School Counseling Newsletter

Auburn High School January 2020

Southwest Virginia Governor’s School Visit Attention all sophomores interested in Governor’s school, Ms. Phillips will be visiting AHS on January

13th at 1:00 PM . Please listen for the announcements and sign up with Mrs. Martin in the

Counseling Office to get a pass to attend.

Letters of Recommendation

Many seniors are requesting letters of recommendation to include with college and scholarship applications. Remember to ask your teachers or administrators to return their letters to you in a sealed envelope so you can include them with your application and transcript. All letters of recommendation must have an original signature (not a copy)! Don't forget to thank them for their time and to ask them to save the letter on their computer in case you need it for another scholarship.

Academic and Career Planning Night at AHS!

AHS will be holding a Curriculum Night on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 6PM in the AHS auditorium.

This meeting will provide information regarding classes, registration and scheduling for the 2020-2021

school year. We look forward to seeing you here!

SNOW DATE: Wednesday January 29th, 2020 at 6PM in the AHS auditorium

Let Us Know!!!!!!!!!

If you have been accepted to a college or university, received a scholarship or been offered an apprenticeship or job following graduation we want to know! Come the counseling office and fill out a quick form!

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

In order for seniors to determine if they are eligible for federal financial aid programs to help with the cost of attending college*, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be completed and submitted online. The priority deadline has passed but you can still apply through the spring semester of 2018.

A 2018-2019 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov for parents and students to complete before entering the final information online. Income tax information for the 2015 or 2016 tax year is needed to complete the worksheet. The information from the worksheet will need to be transferred to the online form and submitted electronically.

A few weeks after submitting the FAFSA online, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that asks you to verify that the information is accurate. The Student Aid Report will also include the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) which is the amount that you are expected to pay toward college expenses based on the information submitted on the FAFSA. This financial information will then be forwarded to the financial aid offices of the colleges you requested.

From the FAFSA information, the college financial aid office will prepare a Financial Aid Package. This package will usually include a combination of grants, scholarships, low- interest loans and, if the student is eligible, an opportunity for work-study.

Most colleges and universities expect to receive information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. Use FAFSA on the WEB to expedite the process and get your information there on time! Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you have questions about the FAFSA, go to www.studentaid.ed.gov or call 1-800-433-3243. If you still need assistance, you can also contact the financial aid office of the college you plan to attend.

*Cost of Attending College (Please refer to December 2019 newsletter.)

.

College Applications

Seniors who still plan to apply to four-year colleges or to community college should not wait any longer to apply. The admission deadline for many colleges has passed and those schools on rolling admissions are already filling the freshmen class. At New River Community College, many of the classes fill early and even though you are accepted, you may not get into the particular classes or program you want.

First Semester

Grades

First semester grades for seniors will be sent to all colleges to which seniors have applied WHEN they are requested through Parchment transcript requests. If your college requires a special mid-year report, please submit the form to Ms. Sutherland immediately.

Grades for Dual-Enrollment Courses

Seniors who are currently enrolled in dual enrollment courses and seniors who completed dual enrollment courses last year must request that NRCC send an official college transcript to all colleges to which you apply as soon as first semester grades are available. (You will need to request an official updated college transcript be sent at the end of the year to the college you plan to attend.)

Check This Out!

Another valuable resource is available on the MCPS website and each school web page shares this link.

College & Career Ready

The mission of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is to be a community of excellence that develops each student’s full potential to be a lifelong learner and a productive global citizen. A senior class begins each new school year with hope, enthusiasm and perhaps a bit of anxiety. Excellent teachers, a safe and nurturing environment, academic challenges and enrichment opportunities have contributed to a feeling of confidence in the future.

The purpose of this website is to serve as a resource to assist these students and their parents with the challenge of preparation for a future beyond MCPS. High school graduation requirements, senior information, college admissions, career decisions, military opportunities and funding sources are all potential topics for exploration as each student faces the future with the realization that Montgomery County Public Schools continues to be dedicated to the achievement of our goal:

