Prince William County Retired Teachers Scholarship
Deadline: March 21, 2024
Description: Are you interested in becoming a teacher? This scholarship is for you! the prince William Retired Teachers Association is awarding a $2000 scholarship to a high school teacher interested in pursuing a teaching career. Please complete and return the attached application to Mr. Stansbery in the College & Career Center.
Pearlz of Zeta Scholarship
Deadline: March 22, 2024
Description: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Psi Omicron Zeta Chapter of Manassas, VA is awarding our annual Pearlz of Zeta Scholarship to deserving graduating High School Seniors in the Manassas, Manassas Park, Bristow, Gainesville and Haymarket area. This scholarship is to recognize the perseverance and academic resilience of the students in our community. It also serves to encourage those students to continue to pursue academic and career goals despite extraordinary personal and academic challenges.
Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 2024 Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 22, 2024
Description: The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is pleased to announce its 2024 scholarship program. Multiple scholarships are available for graduating African American high school students who will attend an institution of higher learning. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 to apply. The deadline for applying is March 22, 2024. Students may send their application packets by email or by US mail.
Application packets sent by email are to be emailed to pwcacdstscholarship@gmail.com no later than March 22, 2024.
Application packets sent by US mail must be postmarked by March 22, 2024 and mailed to:
Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Attn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 1099
Woodbridge, VA 22195
If you have any questions, please contact Ida McNeill Lee at 703-266-2113 or Diane Price at 703-615-3731. You may also send your questions by email to pwcacdstscholarship@gmail.com.
National Pan Hellenic Council Prince William-Stafford Chapter Jermaine Jackson, Ph.D. Scholarship 2024
Deadline: March 24, 2024
Description: The purpose of the Jermaine Jackson, Ph.D. Scholarship Program is to offer financial assistance to deserving high school graduating seniors based off of their academic excellence, contributions to their school, community and financial need. This scholarship award is open to any graduating high school senior that:
1. Lives within the legal boundaries of Prince William County, City of Manassas, Manassas Park and
Stafford County
2. Possesses a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 or better on 4.0 scale.
3. Plans to attend a four-year accredited college or university.
Dependents of members of the PWSC-NPHC are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Please see attachment for application instructions.
MCPS Education Foundation Scholarships
MCPS Education Foundation Scholarships Link
Deadline: March 29, 2024
Description: We are strongly committed to helping Osbourn High School graduates as they continue education beyond high school. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to support students through our annual scholarship program.
The 2024 scholarship season has begun and applications are being accepted now through March 29th. Current Osbourn High School seniors are encouraged to apply. See link above for applications and required forms.
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Prince William County Chapter Scholarship
Deadline: March 29, 2023
Description: NCBW-PWCC advocates on behalf of Black Women and Girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of Health, Education, and Economic Empowerment. We deliver monetary support services that help youth achieve their educational goals. By encouraging excellence in education and promoting the pursuit of positive lifelong goals, NCBW is creating future leaders. NCBW-PWCC will award the following scholarships:
• 2024 Advocacy Scholarships
The number of scholarships and the amount may vary based on chapter’s monetary capabilities.
• The Dr. Alice H. Howard Scholarship
A 4-year recurring scholarship, named in recognition of Dr. Alice H. Howard, organizer of NCBW-PWCC, will be awarded up to four years at the same institution. The recipient will be awarded $2000 the first year and $1000 for the second, third and fourth year.
Epsilon Sigma Boulé Foundation Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity 2024 Scholarships
Deadline: March 31, 2024
Description: Seeking African American graduating high school seniors who exemplify academic excellence and commitment to community involvement. Applicants must reside in Prince William County, the City of Manassas, or Manassas Park. See application at link below.
Organization of Latino Actuaries & The International Association of Black Actuaries 2024-2025 Academic Scholarships
https://theactuarialfoundation.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: March 31, 2024
Description: OLA will award academic scholarships up to $7,500 to Latine students who are interested in pursuing the actuarial profession. For more information on the actuarial profession and what it takes to become an Actuary, check out https://www.beanactuary.org/what-is-an-actuary/. In addition to OLA's Academic Scholarship, there are a number of other Scholarship opportunities sponsored by STEM Stars, IABA (The International Association of Black Actuaries), and more. See link above for application details.
Legacy of Life Scholarship
Deadline: April 15, 2024
Description: Those who are applying must produce a video or write an essay that educates and motivates an audience to become registered organ, eye and tissue donor.
