SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS December 2015 Senior Class of 2016: Apply for colleges, schools, and scholarships on time! Deadlines matter! Letters of Recommendation - Please be respectful people’s time. Ask for recommendations early. http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/scholarshipsAll.cfm - a resource for awards at MN schools. Check out each college for merit/leadership/major scholarships. Some of these are granted automatically upon acceptance, some are applied for separately. Free Scholarship Service on the Web - www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com, http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=888 , www.studentscholarships.org DO NOT PAY FOR SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES. DEADLINE Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing but must be accepted by Feb. 1 Ongoing Ongoing – Nov. 1 and Jan. 1 deadlines for some SCHOLARSHIP/AWARD Scholarship websites for Minority students/all students regardless of Immigration Status: www.ronbrown.org , www.BlackExcel.org, www.maldef.org (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), Hispanic Scholarship Fund www.hsf.net, Minnesota Dream Act http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2056 Scholarships available to FIRST Robotics participants: there are scholarships from over 120 college and organizations that are directed specifically at students who participate in FIRST. Individual deadlines vary. www.usfirst.org/scholarships, follow the Scholarship link. Alert Magazine Scholarship: for seniors planning to continue their education. This scholarship does not have a deadline – the magazine is published twice yearly and all essays are considered on a yearly basis. Criteria: senior; high school must be in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, MN, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, or Wyoming; GPA 2.5+; plans to attend college in any state; 650-800 word essay about a personal encounter you or someone you know has had with drug and/or alcohol abuse, how it was dealt with, what you learned from it, and what was right or wrong (in your opinion)about the way the incident or problem was handled, must be double spaced, submit official transcript, color photo. $500 www.alertmagazine.org/scholarship.php Americorps Education Award: for ages 18-24 who wish to participate in service projects and make a difference in the lives of others, and also receive an educational award by 1) repaying qualified existing or future student loans or 2) to pay current educational expenses. To qualify for an education award, you must successfully complete the required “term of service” for the program in which you participate. Award amount varies, but full time for 9 months-1 year can be $5,645. For details, visit www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps Augustana University (SD) Performing and Visual Arts Scholarships: for seniors who have applied to Augustana and plan to further develop their gifts in college. Separate scholarship application requires a letter of recommendation. www.augie.edu/arts/scholarships-arts College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University Chemistry Scholarships: for high achieving seniors from historically underrepresented in science and plan to major in chemistry or biochemistry. Women, students of color or students from low income families are encouraged to apply. Each scholarship is $22,000 per year for 4 years. For info and to apply, visit www.csbsju.edu/focus or call 800-544-1489. Condordia College (Moorhead): “Apply Early Benefit Scholarship”: for seniors who apply to Concordia. Apply by November 1 to secure a $1000 Cobber Edge renewable scholarship; apply the January 1 to secure a $500 Priority Cobber renewable scholarship. Performance Scholarships: for seniors with talent in Music, Visual Arts, Theatre, or Forensics; awards range from $8000-$32,000 over four years. https://www.concordiacollege.edu/admission- aid/tuition-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/concordia/ Ongoing Dunwoody College of Technology Project Lead the Way Scholarship: for seniors planning to attend Dunwoody and have taken Project Lead the Way classes in high school. Criteria: GPA or 2.5 or higher or ACT of 22 or higher (greater award for GPA 3.5+ or ACT 26+) May qualify to receive a scholarship worth up to $1500. www.dunwoody.edu/admissions/project-lead-theway/ Ongoing Empire Beauty Schools: for seniors attending Empire to pursue a career in cosmetology, $1500, $1000, $500. More info at http://www.empire.edu/financial-aid Ongoing Federal TEACH Grant Program: provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in an elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, students must agree to serve as a fulltime teacher in a public or private school serving low income students for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which they received a TEACH Grant. Criteria: complete FAFSA (although financial need does not need to be demonstrated); must be U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; be enrolled in coursework to begin a career in teaching and maintaining a GPA of about 3.25; sign agreement annually – if fail to complete obligation, TEACH grants are converted to Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. Contact Financial Aid Office at individual colleges. Ongoing Inver Hills Community College Scholarships: for new and current students. Variety of scholarships available – requirements vary by program and may include academic merit, financial need, leadership, community involvement, goals, etc. One application to be considered for all scholarships. Deadlines dependent on the year and semester you start. $500 - $2500. https://www.inverhills.edu/FinancialAid/TypesofAid.aspx Ongoing – Iowa State University – Special Awards for MN Residents: for seniors planning to attend offered to all Iowa State. “Academic Recognition Award” is automatically awarded to entering freshmen qualified who rank in the top 25% of the graduating class - $5500/yr for up to 4 years. “Award for students who Competitive Excellence” is awarded automatically, 2 levels depending on college preparatory are offered curriculum. Level I: GPA 3.3+, ACT 28+, calculus, 3 yrs science, 4 yrs of a single foreign admission by language - $8000/yr for up to 4 years. Level II: GPA 3.0+, ACT 26+, 4 years college prep math, March 1, 3 yrs science, 3 yrs foreign language - $6500/yr for up to 4 years. “Generations Scholarship” of 2016 $1500/yr to newly admitted, undergraduate, nonresident children or grandchildren of Iowa State graduates. Apply to Iowa State at www.iastate.edu. Ongoing Michigan Technological University: for seniors interested in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science – majors in Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Forestry, and Wildlife Ecology and Management. $1000 Earn and Learn assistantships, other scholarships. www.admissions.mtu.edu; www.forest.mtu.edu; or Chris Hohnholt, cahohnho@mtu.edu Ongoing Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP): for seniors applying to participating colleges in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Nebraska – limited number of programs available. Through MSEP, participating public institutions agree to charge no more than 150% of in-state tuition rate for specific programs; private institutions offer a 10% reduction on tuition fees. Students must enroll as a non-resident student at participating colleges. Many colleges have qualifying GPA and ACT scores, sometimes only certain majors are included, and sometimes a limited number of awards are available. (Check out the generous Univ. of Kansas award below). More information on specific colleges and majors and how to apply at http://msep.mhec.org/ OngoingMilwaukee School of Engineering PLTW (Project Lead The Way) Scholarships: for seniors apply to planning to attend MSOE and have completed PLTW courses. PLTW Credits for Success MSEO by Dec. 1 Ongoing Ongoing – offered to students accepted by March 1, 2016 Ongoing Ongoing – priority deadline is May 30, 2016 Ongoing – apply starting Jan. 1-June 1 Ongoing – offered if admitted by Feb. 1 Ongoing Scholarship and Destination MSOE Scholarship (deadline for this scholarship is Feb. 1) – eligible for up to $18,000 in scholarships. http://www.msoe.edu/community/admissions/financial-aid/page/1500/scholarships-andgrants Minnesota State Grant: for eligible students from low and moderate income families for educational expenses at eligible MN colleges or universities. There is no separate application – must complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) after Jan. 1 of senior year. Amount of award varies. http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=138 Minnesota State University Mankato: for seniors applying to Mankato, automatic academic awards (Maverick scholarships) for students in the top 10% of class. ACT 28-36 $2500; ACT 2427 $1000. www.mnsu.edu/admissions/scholarships - the website lists other scholarship opportunities at Mankato as well. To be considered for the Presidential Scholar Awards, the Graham Chemistry Scholarships, the Meredith Scholar Awards, or Honors Program, please visit mnsu.academicworks.com Minnesota State University Mankato Talent Grants: for seniors planning to attend MSU Mankato. Various awards depending on ACT and GPA/class