2013 – 2014 SCHOLARSHIP NEWSLETTER February 12, 2014 WEDNESDAY CLUB MERIT SCHOLARSHIP The Wednesday Club provides merit scholarships for senior students in Danville and Pittsylvania County public schools. Eligibility: Award amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The student must: Demonstrate academic excellence Be planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree from a college or university $1,000 Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Postmark no later than March 24, 2014 DANVILLE CHAPTER OF CHUMS, INC The Danville Chapter of Chums, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that promotes charitable, educational, and religious activities in the community. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: A senior Be planning to further their education after high school Two $500.00 scholarships Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. The completed application and all requested items are due to Chums by Monday April 15, 2014. DANVILLE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION The Danville Professional Women’s Association promotes and mentors professional women through educational programs, and networking, and providing scholarships. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be a graduating female senior Plan to enroll in an accredited college in fall 2014 To be determined Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Due to the organization no later than February 28, 2014 THE LINKS, INC. DANVILLE CHAPTER MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FOR MINORITY STUDENTS The Danville Chapter of Links, Inc. offers annual merit scholarships to minority high school seniors. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The student must: Be a minority high school senior Have been or anticipate being accepted into an accredited post-secondary institution Have a 2.5 GPA Be planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited four year college or university To be determined Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Applications are due to Links no later than March 17. DANVILLE ALUMNAE CHAPTER DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must be a graduating senior who will enroll in an accredited college for fall 2014. To be determined Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. March 24, 2014. DANVILLE CHARTER CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must be: A graduating senior Planning to attend a vocational, two year, or four year college To be determined Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. March 7, 2014 JAZZY JAZZ SOCIAL CLUB SCHOLARSHIP The Jazzy Jazz Social Club sponsors two scholarships to students in the Danville area. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Enroll in a two or four year institution fall 2014 Be a resident of the Danville surrounding area Be a U.S. citizen Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 Be African American 1st place award - $1,000 2nd place award - $ 500 Applications are available in the scholarship file in Guidance. March 31, 2014 MID-ATLANTIC BROADBAND COOPERATIVE SCHOLARSHIP Mid-Atlantic Broadband (MBC) is a broadband internet provider committed to bringing economic revitalization to Southern Virginia. MBC will award five scholarships for $4000 to high school seniors who plan to further their education by attending an accredited institution of higher learning in Virginia. Eligibility: The applicant must: Be a graduating senior who is pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in Virginia with a focus in science, technology, engineering or math Have a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA 2 Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: $4000 Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Completed applications and all supporting documents must be returned to MBC’s corporate office by April 4, 2014. THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE DAN RIVER REGION SCHOLARSHIPS The Community Foundation provides 37 separate scholarships established by individuals or organizations. The application has changed to an online system. Once a student has applied online, the application system automatically matches the students to the scholarship(s) and students may need to answer additional questions, dependent on the scholarship. You may update your application at any time until the day of the February 26 deadline. After February 26, students can no longer make changes to the application. 1. The Community Foundation has two types of scholarships — one type does not require students to submit the GWHS Local Universal Scholarship Application (LUSA). The second type you will see guidance nominated after the scholarship name. For the second type, you must complete the online application and the GWHS Local Universal Application (LUSA). The LUSA is due to Ms. McKinnie no later than noon February 13, 2014. The LUSA is located on the GWHS website and in the scholarship file in Guidance. 2. Student applications, including the essay, recommendation letters, transcripts and any other supporting documents should be received by February 26 deadline. 