“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Roberts This bulletin covers the first steps in applying to college and scholarships.
Steps in Applying to College:
1. Completely fill out the college application. (Most are online applications.)
2. Request that ACT or SAT send official scores to your school of choice.
3. Sign up at www.parchment.com to have official transcripts sent to your school of choice.
Reminders:
· In order to work on scholarships with your college or university, you may need to have applied and been accepted to the college or university
· Scholarship and Application deadlines for schools may be as early as November 1!
· A FAFSA Completion Workshop will be offered in January 2024. This workshop will be held at the High School in the Media Center with sign-ups coming soon!.
1st TIME SPECIAL OFFER!! – www.vuscholarships.com I am thrilled to share a new scholarship opportunity for your student. Granite City High School is joining other area districts to partner with VU Scholarships. This program matches academic accomplishments with corresponding scholarship offers from colleges and universities with whom VU Scholarships has partnered. It is a great way to see what opportunities are available for a student! Once a student has the list of opportunities, it is up to the student to decide if they would like to apply for admissions to a particular college/university. With that said, we are excited for our students to see what opportunities are possible after high school and are here to answer any questions you or your student may have. Granite City High School will provide this information to VU and your student will be automatically included unless you specifically opt your student out. To learn more about what student data is provided to VU from Granite City High School, what VU does with the data, who it is shared with, or for more information on VU, please visit their parent page at www.vuscholarships.com/parent
Scholarship Websites:
1. http://www.fastweb.com/
2. www.finaid.org
3. www.mometrix.com
4. www.fafsa.ed.gov
5. www.grants.gov
6. https://www.isac.org/e-library/applying-for-financial-aid/scholarship-searches.html
7. http://act.org
8. www.ed.gov/finaid
9. www.goingmerry.com
10. www.scholarships.com
11. www.illinois.gov
12. www.studentscholarships.org
13. www.scholarshipguidance.com
10 Tips on Scholarships
1. SEARCH! Persistence is the key to getting a scholarship.
2. Be organized and prioritize.
3. Never assume: Don't believe that because you don't have straight A's and can't shoot a 3 pointer, there's nothing available to you.
4. Identify the goal of the scholarship and double check the eligibility requirements.
5. Be able to write about a variety of topics that may or may not be exciting to you.
6. Understand yourself well enough to create a compelling portrait of who you are. You must understand your audience well enough to be able to position your skills and strengths as deserving of their support. Demonstrate that you are a scholar or would like to be a scholar.
7. Use concrete examples in essays.
8. Watch deadlines like a hawk.
9. Apply early and for many scholarships.
10. Proofread your application one more time.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, DON’T GET SCAMMED!! "If you must pay money to get money, it might be a scam."
These are Six Examples of Possible Scholarship Scams:
1. "This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
2. "You can't get this information anywhere else."
3. "May I have your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship?"
4. "We'll do all the work."
5. "The scholarship will cost some money."
6. "You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship.", or "You're a finalist in a contest." (that you never entered)
NOVEMBER 2023
November 16th, 2023 – Application Deadline
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship - The Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Students could receive up to $55000 per year! Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Senior standing – Plan to graduate from a U.S. high school in spring 2024.
- Fall College Enrollment – Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2024.
- GPA – Earn a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Demonstrate Unmet Financial Need – We will consider applicants with family annual gross income up to $95,000. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a full financial review which will take into account all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents. Apply at www.jkcf.org
November 21st, 2023 – Application Deadline to be eligible for part 2
Greenhouse Scholar—Greenhouse Scholars provides a renewable, four -year need-based college scholarship of up to $5,000 per year. They are looking for high-performing, under-resourced students who have already demonstrated true leadership and positive community contributions. Seniors with an unweighted GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply. Applications are available at www.greenhousescholars.org . This is a three part application process.
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution- offering the DAR Good Citizens award. This program is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The scholarship is open to all senior class students. Students must demonstrate qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Applications are available in the guidance office. Applications are accepted November 1, 2023- January 31, 2024. Go to www.dar.orgfor more scholarship info.
