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1) The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application opens OCTOBER 1st this year!
That means if your student will be attending any post-secondary institutions in 2017, you should fill this out.
The closer you can fill it out to Oct. 1st, the better chance you have of getting aid if you qualify.
Here is the website: https://fafsa.ed.gov/

2) Even if you think your income level will be too high, many institutions
REQUIRE the FAFSA. It never hurts to fill it out, as your circumstances can change.

3) In order to submit the FAFSA, you must first create an "FSA ID." There are no longer pin numbers,
so everyone must create an ID this year. Both student and parent need an FSA ID.
You can go to fsaid.ed.gov to start the process now.

4) If you have questions or get "stuck" on the FAFSA, feel free to call any local institution's financial
aid departments (i.e., SFCC, EWU, Gonzaga, etc.). They should be able to answer general questions
even if you don't intend to apply there. You can also call FAFSA directly at 1-800-4FED-AID
(1-800-433-3243).

• 7 Things You Need Before You Fill Out the FAFSA
http://blog.ed.gov/2015/12/7-things-before-fafsa/

• 7 Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA
http://blog.ed.gov/2015/12/7-steps-filling-out-fafsa/

• 11 Common FAFSA Mistakes
http://blog.ed.gov/2016/01/11-common-fafsa-mistakes/

Common Questions about Filing the FAFSA
http://www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/fafsa/. This guide answers the most common questions that students
have about filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Topics include eligibility, special cases, what you need to actually apply, and questions to expect.

 

A variety of options are available to help you pay for college. Check out the options below and contact the financial aid office at the college of your choice.

 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Virtually all financial aid sources in Washington use a single application form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After you complete the online form, you can choose which colleges to send it to. You must submit the FAFSA to your college's financial aid office to be considered. For instructions, visit the 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA video tutorial.

 

Washington State Financial Aid Programs

The state’s student financial aid programs — for example, State Need Grant, College Bound scholarship, state Work Study, Passport to College for foster youth — help tens of thousands of students annually earn college credits, certificates and degrees.

Known collectively as Washington Opportunity Pathways, some of these programs are need-based, while others are based on merit (good grades). Find out if you are eligible for one or more Opportunity Pathways programs.

 

Funds are Limited, Apply Right Away

Many aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so complete your FAFSA right away. Priority deadlines vary from college to college, so check the college's financial aid deadline.

Students must apply for financial aid every year.

 

Types of Funding

• Grants — do not need to be paid back
• Undocumented Students/DREAMers
• Loans — must be repaid
• Work Study
• Scholarships — do not need to be paid back
• Workforce transition support — do not need to be paid back. This includes:
  • Opportunity Grant
  • WorkFirst
  • Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET)
  • Worker Retraining

 

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WASHINGTON SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS - Deadline: January 25

 

Financial need will be considered for the $4,000.00 Carl M. Hansen Foundation Engineering

Scholarships, awarded to up to six freshman engineering students entering an ABET accredited program. Please complete Form C and attach it to your application if the Financial Need table indicates you are qualified.

Eligibility & Application Requirements

1. Applicant must be a high school senior, a U. S. Citizen and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for grades 10 and 11.
2. Applicant must attain a minimum test score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Program (ACT). These scores are used only as a minimum qualifying level, and are not otherwise used in the selection process.
3. Applicant must have applied as an undergraduate engineering student to an ABET accredited program.
4. Applicant must submit an essay entitled "My Interest in Engineering" that is machine-printed and is one page in length (about 250 words). Essay must discuss: (1) your interest in engineering; (2) specific field of engineering you are pursuing; and (3) the occupation you propose to follow upon graduation.

Selection Criteria

The WSPE Local Scholarship Committee will judge applicants on the basis of each candidate's high school record. All courses, except physical education and driver's education, will be considered. Special supplemental credits will be given for math, computer, natural sciences, and mechanical drawing courses as well as college level courses, advanced placement (AP) and honors courses. The counselor will please clearly hi-light all honors/AP classes and list the senior classes. See website for selection criterea.