rank, as well as field of study (chemistry, math, natural sciences. Talent Grants are also available in Creative Writing, Diversity Awareness, Music, Communications Studies, Theatre Arts, Athletics, and ROTC. Contact 800-722-0544, admissions@mnsu.edu, www.mnsu.edu, www.mnsu.edu/theatre/academic/undergraduate/talentgrant.html Montana State University Non-Resident Freshman Achievement Awards: for seniors applying to Montana State, must send official ACT/SAT directly from the testing company. Various awards for ACT from 23 to 33+ ($2000-$15,000/yr renewable). www.montana.edu/admissions/scholarships.shtml Normandale Community College – Academy of Math and Science Scholars: for seniors planning to attend Normandale as a full-time student pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field or a teaching degree with a focus on math or science education. This up to $3000/yr scholarship is particularly for students who may need academic, social, developmental (in terms of student success) or modest financial support to succeed. especially for students of color, students of economic disadvantage, students of immigrants, and students whose parents did not attend college (however any interested student should apply). Must apply to Normandale, complete the Academy of Mathematics and Science application with includes an essay and letter of recommendation, and meet academic guidelines. For an application and more info, contact the Academy of Math and Science at 952-358-8844 or visit www.normandale.edu/ams/ Normandale Community College New Student Scholarships: for seniors attending Normandale full or part time. Can apply online beginning of January, applications will be reviewed and scholarships awarded on a rolling basis as applications are received. Final deadline is June 1, 2016. Apply online at http://www.normandale.edu/paying-forcollege/scholarship-opportunities/new-students Must complete FAFSA. Awards vary from $375-$3000/yr North Dakota State University Presidential Scholarship: automatically considered for scholarship if apply to NDSU by Feb. 1. Two levels, both require GPA3.5+. Presidential is ACT32+ = $3000/yr; Honors is ACT 29-31 = $2500/yr. Other scholarships offered based on admission app also, ACT 24+, GPA 3.5+. http://www.ndsu.edu/admission/freshmen_scholarships/ Ohio Wesleyan University Honors Program Scholarships: for seniors interested in attending Ongoing OngoingOct. 31 and Feb. 29 Ongoing – apply by March 1 Ongoing Ongoing – must meet application deadlines and apply for FAFSA by March 1, 2015 Ongoing – Dec. 1 is scholarship application priority deadline Ohio Wesleyan. Criteria: rank in top 10% of class; have challenged themselves in the most rigorous courses; ACT 27+. 140 awards from $17,000 per year to full tuition. Must apply to Ohio Wesleyan, for more info http://honors.owu.edu , Schubert scholarship Simpson College Culver Fellows Scholarship: for seniors planning to attend Simpson in the fall with a passion for politics, history or public service. Culver Fellows have the opportunity to network with professionals for internship and job opportunities; meet distinguished visitors to the Culver Center; participate in conferences including the National Campaign for Political and Civic Engagement at Harvard; semester-long internship in Washington D.C. 5 awards to incoming freshman, renewable scholarship of at least $14,000. http://simpson.edu/financialaid/first-year-student-scholarships-and-grants/ or www.culvercenter.org Southwest Minnesota State University: for seniors planning to attend SMSU. Various awards based on ACT and GPA (from $2500 over 4 yrs for ACT 18-21 and GPA 3.25 min to top award of $24,000 over 4 yrs for ACT 29+ and 3.0 GPA). Round 1: must be admitted by Oct. 31, 2015; Round 2: must be admitted by February 29, 2016. https://www.smsu.edu/admission/?id=9912 St. Cloud State University: for seniors considering SCSU. Apply by March 1, expect to receive a scholarship if you have scored at least a 23 on your ACT or have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. $750-$5000 4-year renewable. www.stcloudstate.edu/huskiesscholarships University of Iowa Scholarships for Outstanding First-Year Students: for full-time first-year students entering the university directly from high school. Students may receive multiple scholarships, and none of them disqualify you from receiving need-based aid. More information at http://admissions.uiowa.edu/finances/scholarships, www.tippie.uiowa.edu/undergraduate/admissions/prospective.cfm#direct for business Tippie Scholars Program (deadline March 1), http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/futurestudents/scholarships/first-year-scholarships for Engineering Excellence