December Scholarship Newsletter
December, 2023
A Productive Winter Break
Seniors, it is the hope of the RCPS Counseling Team that you will spend this Winter Break, focusing on completing scholarship applications, preparing for the new FAFSA, discussing with your parents your post-secondary goals and the cost of school. These are very important conversations that must take place. Each month the District Counseling Program develops a scholarship newsletter to help seniors in their search for additional money for school. Scholarships are received when you apply. Take the chance and apply. By now you should have been admitted to the college of your choice and the focus should be scholarships. Not all scholarships are academic. Some are contest, some are based on volunteerism, leadership, essays, etc. Find the scholarship that best suits you. And most importantly, don't waste until the last minute. We are here to support you.
The 24-25 FAFSA is still LOADING...
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is expected to release on December 31, 2023. Students and families should continue to log into the Federal Student Aid website to see if the application has launched. Also check out the social media pages for GA Student Finance and Federal Student Aid for additional information.
Collins Family Scholarship
The Collins Family Scholarship will award a total of three, $3,000 scholarships to qualifying RCPS seniors who are of Hispanic/Latino descent, regardless of citizenship status. First preference will be given to first generation college students*.
To apply, a student must:
· be of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity,
· be a 2024 graduate in a Rockdale County public school,
· be accepted to a college or technical school for the 2024-25 school year, and
· complete an application and 500-word essay.
*First generation college student is defined as neither parent having attended a college or technical school program.
Deadline: Friday, April 22, 2024,
Download a copy of the application below.
5 Strong Scholarship
NOTE: Students if you complete this scholarship application you should also complete the Common Black College Application. For the fee waiver code for the Common Black College Application see your school counselor.
5 Strong partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide promising student leaders with full-tuition scholarships and ongoing mentorship and support from matriculation to graduation.
Link to apply Apply - 5 Strong (5strongscholars.org)
SMLAC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship
Since 1997, the Stone Mountain Lithonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarship monies to scholars in our service area. The 2024 scholarship is now available. To apply click the link below. Seniors should have above a 2.7 or higher GPA. All questions should be directed to the scholarship committee. The deadline is January 31, 2024.
Link to Apply
FAFSA Changes
The FAFSA Simplification Act represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid starting with the 2024–25 award year. This includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, need analysis, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs.
The law will also affect every state that uses FAFSA data to award state grant aid and every school that participates in the federal student aid programs.
Check out this link for additional information What is the FAFSA Simplification Act? | Federal Student Aid
Ronald Reagan Foundation Scholarship - Deadline JANUARY 4th
The Ronald Reagan Foundation is now accepting scholarships for high school seniors who showcase leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship. To apply visit the website.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program | The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute
Disabled Scholars Award
The Disabled Scholar Award is just a part of their efforts to be good members of the community and to give back. With the Disabled Scholar Award, this Law Firm hopes to both raise awareness about the challenges disabled young people face while also helping one special young person to achieve his/her goals and dreams.
Applicants will be judged on their academic merits as well as the content of the application and essay they provide. The link to apply is below... The deadline for the fall is July 31st. Although the deadline is in several months consider completing this application this month.
National Hispanic Scholarship
- Every year, HSF selects ~10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from a broad and talented pool of applicants.
- HSF Scholars have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training
- Career services include access to select internship and job opportunities with HSF corporate partners.
- HSF Scholars are eligible to apply for all Scholar Conferences including, the STEM Summit, Finance Conference, Media & Entertainment Summit, Entrepreneurship Summit, and Healthcare Summit
- Finally, and importantly, HSF awards more than $30 million in Scholarships annually and, depending upon available funds, HSF Scholars may also be eligible to receive a scholarship, which range from $500-$5,000 and awarded directly to students
The application opens in January - visit the site now to prepare for the application process.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be of Hispanic heritage.
U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA
Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college and graduate students
Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, in the US, for the 2023-2024 academic year
Submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable)
To learn more about this organization and apply to become a Hispanic Scholar visit: Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Scholarship Main (hsf.net)
Do your parents work for Cox Enterprises?
Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta - Additional Scholarships open December 12th Scholarships | CFGA (cfgreateratlanta.org)
To be eligible, applicants need to fulfill the following criteria:
- Must be a high school senior who is the natural, adopted, or dependent child of an individual who has been an active, full-time Cox employee for at least the last three consecutive years (as of January 26, 2024).
- Must be accepted for enrollment at an accredited college, university, or technical school.
- Must have a 2.50 or higher grade point average.
- Must plan to be enrolled full-time and maintain that enrollment status.
- For United States applicants, your Cox-employed parent must be a contributor included on your FAFSA Submission Summary. For questions about contributor status, please review this video.
- No other family members can be Kennedy Scholars for the current academic year, and previous recipients are renewed if they continue to meet the scholarship's criteria and submit a renewal application each semester.
Deadline to apply: January 26, 2024 Scholarships | CFGA (cfgreateratlanta.org)
End Cyberbullying Essay Scholarship
Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship Award
In an effort to get students committed to the cause of deleting cyberbullying, we are offering the $1,000 Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship Award for high school and college students to help cover educational expenses.
How to Apply:
To apply, you must be a high school student (9th-12th grader), college student or graduate student attending or planning to enter an accredited U.S. college or university.
You must complete the online application form or you can print out the application and mail it to: 2261 Market Street #291, San Francisco CA 94114.
Selection is based on the written statement and focused on creativity, content and commitment to the cause of deleting cyberbullying.
Deadline:
December 31, 2023. Winners selected and notified by January 31, 2024.
John Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest
Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917.
To learn more about political courage, visit Contest Information and FAQs.
All submissions must adhere to contest requirements.
Contest Deadline
The Profile in Courage Essay Contest opens for submissions on September 1, 2023. The contest deadline is January 12, 2024.
First-place: $10,000 Second-place: $3,000 Five Finalists: $1,000 each Ten Semi-finalists: $100 each
Get Email Updates
Join our mailing list to get contest tips, updates, and a reminder to submit your essay.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not sell or share your personal information or email address.
Additional information located by clicking this link: Getting Started | JFK Library
The Live Mas Scholarship - Taco Bell Scholarship
The Live Mas Scholarship is looking for the next generation of innovators, creators and dreamers who have the passion to pursue their unique dreams and change the world. To apply, all you need to do is submit a video that s two minutes or less. It s that easy!
Eligibility: Applicants must be a legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, at least 16 years of age and no older than 26 years of age, and on track to apply for or currently enrolled in accredited post-high school/post-secondary educational programs (including accredited two-and four-year colleges, universities, vocational-technical and trade schools).
Deadline: January 4
Amount: $5,000-$25,000.
Awards: 100.
Renewable: No.
Link to apply: Live Más Scholarship 2024 (mykaleidoscope.com)
MENSA Education and Research Foundation
Purpose of Award: To support students seeking higher education.
Eligibility: Applicants do not need to be members of Mensa. They must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university in the academic year after application. They must write an essay explaining career, academic or vocational goals.
Deadline: January 15
Amount: $2,500.
Awards: Varies.
Renewable: No.
NOTE: You Do Not need to be a part of MENSA in order to apply
Emphasis in judging will be placed on a goal statement that includes specific information on experience or steps taken toward the goal, persuasiveness (e.g., how your past achievements/experiences and your future planning increase the probability of reaching your goal), why you think that you will succeed, and also grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Micklin Law Group Educational Scholarship
Twice-yearly needs-based scholarship opportunity to motivated students who may need a little financial assistance to obtain their degree. One scholarship will be awarded for spring and fall semester each year.
Eligibility Requirements
The award is granted two times per year and is needs-based. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited college in the United States.
Award
The scholarship provides two $1,000 awards; one per semester to different students. The award recipient will be notified of their selection by February 28th, 2024.
Scholarship Deadline
The current scholarship deadline is December 31st, 2023 for Spring semester 2024.