Experiencing a cancer diagnosis can cause a storm of emotions. Whether cancer has made you feel angry, sad, lonely, or even grateful, we want to hear about it. The Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest invites high school students to submit essays about their experience with cancer for the opportunity to win cash prizes. Since the contest began in 2006, we have received more than 2,900 submissions and handed out over $135,000 in prize money.

What you write about is up to you. Over the years we have received essays about the cancer diagnosis of family members, teachers, and friends, as well as essays about cancer in the abstract. We have received stories of triumph and stories of great loss, stories written in times of turbulence and stories written in times of quiet reflection. Every story has been honest and heartfelt, and each one is unique.

The contest was created to serve high school students living in Washington State. This year we created a contest to students throughout the U.S. The essay requirements are the same, but the deadline and prize amount are different. Click on the link above to access contest and to submit your essay or contact Liz Lange with questions at liz@cancerpathways.orgor 206-709-1400.

We look forward to reading your story!

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WSECU (WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP) -

 (open mid-December, closes mid-February)

 

Every year we extend an invitation to our members who are beginning or continuing their higher education to apply for a scholarship. Last year we awarded nearly $65,000 to 30 deserving recipients.

• The application period runs from Dec-Feb each year
• Recipients are selected and notified in the spring
• WSECU members of all ages are welcome to apply
• $1,500 awards for two-year college/vocational school
• $2,500 awards for four-year undergraduate and graduate programs

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AMERICAN INDIAN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP (WSAC) - Deadline: February 1

 

The American Indian Endowed Scholarship helps financially needy students with close social and cultural ties to an in-state American Indian community pursue undergraduate and graduate studies.

 

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate financial need based on a completed FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• Be a Washington State resident.
• Intend to enroll full-time as an undergraduate or graduate student at a public or private college or university in Washington State.
• Not pursue a degree in theology.
• Intend to use your education to benefit the American Indian community in-state.
• Not yet have received a total of five years of this scholarship.

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BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU STUDENTS OF INTEGRITY SCHOLARSHIP - Deadline: February 13

 

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Foundation is now offering the “Students of Integrity Scholarship” to recognize high school students who personify and communicate ethics in the real world. High school juniors and seniors from across the Northwest are encouraged to apply by creating a 90-second video that demonstrates how BBB helps people become smart consumers. The purpose of the BBB is to help people find and recommend businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. A scholarship of $10,000 will be awarded to the winning application submitted by students residing in Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Washington, or Western Wyoming.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to educating consumers about marketplace issues, informing donors and suggesting standards for charities. For more than 100 years, BBB has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust.

Eligibility:

Each student applying, whether individually or as a group, must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Attend a high school in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, or Western Wyoming
• Graduate in 2017 or 2018 with plans to attend an accredited higher education institution
• Have a GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Group applications must have no more than three students
• Finalists will be required to produce an official transcript on a 4.0 scale from an academic institution in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, or Western Wyoming

How to Apply:

• Candidate can visit the given site and create their scholarship application account. They will be required to create your own login and password. The link is: https://bbbpnw.awardspring.com/
• If applying as a group, each student must complete all sections of the online application.
• Copy and paste the link to your unlisted YouTube video into the application. Verify that the link is correct.

Video requirements

• Videos must encourage viewers to report schemes to Better Business Bureau Northwest by calling 206-431-2222 or visiting bbb.org/northwest
• Videos must provide three consumer tips relating to the topic of choice
• Videos may not be longer than 90 seconds. Points will be deducted for every two seconds over
• If using music, it must be an original work of the student(s) or be licensed under the Creative Commons License
• If neither licensed under the Creative Commons License nor an original work of music, students must submit verification of permission from the Copyright owner to use the music
• If statistics are used, please cite references
• Copy and paste the link to your unlisted YouTube video into the application. Verify that the link is correct

Supporting Documents:

Create a 90-second video on how BBB helps people become smart consumers. Remember to tell a story that makes an impact. Focus on one of the following areas:

• Identity theft and fraud
• Online marketplace scams
• Phony online reviews
• Charity scams

Financial Aid and Award money:

Candidates submit a 90- second video and could win a $10,000 scholarship

 

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AHEC & EWU PROJECT H.O.P.E. - Deadline: February 28

 

Project H.O.P.E. is an amazing opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to gain invaluable experience in a real-life healthcare setting. During this 4-week program, interns will work 20 hours per week in a hospital, clinic, long-term care facility or other healthcare setting. Students who complete the program will receive a stipend for their work.