Scholarship. $13,000/yr to $1000 one time awards. University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship (U Promise): for seniors planning to attend any University of Minnesota campus (Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Twin Cities, or Rochester). Criteria: complete FAFSA, recommended by March 1 of senior year; family income of up to $100,000; apply to U campuses by stated deadlines; be full-time (13 credits minimum) student enrolling at the U for the first time and working on a first undergraduate degree; must be MN resident. Current award: $570-$4000/yr for incoming freshmen. Complete details and eligibility requirements are available at http://www.upromise.umn.edu/ University of Missouri Nonresident and Diversity Scholarships: Automatic Scholarships Awarded Upon Admission: Mark Twain Nonresident, $5500-$2000 depending on class rank and ACTs 27-36, renewable; Mizzou Heritage Out-of-State fee waiver: top 25% and 27+ ACT and biological or adoptive parent who graduated from the University of Missouri, renewable; College of Engineering $2000 if top 10% and 30 ACT and 30 ACT math sub-score or $1000 if top 15% and 28 ACT and 28 math sub-score; National Merit $1000-$2000/yr plus out-of-state fee waiver. Diversity Award: member of under-represented ethnic group on MU campus (preference given to MO residents), competitive high school academic record, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, award for Non-Missouri residents is $2500/yr plus nonresident tuition waiver – no separate application is required – all admitted students automatically reviewed for scholarship and will be notified. (see Dec. 15 for George C. Brooks diversity award) Other departmental awards available with submission of MU scholarship application submitted by Dec. 1, http://financialaid.missouri.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/first-time-college-studentsnon-residents.php Ongoing – Jan. 15 for some awards Ongoing – apply by March 1 Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing University of Nebraska Scholarships for Out-of-State Students : for seniors planning to attend Nebraska. Application for admission is all that is needed for some awards; some require a Personal Statement submitted no later than Jan. 15. Criteria and award amount varies. http://admissions.unl.edu/cost-aid/scholarships.aspx University of Northern Iowa Awards for Minnesota residents: Out-of-State Minnesota Scholar Award: U.S. citizen, RAI (Regents Admission Index) of 320+ = $3500, RAI of 280-319 = $2500, renewable; RAI <280 and ACT 28+ = $2500; Out-of-State Legacy Award: must have parent, grandparent or sibling who graduated from UNI or a sibling currently enrolled at UNI, $1000 for 4 years. Other awards available, visit http://business.uni.edu/web/pages/academics/scholarships-twincities.cfm University of St. Thomas Dease Scholarship Program: for seniors who have applied to St. Thomas, this program was initiated to increase access to a St. Thomas education for students historically underrepresented at the university. The scholarship provides 4-year, full tuition scholarships for 12-15 well-qualified first-year students (in 2015-2016 school year, tuition is $37,264). Apply for St. Thomas admission before the end of 2015 – essay topics will be announced in early 2016 to qualified applicants. www.stthomas.edu/financialaid/undergraduate/typesofaid/scholarships/ustscholarships/deas e Vanderbilt University Expanded Financial Aid Program: all need-based financial aid packages offered to entering undergraduate students do not include need-based loans. Instead of offering need-based loans, Vanderbilt offers grant assistance and this applies to all admitted U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens with demonstrated financial need. www.vanderbilt.edu/scholarships (other merit scholarships also available) Waldorf College Scholarships: for seniors interested in attending Waldorf College. Criteria: excellent academics (3.25 GPA minimum, ACT 18 or higher OR 2.5 GPA minimum, ACT 23 or higher). One full tuition scholarship ($19,266 value) and 5 $2000 awards available. Scholarship date: Dec. 5, 2015 – submit all application materials one week prior to the day: completed application, high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores. http://www.waldorf.edu/residential/future-students/scholarship-day or 800-292-1903 Zinch.com Weekly Scholarship: for students 16 yrs or older who are U.S. high school students or college students. Other criteria: legal resident of U.S.; 1 entry per person per contest; 280 characters max response to a new question each week (posted at Mon. 9am PST and ends following Mon. at 8:59amPST). $1000 awarded each