The video/essay, should focus on why you are passionate about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation and/or any personal connection you have to organ donation such as being a transplant recipient, the family member of a recipient, a donor family member or a registered donor. Be creative!
Scholarship awards are up to $5000.
Izzak Walton League of America Annual Environmental Studies Scholarship
Deadline: April 1, 2024
Description: The Arlington-Fairfax Chapter, Inc of the Izaak Walton League of America is requesting applications for their 2024 Environmental Studies Scholarship. The total amount of the scholarship will be $20,000 and will be paid in four annual installments to the recipient's college of choice. See link above for additional information and applications.
Bull Run Civil War Roundtable Scholarship
Deadline: April 3, 2024
Description: This scholarship recognizes a senior for his/her interest in local community issues, Civil War history, and for overall academic achievement. The winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship to be used for college tuition. Please see link above for additional information.
Federal Water Quality Association 2024 Environmental Scholarships
Deadline: April 8, 2024
Description: The Federal Water Quality Association is seeking young women and men preparing for careers in environmental protection to apply for 2024 scholarships. Those eligible to apply are graduating seniors who have immediate plans to enter a four year undergraduate program leading to a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences or engineering. The scholarships are in the amount of $2000 each. See attachment below for application and additional details.
George M. Hampton Foundation and its affiliate, the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Scholarships
George H Hampton Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: April 15, 2024
Description: Once again, the George M. Hampton Foundation and its affiliate, the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., will provide scholarships to deserving students in Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, and Manassas Park public schools. The winning students must attend college (2 or 4-year) in the fall of 2024.
* The George M. Hampton Foundation Scholarship is open to all graduating high school seniors.
* The Pi Lambda Lambda Franklin Dunlap Memorial Scholarship is open to African American male, high school seniors.
Please see the links herein to find the respective applications:
The WMCCAI Essay/Presentation Scholarship Contest
Deadline: April 19, 2024
Description: The WMCCAI Essay/Presentation Contest is open to all high school seniors within the WMCCAI service area.
2024's topic: The strength of a community can be seen in the unity of its members.
Think about times when your neighborhood association focused on the unity of it's residents. Identify strategies for building community cohesion that your association used and why you think they were successful. If you were on the board of directors, what actions would you take to create a welcoming environment that promotes inclusivity and engagement within your neighborhood. See link above for additional information and entry instructions.
2024 Jewell Pratt Burns Art Scholarship
Deadline: April 23, 2024
Description: Prince William Art Society has been awarding competitive scholarships since 2008 to Prince William seniors preparing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or Art Education. A $1,000 scholarship will again be awarded in May 2024 to each of up to two selected students. See attachment below for application process.
The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association Scholarships for English Learners
Application and Information Link
Deadline: April 26, 2024
Description: The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association is proud to be able to offer scholarships to English Learners who are planning to continue their studies at a college, university, community college, or work-force training programs. The following criteria will be used for scholarship consideration:
● Enrolled in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6-12 in a Virginia public school
● Enrolled in 12th grade at the time of application
● Financial need
● The strength of the student produced essay
Legado Infinito Scholarship (Scholarship for Spanish Speaking Students)
Deadline: May 1, 2024
Description: Those who are applying for the Legado Infinito Scholarship must produce a video in Spanish that educates and motivates an audience to become registered organ, eye and tissue donor.
The video should not exceed 90 seconds, should focus on why you are passionate about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation and/or any personal connection you have to organ donation such as being a transplant recipient, the family member of a recipient, a donor family member or a registered donor. Be creative!
The top four submissions will receive $1,000 each. Infinite Legacy will contact the winners directly. The authors of the top four submissions, as chosen by Infinite Legacy, will be required to consent to Infinite Legacy’s use of their name, and materials, in connection with Infinite Legacy’s mission of inspiring communities to register to be organ, eye and tissue donors.
Schoolhouse Connection Scholarship Program (for current 11th graders or 12th graders taking a gap year)
Deadline: June 1, 2024
Description: Our program is one of the nation’s only national scholarship programs specifically serving youth that have experienced homelessness. The goal of our program is to provide financial assistance and staff and peer support to ensure that you are successful in getting to and through higher education and into the workforce.