Preparing Students For: Their Lives, The Community, The

World

Scholarships Shelor Toyota Scholarship To Qualify, You Must: 1) Be a 2020 Graduate of Auburn High School, Blacksburg High School, Christiansburg High School, Craig County High School, Eastern Montgomery High School, Floyd County High School, Fort Chiswell High School, George Wythe High School, Giles High School, Narrows High School, Pulaski County High School, Radford High School, or Rural Retreat High School. 2) Complete the entire application process by March 16th, 2020 Scholarship Information Shelor Toyota is proud to offer $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors who wish to further their education after high school. These scholarships are open to all students, regardless of your career ambitions! Scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded to seniors who have met the qualifications and have the highest ratings as compared to other applicants. Eligible seniors may attend any of the four Montgomery County High Schools, Craig County High School, Floyd County High School, Giles High School, Narrows High School, Pulaski County High School, Radford High School, or Wythe County High Schools. DEADLINE: To apply for one of these scholarships, applicants must complete the entire application process by March 16th, 2020. Applications postmarked after March 16th will not be considered for selection. The 2019 application is available in the Counseling Office!! All applications must be sent to: Shelor Toyota Scholarship Program Attn: Melissa Epperly P.O. Box 1499 Christiansburg, VA 24068

Frank E. Page Educational Fund If you need financial assistance to pay for college, please do not miss the opportunity to apply for this amazing scholarship with very flexible eligibility requirements!!

This Educational Fund was established by the Last Will and Testament of Frank Edwin Page, a native of Montgomery County. The purpose of the Fund is to give financial assistance to "deserving boys and girls who shall be graduated from the public high schools of Montgomery County, Virginia." Applications are available in Guidance. NOTE: On page 4, question # 3 should be answered fully! Please emphasize to the applicants that this is a very important part of the application and should be given careful consideration.

High school transcript required, including GPA, class rank, college board scores

2 letters of recommendation

Financial need will be considered *The deadline for submitting the completed application and an official transcript request to Mrs. Basham is April 15, 2020. Application is available in the Counseling Office.

Ron Brown Scholar Program — The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify African—American students who will make a significant contribution to societyInterested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Ron Brown Scholar Program provided you meet the following requirements:

Must be Black/African American. Must excel academically. Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential. Must participate in community service activities. Demonstrate financial need. Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card. Be a current high school senior at the time of your application. NOTE: Current college

students are not eligible to apply. https://www.ronbrown.org/section/apply/rbsp-application

DEADLINE: Jan 9, 2020

TAG – Tuition Assistance Grant – The TAG program of the Commonwealth of Virginia provides annual grants to Virginia residents who are full-time students at eligible, non-profit, private colleges and universities in Virginia. The award amount is based on the number of eligible students and the amount of funds appropriated by the General Assembly. If you are applying to a private college in Virginia, be sure to ask the admissions or financial aid office of your college for a TAG application. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest – The Profile in Courage Essay Contest provides students with the opportunity to develop research, writing and critical thinking skills as they explore the concept of political courage. This year amounts vary and multiple winners will be chosen. Requirements are also listed online. Be sure the focus of this Contest at https://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest/Eligibility-andRequirements.aspx . Deadline for submission of essays: January 17, 2020

Create-A-Greeting-Card $10,000 Scholarship Contest

Only 1 entry per person is allowed Must be 14 years old and a high school student Submit photo, artwork or graphic for only the front of the greeting card Design must be appropriate for business and consumer use Work must be your own original design/work/creation Official rules for entries and applications can be found at

https://www.gallerycollection.com/greeting-cards-scholarship.htm AMOUNT: $10,000 DEADLINE: Entries must be received by March 2nd, 2020

Sweet Briar Engineering Scholarships – The Margaret Jones Wyllie ’45 Engineering Program offers scholarships for students pursuing an engineering science or engineering management degree. These scholarships may be combined with additional financial aid. Wyllie scholarships are worth up to $5,000 per year for four years and are merit-based. For additional information about applying, go to http://sbc.edu/stem/engineering-scholarships/

GET CHARGED UP! The Electrical Industry is waiting for you! There is a growing labor shortage in the construction industry and firms are eager to hire.

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) offers an electrical apprenticeship program with full health and retirement benefits. The accredited three- and five-year programs provide students with an intense combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning taught by skilled journeyman electricians. During your training, you’ll get paid for your attendance in school and on the job site. After you complete this program you can make more than $84,500* when working 2,000 hours a year. Plus, you’ll earn more than $25,000* a year worth of Health and Retirement Benefits. Applications are accepted year-round. High school applicants must provide a sealed copy of their high school transcript. Transcripts should reflect a passing grade in algebra I, preferably with good grades in science as well. Applicants must score within the qualifying range of an industry-based aptitude test. Apprentices are responsible for their own transportation. www.getchargedup.org Deadline to apply is March 31, 2020