week. http://www.zinch.com/scholarships/weekly-three-sentence-essay-scholarship (create at account at Chegg) December 1, 2015 December 1, 2015 Bird Island-Hawk Creek Mutual Insurance Company Scholarship: five $1,000 scholarships are being awarded to graduating seniors. One scholarship is being awarded to a student furthering their education in the agricultural field and the other four will be presented to students entering a non-agricultural field. Applications available by contacting the Bird Island-Hawk Creek Mutual Insurance Company at 320-365-3546 Boston University Trustee Scholarship Competition: for seniors planning to attend Boston Univ. Criteria: outstanding academic ability (top 5-10% of class); potential to inspire students to excel (very active leaders in school and community). Must be nominated by the principal – all application and nomination materials are online at www.bu.edu/admissions/trustee 4 year full tuition. Students who are nominated but not selected are considered for other BU scholarships. BU has other full tuition scholarships for motivated, talented students interested in engineering, education, or community service – www.bu.edu/admissions/scholarships December 1, 2015 Females only December 1, 2015 December 1, 2015 December 2, 2015 December 4, 2015 Card Against Humanity’s Science Ambassador Scholarship: for female high school seniors through college seniors who are seeking an undergraduate degree in a STEM field. Criteria: submit a video of yourself explaining a topic in science that you are passionate about. Award: 100% of tuition! This scholarship is accessed by signing up for the free scholarship search engine “FastWeb”, www.fastweb.com, “Scholarships” Look Twice, Save A Life Scholarship: for high school seniors through Graduate students, available to students currently attending or planning to attend an accredited college or university. Criteria: create a form of social awareness that inspires other students to focus on Looking Twice for Motorcycle Safety; can be video, artwork, essay or anything that would engage other students to focus on safe driving; must have a valid driver’s license. $1000. This scholarship is accessed by signing up for the free scholarship search engine “FastWeb”, www.fastweb.com, “Scholarships” ROTC Scholarships: Deadline is Dec. 1 for seniors to begin their application, and everything needs to be submitted by Jan. 10, 2014 (some deadlines vary depending on the branch – please check carefully). There are full-tuition scholarships available, and some colleges will add additional scholarship money (for example, University of St. Thomas and AFROTC) for more information on ROTC visit www.armyrotc.com, http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/ , www.afrotc.com Regency Beauty Institute Scholarship: for seniors planning to attend Regency. Submit a sideby-side photo collage of your self-makeover including a before and after photo – only one submission will be accepted per person. Visit the Regency GoCosmo! Facebook page and select the theme that fuels your creativity – try a new trend, invent a look, show your style. Upload your photo collage through the app on the Facebook page and fill out the registration form. www.facebook.com/RegencyGoCosmo or submit to scholarship@regency.edu (your email must include all the information in the scholarship app entry form. 4 $5000 awards. ELKS National Foundation Scholarship: The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2016 competition. December 4, 2015 December Any high school senior who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to apply. Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks. College students are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are signed; permanent legal resident status does not qualify. Male and female students compete separately. The 2016 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest is open to any high school senior who is a US Citizen. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Applications can be found at: http://www.elks.org/ENF/scholars/mvs.cfm Applications have to be turned in at the Hopkins Elks, 30 8th Ave. S. Hopkins, MN Montana State University Presidential and Provost Scholarships: for seniors, most prestigious awards at MSU. Criteria: GPA 3.75+, ACT 30+, complete separate scholarship application. Up to 20 Presidential Awards for 4-yr full tuition and stipend; those interviewed but not selected for Presidential are considered for Provost Scholarship of 4-yr full tuition. Presidential and Provost Scholars automatically receive admission to the Honors Program. www.montana.edu/admissions/scholarships.shtml University of Missouri George C. Brooks Scholarship: for seniors from