Submission Information
To apply, please complete our online application. All application materials must be received by the deadlines in order to be considered for the scholarship. Awards will be announced by March 31st, 2024 (for Spring Semester 2024).
To apply visit: Scholarship Application | Social Justice | The Micklin Law Group
The Dominguez Firm Collegiate Scholarship Award
The Dominguez Firm Collegiate Scholarship Award for new high school graduates or undergraduate college students in continuing their education with a credited university.
Collegiate Scholarship Award:
General Rules:
- Student must be a US citizen or a permanent resident;
- Student must be a senior in high school or a first or second-year college/trade school student;
- Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
- Student must demonstrate involvement in community activities;
- Candidates should follow us on social media to stay updated regarding the winner.
Application Requirements:
- Students must submit an essay between 500-700 words and/or a 1-2 minute video describing themselves and their aspirations of going to college. Graphic and creative presentations are welcomed. Students should describe why they are pursuing a higher education, what obstacles they have had to overcome, the lessons learned from those experiences, and most importantly, describe any prior community involvement and/or their intentions for the same after graduation.
- Students must send an unofficial copy of their high school and/or college transcripts.
The Collegiate Scholarship Award will be given to a deserving undergraduate student looking to making a difference in his or her community and the future. The recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship towards their college tuition.
Deadline to Apply:
Please submit all required information on or before December 31, 2023.
To apply Visit: Scholarships - The Dominguez Firm
Around the Corner from College Scholarship
Requirements:
Students can either be living in the US (as a US citizen, permanent resident, or with DACA status) or living internationally, but must be planning to attend a college or university in the US.
Deadlines for the scholarship are December 31st and June 30th of each year.
Award: $1,000 per application period
One winner will be chosen for each application period.
To apply visit: Around the Corner from College $1,000 Scholarship - Access Scholarships
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is a merit-based program that helps students fulfill their dreams of a higher education. The scholarship is named for Gen and Kelly Tanabe, best-selling authors on education, whose generous donations fund this program.
Eligibility:
9th-12th grade high school, college, or graduate student including adult students.
Legal resident of the U.S.
Currently in school or planning to attend college or graduate school.
Selection and Award:
Winners are chosen by committee, which bases its decision primarily on the submitted personal statement. The first place award is a $1,000 scholarship. The award can be used for undergraduate or graduate school tuition, room and board, required fees or any educational expense.
Deadlines
Fall Competition: Aug. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023
To apply visit: Apply — Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship (genkellyscholarship.com)
Power of Resilience
Scholarship Eligibility:
To be eligible for The Power of Resilience Scholarship, applicants should be in either high school or college (undergraduate or graduate program) and must show good academic standing with a GPA of at least 3.0. The scholarship recipient will have made clear their interest in the power of personal resilience when in crisis.
Application:
To apply for this scholarship, please submit:
- Tell us which high school or college you currently attend,
- An unofficial academic transcript,
- A 1,000-word essay discussing when you were faced with a serious life challenge and how you overcame that challenge. In your essay, you should explain what you have learned, and especially what others can learn from your experience.
Award: $1,000
Deadline:
The deadline to apply for this scholarship is December 31, 2023.
To apply visit: The Power of Resilience Scholarship | Attorney Scott Glovsky
The Warren Law Firm Survivor Scholarship
This scholarship is an opportunity for students to share their stories of a difficult time in their life and how they have grown from it, and how they hope to use their past experiences to make a difference for others in the future. Applicants are asked to share a story about how they, or someone close to them, were injured, how it affected their life, and how they overcame this obstacle.
The eligibility requirements for The Survivor Scholarship are as follows:
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in or about to attend an accredited community college, undergraduate, or graduate program within the United States.
- Applicants must have a current GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Application
A complete application for this scholarship will include:
- A Resume with current contact information
- A current academic transcript (clearly showing your Cumulative GPA)
- If not currently enrolled in a college or university, the applicant must provide proof of acceptance into their planned school for the upcoming academic semester.
