All the Career, College and Scholarship Information Fit to Print January 2016 Volume 20 No 4. FAFSA It s time!

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1 The Senior Source All the Career, College and Scholarship Information Fit to Print January 2016 Volume 20 No 4 FAFSA It s time! Make sure you take the time to complete your FAFSA! The U.S Department of Education Federal Student Aid provides over $80 billion annually in financial assistance for college. To receive federal student aid, students (with their parents) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is encouraged to apply as soon as possible after January 1 st. There are three ways that you can complete the FAFSA: 1. Apply online at **(This is the fastest and most preferred way)** 2. Download and complete a PDF version of the FAFSA at StudentAid.ed.gov (Note: PDF FAFSAs must be mailed for processing). 3. Request a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at FED- AID ( ). You and your parents can make changes to the FAFSA when you receive a copy of what you sent to them. This copy or report is called a Student Aid Report (SAR) and most first-time applicants receive a note with their SAR asking for more information or asking that you recheck some information that does not seem accurate. A FAFSA done online will create an online SAR in a week or so. You can also make changes on the Internet website using your FSA ID, which allows you to change items on your SAR. Keep a copy of your FAFSA and SAR. If you correct a SAR after March 1, send a paper copy to the Maryland Higher Education Office at 839 Bestgate Rd Suite 400, Annapolis, MD and add a cover letter; include your social security number in the letter. If you need help with the FAFSA, call the Federal Student Information Center at You can also call the financial aid office of the college you want to attend or come talk to us in the Counseling Office. The important thing is to complete it as soon after January 1, 2013 as possible!

2 Clear Spring High School FAFSA Labs Want help filling out the FAFSA? Need a computer to fill out the FAFSA? Just want to have someone nearby while filling out the FAFSA, should a question arise? We will be offering the following Lab Session: February 10, 2016 from 5:30-7:00pm *If you need to set up another time, please call and Mrs. Kurtz will work with your schedule *Note: you will need to bring Student & Parent Federal Income Tax Returns for 2014 (if completed), W2 s, or estimated income information. DEADLINES-DON T MISS THEM Just as deadlines for applying to colleges vary from institution to institution, the deadlines for financial aid applications varies too. Some colleges like the University of MD College Park have very early financial deadlines (College Park is February 15). That means your family s FAFSA, any college applications, and perhaps the PROFILE some private colleges require, must be in, or postmarked by that date.

3 NEED HELP? Filling out the FAFSA and other financial aid forms that colleges and the state of Maryland require is new to you and most of your parents. Please use the websites and phone numbers provided here to access information and resources, including people who can provide you with additional assistance. GENERAL INFORMATION FEDERAL INFORMATION Click on federal school codes to get the listing of current Title IV school codes. This information is necessary for completing the FAFSA. We have a code book in the counseling office also; you can come in for the number. This is the address to fill out the FAFSA on the web FED-AID ( ) Call here to get help completing the FAFSA. Also, call if you do not receive a response within four weeks of mailing in the completed FAFSA or corrected SAR; in this situation, be sure to: Check status of FAFSA Order duplicate SAR Make address changes Modify list of schools to receive student s aid information The financial aid office at HCC is willing to help with the FAFSA completion. You can call them at ext STATE INFORMATION This website can answer many questions you may have regarding financial aid in the state of Maryland. You can also reach the Maryland Higher Education Commission by calling , where questions can be answered and status of applications and awards can be checked. The Counseling Office also has brochures with information on state aid. Application Deadlines Colleges and universities will only give you an offer of financial aid after you have been accepted. By now, you should have your applications to four-year institutions completed. Now is also the time to apply to two-year colleges, such as HCC. Some of the scholarships now coming in to the guidance department require proof of acceptance at a college as part of the application.