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois – The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program encourages academically talented Illinois students, especially minority students, to pursue teaching careers, especially at high-need, hard-to-staff schools by providing tuition assistance at one of the participating colleges. You may qualify for up to $2,500 as a freshman or sophomore, and up to $5,000 as a junior or senior. Must have a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Information is available at website www.isac.org. APPLICATION IS NOT OPEN AT THIS TIME!
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
- Cougar Pride Scholarship—This scholarship is worth up to $16,000 over four years. This is a competitive process, but all students who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. Preferential consideration will be given to students completing the applications for admission on a first come first serve basis. For additional information, visit website www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
- Johnetta Haley Scholarship-This scholarship is worth up to $8,000 over four years. Applications must have a 3.0 GPA. This scholarship is for students who are underrepresented in their anticipated fields of study. Preferential consideration will be given to students completing the application for admission on a first come first serve basis. For additional information, visit website: www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
- Meridian Scholarships-There are a number of scholarships available at SIUE, with varying eligibility criteria. To be considered for the Meridian Scholarship students need to apply for admission and complete the Meridian Supplemental Profile by November 15th, 2023. Admitted freshmen with an ACT of 27 or higher will be considered. Information is available by visiting the website www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
- SIUE Grant- Preferential consideration will be given to students applying for admission by December 1, 2023. and completing the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, 2023 FASFA School code 001759. . This award targets students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 and family income levels at or below federal poverty guidelines. Information is available by visiting the website www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
- AIM High Grant- This renewable grand awards $2,500 per year as long as you maintain a 2.75 GPA. Students are chosen based on FASFA Filing dates. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2023. More information is available by visiting the website: www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
McKendree University -
Honor’s Scholarships—This scholarship, valued at $17,000 per year, are awarded to first-year students at the time of admission that have both a 3.75 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale. Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information. You may apply as early as August 1 2023.
Presidential Scholarship—This scholarship, valued at $14,000 per year, are awarded to first-year students at the time of admission that have both a 3.25 to 3.74 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information. You may apply as early as August 1 2023.
McKendree Leadership Award—Honor’s and Presidential Scholars are invited to attend Leadership Competitions in January. Attendance at the Leadership Competition will determine student’s eligibility for a leadership Award ranging in value from $2,000 to $5,000. Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information.
Dean’s Scholarship—This scholarship, valued at $10,000 per year, are awarded to first-year students at the time of admission that have a 2.75 - 3.24 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information. You may apply as early as August 1 2023.
Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Scholarships and other monetary support are available when you join Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), which allow you to focus on your education by relieving some of the financial pressure. You'll graduate with a respected and secure career path as an Army Officer, and with less debt for the school years your scholarship covers. You’re eligible to apply for a ROTC scholarship—which could get you up to 100% tuition coverage—if you’re a high school student enrolling in college, enrolled in college, or an active-duty enlisted Soldier. Visit goarmy.com for more information.
DECEMBER 2023
Southeast Missouri State University 2023-2024 Enhanced Scholarship Program—
- Cooper Dome Scholarship- Freshman academic scholarships are awarded at the time of admission to students who meet the eligibility requirements and apply to Southeast Missouri St by the scholarship deadline. The admission consideration and scholarship guarantee deadline is December 1, 2023 (fall applicants). The value is $1,000-$5,000 eligible for renewal.
- Resident Life Leadership Scholarship—This scholarship will be available to students who live in the Resident Halls on Campus with a 18 ACT (960 SAT) and 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. Apply online at www.semo.edu/apply. Application deadline is March 1, 2024.
- President’s Scholarship—This renewable scholarship will be awarded to students with a 31 ACT (1390 SAT) and a 3.75 cumulative GPA. The value is $10,000. Apply online at www.semo.edu/apply. Application deadline is December 1, 2023.
- Red Hawks Achievement award- This scholarship is for Non-Missouri Resident (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) Freshman with a 21 ACT or 1060 SAT and a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA. There is no Application deadline.
UMSL Opportunity Scholars Program—This program focuses on academically gifted first-generation college students who are underrepresented in the work force from certain academic fields. Students who are selected as scholars in the program will be awarded a scholarship to cover their full tuition, fees and books for up to four years. For eligibility and additional information, visit website www.umsl.edu/opportunityscholars . Applicant must complete application for admission, have an ACT score of 26 and a GPA of 3.5 and be admitted to UMSL by December 1st 2023.
