The topic of college affordability should occur early, often, and as a family.
use the guide below as a resource and as a conversation starter
MUSKEGON AREA PROMISE
Muskegon Catholic students are eligible to apply for the Muskegon Area Promise! What this includes is TWO FREE years of college at Muskegon Community College or Baker College of Muskegon for those students residing in the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District. Students must graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, apply for FAFSA during their Senior year, and finally apply to Muskegon Community College or Baker College of Muskegon. Please contact the Counseling Department for more details or click here.
Tips for college applications and essays
Basic Tips for Filling out Good Scholarship Applications -
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/basic_tips_for_filling_out_good_scholarship_applications Basic Tips for Writing Good Essays for Scholarships - http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/basic_tips_for_writing_good_scholarship_essays Essay Tips: 7 Tips for Writing an Effective Essay - https://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/essay-tips-7-tips-on-writing-an-effective-essay |
Let’s Talk Scholarships: Application Tips -https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/articles/let-s-talk-scholarships-application-tips
Scholarship Application Strategies - https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-application-strategies/ |
UseFUL WEBSITES FOR ALL THINGS FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
Beware of scholarship search companies that guarantee you money for colleges!
Contact the Counseling Office for any questions regarding the validity of scholarships.
The following are useful websites with articles relating to scholarships and scholarship applications.
Contact the Counseling Office for any questions regarding the validity of scholarships.
The following are useful websites with articles relating to scholarships and scholarship applications.
SCHOLARSHIPS
A great scholarship resource is Fastweb's College Scholarship Directory. Their directory allows you to search scholarships in a variety of different categories. Click here to get started!
Many colleges have scholarship competitions for students with a high GPA and ACT/SAT scores. If your student has a high GPA (3.5+) and test scores it is advantageous to apply early to schools to be invited to their competitions. Competitions take place as early as November. If you have applied to a college or university check out their websites for any scholarships you may qualify for.
OCTOBEROCTOBER
Hispanic Scholarships - Win up to $15,000 scholarship in the Haz La U Scholarship for high school seniors who are Hispanic American. Academic excellence and financial need required. Other Hispanic scholarships also available. https://hhfawards.hispanicheritage.org/2019/forms/welcome.php Wendy’s High School Heisman - Wendy’s high School Heisman Scholarship is looking for students who excel in the classroom, on the field, and within their communities. Students must have at least a “B” average to apply and participate in a high school sport. Applications are available online at https://www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com/ Northern Michigan University Presidential Scholars Competition - 20 full-ride Harden Scholarships will be awarded along with up to 200 other awards. They are designed for high achievers. Competitors participate in a lively group activity and a personal interview. Learn more and/or sign up at www.nmu.edu/presidentialscholars. Horatio Alger Scholarship - The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. Applications are available online at: https://scholars.horatioalger.org/scholarships/about-our-scholarship-programs/ . Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship - for High School Seniors an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors each year. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Over $3 million annually in scholarships is awarded to young leaders. Current high school seniors with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA may apply using the following link through http://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/applicants Voice of Democracy - Since 1947 the Veterans of Foreign Wars has sponsored this essay program for students in grades 9-12 to vie for scholarship money by writing and recording an essay. This years essay theme is "Why I'm Optimistic about our nation's future." Grand prize is $30,000 scholarship. For an application/more information please see the Counseling Office or call the VFW Chairman, Edward Black, at 231-206-4298. http://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships NOVEMBERNOVEMBER Best Mattress Reviews Sleep Scholarship - At BestMattressReviews.com, we value education highly and want to give back to our community at large. We are also passionate about promoting sleep awareness and created this scholarship to both help further that cause and to help students pay for the increasing costs of higher education. https://bestmattress-brand.org/scholarship/ American Legion Scholarships - The Michigan Brewer and the Michigan Wilson Scholarships are available to residents of Michigan who are a son, daughter, or grandchild of a veteran planning to attend any nationally accredited college or university. Selection is based on the student’s GPA of 2.5+, financial need, parent’s or grandparent’s honorable active war-time military record, and the student’s goals and intentions. Applications are available online atwww.michiganlegion.org/scholarships. You can also email [email protected] to receive a packet of all available American Legion Scholarships. Most Valuable Student Scholarship - The Elks Foundation offers 500 scholarships for high school seniors, with males and females competing separately for these merit-based 4 year scholarships. Apply online at https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm Kenley Farrel Memorial Scholarship - This essay scholarship is offered to high school seniors and college undergrads planning to attend college in the next year. First place is a $1,200-$1,500 scholarship and second place is $300-$500, with no restrictions on how the money is used. Further information can be found on the MMCA website. www.michiganmosquito.org/scholarshipsawards.html Prudential Spirit of Community Awards - If you have made a difference by volunteering in your community over the past year, you could win $1,000 and a trip to Washington D.C. in May. To apply visit www.prudential.com/spirit and click on the “Apply Now” link and follow the online instructions. Students in grades 5-12 are eligible to apply. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation - Available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation's best 4-year colleges and universities. Need a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above, as well as receive standardized test scores in the top 15% (SAT critical reading/math 1200+; ACT composite 26+). Must also demonstrate financial need. Visit www.jkcf.org for an application and more information. DECEMBERDECEMBER
Americanism Scholarship - U.S. Military Fleet Reserve Association offers scholarships for the best essay on what it means to be an American. Awards up to $10,000. Winners will receive US savings bonds for college. For more information click HERE. Assumption College "Light the Way" Scholarship - Assumption’s Light the Way Scholarship is awarded to incoming students who utilize their abilities to Light the Way for others. Whether it’s community service to help people in need, innovation to improve society, or volunteering to heal our planet, this scholarship recognizes and supports students who positively impact the world in their own meaningful way. Apply online HERE. National Honor Society Scholarship - High School students who are in good standings of their local NHS chapter are eligible to be nominated for the NHS scholarship. See Mrs. Alexander, NHS advisor, for information, click HERE. Central Michigan’s Scholarships - https://www.cmich.edu/ess/OSFA/Pages/CMU_Scholarships.aspx Contact the admissions office at 1-888-292-5366 or go online to www.cmich.edu for information on how to make reservations for the competition. NRA Civil Rights Scholarship - Win up to $1,000 for an essay about your constitutional right to keep and bear arms. For more info click here The Johnson Scholarship Program - The prestigious Johnson Scholarship Program provides awards of at least tuition, room and board for up to 44 students in each class attending Washington and Lee University (Virginia) on the basis of academic achievement and leadership potential. For more information, click here. Davenport University offers two full tuition free scholarships, the Cesar Chavez Scholarship and Inherit the Dream Scholarship. Both scholarships require a 2.0 GPA and an essay, for information regarding these scholarships visit online at davenport.edu/scholarships or call a Davenport Admissions Rep at 800-686-1600. For more information, click HERE. Boston University Trustee Scholarship - Trustee Scholars are selected from a pool of applicants who have been nominated by their principals. Trustee Scholars are typically in the top ten percent of their class and are also very active leaders in their schools and communities. Students who are nominated but not selected will be considered for other Boston University Scholarships. If interested in applying stop by the Counseling Office for details. Applications are available online by clicking HERE. Michigan High School Athletic Association - To be eligible students must have earned a varsity letter in a MHSAA sport and have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Applications and instructions are available online at: http://www.mhsaa.com/schools/students/scholarathleteaward.aspx. Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program - This scholarship recognizes seniors for their commitment to community service, academics, and demonstrated leadership. Only one student per school is allowed to be nominated. $1000 scholarhips. Minimum 2.8 GPA. Comcast employees and family members are not eligible to apply. https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/leadersandachievers/ AXA Achievement Scholarship - To qualify students must demonstrate: ambition and drive, determination to set and reach goals, respect for self, family and community, and the ability to succeed in college. Applications are available online HERE. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards $10,000 award. Deadline varies, typically December for most writing, and mid February for novels. These writing scholarships are administered by The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. More than one million dollars are awarded annually to students in grades 7-12. Scholarships are awarded based on 10 writing categories and 16 art categories. Among other awards, five writers will receive cash grants of $10,000 toward undergraduate tuition, and additional $1000 awards are given to ~10 students for Distinguished Achievement Awards. For more information about the scholarships click here. Burger King Scholarship - High School Seniors, Burger King employees, their dependent children, spouses or domestic partners are eligible to receive up to $50,000 in scholarship awards. Apply HERE JANUARYJANUARY
