BHS Scholarship Search Party
A one-stop shop for scholarships! - December 2014 edition -
Welcome!
There are thousands of scholarships available to students from all backgrounds and walks of life. The basis for selection can range from financial need, standardized test scores, grade point average, race, religion, major area of study, etc.
Each month the BHS Scholarship Search Party will highlight several different scholarships, sorted by application deadline (earliest to latest).
You should also search for scholarships at www.fastweb.com, www.schoolsoup.com, www.cappex.com and/or www.scholarships.com.
Holiday break is a perfect time to apply for scholarships!
Video and Financial Aid links from "Paying for College Night" on 11/18/14
If you were unable to attend BHS' "Paying for College Night", please see below for video of presentation and handouts that were distributed.
Video of presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TmgZF8UByo&list=UUtbrWw2bOYGwW99gdLQ6aGw
State of Michigan Grant Programs At-a-Glance
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mistudentaid/ProgramsGlance_465231_7.pdf
Federal Student Aid Programs At-a-Glance
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/2014-15-do-you-need-money.pdf
Completing FAFSA for the 2015-2016 School Year
For information on when and how to complete the FAFSA, please visit: https://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa
The FAFSA for the 2015-2016 school year will become available on January 1, 2015.
Obtain your FAFSA PIN today!!
A PIN is a 4-digit number that is used in combination with your Social Security Number, name, and date of birth to identify you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites, such as FAFSA on the Web.
If you are a parent and you want to electronically sign a FAFSA for your child, you need your own PIN. If you have more than one child attending college, you can use the same PIN to sign their applications.
The security of your PIN is important because it can be used to:
- Electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents
- Access your personal records, and
- Make binding legal obligations.
To apply, create or request a duplicate PIN, please visit: https://pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp
Institutional Merit Aid & Scholarships
If you are eligible for a scholarship from the school(s) to which you apply, you will receive information from that school after your application is accepted. These scholarships are generally referred to as “Merit aid” or “Merit scholarships.” In some cases you may need to take a test, write an additional essay or go for a competition to be eligible.
Visit the school’s website and look for the office of Financial Aid/Scholarships for a listing of potential scholarships offered by that college. Most scholarship aid is organized into a package from your college after they receive your FAFSA information. The aid package may consist of grants, loans, and/or work study/internships. Please work closely with the financial aid office of the college you plan to attend.
SCHOLARSHIP LIST
Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarship (Available grades 9-12)
This scholarship is available to students in Kindergarten through Graduate School and seeks to recognize and reward students who have made a significant impact in the fight against hunger. The scholarship recipients each receive $5,000 for their education as well as a matching grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choice. For more info and application visit the website at:
http://www.sodexofoundation.org/hunger_us/scholarships/scholarships.asp.
Deadline December 5, 2014.
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
This is a national scholarship competition where 500 awards will be granted ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, renewable for up to 4 years! To qualify for this scholarship students must submit a completed application in a two-pocket folder no later than December 5, 2014.
The application should include an application form, essay, transcript, test scores and counselor report. Awards will be granted to students with outstanding leadership or community service. For application and further information visit
AXA Achievement Scholarship
Application deadline is December 15, 2014 or until the first 10,000 applications are reached, whichever comes first. Apply early!
NIFB Young Entrepreneur Award
SENIORS - If you are running your own small business and entrepreneurship is in your future, apply for the Young Entrepreneur Award! For more information and to apply, visit www.NFIB.com/YEA. You must apply by December 18, 2014.
Odenza Marketing Group Volunteer Scholarship (Ages 16-22)
If you are at least 16, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and have contributed at least 50 hours of volunteer service within your community over the last 12 months, you are eligible for this $500 scholarship! For application and more information visit http://odenzamarketinggroupvolunteeraward.com/. Deadline to apply is December 30, 2014.
NextStepU Scholarship (Available grades 9-12)
It doesn’t get easier than this: Sign up to receive offers about colleges and programs and you are entered to win a $10,000 scholarship! This offer is open to students 14 years and up who are or will be in college in the next 3 years. For official rules, more information and to sign up, visit: http://www.nextstepu.com/winfreetuition/
Must enter by December 31, 2014.
