• Financial Aid Information: Paying for College

    money

    There are several types of financial aid: grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, loans, aid for military families, and aid for international studies.  To obtain any of these forms of financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more information on the types of financial aid and how to complete the FAFSA, please review the website: Federal Student Aid

    Need a guide to help you complete the FAFSA? Here is a step by step process just for you: FAFSA Application Completion

    Henry Futures Presents:

    Paying for College: Financial Aid and FAFSA Night 

    March 10, 2022 Presentation: Click Here

    HCS FAFSA Night Recording

     

    HCS FAFSA Night Recording(Spanish)  

     

    General Financial Aid Information
    • FinAid – Links to scholarships, grants, loans, and graduate aid.
    • StudentAid.gov – Information from the U.S. Department of Education on preparing for and funding education beyond high school.
    • College Affordability Guide – This site’s mission is to provide clear, correct info and advice on the many options students have to reduce the cost of their degree, and to offer a fresh analysis of which colleges are doing the most to make high-quality education affordable.

     

    SCHOLARSHIPS! SCHOLARSHIPS!

     

    Scholarships

    Scholarships are gifts that typically don’t have to be repaid and are designed to help students pay for costs related to earning a college degree or certificate program. They can be a one-time gift or are renewable, depending on the scholarship.
     
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    Types of Scholarships

    Some scholarships are earned by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by scholarship providers. Some scholarships reward a student’s academic achievement or a combination of academics and special talents, traits, or interests. Other scholarships are based on a student’s financial needs. 

    • Financial need
    • Merit
    • Talent (visual and performing arts, athletics)
    • Volunteerism and service
    • Religious affiliation
    • Organizational affiliations
    • Other qualifications

    To be considered for most scholarships, students will have to submit applications that require basic information including, transcripts, activities resume,s and in most instances complete an essay. 

     

    Tips for Qualifying for Scholarships

    Eligibility varies by scholarship, but students can improve their overall chances of winning a scholarship by:

    • Getting good grades
    • Preparing and practice to do well on the ACT or SAT tests
    • Being involved in school clubs and extracurricular organizations (outside of school)
    • Submitting through college applications 
    • Submitting applications prior to deadlines and meeting eligibility criteria
    • Following directions carefully
    • Writing exceptional essays to respond to questions within scholarship applications
     
    Scholarship Opportunities
     
     
    today
     

    The National Scholarship Directory:  By FastWeb

    Fastweb is the go-to source for students looking to find and apply for scholarships, grants and financial aid opportunities. The state-of-the-art scholarship database helps you save time by filtering through thousands of scholarships. Each scholarship and every grant is individually vetted by our research team before it reaches the national scholarship database.

    The huge directory organizes millions of scholarships and grants into simple categories. Whether you’re a high school student or parent looking for ways to fund your/your child’s college education, or you’re a current college student wanting to pay your way without racking up student debt, Fastweb’s scholarship directory is THE place to start.

    Think of its national scholarship directory as your scholarship sandbox—sift through scholarships by category, school year, unique or weird circumstances. Dig in to find the perfect scholarship opportunities to help you pay for college.

    Take your scholarship search to the next level by registering for a FREE college scholarship profile. Our state-of-the art algorithm uses your profile — what makes you unique— to find and send you perfect scholarship matches. You’ll also be notified of any new and hot scholarships you should apply for quickly.

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Minority Scholarships

    African American scholarships are available in colleges and universities across the United States and beyond.  This listing provides various minority scholarships.  Deadline:  Varies for each scholarship

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships

    UNCF manages various scholarship programs and each program has its own eligibility criteria, open/close dates, and required documentation.  To apply for a UNCF scholarship, students must apply using the online application process.  Deadline:  Varies for each scholarship

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    College Covered:  Discover Student Loans Scholarship

    Sign up for emails to get helpful college tips and resources, and enter for a chance to win a scholarship!  Throughout the year, twelve (12) eligible students or parents will be randomly selected to win a $5,000 Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award!  Deadline:  Monthly scholarship sweepstakes

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Varsity Tutors College Scholarship

    Monthly chance to win a $200 scholarship for submitting an essay.  Deadline:  Varies each month

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

    Scholarships are an integral part of TogetherATL, their commitment is to advance equity and shared prosperity in our region.  Attainment of a college degree is a key to economic and social mobility, and their scholarships help students to afford college and access new opportunities.  Scholarships also gives its donors a chance to make a direct impact on the lives of students in our region.  

