• 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:

    2022-23

    Funding College:  Financial Aid/FAFSA Workshop

    February 16, 2023 Presentation:  Click Here

    HCS' Funding College: Financial Aid/FAFSA Workshop (Video Recording)

     

    2021-22

    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.
     
    Super Scholarship Saturday Workshop 
     
     
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    Saturday, October 15, 2022
    Session Presentations
     
    Resources
     
    Saturday, October 16, 2021
     
    Session Presentations
     
     
     
    Flyers/Handouts
     
     
     

    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
     
     

    BigFuture Scholarships for Sophomores and Juniors

    Students can now qualify for BigFuture Scholarships as early as 10th grade. Beginning this December, all sophomores and juniors in the classes of 2024 and 2025 can earn chances at scholarships by taking steps in BigFuture to explore careers, plan for college and pay for college. Students who complete one or more steps on their BigFuture dashboard, beginning with starting a career list and building their college list, will be entered into one monthly drawing for $40,000 scholarships and another for $500 scholarships. 

    Scholarship Requirements:  Click Here

     

    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

     

     

    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

     

     

    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.

     

    Eugene Edwards Foundation

    In January 2020,  under the leadership of President Vivian Thomas, the Henry County NAACP Scholarship Committee unanimously agreed to offer a scholarship to honor the legacy of President Emeritus Eugene Edwards. Mr. Edwards was the president of the HC NAACP from 2008 - 2018. It is with great honor that the President Emeritus Eugene Edwards Scholarship Foundation presents this annual scholarship. Deadline: April 1, 2023

    Scholarship requirements: Click here

    Georgia Military Academy Day

    High school students and their families are invited to learn more about the application and congressional nomination process for the five U.S. Service Academies — the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy.  At this year’s Military Academy Day, students and families will have the opportunity to meet with: Senator Jon Ossoff, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-06), Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-07), Georgia military leaders, Other members of the Georgia’s Congressional Delegation to be confirmed, Representatives from all five service academies, ROTC representatives from the Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. Deadline to RSVP: April 2, 2023. 

    RSVP requirements:  Military Academy information

     

    Agape International Ministries High School Graduate Scholarship

    Available to all Henry County graduates. Official transcripts, 400- words or less essay, two (2) letters of recommendation is required. Deadline: April 7, 2023.

    Scholarship requirements: Click here

    CBC Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship

    Established in the year 2000 in honor of the late Curtis Mayfield, this scholarship was developed to ensure that students pursuing performing arts careers receive financial assistance to achieve their goals. Performing art include theatre, drama, comedy, music, dance, opera, marching bands, etc. Award: $5,000. Deadline: April 14, 2023.

    Scholarship requirements:Click here

    CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship 

    This scholarship was established in 2006 for students who are pursuing a career in the visual arts.  Visual arts include architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production, etc. Award: $5000. Deadline: April 14, 2023.

    Scholarship requirements: Click here

    Stephen Feinberg Multi-Year Scholarship Program 

    The Stephen Feinberg Scholarship Program awards academically talented and highly motivated African American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate degree in all discipline areas. This scholarship is renewed on a yearly basis up to 4 years, upon meeting the renewal requirements. Award: $40,000. Deadline: April 14, 2023.

    Scholarship requirements: Click here

    Stephen Feinberg Scholars Scholarship Program

    The Stephen Feinberg Scholars Scholarship awards an academically talented and highly motivated full-time African American or Black graduate or doctoral degree in all discipline areas. Award: $20,000. Deadline: April 14, 2023. 

    Scholarship requirements: Click here

    Drs. Anna & Subra Bhat Henry County School District Scholarship

    SmtShankariMuteri and late Shri NarasimhaiyaMuteri Scholarship is awarded by the Bhat Foundation to top graduating high school senior students of Karnataka heritage. Drs. Bhat have been awarding this scholarship for the last 14years.Drs.Anna & Subra Bhat Henry County School District Scholarships, also instituted by the Bhat Foundation, are awarded to top graduating high school senior students who have excelled in their curriculum. Deadline: April 15,2023.

    Scholarship requirements: Click Here 

    The Locke Scholarship

    The Locke Scholarship honors Brother Dr. Alain L. Locke, the first Black Rhodes Scholar and a distinguished member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He was called ‘The Education Man’ by many of his contemporaries. Also, this scholarship honors Dr. Locke’s dedication to education. The Locke Scholarships are awarded by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. ~ Phi Beta Sigma Sigma Chapter ~ Atlanta, GA. Deadline: April 15,2023.