December 1st, 2023 – Application Deadline
The Hagan Scholarship - The Hagan Scholarship provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, workshops to learn important life skills not typically covered in the college curriculum, funds to purchase college essentials, an HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to manage, funds to study and travel abroad, and the opportunity to extend the Hagan Scholarship to obtain a graduate or profession degree. Applicant’s Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2022 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have exceeded $85,000. “Household Income” is defined as the total income received by all members of a household living under the same roof. Apply online at:https://haganscholarships.org/application/
December 5th, 2023 – Application Deadline
Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarships—These scholarships recognize and reward students who have made a significant impact in the fight against hunger. The scholarship recipients each receive $7,500 for their education as well as a $5000 grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choice. For additional information and application visit website http://us.stop-hunger.org/home/grants.html
JANUARY 2024
January 9, 2024 – Application deadline
Ron Brown Scholar Program—This program seeks to identify African-American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society. Each year 45-50 students will receive $10,000 annually for four years. For additional information, visit www.ronbrown.org Application postmark deadline for early application is November 1, 2023.
January 12, 2024 – Application Deadline
2024 Profile in Courage Essay Contest - This scholarship ranges in awards from $100-$10,000. Applicants must write an original and creative essay of 1,000 words or less that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F Kennedy in Profiles in Courage. For complete guidelines, visit the Profile in Courage Essay Contest at www.jfklibrary.org.
January 17, 2024 – Application Deadline
Eastern Illinois University Presidential Scholarship- The Presidential Scholars Award is $13,500 per year for four years, which is approximately the amount for tuition and fees for a full-time student taking 15 semester hours. The award is not limited to tuition costs however. Each freshman Honors College class will include approximately fifteen Presidential Scholars. This particular scholarship can't be combined with the Commitment to Excellence Award or Honors Award. Students may apply for this scholarship if they have a high school GPA of 3.75 (on a 4.00 scale) or ranking in the top 10% of the graduating class. Apply at https://www.eiu.edu/honors/Freshman_scholarships.php
January 31st, 2024 – Application Deadline
Alton Pride Scholarship - Alton Pride is a charitable and educational organization established to bring awareness, understanding, and advocacy to the LGBTQ+ community with an emphasis on the specific needs of the youth within the community. There are three scholarships to assist in furthering student education by attending a community college, trade school, or
university. Alton Pride has one scholarship for $1000, one for $750, and one for $500. Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office!
January 31st, 2024 – Application Deadline
Busey Bank Community Scholarship - The goal of Busey Bank’s Community Scholarship Program is to assist graduating high school seniors in continuing their education beyond high school at a university, college, trade, or vocational school. The scholarship will be $2,000 per year for up to four years of full-time enrollment per student.
The recipient will be selected on the basis of the following:
1. Positive leadership and character exhibited in both academic and extra-curricular school activities.
2. Positive leadership and character exhibited in community and/or religious activities.
Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors from one of the following schools:
Edwardsville, Metro East Lutheran, Marquette, Althoff, Govenor French Academy, Fr. McGivney Catholic, Madison, Belleville East, Belleville West, O’Fallon Township, Granite City, Roxana, East Alton/Wood River, Civic Memorial, Alton, Triad, Highland, Collinsville, Bethel Christian Academy or a Home School. All schools must be within an Illinois community serviced by a full-service banking facility of Busey Bank.
Applicants must have maintained a “B” average or better for seven semesters of high school.
Applicants must plan to enroll full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or trade/ vocational school. (Proof of enrollment will be required for release of scholarship payment after the award is announced).
2024 – Application Deadline for Coming soon!