SchoolHouse Connection’s Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program
$2500 Scholarship
One-on-One Support from Staff and a National Peer Support Network
All-Expenses-Paid Awards Trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida
All-Expenses-Paid Advocacy Trip to Washington, DC
All-Expenses-Paid Retreat Trip Focused on Workforce Success
Opportunities to Engage in Local, State, and National Advocacy Work
See link above for application and additional information.
CollegeBoard Big Futures Scholarships
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/bigfuture-scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Description: Get rewarded for planning your life after high school with BigFuture! No essay, GPA, test score or citizenship requirements are needed. Just complete the unlocked steps on your dashboard, and you'll be automatically entered to win in monthly drawings. The more steps you complete early on, the higher your chances to win. If your family earns less than $60,000 a year, you'll get two entries per drawing. Start today and don't wait!
Job Opportunities
Summer Programs
West Point Summer Leaders Experience
Application and Information Link
Deadline to apply: March 15, 2024
Description: West Point's Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) is a week-long immersion into the academic, military, and social life of a West Point cadet. At SLE, attendees explore West Point from all angles, including the high-tech educational facilities, team-building athletic activities, and realistic military training. The application will remain open until 15 March for students currently in their junior year. Students selected to attend SLE will choose to attend one of two sessions.
Session 1: June 1 - 7, 2024
Session 2: June 8 - 14, 2024
Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps 2024
Deadline: March 15, 2024
Description: Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a two-week, residential program consisting of work projects during weekdays and environmental education and adventure opportunities on weeknights and weekends. Ten Crew Members live at each park with three to four adult Crew Leaders. Crews are divided into male and female groups. The crew learns to live and work as a team of diverse individuals.
- Session 1: June 16-29, 2024
- Session 2: July 7-20, 2024
Applications for the Youth Conservation Corps program can be completed electronically at the link above.
Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership High School Leaders Program (HSLP)
Deadline to Apply: March 25, 2024
Description: Based on the firm belief that young people can make a positive difference in their communities, Sorensen engages Virginia high school students in public policy challenges facing the Commonwealth and prepares them for civic leadership. The High School Leaders Program is designed to:
- Prepare future leaders for ethical and responsible citizenship and public service in the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Connect Virginia’s youth leaders with peers from different regions of the state, backgrounds, and philosophies and with current leaders in Virginia's public, private, and non-profit sectors
- Energize our democratic republic system of government by promoting civic engagement among youth leaders
- Help students become effective advocates in their communities and schools through a curriculum that offers the practical skills and political knowledge.
The 2024 High School Leaders Program will be held Saturday, July 13 through Saturday, July 27. All students are housed at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville for the duration of the program. Aside from some field trips, the students will spend most of their time on the University’s Grounds. Students are required to attend the entire program.
American Legion Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program
Deadline to Apply: April 1, 202
Description: The Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program is an American Legion-sponsored program designed to present the opportunity for boys and girls to learn about law enforcement responsibilities and training from representatives of various city, county, state, and federal agencies. In Virginia, The Virginia State Police Training Academy hosts this week. Our annual session will occur from Sunday, June 16, to Friday, June 21, 2023.
Students between the 11th and 12th grades will be selected to attend the Virginia Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program at the Virginia State Police Academy in Richmond. They will participate in daily classroom and field sessions that touch on all aspects of law enforcement for a Virginia State Trooper. Legionnaires and parents are invited to attend the graduation ceremony at 1 pm on Friday, June 21. See attached brochure and application for additional information.
2024 YOUNG AMBASSADORS PROGRAM Program Description
Deadline: April 8, 2024
Description: The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) is a national program for graduating high school seniors aimed at fostering the next generation of community-conscious Latino leaders in the arts, sciences, and humanities via the Smithsonian Institution and its resources. YAP is a college preparatory and leadership program encouraging participants to explore various academic and career opportunities through the lens of the Latino experience. For the past fifteen years, this program has received major and continued support from Ford Motor Company Fund.
Participation in the Young Ambassadors Program includes meals and accommodations for the duration of the one-week training seminar, round-trip travel costs to Washington, D.C. and a program stipend. Students selected are responsible for all expenses during the four-week internship, including transportation, accommodations, and meals. Upon completion of the five-week program, participants will receive $2,350 to contribute to their higher education. Students that do not complete the training seminar and four-week internship will not receive the program stipend.
UVA Health Prince William Medical Center 2024 Teen Summer Volunteer Program
Deadline to Apply: April 12, 2024
Description: The UVA Health Prince William Auxiliary’s Summer Teen Volunteer Program takes place at the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. We offer a choice of 3 2-week sessions that introduce students to the culture of the hospital.
