The Big 10: Fall Scholarships, Scholarship Listing #1

Every year, there's a host of scholarships that repeat themselves.  The requirements are roughly the same each year:  same deadlines, same requirements, same amount of money.  So, for seniors--this is the year you apply.  For all the other grades:  read up about the scholarships, and do what you can to prepare...and make sure to apply for the ones that are open to younger grades.

DEADLINE ALERT:  Most of the deadlines not only have a specific date, but also a time.  Most of the times are listed in EST (Eastern Standard Time).  My suggestion is to mark your OWN calendar with the deadline being 5 days (minimum) before the actual deadline, so you don't even come close.  That way you won't miss it by minutes, and end up crying all night...or all year (seriously, this has happened).

1.  Coca Cola Scholarship  Open to  H.S. Seniors.  Deadline:  October 31, 2016.  Amount:  $20,000 to 150 students.  Minimum GPA:  3.0 cum.  They are looking for students who excel academically, give service, and have overcome a trial.  Application currently OPEN.

2.   Voice of Democracy: Essay Scholarship  Open to 9-12 can enter by writing and recording a speech on a specific prompt.  Check it out--there are state winners and a national winner, ranging from $1,000 - $30,000.  Deadline:  November 1.
***Also--for students in grades 6-8, check out the Patriot's Pen program.  It has multiple awards between $500 - $5,000.

3.  Horatio Alger Scholarships  Open to H.S. Seniors.  Multiple Scholarships available--for those interested in a 4-year college OR a Tech College.  Money ranging from $1,000 - $25,000 (multiple awards given of each amount).  Click on all the different tabs--you can apply for MULTIPLE awards from the Foundation.  Earliest Deadline:  September 25, 2016.  Application currently OPEN.

4.  Daniel's Fund    Open to H.S. Seniors.     Deadline Window:  September 30 - November 30.  Requirements:  ACT score of 17 or higher, U.S. citizen, demonstrate financial need, high school senior.  Amount:  Remaining amount of money needed to pay for college (whatever college the student is accepted to).

5.  Doodle 4 Google  Open to K-12.  Window:  OPENS September 14 (no deadline listed yet).  This is a fun scholarship!  Simply 'doodle' the 'google' logo, according to the year's prompt.  (Each year a different prompt / theme).  It's such a fun scholarship--AND it's open to all students K-12!  In fact, most years, younger students win, because I think they have fun with it and enter, while the older students overthink it and convince themselves they don't have a chance.  Don't make that mistake!  Pick up some drawing pencils, some brushes--whatever medium you want--and get to it!

6.  Elks Most Valuable Student  Open to H.S. Seniors.  Window:  OPENS September 1 - November 30.  Requirements: U.S. citizen, high school senior.  Judged on scholarship, leadership, financial need.  500 awards are given per year, ranging from $4,000 - $50,000.

7.  Quest Bridge  Open to H.S. Seniors.   Another BIG scholarship.  It matches students up with colleges, and grant full-tuition, room and board scholarships.  Basically--if you get this--college is paid for.  They are looking for students who have "achieved academic excellence in the face of economic challenges".  The application window is open NOW and closes September 27.

8.  Prudential Spirit of Community  Open to Grades 7-12.    Deadline:  November 8.  This is a Service Award.  They are looking for individuals who have made a difference in the community, and the application covers these areas.  Awards range up to a $5,000 award.

9.  Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program  Open to H.S. Seniors.  Application Window September - Mid-November (check the website once it opens).  This isn't just a scholarship--although it starts with that (giving up to $40,00 PER YEAR for 4 years)--it's also a mentoring program to help students succeed in college, helping them with internships, advising, and college success.  Minimum requirements:  3.5 cum GPA, 26 on the ACT, financial need (they define financial need as having a family gross income below $95,000...well above the standard for most scholarships).  Check out their other programs, including the young scholars program or how to receive a scholarship when you transfer from a community college to a 4-year college.  Jacke Kent Cooke ALL programs link

10.  Sterling Scholar  Open to H.S. Seniors.  This is a program that begins at the high school level, and ends at the Wasatch Front Region (for our school, at least).  It awards students who excel in one particular academic area, as well as involvement in leadership and service.  The deadline for DaVinci Academy Sterling Scholar Applications is October 7, 2016.  Applications will be available on September 22nd for the high school level.  Be sure to attend Advisory during College Prep Thursdays for more information.