Project H.O.P.E. is an extremely competitive program, and the number of placements is limited.

Applicants must:

• Be a current high school junior or senior
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Comply with state workplace requirements
• Undergo a Washington State Patrol background check
• Have or obtain a social security number by the application deadline
• Be a resident of Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, or Yakima counties.

Please read the instructions below before proceeding with your Project H.O.P.E. application. You will be able to save your application and continue at a later date, if necessary

Application instructions:

As part of your application, EWAHEC will collect basic demographic information about the applicant, their parent or guardian, and the school that the applicant currently attends.

You will be required to submit, via upload:

• Your current high school transcript
• A letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor
• 2 essays and one presentation/project

The essays that you submit should address the following:

1. Project H.O.P.E. is for students who are somehow disadvantaged – who are in circumstances that may make it difficult for them to reach their educational and professional goals. This might mean living in a small community with few educational opportunities or not having a large enough family income to participate in extracurricular educational activities. Describe the way(s) you feel that you may be disadvantaged.
2. Why are you interested in pursuing a career in health care? What is it about your life experiences, talents or personality that makes the health professions attractive to you?

The presentation or project should describe your connection to your culture and community, and explain how pursuing a degree in the health sciences will serve your community.

The format of this portion of your application and be your choice, and we encourage you to be creative! It can be a PowerPoint, a Prezi, a video, a drawing, a story, or anything that answers the question.

 

 

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E. Boucher Memorial Scholarship

We recognize the impact that engineers have, not only on the physical world around us, but as members of our communities. In light of that, in addition to a range of scholarships supporting currently enrolled university students, we have scholarships which specifically support those studying engineering in the Pacific Northwest. This scholarship was established to honor and support Engineering students studying at University of Washington, Washington State University, University of Oregon, and Oregon State University. This is a one-time scholarship for $3,000 dollars. Application: C. E. Boucher Memorial Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Atsuhiko Tateuchi Memorial Scholarship

Below is a direct link to information about the Atsuhiko Tateuchi Memorial Scholarship.  This $5,000 renewable scholarship is available to students from the Pacific Rim states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii; preference will be given to students of Japanese or other Asian ancestry, including multi-ethnic Asians.  Application: Atsuhiko Tateuchi Memorial Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Walter H. Meyer - Garry L. White Memorial Scholarship

Below is a direct link to information about the Walter H. Meyer – Garry L. White Memorial Scholarship.  This $5,000 scholarship is available to non-traditional students working towards an undergraduate (must be over 24 years old) or graduate (must be over 30 years old) degree.  Application: Walter H. Meyer - Garry L. White Memorial Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Alpha Omicron Boulé Scholarship

I have also included a link to the Alpha Omicron Boulé Scholarship for African American male citizens in the Puget Sound region enrolling in institutions of higher learning.  A major aim of this program is to provide assistance and mentoring to students to enhance their opportunities for academic success.  Application: TBA

 

Joan Hill Scholarship

The Joan Hill Scholarship is available to students in the greater Seattle area who demonstrate financial need.  Preference will be given to students who have been displaced from their home or have overcome hardship.  Application: Joan Hill Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Blacks at Microsoft (BAM!) Scholarship

The mission of Blacks as Microsoft (BAM) African American Heritage Scholarship is to encourage and enable black high school students to go to college, realize the impact technology has on the world and target a career in the technology industry. There is potential for a renewal of $5000 for up to four years for a total of $20,000.  Application: Blacks at Microsoft (BAM!) Scholarship 2019-2020

 

PSBJ’s Women of Influence – Lytle Enterprises Scholarship - $5,000

The Puget Sound Business Journal and Chuck and Karen Lytle joined forces to create the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Women of Influence-Lytle Enterprises Scholarship Fund.  To be a Woman of Influence, students must evidence not only leadership and achievement in business and in the community, but also be a mentor to other women.  This scholarship will enable a woman of potential to develop her leadership and business acumen in a local graduate school of business. In addition to providing $5,000 financial support toward the scholarship winner’s education, the members of our stellar and prestigious Women of Influence advisory board will make themselves available to mentor her, providing her with a truly powerful launching pad. Application: PSBJ’s Women of Influence - Lytle Enterprises Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Nora Stone Smith Scholarship