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program - The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education. Each year, the Program selects numerous recipients to receive a $10,000 scholarship renewable for up to an additional three years – up to $40,000 total per recipient. Awards are for undergraduate study only, and may be used for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, and board. In addition, Scholars are invited to participate in a special awards program. You can find more information by clicking HERE. JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest - Essay must be no longer than 1000 words. Information is available online at www.jfklibrary.org. Lake Michigan Credit Union/HUTT Scholarship - The Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is offering $2,000 scholarship for students living in Kent, Ottawa,Muskegon or Allegan counties. Students and/or their parent must be or become a member of LMCU to enter. For more information, click here. Washington Crossing’s Foundation - This scholarship is for students who are planning careers in government service. Interested students must write a none page essay stating why he/she plans a career in government. For information and application visit: http://www.gwcf.org/AppDownload.html Calvin College Alumni Association Scholarship - The Michigan Lakeshore Alumni Association offers scholarships to incoming Freshmen from Ottawa, Muskegonand Allegan Counties. Four scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 each. The alumni association also sponsors the Brian DeWall Scholarship for students from the area who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering or the sciences. An application for both scholarships can be found HERE McDonalds Scholarships - High school seniors may apply for a McDonalds scholarship, offered by the Ronald McDonald House Charities. $1000 awards based upon personal statement, high school transcripts (GPA 2.7 or higher), letter of recommendation and financial need. Greeting Card Scholarship - Use your art talent to design the front of a greeting card and win $10,000 for college, and an additional $1,000 for your school. https://www.gallerycollection.com/greeting-cards-scholarship.htm Google Computer Science Scholarship - This Anita Borg scholarship for high school seniors in for girls who plan to major in computer science. $10,000 computer science scholarships. The scholarships for seniors is called First Years, but they also offer computer science scholarships for college students. For more information go to: https://www.womentechmakers.com/scholars Davidson Fellows Awards - Some of the best scholarships up to $50,000 for the best gifted and talented students (GATE) who are under age 18. Apply online by clicking HERE. |
FEBRUARYFEBRUARY
Metlife Foundation Scholarship - Open to high school seniors pursuing a four-year degree in select areas of agriculture, agribusiness management, communications, education, journalism, extension, public relations, finance, economics, sales, marketing, engineering, mechanization, technology, plant pathology, plant/animal breeding and genetics, range/soil science or public service and administration in agriculture. Ten non-renewable scholarships at $2,000 each will be awarded. Click HERE to apply. Circle Michigan Foundation Scholarship - A Circle Michigan Scholarship will be offered each year. The Circle Michigan Foundation will award a scholarship to a student attending a Michigan higher education institution and who is enrolled in a Hospitality and Tourism program. Full or part-time students may apply. The scholarship is administered by the Saginaw Community Foundation. Scholarship applications are currently being accepted. Circle Michigan is a membership organization dedicated to the growth and marketing of packaged travel and tourism in Michigan. The company formed in 1981 and was the country’s first marketing organization focused primarily on promoting group travel. It remains the longest running destination marketing organization in the United States. For an application and to view the selection criteria, click HERE. Community Foundation for Muskegon County Scholarships - Are based on academics and/or financial need. Applications will be available beginning Oct. 1 online at www.cffmc.org/scholarships, click on “Create Your Account” and then apply. The Community Foundation handles many scholarships, some of which are geared especially for our students. J. Paul Dunworth Scholarship – Superior academics, attending a Catholic School to pursue seminary. Rev. Moses J. Jones Scholarship – Minority, contribution to community, school and church. Maureen Linck Scholarship – No criteria given John & Mary Schumann Scholarship – For students attending Michigan Tech University Stan Tyler Catholic Education Scholarship – Students attending, Univ. of Notre Dame, St. Mary’s or Holy Cross, South Bend. The Community Foundation will also be selecting recipients for the Seyferth Scholar Award ($20,000), and the Hawley Merit Scholarship ($10,000). These scholarships are all based strictly on academic excellence and awarded to the top students in the county. The Moylan Scholarship will be awarded to 2 or 3 students who will be attending Muskegon Community College for two years before they progress to a 4 year institution. This scholarship provides aid for four years totaling $5,000. Awards will also be given to students seeking a two year degree or vocational/technical training beyond high school. They will not be competing academically with students applying to colleges for 4 year degrees. Typically, the Foundation does not receive many applications in this category, therefore there is much less competition for these awards and chances of receiving a scholarship are much greater. Hispanic Scholarship Fund - Online applications are available at: www.hsf.net Deadlines vary for each scholarship. University Club of Grand Rapids - Scholarship available for those intending on remaining or returning back to West Michigan after college graduation. Apply online, by clicking HERE. Email: [email protected] with questions. Muskegon Community College - MCC is offering Performance Based Scholarships for incoming Freshmen. Various academic departments will be granting scholarships covering either full or partial tuition fees. These will be awarded one semester at a time but are renewable for up to 62 credit hours. Please go to the Muskegon Community College website to get an application www.muskegoncc.edu/scholarships/ Michigan Society of Professional Engineers - Is offering 36 scholarships valued at up to $3000 annually for students who will be pursuing a career in engineering at an Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology accredited Michigan College or University. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 with an ACT composite of 26 is required. Applications are available online by clicking HERE. WACE 18th Annual National Co-Op Scholarship Program - WACE will award 160 merit co-op scholarships. These merit co-op scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors and transfer stuents who plan to particpate in college cooperative education at one of their Partner Insitutions. For more information, click HERE or find them on Facebook (WACEINC). Service 1 Federal Credit Union Calvin J. Peterson Memorial Scholarship - Service 1 will award two $1000 scholarships toward tuition. For an application or more information, click HERE. DAR Good Citizens Scholarship - This scholarship is open to all high school seniors who demonstrate the following qualities: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Only one student per school can be selected to represent their high school. The selected student is also required to write an essay. For further information, click HERE. Calvin College John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows Program - Calvin College announces the launch of the John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows Program. This program seeks to recruit high school seniors who have a passion for service and who demonstrate great leadership potential. Perkins Fellows participate in a unique combination of service, training and leadership development while attending Calvin. Perkins Fellows will receive a $2500 scholarship for four years. For more information, click HERE. Ohio State University - The Alumni Club of West Michigan will sponsor one Alumni Scholarship for a high school senior living in the West Michigan area who will be attending Ohio State in the Fall. Applications are available online by clicking HERE. Optimist Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people room to develop their own views around a central idea. In addition to the opportunity for written expression, participants have the chance to win a college scholarship. Interested students must submit an essay based on a preassigned topic to their local Optimist Club. For information, click HERE. Vegetarian Scholarships - $5000 vegetarian scholarships for encouraging a healthy vegetarian diet in your school or community. Courageous Persuaders Scholarships - Be a positive role model for middle school students by creating a 30 second commercial about the dangers of teenagers drinking alcohol. MARCHMARCH
EDSF Scholarship - To qualify students must have an interest within the Document management and Graphic Communication industries, have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, and will be a full time college student. Applications are available online at https://pgsf.org/pgsf-scholarship-application/ Women's Division Chamber of Commerce of Muskegon - The WDCC will be awarding multiple $1,000. scholarships to any Muskegon County full-time student attending either Muskegon Community or Baker Colleges. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA. Scholarship information and application form available on WDCC website - www.womensdivision.org. Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship - Available to Meijer Team Members and their children. Two $10,000 scholarships will be awarded based on financial need, academics, and community involvement/service. Apply online at: https://www.meijer.com/services/meijer-scholarship.html SAE– Society of Automotive Engineers - For students intending to earn a degree in engineering or a related science field, there are over 60 corporate and university sponsored scholarships available to qualified students. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship for information go to https://www.sae.org/participate/scholarships Michigan State University / Muskegon County Alumni Scholarship - The Michigan State University Muskegon County Alumni Association offers 3, $2,000, scholarships and 2, $500, book scholarships to local students who will be attending MSU in the Fall. Consideration is given at the point of acceptance to the university and no action needs to be taken by the student or the Muskegon Catholic. The Michigan State University Alumni Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore Area - They award scholarships each year to deserving Muskegon County students that are planning to attend MSU. To qualify, students must have applied and been accepted to MSU. GVSU Scholarships - For Information and applications to many scholarship opportunities at GVSU go online to their website GVSU American Chemical Society Scholars Program - This scholarship is designed to encourage African-American, Hispanic and Native American students to pursue a chollege degree in chemical science. Applications are available online HERE Muskegon County Farm Bureau Scholarship - Applicant must be a member, child of, or under the guardianship of a Muskegon County Farm Bureau member. Financial need is not a requirement. Scholarships range from $500-$1000. Applications available HERE Michigan Retailers Association - Scholarship competition of 30 $1,000 scholarships. The awards are NOT based on financial need. To be eligible, the student or parent must be employed at a business that is a member of the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA). Apply online at here under the Education & Events tab or call 1-800-366-3699 for an application. American Legion Medical Career Scholarships - Scholarship is for students