Service areas may include the Emergency Department, guest services, surgical services, materials management, physical therapy, registration, and the gift shop.
To participate, you must:
- Have or will finish the sophomore year of high school by summer
- Be a student in good standing with a “B” grade point average or above
- Submit a complete application packet (application form and all supporting paperwork)
- Obtain written parental consent
- Provide an up-to-date immunization record to include our required vaccinations
- Attend the Parent-Guardian/Teen introduction meeting
- Attend a group teen interview
- Attend the in-person teen program orientation/training meeting
- Purchase a uniform shirt for $20 at orientation
Jumpstart2NOVA
Application & Additional Information
Deadline to Apply: May 10, 2024
Description: Qualified seniors graduating this spring who are considering attending NOVA in the fall and in good academic standing at the college may apply for one approved course and NOVA’s 1-credit College Success Skills course, SDV 100, at no tuition! All classes will be offered through NOVA Online and run June 3 through August 12, 2024. Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks or other course materials, if required. Courses have been selected based on their usability in NOVA degrees and their status as part of the Uniform Certificate of General Studies.
Brown Pre-College Programs
Application Deadline: May 10, 2024
Description: Step off the summer-as-usual path and set a course for adventure at Brown University. Brown Pre-College Programs are designed for high school students to explore the challenges and opportunities of the college experience. You’ll enjoy the excitement and responsibility that comes from balancing challenging academics and enriching social activities—without the pressure of formal grades. Programs topics include a range of summer courses, experiential education, environmental leadership, general leadership, pre-baccalaureate and STEM for rising 10th graders.
HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM | NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
The High School Internship Program is for high school students, age 16 or older, that
are looking for real world experience. This internship will offer students the opportunity
to gain relevant work experience while contributing to an important and purposeful
mission. NGA High School Interns perform a variety of entry-level functions and tasks
in support of the organization to which they are assigned. They are given a work
project that involves problem identification, analysis, and resolution. Specific duties
may include the preparation and presentation of briefings directly related to work
assigned.
To learn more about NGA’s Student Opportunities, please visit: https://www.nga.mil/careers/Student_Opportunities.html
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides an opportunity for high school students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory.
Award duration is a continuous 8 weeks during the summer. SEAP offers a competitive stipend
for its interns.
• New participant: $4,000
• Returning participant: $4,500
Eligibility
• Rising 10th through 12th graders
• 16 years of age by the internship start date
• U.S. citizenship; some participating
laboratories will consider permanent residents
For internship details visit: https://NAVALSTEMINTERNS.US
Other Opportunities
Encuentro de Chicas Latinas de las Girl Scouts
When: Saturday, March 9 from 9:30am - 4:00 pm
Description: Encuentro de Chicas Latinas de las Girl Scouts is an annual leadership conference for Latina girls in grades 6—12. High school girls will explore issues they are passionate about, advocating for change they want to see in their world. Look for future pathways and the university experience, including a tour of Marymount University campus. Register at the link above.
2024 VSBA Student Essay Contest
Deadline: May 6, 2024
Description: The Virginia School Boards Association is holding a personal essay/speaking contest where the finalist will have an opportunity to present before an audience of more than 200 school board members and administrators at the 2024 VSBA Conference on Education held at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa at Short Pump on July 23, 2024. Additionally, the finalist will have the option to attend and present their essay at the 2024 Student School Board Representative Workshop at the Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia on November 20, 2024.
The top finalist will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Submissions are open to all Virginia public high school students (grades 9-12) as a great opportunity to share their unique voices as well as compete for funds to further their education. This year’s contest is sponsored by WellNet Healthcare.
For contest guidelines and entry form, see attachment below.
NAACP ACT-SO Program
The NAACP ACT-SO program was developed to enhance and showcase the
academic and artistic development of high school students just as we do their
athletic achievements.
ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program that culminates in a local and national
competition where students compete for scholarships and prizes totaling over
$300,000. ACT-SO, the “Olympics of the Mind”, seeks to promote positive self
esteem, academic and artistic excellence and positive interaction between our
youth and the adult professional community
Contacts Below for Additional Information:
Michael Artson, mikeartson@yahoo.com
Dena Strange, dena.strange@gmail.com
ACT-SO Prince William County
P.O. Box 52, Occoquan, VA 22125-0052