The purpose of the Nora Stone Smith Scholarship is to honor and to give financial support to deserving ESL/ELL high school seniors in Washington.  This scholarship ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 renewable for 2 or 4 years. Application: Nora Stone Smith Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Patricia Fisher Endowed Scholarship

Established to honor Patricia Fisher, a Puget Sound native, journalist, educator and role model, this scholarship was established by the Seattle Association of Black Journalists to support students of color who pursue college careers in journalism. This one-time scholarship ranges from $500-$2500, with recipients able to reapply. Application: Patricia Fisher Endowed Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Bernie Minsk Scholarship

This scholarship honors Garfield High School graduate, local businessman and community leader Bernie Minsk. Though preference is given to seniors attending Garfield High School, any senior currently working with Rainier Scholars may apply for this renewable scholarship of $2,000 to $10,000. Application: Bernie Minsk Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Doug Struthers Memorial Scholarship

Doug Struthers taught at Alexander Graham Bell Elementary in the Lake Washington School District for more than two decades. His hard work, commitment and perseverance made a difference in the school and the community. This scholarship fund was created in his memory to help young people learn skills to serve their communities. Four Lake Washington School District students every year are chosen to receive this $5,000 renewable scholarship. Application: Doug Struthers Memorial Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Alden Landis Memorial Scholarship

The Alden Landis Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Alden Landis, who died while serving in the Peace Corps in Mozambique, Africa. The scholarship is intended for current high school students (grades 10-12) who demonstrate financial need and who successfully apply for enrollment in a summer study abroad, service trip, or a gap year program run by a 501(c)(3) public charity. Students must demonstrate a commitment to community service and learning about other cultures. Application: Alden Landis Memorial Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Doyne M. Green Scholarship

Supporting female graduate students of medicine, law, social service, or public service, this scholarship assists current graduate students who study at public universities in the State of Washington with a renewable $4,000 scholarship. Application: Doyne M. Green Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Lambeth Family Scholarship

This scholarship, designed to honor and financially support students pursuing a degree in engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or business, supports high school seniors in Washington State who will study at a public university, community college or technical school. This scholarship varies from $1000 to $3000 dollars and is renewable for up to 4 years. Application: Lambeth Family Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Linkous Foundation Scholarship Richland and Hanford

These scholarships, created in memory of Gary L. Linkous (Columbia High School, Class of 1955) supports students enrolled in High Schools in Richland and Hanford. Application: Linkous Foundation Scholarship - Richland and Hanford 2019-2020

 

Yuri and Tatsuo Nakata Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to honor and to give financial support to students of Asian heritage currently enrolled at Roosevelt, Cleveland, or Franklin High School in Seattle, WA. This $2,500 scholarship can be used for public and private universities and colleges across the country. Application: Yuri and Tatsuo Nakata Scholarship 2019-2020

 

Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship

The disAbility Scholarship at Microsoft delivers on the mission of Microsoft’s cross disability employee resource group to empower and enable people with disabilities. This scholarship enables high school students with disabilities to go to college and target a career in the technology industry. In addition, we hope to contribute to increasing the pool of persons living with a disability enrolling in higher education and, in the long term, decrease the unemployment bias for this demographic.  Application:  Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship 2019-2020

  

 

Happy December!

Before viewing the scholarships listed below, please remember that your student should also be applying for scholarships using free search engines such as:

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

https://www.thewashboard.org/login.aspx

https://www.fastweb.com/

Also remember never to pay to apply for the FAFSA or a scholarship!

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STARS University of Washington College of Engineering Program

Who: Must be a potential University of Washington student who would like to major in computer science or engineering, Incoming full-time freshman in the fall of 2019, Washington State resident and graduate of Washington High School, Eligible for financial aid, Eligible students can apply even though they have not yet received their UW Seattle admissions decision. Final consideration for the program is contingent upon admission to UW Seattle.