NACME is responsible for over $5 million in scholarships awarded annually to underrepresented minority (URM) students. NACME expects to support approximately 1,000 underrepresented minority engineering and computer students annually. To be eligible to be named for any of the NACME administered scholarships students must either be a high school senior applying to an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution, or be currently matriculating in an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution, a US citizen or permanent resident, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. NACME's mission is to increase representation of Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic-American and Native/American Indian in the fields of engineering and computer science. To apply go www.nacme.org
FEBRUARY 2024
February 2, 2024 – Application Deadline
American Legion Essay Contest - Department of Illinois, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion are co-sponsors of this AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST. Its purpose is to aid the schools of Illinois in the teaching of AMERICANISM and GOOD CITIZENSHIP. % awards will be given: 1st Place $1200.00 Scholarship 2nd Place $ 700.00 Scholarship 3rd Place $ 400.00 Scholarship 4th Place $ 375.00 Scholarship 5th Place $ 300.00 Scholarship. For more information visit www.illegion.org
February 5, 2024 – Application Deadline
2024 Elks Legacy Scholarship-- Legacy Awards $4,000 scholarships ($1,000 per year for four years) to any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the order on or before April 1, 2020, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2019. The Foundation will offer a total of up to 250 awards. Online applications are available at http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/legacy.cfm.
Southwestern Electric Power for Progress Scholarship- Southwestern Electric is offering academic assistance to students from member families. The co-op will award 10 scholarships valued at $1000. Applications may be downloaded from Southwestern Electric’s website https://www.sweci.com/scholarships or by requesting an application by calling Susan File at (800) 637-8667 ext. 5924.
Granite City Federation of Teachers Local 743—Four $500 scholarships will be awarded this year to graduating seniors of Local 743. To be eligible, applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5/5.0. Applications will be available in the guidance office 2nd Semester.
Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholarship- A renewable $1000 scholarship award will be presented to a young woman who have a 2.5/4.0, plans to be a full time student at a two or four-year institution, completes an essay and can be available to meet with the selection committee. More information can be found soon at www.altonywca.com. Deadline to submit applications is coming soon!
MARCH 2024
March 11th, 2024 – Application Deadline
Southwestern Electric Cooperative Scholarship - Southwestern Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce that 12 - $1,200 scholarships will be awarded in 2024 to students in our electric cooperative family as well as 1-$1,200 Alan Libbra Memorial Scholarship using the same application and selection criteria as our own. Members can find more detailed information in our December magazine set to be mailed at the end of this month. I have attached the High School Application as well as the Post High School Application in case you are still in touch with previous graduates looking for scholarship opportunities. Please make the applications available to your high school seniors served by Southwestern Electric Cooperative. Applicants must be planning to enroll at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, technical or trade school as a full time (12 hour minimum) student in fall 2024. The deadline to return the completed application to our office is Monday, March 11, 2024. If you or your seniors have any questions, please feel free to share my contact information below. For ease of reference, more information can also be found on our website using this link: https://sweci.com/scholarships.
March 1st, 2024 – Application Deadline
SWIC College Foundation Scholarships—More than 300 scholarships are available for Southwestern Illinois College students. Scholarships range from $100-$5,000 annually. Scholarships are offered based on a variety of career fields, interests and life circumstances. Eligibility requirements may be based on GPA, financial need or current major. For additional information apply at www.swic.edu/foundation. Applications open January 1, 2024
March 1 2024 – Application Deadline
llinois Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship - We are pleased to announce that the St. Clair Chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers is offering college scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to study engineering. This year several scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded. The scholarships are available to students in our 11-county area (see list at bottom of the page) who meet the academic eligibility requirements. In addition, to be eligible, the applicant must attend an engineering program at an Illinois or Missouri university or college that is ABET-accredited. Applications can be filled out at https://ilengineeringinitiative.org/scholarships/.
March 1st, 2024 – Application Deadline
Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Fund – Each year, since 1989, TOI awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors to continue their education at an Illinois college/university. So far a total of $345,500 has been awarded to 207 students. A short essay, 500 words or less, is required about what you think “The role in Township Government in todays society and in the future” consists of. (Coming Soon)!