National Wild Turkey Federation
Students compete for NWTF-sponsored scholarships at local, state and national levels.
All students receiving local scholarships for $250 will have the opportunity to compete for a state/provincial chapter-funded scholarship worth up to $1,000. State/provincial chapter winners will qualify to compete for a national scholarship valued at up to $10,000.
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
1. Students should be graduating seniors with a 3.0 on 4.0 scale
2. Students must be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education (i.e. Junior College, Community College, Technical College, College or University).
3. Students must support the preservation of the hunting tradition and actively participate in hunting sports. A
copy of current hunting license is required.
4. Students must hold a current NWTF membership (Xtreme JAKES, student or regular membership).
5. Students must be involved in school activities
6. Students must demonstrate ability as a leader among his or her peers.
7. Students must demonstrate community leadership and/or involvement (i.e. Scouting, 4-H, civic group or club, volunteer work).
Please visit: http://www.nwtf.org/jakes/scholarship.html
All application information must be postmarked no later than January 1, 2015
The American Legion Oratorical Speech program (Available grades 9-12)
This opportunity is open to 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Students will give a 8-10 minute speech on the US Constitution. Scholarships range from $800-$1500 on the Department level and $14,000-$18,000 on the National level. Deadline for entry is January 2, 2015.
Visit http://www.michiganlegion.org/oratorical/index.html for more information.
GE-Regan Foundation Scholarship Program
Honoring the legacy and character of our nation’s 40th President, the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education.
Each year, the Program selects numerous recipients to receive a $10,000 scholarship renewable for up to an additional three years – up to $40,000 total per recipient. Awards are for undergraduate and graduate study, and may be used for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, and board. In addition, Scholars are invited to participate in a special awards program.
To be eligible for this award, applicants must:
- demonstrate at school, at the workplace, and within the community the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship;
- demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent);
- demonstrate financial need;
- be citizens of the United States of America;
- be high school seniors attending high school in the United States, graduating in winter 2014 or spring 2015.
- plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2015-2016 academic year.
DEADLINE: January 8, 2015, To apply, please visit: http://www.reaganfoundation.org/GE-RFScholarships.aspx
Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP)
The Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP) honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans. RBSP competitively awards Ron Brown Scholars four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth. Apply here.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Ron Brown Scholar Program provided you meet the following requirements:
- Must be Black/African American.
- Must excel academically.
- Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential.
- Must participate in community service activities.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.
- Be a current high school senior at the time of your application.
Regular Deadline: January 9, 2015
The American Legion Department of Michigan Guy Wilson Scholarship
- A son, daughter, grandchild or great-grandchild of a war-time veteran planning to attend any Michigan accredited college or university.
- Selection is based on a student's GPA of 2.5 or higher, financial need, goals/intentions, parent/grandparent's active war-time military service.
Please visit http://www.michiganlegion.org/scholarships/wilson.html for scholarship forms. Send completed scholarship form along with requested documentation to the American Legion's District Commander by January 12, 2015.
The American Legion Department of Michigan William D. Jewell Brewer Scholarship
- Who are a son, daughter, grandchild or great-grandchild of a war-time veteran planning to or are attending any nationally accredited college or university.
- Selection is based on a student's GPA of 2.5 or higher, financial need, goals/intentions, parent/grandparent's active war-time military service.
Please visit http://www.michiganlegion.org/scholarships/brewer.html. Send completed scholarship form along with requested documentation to the American Legion's District Commander by January 12, 2015.
The 2014 Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) scholarship
The Gates Millennium Scholars Scholarship program exists to provide financial assistance to academically excellent minority students with limited financial means. Applications are now available entirely online. GMS will select 1,000 talented students to receive a renewable, need-based scholarship that will provide financial support throughout each student’s undergraduate career. For those who choose to study computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science, the scholarship can continue through the pursuit of a doctoral degree.
Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they:
-Are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American
-Are a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States
-Have attained a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 on an unweighted 4.0 scale or have earned a GED
-Will enroll in an accredited college or university in the fall of 2013 as a full-time first year student
-Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities
-Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria
All materials must be submitted by January 14, 2015. For application, eligibility and more information, visit http://www.gmsp.org.
University of Michigan Club of Greater Detroit Scholarships
SENIORS planning to attend The University of Michigan – The University of Michigan Club of Greater Detroit is sponsoring 11 unique scholarship opportunities for quality citizen-students who have high scholastic records in high school and who have shown qualities of leadership. Eligibility criteria for all scholarships is a minimum ACT score of 31 or SAT score of 2100 or top 1% of your graduating class (must meet 1 of 3 criteria).
Deadline for applications is 5:00pm on Friday January 16, 2015.
Submit application to:
Scholarship Fund, U-M Club of Greater Detroit, 23230 Industrial Park Drive, Farmington Hills, MI, 48335.
For more information and to download the scholarship application, visit: http://www.umclubgreaterdetroit.org/scholarships/scholarships.aspx
Intertribal Timber Council Truman D. Picard Scholarship Program
The Truman D. Picard Scholarship Program is dedicated to the support of Native American students pursuing a higher education in Natural Resources ($2,000 for graduating senior high school students).
1. Letter of Application: The letter must include your name, permanent mailing address, email address if available, and phone
number. It should be a maximum of two pages in length, and discuss the following:
a. Interest in natural resources.
b. Commitment to education, community and your culture.
c. Financial need. Students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should attach the Student Aid Report or have the report sent to the ITC office. If it has not been completed, send last year’s report.
2. Resume
3. Three signed letters of reference, on letterhead and dated within the last six months.
4. Evidence of validated enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Corporation, as established by the U. S. Government. A photocopy of your enrollment card, front and back, or Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) will suffice.
5. Transcripts: ALL students must include transcripts.
‐ High school students must also provide documented proof of acceptance to an institution of higher education and a review of college class schedule to verify major before a check is released.
For more information, please visit www.itcnet.org
All requested information MUST be received by the close of business (5:00 p.m. PST) January 16, 2015, for consideration.
Princeton Prize in Race Relations (Available grades 9-12)
This award is sponsored by Princeton University and seeks to honor students in grades 9-12 who are doing outstanding work in their schools or communities to advance the cause of race relations. There is a $1,000 cash award and winners will also be invited to an all-expense paid trip to Princeton University to attend the Princeton Prize Symposium on Race which will be held in the spring of 2015.
Go to
http://www.princeton.edu/pprize/ for more information and to find an application. Application deadline is January 31, 2015.
University of Michigan Dearborn 2015-2016 Alumni Legacy Scholarship
For students attending UM Dearborn in fall of 2015 and have a familial relationship with a UM Dearborn alumnus. Students must complete application, personal statement, Official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, nomination letter from UM Dearborn alumnus with whom a familial relationship exists.
Please see Mrs. Belsky for application. All documents must be received by February 1, 2015.
Stephen’s Soldiers Cancer Survivors' Scholarship
Scholarships are granted for college education of the cancer survivors. Recipients will be selected by a committee based on the applicants' personal story and life goals.
To be eligible, an applicant must satisfy the following requirements:
1. The applicant must be a cancer survivor or currently diagnosed with cancer, and does not have to be receiving treatment currently to qualify.
2. A letter from your attending physician verifying your medical history and current
medical situation must be submitted (on official stationary). Medical information will be kept confidential and will only be utilized to support the qualification of consideration for the scholarship.
3. The applicant is currently a high school senior and has been accepted for enrollment in an accredited undergraduate school or will be prior to awarding of scholarships.
4. The Fund requires the recipient of a scholarship to submit a copy of an acceptance letter from the college/university of their choice or a letter of good standing from the registrar. (A letter of acceptance is required prior to the awarding of the scholarship if unavailable by the deadline for submission of materials.)