ethnic groups that 15, 2015 – received by deadline December 14, 2015 December 17, 2015 December 18, 2015 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2015 have been historically underrepresented (African-American, Hispanic and Native American) Minimum qualifications: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, Enrollment at MU the first semester after high school graduation, Member of an ethnic group that is underrepresented at MU (African-American, Hispanic, Native American, & Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander), High school seniors from an accredited high school with a minimum ACT composite score of 25 or 1130 SAT(Critical Reading + Math), Students admitted on probation are not eligible for the Brooks Scholarship Interested applicants should apply for admission to MU, submit official transcripts and official test scores (from test score providers ACT or College Board) no later than December 15th. Applicants who meet the criteria for this scholarship listed above should apply for this scholarship online by December 15th: www.scholarships.missouri.edu, www.financialaid.missouri.edu Please note that this is a separate application and essay from the MU Scholarship Application. Non-resident award is $7500 plus nonresident tuition waiver – a maximum of 35 recipients will be chosen. University of St. Thomas Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarships: for seniors entering St. Thomas Fall 2016. Criteria: U.S. citizen or permanent resident; academics; choice of major at St. Thomas (science, math, or engineering); essay; recommendation. 2 full-tuition and 2 $8000 scholarships, renewable. Must apply to St. Thomas by this date as well. Application available at www.stthomas.edu/artsandsciences/scischolar $20,000 Foot Locker Athletes Scholarship: for high school seniors through college freshman. Criteria: honors student athletes who demonstrate excellence in school, on their sports teams, and in their communities; whether you are the fastest on the team or the most supportive player, we want to hear how sports helped you grow into a strong leader at school and in your community; open to student entering college in Fall 2016 as a freshman at a 4-yr school for an undergraduate degree; must be involved in high school, intramural or community-based sports and have a GPA of 3.0 minimum. $20,000. This scholarship is accessed by signing up for the free scholarship search engine “FastWeb”, www.fastweb.com, “Scholarships” NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award: for seniors planning to attend an accredited, non-profit 2 or 4-yr school in the US next academic year. Criteria: extracurriculars, entrepreneurial spirit and intiative (small business experience), leadership, academics, essay. This year, thanks to VISA, 95 Awards will be $2000 each, 3 Awards will be $10,000 each, 1 Award will be $15,000, and 1 will be $25,000! For application information visit: www.NFIB.com/YEA College of St. Scholastica Poetry Scholarship Contest: for seniors who have applied and been accepted to St. Scholastica. All poems will be read by associate professor Ryan Vine, a nationally published poet. Winners will be selected based on how best they express themselves with language. 1st place: $1000 St. Scholastica scholarship and opportunity to be a submissions editor for the Freshwater Review, St. Scholastica’s annual, national journal of literature and art. Two Runners up: $500 and opportunity to be a submissions editor. Finalist: opportunity to be submissions editor. www.css.edu/poetrycontest University of North Dakota Student Readiness Scholarship: for seniors planning to attend UND. Criteria: have improved grades since freshman year; must have taken ACT; special consideration given to students from low-income families, first in their family to attend college and students who give back to the community even though they might not have the same resources as other students or are taking classes for college credit. Applications and release forms for this $500 scholarship must be submitted online before Dec. 31, 2015 deadline. www.act.org/readinesscampaign/applications.html (this award is also available in other states – see the list at the link provided) January 1, 2016 – new application is not yet available January 6, 2016 January 7, 2016 January 13, 2016 January 15, 2016 January 15, 2016 by 11:59pm Central Time January 31, 2016 Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) “Freedom in Academia” scholarship: grades 11, 12. 