What:      Guaranteed placement into an engineering or computer science program at UW Individualized academic and career coaching from UW faculty                                                  Additional Scholarship opportunities                                                                                              Exclusive internship opportunities and mentoring

Due Date:  March 31, 2019 (priority deadline December 21)

Where: Applications can be found online at https://www.engr.washington.edu/stars/apply

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Washington State School Retirees’ Association (WSSRA) Scholarship

Who:  Seniors who have a 3.0 GPA who wish to earn a degree in the field of education as a teacher, counselor, speech therapist, occupational therapist, or psychologist

What:$2500 one time (8 awarded) WSSR Foundation Scholarships

    $900 for four years (16 awarded) Robert J. Handy Scholarships

    $2,500 one time (1 awarded) Neil D. Prescott Scholarship

Due Date:  March 1, 2019

Where: Applications can be found online at https://wssra.org/forms/scholarship-application/

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Jim and Cheryl Strandy Commemorative Scholarship

Who:  Seniors with a 3.25 or higher who wish to enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree program pursuing a degree in healthcare

What:     $2500 one time

Due Date:  March 15, 2019

Where: Applications can be found in the Counseling Center or on our website at https://mlhs.mlsd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=601608&type=d&pREC_ID=1081936

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Wells Fargo Scholarship Program

Who:  Applicants must:

• Have an identified disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more major life activity)
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent
• Be a high school senior or graduate who plans to enroll (or who is already enrolled) in full- or half-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the U.S. for the entire 2019-20 academic year

What: $2,500 Renewable scholarship

Due Date:  December 6, 2018

Where: Applications can be found online at scholarsapply.org/pwdscholarship

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2019 HonorsGradU Scholarship

Who: Seniors interested in community building & design

What: $10,000

Due Date: March 23, 2019

Where: Applications can be found online at http://www.honorsgradu.com/scholarship-faqs/

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Blue Ribbon Scholarship Application Fair Chance Scholarship

Who: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and must also be currently working, volunteering, or involved in a school-sponsored activity at least 8 hours per month, on average

What: $3,000 one time scholarship

Due Date: February 11, 2019

Where: Applications can be found online at https://thefairfoundation.awardspring.com/home/scholarshipdetails/81275

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Blue Ribbon Scholarship Application Anderson Criminal Justice Scholarship

Who: students interested in pursuing a Criminal Justice Major

What: $5,000 one time scholarship

Due Date: February 11, 2019

Where: Applications can be found online at https://thefairfoundation.awardspring.com/home/scholarshipdetails/81277

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WEBSITES OF THE WEEK

Spokane Community College - 11 week training program for construction careers in the Skilled Trades! http://scc.spokane.edu/Become-a-Student/Apprenticeships/Skilled-Trade-Preparation

Not interested in attending a two or four year college? Visit https://www.aerotek.com/en to be connected immediately to different skilled trades/careers!

Seniors had time provided during English class to begin the application for our local Dollars for Scholars Scholarship application! Ask them to show you at https://public.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?action=userLogin

Looking for more scholarships? Look here: https://www.thewashboard.org/login.aspx and here: https://www.fastweb.com/

 

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ActSix Scholarship - Leadership Scholarship 

This is A HUGE local Scholarship and so far there are no completed MLHS applications! 

Who: Seniors who want to enter an accredited engineering college next year with an SAT above 600 math and 580 average for reading/writing with a 3.0 GPA

What: $4,000 one time award

Due Date: January 25, 2019

Where: Applications can be found online at  http://washingtonengineer.org/chapters/spokane-chapter/ or in the MLHS Counseling Center

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Don’t forget the T-2-4 Scholarship from last week! http://bit.ly/T24Scholarship2018 

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WEBSITES OF THE WEEK!

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/  - Please visit this website to find out more about college and university costs, graduation rates, and average salaries of college graduates for each school.

Remember to visit Xello (the CCR graduation requirement tool) by CLICKING HERE or going to the www.mlsd.org website, and clicking on MLHS and clicking on Medical Lake High School and then under the School tab, click on Welcome to MLHS. Your student will need to use their Google information to log in!

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