5. You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and a resident of one of the following counties in Michigan: Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb
6. The applicant must submit two letters of recommendation from two different academic teachers addressing why they should receive the scholarship. (Letters must be in a sealed envelope and initialed by recommending teacher.)
7. Applicant must submit an official transcript of their GPA in a sealed envelope.
8. The applicant must submit a video discussing the following question: HOW HAS MY
EXPERIENCE WITH CANCER IMPACTED MY LIFE VALUES AND CAREER GOALS?
Videos must be a maximum of 3 minutes in length.
9. The applicant must show proof of a minimum of 15 volunteer hours with a cancer-related organization indicating how they are using their cancer experience to help other
young cancer patients and survivors coping with a life threatening or life-altering event. (A letter from the organization verifying hours is required.)
10.Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted February 15, 2015 to be considered for the 2015 Fall Semester. (No exceptions!)
11. The applicant (and their parents if they are minors), must sign a release, that they agree to have their name and photo published in the news media or any SSF publication as a recipient of Stephen’s Soldiers Cancer Survivors' Scholarship and that they agree to have their name, photo and success story be published on this website or in any SSF publication.
Please visit www.stephenssoldiers.com/ for more information.
MEA Scholarship
The Michigan Education Association is offering this scholarship to graduating seniors who are planning to attend a Michigan public college or university in the fall of 2015 or any of the following private schools: Baker College-Flint/Owosso; University of Detroit Mercy; Davenport University-Eastern Region Campus; Adrian College; Finlandia University; Albion College; Kendall College of Art and Design.
Selection will be made on the basis of academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community service. Special consideration will be given to children of MEA members or students from low income households.
Please visit: http://www.mea.org/mea-scholarship to apply. Deadline is February 27, 2015.
AAA Michigan's School Safety Patrol Scholarship Program
Students must show documented proof of AAA Michigan School Safety Patrol participation in elementary or middle school, good academic standing, and a strong record of involvement in the community and/or extra-curricular activities. A personal letter of introduction must be included describing the community and extra-curricular activities and what being a Safety Partoller meant to them.
Applications require principal or counselor signature. Please see Mrs. Belsky with additional questions. Deadline: May 1, 2015
Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) Scholarship program
1) Must be of Arab/Chaldean descent
2) Must be a Michigan resident
3) Must be a graduating high school senior
4) Must have 3.0 GPA or higher
5) Must provide copy of academic transcript
6) Must provide proof of acceptance into university or college
7) Must submit two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other school professional
Please contact Kimberly Hassan at 248-553-1990 or kimberlyh@myacc.org with any questions. Application must be postmarked by Friday, May 1, 2015.
Credit Union ONE William G. Coyne Memorial Scholarship Program
This scholarship is open to students whose family has been a member in good standing of Credit Union One for at least 6 months.
Applicants should also meet the following criteria:
* Complete 30 or more hours of documented community service by May 1st, 2015.
* Be a 2015 graduating senior
* Have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA
* Plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited college, university, vocational or trade school in the fall of 2015
For more information and application visit http://www.cuone.org/about/scholarships.aspx.
Postmark deadline is May 1, 2015.
vibe Credit Union FU$E Scholarship
FU$E account holders are eligible for one of five $1,000 college scholarships* given out each year to qualified high school seniors who plan to continue their education at a university, college, or technical school. The scholarships will be awarded to students who demonstrate character, concern for the community and scholastic commitment.
To be considered, you must complete our online application and return it along with any additional required information by May 2 of your senior year. Want in? Here's what you need to do:
- Be a Vibe Credit Union member in good standing for a minimum of two years
- Maintain at least an average 3.0 GPA
- Perform a minimum of 20 hours of community service during your junior/senior years
- Provide two formal letters of recommendation from non-family members
- Provide your official high school transcripts.
*Relatives of Vibe employees are not eligible.