800-1000word essay: Why is free speech important at our nation’s colleges and universities? FIRE will award one $10,000 scholarship to the 1st place winner of their essay contest, one 2nd place winner will receive a $5000 scholarship, three runners-up will each receive a $1000 scholarship, 4 $500 in a drawing. http://www.thefire.org/studentnetwork/essay-contest/ John F. Kennedy 2016 Profile in Courage Essay Contest: for students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 attending public, private, parochial, or home schools. Write an original essay of 1000 words with a minimum of 700 that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in “Profiles in Courage”. First place winner receives $5000 and $5000 to grow in a John Hancock 529 College Savings Plan and expense-paid trip to Boston with family and nominating teacher; 2nd place $1000; up to 5 $500 awards. For complete guidelines, visit www.jfklibrary.org/essaycontest – requires a “nominating teacher” GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship: for seniors. Criteria: college-bound; leadership, drive, integrity, citizenship (embody the characteristics of President Ronald Reagan at school, community, workplace, and home). Up to 20 $10,000 renewable awards (up to $40,000 total) www.reaganfoundation.org/scholarships Gates Millennium Scholars: for seniors who are low income African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American, to provide an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline are of interest. Can also continue to Masters/Doctoral degrees. Must be citizen/legal permanent resident or national of the United States; GPA 3.3+; must have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities; must meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria through FAFSA. All forms available online at www.gmsp.org . All 3 required forms must be submitted by the deadline (Nominee Personal Information Form, Nominator Form, and Recommender Form). Individuals selected as Gates Scholars will receive funds in an amount to be determined by GMS based on financial need. The award will be based on the cost of tuition, fees, books and living expenses for the 2016-2017 academic year, as well as the availability of grants and other scholarships reported on the financial aid award letter. United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship Program: for seniors; The Minnesota JCI Senate Organization is an affiliate of the Minnesota Jaycees Junior Chamber of Commerce. JCI Senate scholarship is an elite honor to receive. MN organization awards two $250.00 scholarships each year. The two state winners will advance to the U.S. JCI Senate Scholarship Program and be judged again for 1 of 15 $1,000.00 scholarships. Applications available at: www.usjcisenate.org/index.php/programs/scholarship or contact Bill Krammer at 651-7395722, mrbill_2000_55119@yahoo.com. Mail completed application no later than postmarked Jan. 15, 2016 to Mr. William L. Krammer, Sr., 2324 Hillwood Drive E., Maplewood, MN 55119 Mensa Education and Research Foundation: for seniors planning to enroll in an accredited U.S. institution for 2016-2017 year – you do not need to be a member of Mensa. The general awards are unrestricted as to age, race, gender, level of post-secondary education, grade point average or financial need. There are also a few special restricted awards. Must submit essay of no more than 550 words that describes your career, vocational, or academic goals. Various awards, $300-$1000. Application online at www.mensafoundation.org/scholarships - follow directions exactly or essay is rejected. Respshop.com Scholarship: for high school seniors through graduate students who plan to attend college within the following 7 months. Criteria: minimum 2.0 GPA; 500-700 word essay about snoring, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, or CPAP therapy; may steer essay in any direction February 1 & 15, 2016 – some have earlier deadlines for “Early Decision” February 1, 2016 February 16, 2016 February 26, 2016 March 31, 2015 – Females only March 31, 2016 to Chaska Post 1791 April 1, 2016 you like, but you should relate sleep disorders to CPAP therapy to your personal life or to your community. $1500. This scholarship is accessed by signing up for the free scholarship search engine “FastWeb”, www.fastweb.com, “Scholarships” National Co-op Scholarship Program: for seniors; to be eligible, must have applied, be accepted, and attend one of the 10 WACE Partner Colleges & Universities (Clarkson 12/1/15 early decision, Drexel, Johnson & Wales 2/1/15, Merrimack College 11/15/15 early decision, Rochester Institute of Technology, State Univ. of NY Oswego, The University of Toledo, Univ. of Cincinnati, Univ. of Mass Lowell 11/15/15 early decision or 2/1/16, Wentworth Institute of Technology). Awards of $6000-$30,000/yr. For more info/apply online, www.waceinc.org . WACE encourages