March 8th, 2024 – Application Deadline
Dawn Bruder Educational Scholarship - This scholarship is being given to two GCHS seniors who will be going into education. Dawn Bruder was a teacher in the granite city school system. Dawn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Throughout her journey she remained faithful to her faith and to her students, often taking treatments in the early mornings, just to be in her classroom ready to teach. She loved teaching! Dawns’ journey ended in December of 2019. Her family is using the sale of a song called (this journey) written by her brother-in-law to fund this scholarship. The family will be offering two $500.00 scholarships. This is the second year for this scholarship and we are looking for two students who we feel they have a real “Dawn Bruder” heart for teaching! Applications will be available in the Guidance Office by February 1st, 2024!
March 2024 – Application Deadline
Illinois AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Memorial Scholarship- Illinois AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance for college to high school seniors in Illinois who are children or grandchildren of veterans or current military personnel. This program is open to high school seniors in Illinois who have taken the SAT or ACT. Applicants must be children or grandchildren of honorably discharged veterans who served after September 15, 1940, or current active military personnel. Applications can be filled out online at https://www.ilamvets.org/scholarships
March 2024 – Application Deadline
CBAI Foundation for Community Banking Scholarship Program- The CBAI Foundation for Community Banking provides $21,500 in scholarship funds for top high school seniors state wide. One semifinalist may be chosen from each of the 12 CBAI groups via an essay-writing contest. For additional information contact CBAI Foundation Community Banking at 1-800-736-2224, or visit website www.cbai.com.
March 11th, 2024 – Application Deadline
Southwestern Electric Power for Progress Scholarship- Southwestern Electric is offering academic assistance to students from member families. The co-op will award 11 scholarships valued at $1000. Applications may be downloaded from Southwestern Electric’s website https://www.sweci.com/scholarships or by requesting an application by calling Susan File at (800) 637-8667 ext. 5924.
March, 2024 – Application Deadline
Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship- Sheriff Jeff C. Connor, Madison County, will be awarding one scholarship in the amount of $500. Applicants must be an Illinois resident, utilize their scholarship at institutions of higher learning within the State of Illinois, and must be enrolled as a full-time student during the 23-24 school year. Applications can be found online at www.ilsheriff.org.
March 15, 2024 – Application Deadline
Horatio Alger Association Scholarships—These scholarships range from $5,000 to $25,000. Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA, demonstrate critical financial need and be involved in extracurricular and community activities to be considered. Visit https://scholars.horatioalger.org/scholarships/ to receive more information.
March 29th, 2024 – Application Deadline
Saint Louis University Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship- The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is a competitive award granted to students who are committed to social justice, academic success, service, leadership and intentional cultural awareness experiences. More information is available at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships.php
March 31, 2024 – Application Deadline
1st MidAmerica Credit Union- is offering five $1000 scholarships to any graduating high school senior who will be attending a post-secondary institution and is a current 1st MidAmerica member. All completed applications must be received at a 1st MidAmerica Credit Union office by noon on March 31, 2024 with an official copy of the applying student’s transcripts. Apply online at https://www.1stmidamerica.org/services/member-benefits/scholarship-program
March 31, 2024 – Application Deadline
Alton Memorial Health Equity Scholarship - The scholarship could be renewable for up to 3 years beyond the initial term (up to 4 years total) and could include employment while in school.
CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY: Alton Memorial Health Equity Scholarship will be awarded to:
• Permanent residents of Madison County
• High school seniors or graduates within the last 2 years (also includes those obtaining a GED)
• Students of historically marginalized populations (BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+)
• Earned a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average while in high school or earned a GED
• Plans to attend an accredited college, university, technical or certification program to pursue a career in healthcare beginning in the fall of 2024
• Recipients asked to consider employment at Alton Memorial Hospital during and upon completion of degree or certification
March 31, 2023 – Application Deadline
Mathis, Marifian & Richter Law Scholarship – Offering scholarships to high school seniors interested in pursuing a career as an attorney. Three $1000 scholarships will be awarded to students that reside in St. Clair, Madison and Perry counties. Requirements include a GPA of 3.0, ACT -26 or SAT 1180, and ranked in the top 25% of your class. Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office!
Doug Winfield Scholarship—The Doug Winfield Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Douglas C. Winfield by his family. This fund will be used to assist students who have played golf at Granite City High School and are planning to attend college. Students must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and have played a minimum of two years of high school golf. Applications can be picked up from Mr. John Moad (Athletic Director) in the spring Semester.