Send all documents to:
Vibe Credit Union
Attn: Marketing Department
44575 W. Twelve Mile Road
Novi, MI 48377
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program
JUNIORS and SENIORS – Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants will be awarding up to $1,000 to the student who best answers the following question in 500-1000 words: Describe your educational career and life goals. Explain your plan for achieving these goals. Include your degree/major, why you selected it, and how this degree/major will help you achieve your goals.
For application and more information visit http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm
Deadline to apply is June 15, 2015.
Big Sun Scholarship
You are eligible for this scholarship if you have participated in athletics and if you are planning to attend college in the fall. To apply, write a short essay answering the following question: How has your participation in sports affected who you are and how you relate to others? Include the effects on personal relations with peers and others. Essays with your name and contact information should be sent to athleticawards@bigsunathletics.com no later than June 19, 2015. For more info visit http://www.bigsunathletics.com/
Jewish Educational Loan Service
JELS is funded through a partnership of more than 80 private funds and philanthropic service organizations and JELS loans are interest free. To be eligible for a JELS loan you must be…
· A Jewish resident of the metro Detroit area
· A full-time student pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or professional education at an accredited college or university
· Making satisfactory academic progress toward a career objective
· Able to document financial need after obtaining maximum financial assistance through the school
· Attending a Michigan educational institution (unless a comparable education is not available in Michigan).
Call the JELS coordinator at 248-559-5000 to set up an appointment and continue with the process.
BEWARE OF SCHOLARHIP SCAMS!!!
You should never have to enter credit card or banking information to be awarded a scholarship. Organizations offering scholarships can cut you a check or send the funds directly to the school you plan to attend. You should also never have to pay a company for “guaranteed” scholarship awards.
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
If you were/are Medicaid eligible for 24 months within a 36 consecutive month period since approx. age 9 or 10, you could be eligible for TIP. Phase I of TIP covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees up to 24 credit hours in any academic year. Allowable mandatory fees are registration, technology, and student activity fees up to a maximum of $250 per semester/term. TIP does not cover the cost of books, lab, parking, or specific course fees, housing, or meal expenses. Phase II of TIP covers up to $500 per semester or $400 per term, for a total of $2,000. If you meet criteria, you must apply for TIP prior to graduation. If you have questions or would like to inquire about eligibility, call 1-888-4-GRANTS or visit the SSG website www.michigan.gov/ssg.
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Act is designed to provide undergraduate tuition assistance to certain children older than 16 and less than 26 years of age who have been Michigan residents for the 12 months prior to application. To be eligible, a student must be the natural or adopted child of a Michigan veteran. The veteran must have been a legal resident of Michigan immediately before entering military service and did not later reside outside of Michigan for more than 2 years; or the veteran must have established legal residency in Michigan after entering military service. Students may receive scholarship assistance for up to four academic years and a total of up to $11,200. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/osg, call 1-888-4-GRANTS, or email osg@michigan.gov.
Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivors Tuition Program
This program was established to provide a waiver at state public institutions of higher education for children and surviving spouses of Michigan police officers and fire fighters killed in the line of duty. Eligible children must be the natural or adopted child of the deceased and must be under the age of 21 at the time of the police officer's or fire fighter's death. Student must be enrolled at least ½ time in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate. Student must be an undergraduate. Student must be a Michigan resident. Student must demonstrate financial need. For more detailed information and application forms, contact the Office of Scholarships and Grants at: osg@Michigan.gov or call toll-free 1-888-4-GRANTS (1-888-447-2687).
DON'T FORGET!
Check with your parents employers and your employers, clubs, churches, synagogues, unions, etc. for scholarship offers!
Contact Us!
Mrs. Robyn Weiss | (Last Names E-K)
Mrs. Christina Belsky | (Last Names L-R)
Ms. Hillary Graveline | (Last Names S-Z)
Website: http://www.berkleyschools.org/berkley-high-school/pages/83557/applying-to-college
Location: 2325 Catalpa Drive, Berkley, MI, United States
Phone: 248.837.8140
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berkley-High-School-Counseling-Department/150664004965604?ref=hl
Twitter: @CounselingBHS