minority and female students as well as student interested in science, math, engineering and technology for apply for this merit scholarship. GPA 3.5+. University of Rochester Simon Scholars Case Competition: for high school seniors who have applied to the Univ. of Rochester and are interested in business, entrepreneurship, or related areas. The Competition is an on-campus event on March 20-21, 2016 where selected participants are given 24 hours to work with their teammates toward a business solution for a given case study of a real-world business scenario. The event culminates in a 15-min. presentation that illustrates teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Award: $15,000/yr renewable even in master’s or MBA program at the Simon Business School. For more information or to apply, visit www.enrollment.rochester.edu/simon-scholars Minnesota Masonic Charities Scholarships: for seniors graduating from a MN school, no restrictions on the geographic location of the recipient school choice including outside the U.S. Excellent academics, leadership, community service, recommendations, essays, exhibiting the Masonry values – awards to not require Masonic affiliation. Four distinct Scholarship Awards: Signature ( 5 $5000/yr, GPA 3.8+, ACT scores, long & short essay); Legacy ($4000/yr, GPA 3.6+, ACT scores, essay); Heritage ($2500/yr, GPA 3.0-3.59, ACT scores, essay); Vocational ($1000/yr, GPA 2.5+, no ACT score, essay, attend vocational or tech school) www.mnmasoniccharities.org Create-a-Greeting Card Scholarship: for grades 9-12 and college students. Criteria: design a holiday, get well, or birthday greeting card; your photo, art, or graphics submitted must be your own original work; you must be at least 14 years old to be eligible. $10,000. This scholarship is accessed by signing up for the free scholarship search engine “FastWeb”, www.fastweb.com, “Scholarships” Minnesota Women's Golf Association: for female seniors planning to attend a 4-year school. Criteria: U.S. citizen, academic performance (minimum 3.2 GPA), financial need (must include a copy of FAFSA), quality of character as demonstrated by civic and academic activities although skill or excellence in the game of golf is not a criterion, candidates shall demonstrate an interest or involvement in the sport. $3000/yr, renewable for 4 years. Application: call 952-345-3961, or email mleland@mngolf.org for application. VFW Creative Patriotic Art Scholarship: for grades 9-12 (sponsored by VFW Auxiliary, membership not required). Artwork must be on paper or canvas in water color, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempura, crayon, acrylic, pen-and-pencil or oil – digital art is not accepted. Submit to the Chaska VFW Post 1791, 620 Creek Rd., Chaska by March 31 – if you have questions contact Arlys Evans, 952-210-1787 or Mary Cataldo, 952-368-3280. For complete rules and entry forms, visit http://www.vfwauxiliary.org/programs-page/scholarships/ . Prizes are awarded at multiple levels, but at national level: 1st prize is $10,000 plus airfare and lodging to the VFW Auxiliary National Convention; 2nd $5000; 3rd $2500; 4th $1500; 5th-8th $500. Visionary Scholarship Program/American College Foundation: for students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Criteria: U.S. citizen or legal resident; transcript; 500 word essay; income not June 10, 2016 July 27, 2016 considered Multiple winners ranging from $1000 to $5000. Apply at www.AmericanCollegeFoundation.org Abbott and Fenner Scholarship: for juniors or seniors as well as all students currently registered at any post secondary institution. Criteria: 500-1000 word essay (your submissions must be sent to us by email at: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com) “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.” $1000, number of awards varies. For complete instructions, visit www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm US-ROK Korean War Service Members Memorial Scholarship: for seniors who are a descendant of a Korean War Service member (served from June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955) and will be a freshman, sophomore or junior in a 4-yr college or will be a first year or second year student in a vocational/technical/community college (colleges are accredited non-profit institutions). Criteria: 3.0 GPA or higher preferred but explain an extenuating circumstance if you failed to maintain 3.0); leadership qualities in extracurricular activities or in the community; family tree to show applicant’s relation to Korean War service member; transcript; resume; 2 500-word essays from listed topics; letter of recommendation. Application: contact Byong Moon Kim, 651-786-5170.