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Clemson University Call Me Mister Program

    The mission of the Call Me MISTER® (acronym for Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) Initiative is to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader more diverse background particularly among the State's lowest performing elementary schools. Deadline:  Visit website

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    17 Data Science Scholarships in 2022 
    Whether pursuing a data science degree as an educator, researcher, analyst, manager, consultant or other professional, you can apply for scholarships to help relieve the financial burden. Click here

     

    Schoolhouse Connection Youth Scholarship Program

    SchoolHouse Connection is a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education. The organization provides strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with early childhood programs, schools, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth. The agency/organization believes education is the only permanent solution to homelessness. Deadline:  October 15, 2022

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

    The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the 34th class in 2022, the Foundation has provided over 6,600 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $78 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. Deadline:  October 31, 2022

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Elks National Foundation Scholarship Program

    The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2023 competition.  Male and female students compete separately.  Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.  Deadline:  November 14, 2022 (postmarked)

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

    The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation's four-year colleges and universities.  The application period begins on August 25, 2022.  Deadline:  November 17, 2022 

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Ron Brown Scholarship 

    The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans. 

    RBSP competitively awards 45 – 50 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.  Deadline:  January 9, 2023

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Ron Brown Guided Pathway Support Program

    The Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) is a FREE program designed to help college-bound African American high school juniors and seniors navigate the admissions process by directing them to the most comprehensive and reliable resources available, including – 

    • Access to GPS College Advisors
    • Weekly college and scholarship advising webinars
    • College scholarship, essay and supplement reviews
    • Scholarship application assistance
    • Access to SAT fee waiver
    • FAFSA and CSS profile application assistance
    • Test prep tools
    • College interview prep  

      Deadline:  Applicants are accepted year round.

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Henry County Scholarship Foundation, Inc. 

    Scholarships are awarded to seniors from the county's public high schools for college and vocational programs and are given for $500, $750, or $1000, depending upon several factors, including recipient’s qualifications and needs, donor’s wishes, and available funds. Scholarships are available for the four undergraduate years, and students who have received a scholarship at the end of their high school senior year may apply again each year as long as they are in good standing and enrolled in a full-time program toward a degree or certificate.  Deadline:  January 31, 2023

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Georgia Southern University Admissions Scholarship 

    Georgia Southern University offers several different institutional scholarships for incoming freshmen students.  Deadline:  February 1, 2023 (priority deadline)

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

      

    Georgia State University Admissions Scholarship 

    Georgia State University offers several different institutional scholarships for incoming freshmen students.  Deadline:  February 2023 

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Snapping Shoals J.E. Robinson Memorial Scholarship

    The Snapping Shoals EMC Scholarships were created in 1993 to recognize the achievements of outstanding high school students throughout its service area. Academic ability, financial need and other factors, such as school and community activities, are considered in the selection of the scholarship recipients. The Snapping Shoals EMC J.E. Robinson Memorial Scholarships are currently worth $2,500 each, and there are typically a total of 14 scholarship awards each spring.  Any high school senior whose primary residence is served by Snapping Shoals EMC, or whose high school is served by SSEMC, may apply.  Deadline: February 24, 2023

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Snapping Shoals Bradley K. Thomas Scholarship

    These scholarships are aimed at recognizing those students who go above and beyond in their extracurricular activities and are named in honor of former CEO, Bradley K. Thomas, who stressed the importance of community involvement. Involvement in school and community activities is the primary consideration for these scholarships. Academic ability and financial need are also factors in the selection of the scholarship recipients. Snapping Shoals typically awards eight $2,500 Bradley K. Thomas scholarships each year. Deadline: February 24, 2023

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Snapping Shoals Walter Harrison Scholarship

    In addition to awarding its own scholarships, Snapping Shoals also participates in Georgia EMC's Walter Harrison Scholarship program. This is a statewide competition among high school seniors and college students of any age representing EMCs across Georgia. To apply for the Walter Harrison Scholarship through Snapping Shoals, you must reside in the household of, or be, a Snapping Shoals EMC consumer-member (electric customer) or employee.