4 Looking for Scholarships? ASK YOUR PARENTS! Many businesses have scholarship programs for children of employees. Ask your parents to get an application for you. Check at your church for scholarship assistance. Many local churches and most district affiliations have college funds for members; just ask your minister or church secretary. Clubs that your parents belong to often offer scholarships to members children. Have your mom or dad check with the president or watch for it in the club newsletter. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Allegany College of Maryland Forestry Program Scholarships Have an interest in forestry? Allegany College of Maryland may be the place for you! Check out the program website to find out about the scholarships this program has available at The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Do you find history fascinating? Do you feel comfortable speaking in front of others? If these apply to you, it may be worth consideration to enter The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program "A Constitutional Speech Contest". This contest will require students to write a speech lasting from 8-10 minutes about some aspect of the Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the duties and obligations of a citizen to our government. Students will compete first at the local level but could possibly advance to the county, regional, and national level with opportunities to earn money at each level. To get more information about this opportunity please see someone in our counseling office. Mount Aloysius College Mercy Presidential Scholarship Are you thinking of going to Mount Aloysius College? If you are and you think you may qualify for the Mercy Presidential Scholarship please visit mtaloy.edu or call NROTC (Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps) Scholarships Applications are now being accepted for the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarships for those students graduating in the spring of Students selected for the program are awarded scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process, and receive full tuition and other financial benefits at over 130 of the country s leading colleges and

5 universities. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity visit the official website at or see Mrs Kurtz for more information. Oral Roberts University, Quest Whole Person Scholarship This program recognizes students committed to achieving excellence academically, physically, and spiritually with awards up to $20,000 per year. If you are interested in attending Oral Roberts and think you might be a candidate for this, see Mrs Kurtz. Shippensburg University offers tuition discounts to out-of-state residents who are high-achieving students or who are majoring in STEM/STEM Education disciplines. Check out the options at ship.edu/admissions/tap Sun Trust Scholarship Sweepstakes is offering a $500 Scholarship towards education expenses at a 2 or 4 year public or private college/university. Two winners will be chosen every two weeks from October 31, 2014 through May 15, For complete details, visit University of Maryland Pathways Program Is the University of Maryland in your future? Are you worried about how you will pay for tuition and all other college expenses? University of Maryland offers a program called Maryland Pathways that will help University of Maryland students by offering grants, providing work opportunities, or helping cap the students loan debt. In order to be eligible a student must attend the University of Maryland as an entering freshman, remain in good academic standing, maintain full-time enrollment and file a FAFSA with University of Maryland's school code Washington College offers $50,000 ($12,500 annually for four years) for National Honor Society Members. If you would like more information about Washington College and this opportunity you may contact them at or Washington Crossing Foundation has national scholarships available to seniors ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. For more information visit their web site or call West Liberty University Did you know that as a student in Washington County you can receive a 25% reduction in tuition and fees? For more information contact the WLU admissions office. West Virginia University Mining Engineering Major Scholarship To encourage students to enter the Mining Engineering major at West Virginia University the school is offering a scholarship of at least $2,000 per year to upperclassmen in that major. Though this is not available to incoming freshmen, it is a wonderful opportunity for students considering this career path. Also, be advise that Mining Engineering falls under the Academic Common Market Agreement, so Maryland residents are eligible for In-State tuition rates at WVU after being accepted to this program.

6 January National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship Program is looking from seniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA, who are pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education. They must support the preservation of hunting tradition, hold a current NWTF membership, and be involved in school activities. For an application and more information visit their website: Deadline: January 1, Profile in Courage Essay Contest Students can win up to $10,000 based on an essay that describes a political act of courage by a US elected official that occurred during or after For additional information and guidelines, visit the website: Requirements.aspx Deadline: January 6, GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program is a national program that awards college scholarships to high school seniors who embody the characteristics of President Ronald Reagan at school, in the community, in the workplace, and at home. These traits are leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship. For more information and to apply online visit Deadline: January 7, The Maryland Junior Chamber International Senate (MDJCI Senate) is proud to continue to offer the future leaders of America an opportunity to earn scholarship money for the pursuit of higher education. The MDJCI Senate application and requirements many be found at under the MDJCI Senate Foundation tab. Deadline: January 8, SAE s Engineering Scholarship is awarded to qualified students who are interested in the study of engineering and related sciences. For more information and the application please visit Deadline: January 15, Maryland Mensa Scholarship Essay Contest The Maryland Mensa Scholarship Essay Contest has begun. The contest is free and open to the public and to people of all ages. It is not necessary to be a Mensa member to enter or win. For more information and the application please visit Essays must be submitted no later than January 15, RMHC U.S. Scholarship is available to high school seniors to apply regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability or national origin. Students must be attending a two or four year college or university with a full course of study. For more information visit Deadline: January 20, 2016.