    Scholarship requirements: Click here

    Ally Financial Public Policy Scholarship

    The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Ally Financial Public Policy Program, sponsored by Ally Financial, awards scholarships to talented and highly motivated African American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate degree in public policy or a related discipline, including but not limited to political science or public administration. Award: $10,000. Deadline: April 28,2023.

    Scholarship requirements:Click here 

    Ally Financial Law Scholarship

    The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Ally Financial Law Scholars Program, sponsored by Ally Financial, seeks to increase the number of qualified, competitive African American or Black students entering the profession of law. This program offers a scholarship award to offset the scholar’s cost of attendance. The multi-year award supports students throughout their law school journey. Award: $60,000. Deadline: April 28,2023.

    Scholarship requirements: Click here 

    HBCU NREI Scholarship 

    The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI) HBCU Social Justice Scholarships were created to encourage and recognize necessary student exposure, experience, and engagement in organizing, political mobilization, and civic participation aimed at advancing equity, freedom, and justice for all, especially the Black community and racial minorities. The funds will be disbursed on an annual basis to undergraduate students attending Historically Black Colleges or Universities with demonstrated experience in social justice, student activism, and/or community service. Award: $10,000. Deadline: April 28,2023.

    Scholarship requirement: Click here

    CBC Spouses Essay Contest 

    Each year, qualified African American and Black junior and senior high school  students participate in the Essay Contest and Issue Forum. Students are presented with a topic that embodies some of our communities’ most pressing issues and are asked to write an essay to defend their research, analyses, and opinion. Submissions are judged by a special committee of CBC Spouses. Winners and their families are also invited to Washington, DC in September to accept their award and attend a panel discussion on the topic during the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference. Deadline: April 28,2023.

    Scholarship requirements: Click here

    The Cooke Young Scholars Program

    The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities. Deadline: May 11, 2023.

    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

    Native Forward Scholars Fund 

    Native Forward Scholars Fund offers merit- and need-based scholarships to qualified American Indian and Alaska Native students. Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year. A completed scholarship application includes the following: Completed Native Forward Scholars Fund Personal Profile, Tribal Eligibility Certificate (TEC) completed by the Tribal Enrollment Office, Financial Needs Form (FNF) completed by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Applicant’s most recent academic transcript, essay(s) (specific to each scholarship), one academic reference, and one community/leadership reference. Deadline: June 1,2023.

    Scholarship Requirements: Click here

    Grace Woodruff Memorial Scholarship

    The Purpose of the Grace Woodruff Scholarship Fund is to provide scholarships to deserving high school graduating seniors intending to pursue a course of study at either a two-year or four-year educational institution.
    The Grace Woodruff Scholarship Fund will award $1,000 to three girls in each state: South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. NOTE: Scholarship funds will be awarded to the student upon evidence of registration in an accredited higher educational institution. Deadline: June 1, 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.
     

    VetCAMP: 

    We have a special opportunity for your student(s) who are interested in pursuing veterinary medicine. Each summer, UGA offers a VetCAMP (Veterinary Career Aptitude and Mentoring Program), where current HS Sophomores and Seniors can join for an intensive weeklong program to introduce students to the profession as a whole. This year's program takes place from June 4-June 10, 2023. Applications are due January 23,2023 and UGA will accept 52 total students from all over the country. To apply, visit the application website. The program fee is $1000 and covers all expenses for the week, including lodging, meals, instruction, lab materials, scrubs, and social activities. Please contact Parker Moore at vetcamp@uga.edu.

    VET-STEP 1:

    VET STEP is a residential program designed to introduce underrepresented minority high school students to exciting careers in veterinary medicine. Students will spend a week on the campus of Tuskegee University learning about what it takes to be a Veterinarian while attending stimulating academic classes. The application deadline is April 14,2023. You must provide an official high school transcript, two letters of recommendation on an official school letterhead, a 200-word essay on "Why I want to be a Veterinarian", and a 2x2 photo on the application. This program will take place from June 5, 2023- June 10, 2023 for students entering 9th and 10th grade with a 3.0 GPA. The VET STEP II will take place between June 26, 2023-July 1, 2023 for students entering 11th or 12th grade witha 3.0 GPA. Please visit the following website for more information.

    INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY AND HORTICULTURE INTERN PROGRAM:

    An exclusive partnership between the Henry County Water Authority and Southern Crescent Technical College invites you to participate in a paid internship program in the fields of Industrial Systems Technology and Horticulture. This event will take place between May 8th and July 18, 2023. Interns are paid $14 an hour and will be assigned a mentor from the HC water authority. Please see the flyer below and visit them at SCTC.

     

      
    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