3. The Community Foundation will not review incomplete applications or those received after the deadline. How to Apply: Deadline: The application is located at www.cfdrr.org. Click on the Receive tab. Student applications, including the essay, recommendation letters, transcripts and any other supporting documents are due by the February 26, 2014 deadline. For the second type of scholarship, the LUSA is due to Ms. McKinnie by noon February 13, 2014. SONY KINGOFF MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP In honor of Sonny Kingoff, a longtime supporter of academics and athletics at GWHS, a scholarship opportunity is available to a graduating senior who has participated in varsity sports (including cheerleading). Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be a graduating senior Have participated in any sport, including varsity cheerleading. Have shown high moral character, have maximized his or her ability in sports endeavors, and have exhibited leadership Have achieved academically to the best of his or her abilities $1,500.00 Complete the GWHS Local Universal Application (LUSA), located in the scholarship file in Guidance and on the GWHS website. The completed LUSA is due to Ms. McKinnie in Guidance no later than March 12, 2014. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 by 12:00 noon ALPHA PHI OMEGA CHAPTER ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. SCHOLARSHIP Alpha Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated provides support to outstanding high school seniors. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be graduating high school seniors for the class of 2014 Plan to enroll in an accredited college or university Demonstrate financial need Demonstrate participation in community service and/or extra-curricular activities To be determined Applications are located in the scholarship file in the Guidance. Postmark deadline for the completed application is February 21, 2014. 3 RHO IOTA CHAPTER OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be a graduating senior Planning to enroll in a two or four year college fall 2014 To be determined Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Applications and requested documents are due by April 19, 2014. VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE SCHOLARSHIPS The Virginia High School League (VHSL) and corporate partners sponsor four scholarships for college bound seniors. Andrew Mullins Courageous Achievement Award The Andrew Mulling Courageous Achievement Award recognizes a female or male student who had made significant contributions to one or more VHSL athletic and/or academic activities. The student currently has or has overcome a serious illness, injury or disability, has overcome great adversity, such as challenging social or home situations in a positive way; or other extraordinary situations, where the student has displayed tremendous courage against overwhelming odds. The award requires the student to have (1) a minimum 3.0 GPA (2) won at least one varsity letter or the equivalent in the VHSL sport/academic activity, involvement in other school sponsored activities, and (3)involvement in activities outside of school (work, charities, etc.). Application information is located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Return the application and all required documents to Ms. McKinnie in Guidance by noon, Friday, February 14. Allstate Foundation/VHSL Achievement Award The award requires the student to have (1) a minimum 3.0 GPA (2) won at least one varsity letter or the equivalent in the VHSL sport/academic activity (3) involvement in other school-sponsored activities and (4) involvement in activities outside of school (work, charities, etc.). Application information is located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Return the application and all required documents to Ms. McKinnie in Guidance by noon, Friday, February 14. Wells Fargo Citizenship Award Students must have participated in one or more of the following VHSL activities to be eligible for the Wells Fargo Citizen Award. These include creative writing, debate, drama, forensics, magazines, newspapers/newsmagazines, scholastic bowl, yearbook, sportsmanship summit/committee, leader’s conference, baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track (indoor and outdoor), volleyball and/ or wrestling. The award requires the student to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, won at least one varsity letter or the equivalent in the VHSL sport/academic activity, involvement in other school-sponsored activities, and involvement in activities outside of school (work, charities, etc.). Application information is located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Return the application and all required documents to Ms. McKinnie by noon, Friday, February 14. VIRGINIA PTA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Virginia PTA offers scholarships to graduating Virginia high school students who are planning to enter teaching or other youth-serving professions. Eligibility: Award Amount: The applicant must: Attend a school that has a PTA or PTSA association in good standing Reside in Virginia and graduate from a Virginia public high school Plan to pursue a career in teaching or qualify for service with a youth serving agency Enter a Virginia college or university in September following the date of application for the scholarship Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better Provide evidence of financial need and academic achievement $1,200.00 scholarship memorializing M. Frieda Koontz $1,200.00 scholarship honoring S. John Davis $1,000.00 scholarships 4 How to Apply: Deadline: Applications are available at www.vapta.org and are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Return the completed application and required documents to Ms. McKinnie in Guidance by noon, February 18, 2014. STAN PARKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – ROANOKE VALLEY WRESTLING ASSOCIATION The Roanoke Valley Wrestling Association awards an annual scholarship in memory of Stan Parker. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be a senior from the Blue Ridge, River Ridge, Three Rivers, Pioneer, Piedmont, Western Valley or one of the independent schools of Roanoke Catholic or North Cross Attend a junior college, state or private college, or university Be active in wrestling and student activities or the son or daughter of a coach, official, or connected to wrestling. Have maintained a “C” average $1,000.00 Applications are available in the scholarship file in Guidance. Applications are due to the Roanoke Valley Wrestling Association by March 28, 2014. VIRGINIA SHERIFF’S INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIP The Virginia Sheriff’s Institute Scholarship program provides an opportunity for young people in Virginia to pursue an educational curriculum in law enforcement or criminal justice. The scholarship is available to students in jurisdictions where sheriffs participate in the scholarship fundraising efforts. Students in this jurisdiction are eligible to receive the scholarship. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Live in a locality where the sheriff is a member of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute and has authorized the Institute to conduct a direct mail special appeal to raise funds for the scholarship program Major in the criminal justice field (those majoring in law or pursuing a career as a lawyer will not be considered as a criminal justice major) Attend a Virginia college To be determined Applications and information is located in the scholarship file in Guidance. Return the completed application and all supporting documents to Ms. McKinnie in Guidance by April 1, 2014. JOHN R. LILLARD VIRGINIA AIRPORT OPERATORS COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIP The John R. Lilliard Scholarship program is to assist future aviation leaders and to honor John R. Lillard. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The student must: Be a Virginia high school senior Have a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA Be planning a career in the field of aviation Be enrolled or accepted into an aviation related program at an accredited college $3,000 The application and information is located at www.doav.virginia.gov and in the scholarship file in Guidance. March 14, 2014 WILLIAD G.PLENTL AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP The Willard G. Plentl Aviation Scholarship provides an award for Virginia High School senior that is planning an aviation career in a non-engineering area. Eligibility: The applicant must: Be accepted into a non-engineering, aviation-related postsecondary education program Have an un-weighted GPA of a minimum of 3.5 5 Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: $1,000 Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. March 14, 2014 THE ARMENIAN EDUCATION CENTER /SCHOLARSHIP The Armenian Education Center provides a scholarship to one Virginia high school student. The competition is open the ninth through twelfth grade students. Eligibility: How to Apply: Award Amount: Deadline: The competition is open the ninth through twelfth grade students. Information is located in the scholarship file in Guidance and at the Armenian website, www.armenianeducationcenter.org. $1,000 Hard copies of essays must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2013. Essays must also be emailed by April 1, 2014. BUICK ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program funded by the GM Foundation provides scholarship to high school seniors and undergraduates who plan to major in a field of study that focuses on engineering, technology, design or business with an interest in the automotive industry. The foundation will award scholarships, including renewable scholarships of up to $25,000 per year. First-generation college, female, minority, military veterans or a dependent of military personnel receive special consideration. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Have an excellent academic record Have financial need Have participation and leadership in community and school activities, work experience and interest in pursuing a career in the automotive industry Up to $25,000 renewal up to four years for 100 first-time freshman and $2,000 one-time awards for an additional 1,000 students The application and related information is located at www.buickachievers.com February 28, 2014 DANVILLE RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP (DRTA) The Danville Retired Teachers Association scholarship is given to a chosen candidate enrolled in a college to become a teacher. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be a senior planning to attend college for a career in teacher Have maintained grades of a “C” average or better To be determined Applications are located in the scholarship file in the Guidance. Return your application packet to Ms. McKinnie Guidance no later than 3:00p.m. April 7, 2014. MARY JORDAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Mary Jordan Memorial Scholarship established in memory of Mary Wescott Jordan who died at the age of 23 following heart surgery. The award is sent directly to the educational institution of the recipient’s choice. Eligibility: Award Amount: The applicant must: Be a graduating senior Attend a college, university or seminary To be determined 6 How to Apply: Deadline: Follow the instructional page for the Mary Jordan Memorial Scholarships located in the scholarship file. The GWHS Local Universal Scholarship Application (LUSA) is located in the scholarship file in Guidance and on the GWHS website. Completed applications are due to Ms. McKinnie in the Guidance by noon Monday, March 31, 2014. THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY DAN RIVER UNIT 325 SCHOLARSHIP The American Legion Auxiliary Dan River Unit 325 offers a scholarship to a direct descendant; child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. or a legally adopted child or a child/children of a spouse by prior marriage or dependent as defined by the United States of America Armed Services for Veterans of the United States military and National Guard. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Plan to attend an accredited college/university Be a citizen of the United States and legal resident of Virginia or North Carolina To be determined by the auxiliary Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. April 15, 2014 THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY DAN RIVER UNIT 1097 SCHOLARSHIP The American Legion Auxiliary Dan River Unit 1097 offers a scholarship to a direct descendant; child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. or a legally adopted child or a child/children of a spouse by prior marriage or dependent as defined by the United States of America Armed Services for Veterans of the United States military and National Guard. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Have at least a GPA of 3.0 Plan to attend an accredited college/university Be a citizen of the United States and legal resident of Virginia or North Carolina To be determined by the auxiliary Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. March 3, 2014 THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY DAN RIVER UNIT 1097 CHILDREN OF WARRIORS NATIONAL PRESIDENTS’ SCHOLARSHIP The American Legion Auxiliary Dan River Unit 1097 offers a scholarship to a direct descendant; child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. or a legally adopted child or a child/children of a spouse by prior marriage or dependent as defined by the United States of America Armed Services for Veterans of the United States military and National Guard. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be a senior in high school Plan to attend an accredited college/university Be a citizen of the United States and legal resident of Virginia or North Carolina The three scholarships are in the amount of $3,500, $3,000, and $2,500 Applications are located in the scholarship file in Guidance. The complete application is due to the American Legion Auxiliary Dan River Unit 1097 on or before March 1, 2014. PETER PASULA STUDY HABITS SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: The applicant must: Be attending an accredited post-secondary institution by the fall of 2014 7 Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: Enrolled at any level in any program that is two years in length or longer $500 Application information is located at http://www.mortagebrokerscoquitIam.com April 1, 2014 MAPLE LEAF DENTISTRY SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be attending school at the undergraduate level in a 2 or 4 year college or technical school fall 2014 Have completed at least 100 hours of volunteer work over the last 2 years Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher $500 Application information is located at http://peterboroughdentists.com May 30, 2014 SUNTRUST OFF TO COLLEGE SWEEPSTAKES One winner is chosen every two week beginning October 25 through May 9, 2014. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must be a high school senior $1,000 Apply at offtocollege.info or suntrusteducation.com May 9, 2014 JT - MINNIE MAUDE CHARITABLE TRUST SCHOLARSHIP The trust’s primary goal is to provide higher education opportunities through financial assistance to deserving and needy students in the Danville and surrounding area. Scholarships selection is based on academic achievement and promise, financial need and other related selection criteria. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be a resident of Pittsylvania, Halifax, Henry Counties and all of the cities located in these counties for a minimum of twelve months at the time of the application Attend an accredited public or private, two or more year college or university, or an institution offering a one year certificate degree Have a 2.5 GPA if enrolling in a two or more year college Have a 2.0 GPA if enrolling in a technical/trade college Varies up to and including a possible full scholarship Visit the website www.jtmm.org for details or contact the J.T Minnie Maude organization at 434 797 3330. Applications are available for submission in January 2014 and should be received or postmarked by April 8. The University of Richmond provides a financial aid package equal to full-time tuition and standard room and board (without loans) to Virginia residents who: Are submitting a first year admission application for the first time for fall 2014 Qualify for admission as first time students Have a total family income of $60,000 or less Qualify for need-based financial aid based on Richmond’s need analysis formula Are U.S. citizens or permanent resident’s Domiciled residents of Virginia BIG SUN SCHOLASHIP 8 The BigSun Organization provides scholarship assistance to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits by offering an annual scholarship. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of the sport in which they are participants. Amount of Award: How to Apply: Deadline: $500 Visit http://www/bigsunathletes.com June 20, 2014 VSGA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM OF THE VIRGINIA GOLF FOUNDATION The Virginia Golf Foundation sponsors the VSGA scholarship program. The VSGA scholarships provide college scholarships to worthy Virginia high school students who have an interest in golf and will attend college within the commonwealth. Academic achievement, an interest in golf (skill level not important), character and financial need are the bases for the scholarship. Eligibility: Award Amount: How to Apply: Deadline: The applicant must: Be a Virginia high school senior Domicile in Virginia since September 1, 2013 Be in good academic standing acceptable to the Virginia Golf Association Have an interest in golf (skill level not important) Be a person of character To be decided Apply online at scholarships.VSGA.org Postmarked by Monday February 24, 2014 or submitted online and received online by midnight Thursday, February 27, 2014. Scholarship Websites The websites below provide outstanding scholarship search databases. www.scholarships.com www.Cappex.com www.scholarshipsonline.org www.scholarship4students.com www.scholarshipexperts.com www.fastweb.com www.Free-4U.com www.MeritAid.com (database for merit scholarships from colleges across the county) zinch.com findtuition.com Scholarship Tips 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Apply for every scholarship that you feel you might have a chance to win. Do not limit yourself to the large awards. If you are eligible for several small awards, apply for them. They can add up. Search for scholarships at the colleges you are applying. Meet all deadlines. Do not under estimate the amount of time that it may take to complete an application. Search free scholarship databases. Start using the databases listed in the Scholarship Newsletter today. Be aware of scholarship frauds. Do not pay to get money for college. 9 7. Do not pay to register on a scholarship database. Scholarship information is and has always been public information. Do not pay individuals or businesses to find scholarship money for college. These individuals and businesses build their database from public information. . Don’t Pay for Help to Find Money for College Commercial financial aid advice services can cost well over $1,000. You might have heard or seen these claims at seminars, over the phone from telemarketers, or online: "Buy now or miss this opportunity." Do not give in to pressure tactics. Remember, the “opportunity” is a chance to pay for information you could find yourself free. “We guarantee you’ll get aid.” A company could claim it fulfilled its promise if you were offered student loans or a $200 scholarship. Is that worth a fee of $1,000 or more? “I’ve got aid for you; give me your credit card or bank account number.” Never give out a credit card or bank account number unless you know the organization you are giving it to is legitimate. You could be putting yourself at risk of identity theft. Don’t Pay for the FAFSA Several Websites offer help filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for a fee. These sites are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. We urge you not to pay these sites for assistance. If asked for your credit card information while filling out the FAFSA online, you are not at the official government site. Remember, the FAFSA site address has .gov in it! (U.S. Department of Education) Protect Yourself from Identity Theft How Does Identity Theft Happen? Criminals gain access to personal data such as names, social security numbers, and bank and credit card information. Using the stolen data, the criminal can fraudulently obtain credit cards; establish cellular phone accounts, and more. Reduce Your Risk When Applying for Aid After completing the FAFSA online, exit the application and close the browser, any cookies created during your session will be deleted automatically Don’t tell anyone your Federal Student Aid PIN, even if that person is helping you fill out the FAFSA Review your financial aid award documents and keep track of the amounts applied for and awarded Never give personal information over the phone or Internet unless you made the contact. If you have questions about a solicitation or about your student loan account, call 1-800-4-FED-AID. Federal Student Aid securely stores your information on the National Student Loan Data System. However, if you complete or even request a student loan application from a lender, you may be granting the lender permission to access your file. Before providing personal information to an organization, review its privacy policy. Shred receipts and documents with personal information that are no longer useful. Immediately report all lost or stolen identification to the issuer and to the police, if appropriate. (U.S. Department of Education) 10