7 Elks Lodge #378 Legacy Award is available to children and grandchildren of Elks who are members in good standing. This application is available online at If you need assistance with this, please visit the counseling office. Deadline: January 29, Duquesne University Bayer Scholars Program accepts academically talented and motivated freshman chemistry or environmental chemistry majors. The Program admits four students each year and is open to women and minority students. This program offers significant tuition scholarship support and many other great opportunities. To apply to Duquesne University visit For the application information for the Bayer Scholarship visit Deadline: January 31, February The Maryland Farm Bureau offers five $2,000 scholarships to high seniors. Three of these go to students pursuing agricultural majors and two are offered to those pursuing non-agricultural majors. An essay is required. See Mrs Kurtz for more information. February 1, VMI: The Institute Scholarship Program Interested in attending Virginia Military Institute? The school offers merit based scholarships from $5000 up to full tuition. To be considered, students must have a combined SAT score of at least 1350 (math and critical reading) and at least a 3.7 GPA. Students must apply to VMI by February 1 st and complete a scholarship application to be eligible. See Mrs Kurtz for more information. The SportQuest Playing With Purpose Scholarship Program - The SportQuest Playing With Purpose Scholarship Program is a national program that honors and encourages high school student athletes who excel athletically, academically and have committed their life to following Christ. This year the program will award $14, in scholarships for college tuition and SportQuest International Expeditions. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship please visit and fill out the application by February 1, Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarships range from $1000- $5000. Requirements vary based on the scholarship. More information is available at Deadline: February 10, The National Co-op Scholarship Program is awarded to high school seniors and college transfer students who plan to participate in college cooperative education at one of our Partner Colleges and Universities (Clarkson University, State University of New York Aswego, Drexel University, Johnson and Wales University, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Merrimack College). Students must have a 3.5 or better and have completed all required admissions applications to the listed college and universities. For more information and the application please see their website at Deadline: February 15, 2016.

8 Dr. Kenneth E. Mann Scholarship is being offered to prospective elementary school teachers. To be eligible to receive this scholarship, the recipient must graduate from a Maryland public high school in 2016 and plan to attend a college, trade school, or university within our state. The scholarship award is in the amount of $1,000. Please see guidance for more information concerning this scholarship opportunity. All materials including the application, a written statement, transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and two specific references must be turned in by February 20, For more information visit Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship this scholarship awards $1,000 to a Maryland high school or college student who is a first-generation college student and is attending (or will attend) a Maryland college with a major in a medical-related field. For more information or to apply for the scholarship, go to: Applications can be submitted online, via or via U.S. Mail. The deadline for application submission is February 25, Fairmont State University Music Scholarships require an audition. This year s audition date is Feburary 26 th. Students interested in a major or minor in music as well as those who simply wish to participate in a musical ensemble on campus are eligible for these awards. Arrangements must be made through the university s department of music. Colonial Agricultural Educational Foundation Endowment is offering two specific scholarships targeted to students, one for a student majoring in Agricultural Education and one scholarship to a student showing outstanding FFA leadership. Find more information at this link: Deadline: February 29, March Opportunities Fund at HCC is a scholarship program for incoming freshman who have a least a 2.5 GPA. The applicants must be willing to take on a leadership role at HCC in tutoring or participation in varsity athletics or other campus activities. There is now a financial need requirement. Applications can be obtained on the HCC website or in the Financial Aid or Admissions Office. Students can complete the application online between March 1 and June 1. Eagle Scout of the Year is a national recognition that provides $ to an active member of a Boy Scout Troop who has received an Eagle Scout award and is an active member of his religious institution. Other expectations are listed at Due by March 1, The Dwight P. Jacobus Scholarships are being offered to assist students who require financial assistance to secure a college education and are interested in pursuing a degree in business or education at an accredited institution of higher education within Maryland or the District of Columbia. Four scholarships of $1,000 may be awarded each year. At least one scholarship will be awarded to an individual enrolled in an approved program leading to teacher certification. Visit this website to access more information and the application:

9 Completed applications should be postmarked by March 1, The Breast Cancer Awareness Cumberland Valley Scholarship is awarding a scholarship to and student whose lives have in some fashion been impacted by breast cancer. Applications are available online: Deadline: March 1, Grand Lodge of A.F & A.M of Maryland Masonic Grant Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a post-secondary education at an accredited institution that provides a two-year degree, a four-year degree, or vocational training. Applications are available in the counseling office. Deadline: March 1, The Character Counts! Washington County Tri-State Coalition will be awarding $500 scholarships. Awards will be based on demonstration of the best representation of the Six Pillars of Character Counts! trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The scholarship recipient must be pursuing post high school education at a two-year or four-year college or technical school. Applications are available in the Counseling Office starting January 8th and are due by March 17, Washington County Retired Educational Personnel Scholarship provides financial assistance to Washington County students aspiring to become teachers. If you are interested in this scholarship opportunity you can pick up your application in the Guidance Office! You can also access more information at Application deadline is March 28, Frostburg State University Music Scholarships are available to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education, Performance, or Music Management. Students applying must be accepted to the FSU prior to the application deadline and declare majors in music. The audition for this scholarship is Thursday, March 10, Applications and all supporting material are due by Friday, March 1 st, at 5:00 pm. Application and additional information are available at: April James W Bowers #173 Masonic Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a post-secondary education at an accredited institution that provides a two-year degree, a fouryear degree, or vocational training. Applications are available in the counseling office. Deadline: April 4, Maryland Emergency Management Association Scholarship is a scholarship for $1,000 available to all students of accredited Maryland High Schools excluding members of the Maryland Emergency Management Association and their family members. If you

10 are interested in this scholarship opportunity, visit this website: Application Deadline is April 1, Peter Pasula Mortgage Solutions Study Habits Scholarship is open to students attending a College/University in the fall of Applicants must complete the application form, including the essay. For an application visit Deadline: April 1, Clare & Robert Moore Scholarship Fund offers a yearly $1,000 scholarship to a student who is majoring in English and attending the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. To find out more information or to apply visit Deadline: April 15, Bulldog Federal Credit Union Scholarship Each year Bulldog Federal Credit Union awards a $500 scholarship to one female and one male member/student to continue their formal education beyond high school. The scholarships are available to graduating seniors who will be attending accredited trade/technical schools, colleges, and universities. Recipients must be members of Bulldog Federal Credit Union and be able to fulfill the requirements described in the guidelines. For more information about guidelines and the application, please go to or see Mrs Kurtz. The completed application must be submitted to the Scholarship Committee, Bulldog Federal Credit Union, 580 Northern Avenue, Hagerstown, MD, by 5:00 p.m. April 22, June Aspiring Fashion Professional Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to students that are interested in pursuing a fashion degree at an accredited postsecondary school or college. Interested students can visit this link and find the scholarship located at the bottom of the page and click on it. Deadline: June 1, Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship for students interested in pursuing a animation career path at an accredited post-secondary school or college. We ask that you have interested students visit our website, to find eligibility information along with the online application. The scholarship will be on the right side of the page and click on it. Deadline: June 1, Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program is pleased to be able to continue with our scholarship program. They will be awarding up to $1,000 to the winner(s). Students must submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of their website Deadline: June 10, Aspiring Nurse Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship to a student who demonstrates a track record of academic excellence and a passion for the nursing profession. More information is available at Deadline: June 30, 2016.