    The selection of the Walter Harrison Scholarship recipients is based primarily on academic achievement and financial need. The scholarships may be used for undergraduate studies at any two-year or four-year college or university in Georgia, including vocational and technical schools.

    Deadline: February 24, 2023

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Snapping Shoals Lineman School Scholarship

    SSEMC offers two $3,500 scholarships for those interested in attending lineman school. The funds may be used for any Lineman School program in Georgia and the student must initiate their school registration within one year of award and must complete schooling within two years of award. The school shall return any unused funds to Snapping Shoals EMC to be used for future scholarship recipients. Deadline: February 24, 2023

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    Student Life 45+ College Scholarships for Minority Students 

     This resource shares more than 45 scholarships for future and current students to supplement the cost of their education and professional development endeavors.The page outlines information on where to find the scholarships and grants, as well as organizes opportunities dedicated to specific demographics, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinx students, and several others. The featured scholarships are current and provided by trusted organizations.

    Scholarship Requirements: Click here

     

    B.Davis Scholarship

    This scholarship is available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any post-secondary institution. There is no age restriction. Essay required. Award: $1,000. Deadline: May 21, 2023

    Scholarship Requirements: Click Here

     

    Abbott and Fenner Business

    The A&F Scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post-secondary institution.  Deadline:  June 10, 2023

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

      

    College Board Opportunity Scholarships 

     This scholarship program guides students through six essential steps to plan. Prepare, and pay for college with the opportunity to earn scholarships from $500.00 to $40,000.00.

    Scholarship Requirement: Click Here   

     

     

    The quality of the educational experience should be the main reason for choosing Gordon State College, but we realize that expenses may also be a major consideration for you and your family. The Gordon State College Foundation is committed to providing as many resources as possible to assist you in earning a high-quality education.

    Through generous donations from Gordon State College alumni and supporters, the Gordon State College Foundation provides annual scholarships ranging from $400 to $3,000 annually.  Click the button below to view the list of scholarships available.

    Scholarship Requirements: Click Here

    ScienceSaves Scholarship

    The Center for Inquiry is pleased to announce the #ScienceSaves High School Video Scholarship for College-Bound High School Seniors! All our lives have been improved by the discoveries of science. Scholarship amount $10,000

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click here https://sciencesaves.org/scholarship/

     

    Special Note

    Explore institutional scholarships for specific colleges/universities of interest.  Go to the college/university website and click on the "Financial Aid/Scholarships" link to view the institutional scholarships available for students.  A lot of these scholarships have deadlines approaching, so make sure you visit the websites soon!                                                                                                                   

     
     Additional Scholarship Information 

    Finding scholarships can be quite a chaotic challenge; however, we have provided a kick start to the process.  Need tips on how to write a college essay? Check out these sites: 

    https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/college-essay-tips  or https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/college-essay 

     

    Check out scholarships and colleges by creating an account on the following sites:  