- A 750-1,000 word essay describing a difficult situation in your life that you’ve grown from and how you hope to use your past experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. At the end of your essay, please include a short explanation of how, if chosen, you will use the scholarship funds to pursue your educational goals.
Award: $1000
Deadline
Please submit your application (resume, transcript, and essay) on or before December 31, 2023. The winner will be announced in the first quarter of 2024.
All applications must be submitted by email to info@warren-law.com with the subject line “[Applicant’s first and last name] – The Warren Firm Survivor Scholarship”
For more information visit: The 2023 Survivor Scholarship - The Warren Firm, PLLC (warren-law.com)
Intoxalock $3,000 Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship
At Intoxalock, our overall mission is to ensure safer roads for all by preventing drunk driving.
Video Topic
Applicants must create an original 30 to 60 second Public Service Announcement (PSA) video on the dangers of drunk driving and ways in which it can be prevented. Applicants will need to upload their video on YouTube and then include the link to their video in the application form below. Be sure to mark your video as "Unlisted".
Prize Details
- 1 non-renewable award of $3,000
- Prize can be used to cover tuition, housing, books, or any education-related expenses.
Deadline
All entries must be submitted by Dec. 31st, 2023 11:59 PM CST
Qualifications
Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a student at an accredited two or four year U.S. college or university
To Apply Visit: Intoxalock Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship
IVLA’s College Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is available to students who would like to attend a community college or a 4 year university in the Fall of 2024. IVLA understands the importance of a college education for students! We also understand the expense to families in providing a college education for their children. The selection process is merit-based and determined by the creativity of a 500 word essay submitted through our website.
Must be submitted on or before April 30th, 2024
- College Scholarship from IVLA - International Virtual Learning Academy (internationalvla.com)
Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards
Every year, the Helen Diller Family Foundation awards up to 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 each for their leadership efforts to change the world. From the environment to social justice to access to education and beyond, these young people are tackling big challenges in their communities and having tremendous impact.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants and nominees must be:
- 13-19 years old (on January 5, 2024)
- Identify as Jewish
- A resident of the United States
- Volunteering without any compensation
- Currently serving in a leadership role on one project or initiative that embodies the values of tikkun olam — repairing the world
To apply and find out more about the scholarship and award visit the website: About the Awards - Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards (dillerteenawards.org)
AFSA Scholarship Program - January 1st DEADLINE
- The High School Senior College Scholarship Contest is open to high school seniors who are citizens or aliens legally residing in the USA.
- Scholarship funds are payable to the winner’s college/university or certified trade school in the United States; the winner must enroll in classes beginning no later than the Fall 2024 session.
- Winner selection is NOT based on financial need, GPA, or demographic criteria.
- Home-schooled students may apply as long as the course of study is equivalent to that of a senior in high school.
- Relatives of AFSA staff or NATIONAL board members may not enter.
Entry Details
- Scholarship entries are ONLY accepted online through the AFSA scholarship website (www.afsascholarship.org).
FOSSI Scholarship - January 31st DEADLINE
- Are you a high school student looking to make the world or your community a better place?
- Do you plan to attend an HBCU next year?
- Do you have an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math?
If you answered yes, FOSSI may be for you. Learn where a FOSSI scholarship can take you.
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
Scholarship is open to students who are of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity and are citizens, nationals, or legal permanent residents of the United States. Applicant must be enrolling as an undergraduate student in a U.S. accredited college or university in the Fall of 2024. Special focus will be given to students who live at or below the poverty level and/or are the first in their family to attend college.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship is open to graduating, minority high school seniors who plan on attending an accredited and approved four-year institution within the United States. Applicant must show leadership potential, dedication to community service, and evidence of financial need.
Jet Future Business Leaders Scholarship
Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current enrolled college students who are interested in pursuing a career in business.
Prompt: Describe a specific project or initiative you would like to undertake in your early career to contribute positively to society or address a pressing issue.
Length: 250-500 words
Deadline: January 31, 2024