Scholarships & Financial Aid
Hickman: Be Present, Be Connected, Be Successful
Welcome to the Hickman Scholarship and Financial Aid Smore
There are several types of financial assistance for post-secondary education, including grants, scholarships, and loans. We strongly recommend that families look into these opportunities for students seeking to continue their education beyond high school. This Smore will provide resources to help you navigate the process of applying for financial aid and scholarship navigation.
In this Smore you will find:
- Section 1: Financial Aid 101: Types, How to get started, and Avoid Scams
- Section 2: FAFSA information
- Section 3: Hickman Faculty Selected Scholarship Application
- Section 4: Local and General scholarship applications
- Section 5: Scholarship search websites
- Section 6: Financial Aid websites
*Smore will be updated throughout the year as new scholarship opportunities are sent to the Counseling office.
Section 1: Financial Aid 101
How to Avoid Scholarship & Financial Aid Scams
Helpful article for students and families beginning the scholarship and financial aid journey. Click Here
Plan. Pay. Finish: Navigate the steps of college.
Planning & Paying for College: Dept. of MO Higher Ed
Section 2: FSA ID and FAFSA
No matter the financial case, whether planning to attend a certification program, technical school, or 2- or 4-year college, every student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the primary application used by federal, state and institutional financial assistance entities in determining an individual’s eligibility for grants, loans, work-study and scholarships. The 2024-25 FAFSA will be available in December, 2023
Step 1: Create FSA ID
The FSA ID is a username and password that is required to log in and complete the FAFSA. The FSA ID also serves as a legal signature when you submit your FAFSA. The student and one or both of your guardians will need to create a FSA ID before starting the FAFSA.
NEW THIS YEAR: FSA IDs MUST be made prior to starting the FAFSA. It is recommended to create your FSA ID at least 3-5 days before starting your FAFSA.
See the PDF below for easy instructions and helpful tips on how to create FSA ID. To create FSA ID: click here
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA. Need help?
FAFSA Frenzy Event
Hickman, Battle, and Rock Bridge are hosting a “FAFSA Frenzy” for ANY student wanting assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Don’t miss this opportunity!
Financial aid representatives from local colleges will provide free assistance to help students & parents fill out the FAFSA.
Many colleges looks at March 1 deadline for scholarships, however, some are as early as DECEMBER 1- check your schools of interest website!
FAFSA priority deadline for Missouri is April 1. Some financial aid is first-come first-served, so important to file early! Priority deadline for Access MO Grant is also April 1.
What to bring: If you are a dependent student, you’ll need this information for you and your parent/guardians.
Parent and student social security numbers
A list of schools to which you have applied, been accepted, or are interested in attending
It is recommended to also bring student and parent tax documents
Hickman FAFSA Frenzy Event
Introducing MOFAFSA!
Whether you are a student or a guardian, MOFAFSA.org breaks down the FAFSA timeline and key requirements. Visit this helpful website!
Section 3: Hickman Faculty Selected Scholarship Application
Application Now Available: Deadline is February 29th by 4:00 pm
Seniors: Please use your CPS student account when completing this form. Application: has been taken down, now that deadline has passed.
Section 4: Local & General Scholarship Applications
This section you will find information and applications for local scholarship applications.
* If you see an outdated application, we are waiting to receive the updated copy from the scholarship committee. Please check back later.
Local & Commonly Applied for Scholarships
* You will notice a link to the 2023 Hickman Scholarship page in this document. It will be a good resource to know what scholarships will become available to apply for. The 2024 document will add applications as the counseling office receives the 2024 application from scholarship contacts.
Scholarship Newsletter (General)
September Issue: Varying scholarships with deadlines of September-December
October Issue: Varying scholarships with deadlines of Oct 31- Jan 24th
November Issue: Varying scholarships with deadlines December 1st-April 1s
December Issue: Varying Scholarships with deadlines January 4-May 1st
January Issue: Varying Scholarships with deadlines of January 3-April 15th
February Issue: Varying Scholarships with deadlines of February 20-April 25th
March Issue: Varying Scholarships with deadlines of March 31st-May 17th
April Issue: Varying Scholarships with deadlines of April 30th-July 31st
May Issue: Varying Scholarships with deadlines of May 17th-July 1st
Scholarships for 9-12th Graders
National Scholarships (Updated Weekly) (Some, not all are available to 9-12th- mostly 12th)
Horatio Alger Association (Junior Scholarship)
- Over 600 scholarships available to students that display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. To learn more.
Eligibility: pursuing 2 or 4 year college, demonstrate financial need, involved in co-curricular and community service activities, GPA 2.0+, US citizen. To apply now.
Application dates: December 1, 2023- March 15, 2024
Coolidge Scholarship (Junior Scholarship)
This is a full-ride, four year merit scholarship that may be used by recipients for undergraduate study at an accredited college or university in the US. A complete description of the scholarship's criteria is available here. Application: to apply now.
Submission deadline is January 18, 2024 5:00 pm Pacific Time
Optimist International Youth Contests (9-12th grade)
1. Essay Contest- 2-page paper expressing one's feelings on the given topic, and the winner can earn $2500. More info and application: click here
2. Oratorical Contest- 4-5 minute speech on it's respective topic, and the student can win up to $22,500! More info and application: click here
Hickman A+ Program
Section 5: Scholarship Search
Counselor Tip- create an email account just for scholarships. You can receive a lot of emails from scholarship websites and it can be overwhelming with your school email.
The UAF Care Scholarship requires 20 hours of service learning prior to the 1st semester of college, must attend an HBCU, no GPA required. Click here for application
Section 6: General Financial Aid Info & Resources
Create your FSA ID (needed to complete the FAFSA)
MOFAFSA
Info about loans and payment options. (and scholarships)
Comparing Financial Aid Package: How to
College comparison tool for financial aid, best college match for you, college search by degree and more. GREAT Resource
How Stuff Works- Interesting and comprehensive site with a lot of details and helpful tools