Berea College Scholarships (Berea, Kentucky) – Berea College awards a 4-year full tuition scholarship to every student who is accepted. Berea’s mission is to provide an excellent education to students who have great promise, but limited economic resources. Every student participates in a work program, which assures that all students graduate with professional work experience on their resumes. Deadlines are the last day of each month. For additional information, go to www.berea.edu/admissions. NEXTSTEPU is an online college and scholarship search site where you can find your best college match, choose a major, and find scholarships. Go to http://www.nextstepu.com/college-search/

15 Scholarship Programs can be found here: https://studentscholarships.org/#sthash.6yXZ2wua.XPco9s7s.dpbs Scholarships Partners and Programs with the CollegeBoard https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/scholarships-and-recognition/scholarship-partners-

programs?SFMC_cid=EM206130-&rid=47727030

Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Scholarship available for students planning to be involved with ROTC affiliated programs. AHS does have a representative if you have questions, stop by school counseling office for contact information. https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/apply.html Sun Trust Off To College Scholarship Sweepstakes

$500 scholarship for students Free to enter and eligibility not based on GPA or financial need Thirty chances to win with two winners are chosen every two weeks from October to May First drawing will be held on or around October 29, 2019

Enter online at https://offtocollegesweepstakes.suntrust.com/entry/rules

Radford University School of Dance and Theatre Scholarships Nancy Necessary Pridemore Scholarship

must have declared a major in Theatre or Speech and must demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students from South Western Virginia

award amount varies

GeorgAnne Voland Buck Scholarship Tuition Award: varies

must be a full-time incoming freshman with a declared major in Theatre and demonstrate long-time commitment to and talent for the theatre arts through three (3) letters of recommendation addressed to the Chair of the Department of Theatre. Applicants are also encouraged to audition, submit a portfolio or other samples of their work to help further ascertain their capabilities.

Contact RU for more information on both.

Tronfeld West & Durrett Step by Step Scholarship $1500 At Tronfeld West & Durrett we understand the importance of setting goals and working hard – we’re attorneys after all! We also know that the first big step you’ll take in your life is college. Thus we’re proud to announce the $1500 Tronfeld West & Durrett Step by Step Scholarship! If you are a high school or college student in Virginia and will be enrolled in a two-year to a five-year institute for the impending school year, apply today. https://twdinjurylaw.com/scholarship/

DEADLINE: March 31, 2020 BigSun Athletic Scholarship The successful applicant will be a high school senior currently involved in a sport in high school. This scholarship has been listed with FastWeb. To apply, visit www.bigsunathletics.com .

Amount: $500 Deadline: June 19, 2020

CFNRV Scholarship Funds

The Community Foundation has 43 scholarship funds and over $65,000 to distribute!! Check out the table of all available scholarships and determine what you may be eligible for!

-Create an account by logging on to : https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfnrvscholarship

Come by the Counseling Office for additional help in applying!!!!

Application Deadline: Friday, February 3rd, 2020

THE GLORIA WILLE BELL AND CARLOS R. BELL CHARITABLE TRUST

The scholarship program will provide $80,000 over four years of undergraduate study to students selected from the Commonwealth of Virginia to pursue degrees in engineering, physics, computer science or another related scientific field at the

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Please go to www.bellscholarship.org for information about the application process, including essay details.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP -Must be a senior from MCPS high school -Must be admitted as a full-time student to an accredited post-secondary education institution -APPLICANT MUST PLAN TO ENROLL IN A PROGRAM THAT WILL LEAD TO A DEGREE IN THE FIELD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

Submit high school transcript through first semester of senior year and attendance records

Submit 3 letters of recommendation (1-teacher, 2-counselor or principal or coach, 3-citizen of community chosen by applicant)

Write the Essay (in application) PICK UP APPLICATION IN COUNSELING OFFICE DEADLINE: MAILED/RECEIVED BY MARCH 30, 2020

ABBOTT AND FENNER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Abbott and Fenner Business Consultants are pleased to award up to $1,000 to the winners. Application Process: Students will submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of their web site: http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm

AMOUNT: $1,000 DEADLINE: JUNE 12, 2020

Class of 2020 Better Business Bureau Student of Integrity Scholarship Award This scholarship recognizes seniors who personify high ethics demonstrated through leadership, community service, and overall personal integrity. Applicants must have a 3.0 + GPA and must submit the completed application including essay, supporting documents, letter of recommendation and high school transcript. Apply online! Applicants must also be present for dinner on April 23, 2020 www.bbbstudentofintegrity.org AMOUNT: $1,000 DEADLINE: January 31, 2020

STATE CHAPTER P.E.O. SISTERHOOD SCHOLARSHIP FUND This fund provides minimum scholarships of $1,500 to women who are domiciled in Virginia to attend an accredited Virginia school of higher education. The VSSF includes five Named Scholarship Funds administered through the P.E.O. Foundation. Most are not available to incoming freshmen. Eligibility To be eligible for a VSSF scholarship, a woman must:

Be domiciled in Virginia. Be a high school graduate. Attend, as a full time undergraduate, an accredited Virginia school of higher learning. Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Have financial need. Be well-rounded in activities. Have life or career goals that can be met through a specific field of study. Have at least three (3) current character recommendations.