pursuing a medical career. Candidates shall be a child, grandchild, or great grandchild or step of honorably discharged or deceased men or women of active war time military record. Scholarships are in the amount of $500. Applications are available online by clicking here. Junior Achievement Scholarship Program - Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes provides scholarships to outstanding Junior Achievement seniors. Applications are available online at https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-mgl/ja-programs Superpower Scholarship - If you dream of having superpowers, or being the evil villain, check out this super powered scholarship. For more information go to HERE. American Foreign Service Association (FAFSA) National High School Essay Contest - $2500 and an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital for the winner and their parents. Open to all high school students whose parents are NOT in the Foreign Service (grades 9, 10, 11 & 12). Essays of 1000 to 1250 words on yearly designated topic. See the American Foreign Service Association website for additional details about the essay: www.afsa.org/afsa-scholarships APRIL APRIL
Michigan Oil & Gas Producers Education Foundation - Qualified applicants must be a high school senior and have a 3.0+ GPA. They must be accepted for enrollment at a Michigan university or community college, and must be pursuing a degree in an energy related field of study with the ambition of seeking full-time employment in the oil and gas business, or an energy related business. Scholarships with a minimum of $500 will be awarded, applications are available online at http://www.michiganoilandgas.org/scholarships Elise Joy Frantz Scholarship Award - Each year the Ottawa County Bar Association presents a $1,500 scholarship to an outstanding high school senior to be applied to their first year college expenses. It's purpose is to recognize an outstanding senior who has shown respect for the law and a special interest in our constitution and government, and who plans to develop these interest through further education at a college or university. It's open to seniors who either reside or attend school within Ottawa County. http://www.miottawabar.org/elise-joy-frantz-scholarship/ Balanced Man Scholarship (Offered at U of M, MSU and GVSU) - The Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternities at the above universities offers scholarships to incoming male students who are interested in joining the fraternity. Applications are available in the counseling office by March and application deadlines vary by school, usually the end of April/May. MAY MAY
Visionary Scholarship Program - Is open to all grades in high school, students apply online at www.AmericanCollegeFoundation.org , and write a 500 word essay. Scholarships range from $1000 to $5000 with multiple winners chosen. American Business Women’s Association - Is sponsoring several scholarships worth $1,500 each for female students living in Muskegon County. The application is available at http://www.sbmef.org/scholarship Baker College Career Scholarships - Baker College’s Scholarship program offers qualified students up to $6,400 in scholarships to help finance specialized career training. Awarded based on academic achievement. Applications a/information re available in the counseling office or through Baker College at www.baker.edu/scholarship or texting BAKER to 74700. B. Davis Scholarship - The creators of the “Student Award Search Aid” website are renewing the scholarship. Please visit http://www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm to read about it and learn how to apply for the scholarship. While you’re there, please browse through the rest of the site to learn more about applying for scholarships. Amount of Scholarship: $1,000. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. Eastern Michigan University - Eastern Michigan Alumni Scholarship in the amount of $4000 over 4 years, for students who are children or grandchildren of EMU alumni. A GPA of 3.2 or higher is required. Scholarship information is available online here. Michigan State Police Student Trooper Program - Spend 1 week at the Michigan State Police Academy in Lansing (July 12-17) and be exposed to all the areas of law enforcement. Top Student Trooper of the week wins $1000 Scholarship and 3 other categories win $500 each. Applications may be obtained by emailing [email protected]. More information available at www.michiganlegion.org/trooper. JUNE, JULY & AUGUSTJune - July - August BigSun Scholarship - The BigSun organization is proud to be able to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. In order to do our part we are offering an annual scholarship to a deserving student. All student athletes are eligible for this award. For information regarding the scholarship go to the website at: http://www.bigsunathletics.com. MICHIGAN TUITION GRANT PROGRAM - The Michigan Tuition Grant program is available to undergraduate Michigan residents with fiancial need who pan to attend or are attending independent, degree-granting Michigan postsecondary institutions. CLICK HERE for more information and participating colleges. Applicants must file the FAFSA prior to July 1 preceeding Fall enrollment. ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship - Open to students who have recognized a need or problem in their community, have determined a way to address the problem, have developed an action plan and worked on putting the plan into action. Students can apply online by clicking HERE. WMMIAEC Grant - The West Michigan Minorities in Architecture/Engineering Consortium Scholarship is open to women and ethnic minorities who are pursuing careers in the architectural, engineering and scientific disciplines. Qualified students will receive $1000 grants which may be renewed on an annual basis for a maximum of 4 years. For information and an application click HERE. |