    • Scholar Snapp - A free, simple to use data standard that allows students to reuse their application information - including contact information, essays, transcripts, etc. - from one scholarship application to another thereby streamlining the college scholarship application process.
    • Career One Stop- Search for more than 8,000 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid award opportunities. 
    • Scholly – A mobile app that provides students with a fast and simple way to find scholarships for college. (Created by Christopher Gray, a Coca-Cola Scholar!)
    • Peerlift - Proven scholarships, internships, summer programs, and more gathered by fellow students like you. (Founded by a team of 2017 Coca-Cola Scholars!) Learn more about the creation of Peerlift.
    • Fastweb – Create a profile and let Fastweb do the research on scholarships, internships colleges and more for you.
    • Questbridge- The National College Match: Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that the nation’s best colleges are financially out of reach? The QuestBridge National College Match can be your pathway to a top college. Through this college and scholarship application process, you can apply for free to the nation’s best colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship from the college
    • CashCourse – Information that helps college students stay financially informed.
    • Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation – Educational and scholarship opportunities for students of all levels.
    • Cappex – A free website where you can learn which colleges want you, before you apply and learn about more than $11 billion in merit aid scholarships.
    • Scholarships360.org- Free scholarship search tool.
    • Scholarships.com– A free college scholarship search and financial aid information.
    • Scholarship America – Provides information and resources for your scholarship search.
    • KnowHow2GO – Complete information on college prep, whether in middle school or seniors.
    • HS Finder (Hispanic Scholarship Fund) – Scholarship information for Latino students.
    • Thurgood Marshall College Fund – Provides scholarships, programmatic and capacity-building support to the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
    • Gates Millennium Scholars – Provides outstanding low-income African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline they choose.
    • Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – The nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).
    • American Indian College Fund – Provides Native American students with scholarships and financial support for the nation’s 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities.
    • Dell Scholars Program – Recognizes academic potential and determination in students that have a definite need for financial assistance.
    • UNCF – Awards 10,000 students each year through 400 scholarship and internship programs so that students from low- and moderate-income families can afford college tuition, books and room, and board.
    • Chegg – A place to connect with scholarships and learn about colleges.
    • Reagan Foundation Scholarships - Scholarship opportunities for outstanding student leaders.
    • Goizueta Legacy Scholarship - Provides scholarships for the children of Coca-Cola employees.
    • American Indian Graduate Center & AIGCS - The largest scholarship provider to Native students in the United States, awarding $15 million in scholarships annually and more than $200 million since inception. For almost 50 years, AIGC has funded students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in any field of study at any accredited institution of choice, working with over 500 tribes in all 50 states.
    • The NSHSS Foundation - The NSHSS Foundation fosters the growth of students pursuing the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), business, economics, public policy, and environmental science and sustainability fields. Through special programs, including the NSHSS Honor Society, the NSHSS Foundation connects young scholars with additional opportunities to advance their education, personal growth, and career interests.
    • Purdue Global - 45+ Scholarships for Minority Students.
    Scholarships for Undocumented Students

    Scholarships.com

    10 Best Scholarships for DACA Students

    Financial Aid and Scholarships for Undocumented Students

     

     

    How-To Programs and Books

    The Scholarship Workshop – Scholarship information from an award-winning author and scholarship winner.

    The Scholarship Academy – Offers curriculum to help students identify tailored scholarship options and build a solid scholarship profile.

     

     
    SUMMER PROGRAMS
     
    Summer Programs  
    According to College Express,  Pre-college summer programs allow high school students to get a taste of college life, preview their dream schools, and give a boost to their college applications. Many colleges and universities offer summer programs, such as Boston University's Summer Challenge Program, Brown University's Summer @Brown, and Stevens Institute of Technology's Business Program.  It may be tempting to spend the entire summer at the beach or by the pool (and you certainly should do a little of that!), but why not use some of your free time to learn something new and make yourself a more attractive candidate for admission? In case you need convincing, here are just a few of the benefits of spending some of your summer on a college campus. College Express lists 5 reasons to engage in a summer program: (1) gift of time; (2) gift of space; (3) gift of attention; (4) a chance to learn the lay of the land; and (5) a chance to meet new people.
     
      
    CAREER INFORMATION
     

      
    Choosing a career can be challenging! Attempt to focus on your aspirations, interests, and what problems you want to solve in the world. Taking career inventories and career interests surveys can assist, such as the inventories conducted in elementary, middle, and high school. Some additional career assessments can be located on your student's GCIS account in Infinite Campus. U.S. News 100 Best Jobs of 2021