Recipients are eligible for one renewal. VSSF Scholarship applications are available at https://vapeo.org/scholarships/info.html

VSSF Scholarship Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2020.

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS

High school seniors who have MS or who have a parent who has MS

Plan to attend a 2-year or 4-yr. college or trade/technical school

Be a legal citizen of the U.S.

To apply, go to https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Work-and-Home/Insurance-and-

Financial-Information/Financial-Resources/Scholarship-Program/Scholarship-Resources

AMOUNT: Most awards are between $1,000 and $3,000

ASSE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM ASSE offers an opportunity for students to study abroad for the 2019-2020 school year. This program offers:

Largest number of countries available Students get to choose where they would like to spend their exchange year. No foreign language requirement The lowest fees of any high school exchange program and all inclusive Many scholarships available for merit and financial need based students 2.7 GPA minimum requirement Semester and year as well as summer language programs offered

For additional information, please call 1-800-677-2773 or go online to https://asse.com/home/

NEW RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE Educational Foundation Scholarships

o Applicant must be a Virginia citizen living in Giles, Floyd, Pulaski, Montgomery County or

o Radford o Applicant must enroll in a program of study at NRCC o Applicant must apply online o Applicant must provide an official high school transcript o Once enrolled, applicant must maintain a minimum class load of 9 credit hours o Applicant must furnish a completed scholarship application and 2 letters of

recommendation (from teacher or employer) o Once enrolled, must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0

Scholarship recipients may be considered for a second year of support if requirements are met.

Go to www.nr.edu/sa to complete the application online. It has not opened yet but check back and I will post in the January newsletter with the dates as they come.

Amount: 1500 (per year) Deadline: February 15, 2020

VIRGINIA STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility criteria: Virginia high school senior in good standing Does the candidate play golf or have an interest in any activity associated with golf

o (Skill and ability are neither requirements nor considerations.)

Academic achievement (GPA and standardized test scores) Character (activities outside the classroom including work, community service, school clubs,

etc.) Essay to the VSGA Scholarship Foundation (See #4 on application.) Financial need will be reviewed in the evaluation of scholarship applicants.

o All applications must be made on behalf of the candidate by a representative of a member club of the Virginia State Golf Association, Inc.

Applications are available online : https://vsga.org/learn/vsga-vip-scholarship-foundation/scholarship-application/ APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTORY: https://www.imagine-america.org/high-school-scholarships-trade-schools-virginia/

Pureland Supply offers a $1,000.00 scholarship to students accepted to an accredited trade school, vocational college, technical school, or community college for the study of trade, craft or labor occupations. https://www.purelandsupply.com/t-scholarship.aspx

ProjectorLamps.com offers a $1,000.00 scholarship to budding entrepreneurs attending college and university with a Business major of study. https://www.projectorlamps.com/t-scholarship.aspx

The Morrow-Stevens Foundation Scholarship The Morrow-Stevens Foundation is a private charitable organization that provides need based scholarships to high school students from designated Virginia School Division Regions. Recipients must attend a Virginia public four-year college or university. The scholarship continues for four years as long as the recipient remains a full tie student in good academic standing. The scholarship includes:

Full tuition and fees (less other grants the student has received) Full room and board at on-campus housing Book stipend each semester

How to apply: 1. Download the application 2. Complete the application http://morrow-stevens-scholarship.org/apply.html 3. Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher 3. Collect the following documentation

Most recent high school transcript, including GPA Copy of SAT/ACT scores Copy of Student aid Report from the FAFSA (as soon as available) One-page student essay

One teacher recommendation. DEADLINE (POSTMARKED) : MARCH 15, 2020

Congress-Bundestag Vocational Youth Exchange Program Graduating high school students from all economic, ethnic, religious and social backgrounds are encouraged to consider participating in Nacel Open door, a non-profit educational exchange program. This program allows seniors to spend a year in Germany living with a host family, participating in a school or training program, and getting hands-on work experience through an internship with a German company. Participants have been placed in fields as diverse as the arts, auto mechanics, biotechnology, child care, computer science, education, forestry, health care, hotel management, international business, journalism, political science, theatre, and veterinary science. Interested students can get more information and download an application at www.nacelopendoor.org.

NPCA Foundation SCHOLARSHIP Our Foundation’s mission is to support the growth and enhance the development of the precast concrete industry by providing opportunities using educational initiatives and incentives. Find the applications and more information on the website at : http://precast.org/foundation/scholarships/?gclid=CLfg5ZygiNECFcSFswodvcgFPw AMOUNT: $500.00-$14,500 DEADLINE: March 13, 2020 Virginia Military Institute Dominion Energy Citizen-Soldier Scholarship To be eligible for the Institute Scholars Program, students must meet or exceed the following criteria:

Combined SAT: 1380 (combined critical reading and math), or ACT Composite: 31 GPA: 3.7

Materials must be received no later than February 1 https://www.vmi.edu/academics/institute-scholars/

DEADLINE: February 1

SCHOLAR ATHLETE MILK MUSTACHE OF THE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP

High school seniors Excel in academics, athletics, community service and leadership

AMOUNT: $7,500 DEADLINE: March 12, 2020 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY GO TO https://www.scholarships123.com/award/scholar-athlete-milk-mustache-of-the-year-sammy-award

VIRGINIA MAYFLOWER SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP FUND Eligibility Requirements

Applicant must be a high school senior Be a resident of Virginia Be a member or Junior member of the Virginia Mayflower Society

Be related to a member of the Virginia Mayflower Society

Have a GPA of at least a B (3.0)

Must be sponsored by a member of the Society of Mayflower Society. The applicant does not need to be a member of the Society or be related to a member of the Society. Additional information and specific instructions for applying are available in the Counseling Office and online at http://virginiamayflower.org/scholarship https://virginiamayflower.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Mayflower-Scholarship-2020.pdf AMOUNT: $1,620 APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 16, 2020

Society of Women Engineers Scholarship The mission of the SWE is to encourage young women in the pursuit of academics in the fields of math, science, and engineering. In 2017, SWE awarded 233 new and renewed scholarships valued at almost $715,000. Eligibility: Seniors girls who are graduating from high school in 2018 Minimum GPA is 3.5/4.0 (unweighted) Must be planning to major in engineering Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. Must not be receiving funding from another organization (Armed Services, US Military Academies, full reimbursement from employer) Specific information for submitting your application is available in Guidance, or you can go to https://scholarships.swe.org/applications/login.asp . AMOUNT: $1,000 to $10,000 DEADLINE: March 1st (app opens)- May 1st 2020 APP CLOSES

The Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia History Essay Contest: 4 scholarships of $3,000 Paper application available in the counseling office: you must send two copies of your essay with you application by mail following directions on the paperwork by March 13th, 2020

Reminder: Please check previous newsletters for additional scholarships!!! There are many others in previous newsletters

that the deadline has not passed!

ATTENTION JUNIORS!

JUNIORS!! 2020 ALEXANDER HAMILTON SCHOLARS AWARD

https://www.hamiltonscholars.org/apply/ A Hamilton Award Winner:

Is a junior in high school Is college-bound Has a strong record of community service Is a self-starter Has financial need Shows a strong commitment to their academic studies Is committed to participating in the Hamilton Leaders academy

The Hamilton Leaders Academy is a five-year, no student cost program that helps students gain acceptance to college and transition successfully to university life and the work force. Deadline: Jan. 29, 2020

11TH GRADE STUDENTS WHO PLAN TO ATTEND A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE DIRECTLY AFTER HIGH SCHOOL NEED TO TAKE THE Redesigned SAT AND/OR ACT COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE SPRING OF THEIR JUNIOR YEAR. SENIORS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO RETAKE THE SAT IN THE FALL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE THEIR SCORES FOR COLLEGE AND TO QUALIFY FOR ADDITIONAL MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS. www.collegeboard.org www.act.org Practice tests for the Redesigned SAT are available online at www.collegeboard.org and practice ACT tests are available at www.act.org.

The Counseling Office has a limited number of Sat and ACT fee waivers for juniors and seniors. To qualify for a fee waiver, a student must be eligible to participate in the free and reduced school lunch program. Additional requirements/guidelines: The student must be applying to a college that requires the SAT, or SAT Subject Tests. Eligible students may receive a total of two fee waivers for the SAT I and a total of two waivers for the SAT II for use in the 11th and 12th grades.

Students who use the fee waiver service are eligible for four Requests for Waiver of College Application Fee Forms at participating colleges.

**********************