SCHOLARSHIP CENTER
SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS
(The following is a summary of a bulletin published by The College Board.)
Hundreds of scholarship services are on the market, but many are scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns students to beware if the scholarship service:
- Guarantees that a student has won a scholarship
- Pledges that this scholarship is not available anywhere else
- Requests a credit card or bank account number so that they can hold the scholarship for the student
- Promises that the service will do all the application work
- Requests payment before they give the scholarship
- Claims “a national foundation has selected you to receive a scholarship” or “you are a finalist” in a contest the student never entered
- Offers membership in a “club” that guarantees funds for college
Scholarship scams usually have a particular set of characteristics. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Application fees
- Other fees
- Guaranteed winnings
- Everybody is eligible
- Unsolicited opportunities
- Typing and spelling errors
- No telephone number
- Mail drop for a return address
- Operating out of a residence
- Masquerading as a federal agency
- Time pressure
- Unusual requests for personal information
- Notification by phone
- High success rates
- Disguised advertising
- A newly-formed company
2008-2009 SCHOLARSHIP LIST
Abbott & Fenner Business Scholarship
Criteria: Visit their website for all the details and applications at http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm.
Air Force ROTC Scholarships
Criteria: Air Force scholarships are degree specific. A student must major in the field in which they are awarded a scholarship. Minimum SAT of 110(M, CR), or ACT composite of 24, 3.0 GPA. Student does not have to be in a high school ROTC program. Apply online at www.afrotc.com.
Deadline: December 1, 2008
Alpha Iota Delta of Chi Psi
Criteria: For young men entering GA Tech. See Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: April 15,2009
American Business Women’s Association
Criteria: Student must be female, citizen of the US and a GA resident, have a GPA of 3.0. Application includes an essay. See Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: March 31, 2009
American University Frederick Douglass Scholars
Criteria: Selection based on high academic achievement, leadership potential, demonstrated community service, and impressive cocurricular involvement. High financial need a must. Student must have a min GPA of 3.2 and rank in the top half of their class. To be nominated, download form at admissions.american.edu.
Deadline: January 15, 2009
Arkansas Alumni Association Scholarship
Criteria: Student must attend University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, a 3.6 GPA, ACT Composite of 24 or SAT of 1090 ( M, V). Apply online at www.arkalum.org/scholarships.
Deadline: February 2, 2009
Atlanta Southern Crescent Alumnae Panhellenic Assoc
Criteria: Based on scholastic and personal achievement, contributions to community, and leadership potential with a solid all around resume. See Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: May 1, 2009
Auburn University – Natl. Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarship
Criteria: For minority students planning on majoring in engineering including African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, and female students. Apply online at www.eng.auburn.edu/scholarships
Deadline: March 1, 2009
Auburn University -Engineering Day
February 27 at 8 am – Students will be able to view exhibits, talk with faculty and meet students who know first hand what the study of engineering entails. Contact Auburn University for more information or their website at www.auburn.edu.
AXA Achievement Scholarship
Criteria: Students’ who set and reach ambitious goals, demonstrate drive, determination and ability to succeed in college and who have respect for self, family, and community. Download applications at www.axa-achievement.com.
Deadline: February 15, 2009
Bank of America Leaders -Summer Program
Criteria: This is a summer program for student leaders. Students will participate in a paid summer internship with an Atlanta non-profit organization where they experience first hand how they can help shape their community and to develop future community leaders. Apply online at www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.
Deadline: February 20, 2009
Best Buy Scholarship
Criteria: Any student 9-12 with solid grades, involved in volunteer community service or work experience. Apply online at www.bestbuy.com/scholarships or www.at15.com.
Deadline: February 15, 2009
BigSun Scholarship
Criteria: For any high school senior attending college in the fall and they play some sort of sport for the high school. Apply online at http://www.bigsunathletics.com.
Deadline: June 27, 2009
Coca Cola Scholars Program
Criteria: Based on academic achievement, capacity to lead, and hours dedicated to community service. Please apply online at www.coca-colascholars.org.
Deadline: October 31, 2008
Columbus State University – Servant Leadership
Criteria: Students must be nominated and have a 3.0 GPA, leadership, service, academics, and commitment to the development of self and others. Being a servant leader provides many opportunities. Go online to check out the program at http://www.colstate.edu/servant. See Ms. Floyd in guidance if you meet the requirements for nomination.
Deadline: None stated.
Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program
Criteria: Student must demonstrate a strong commitment to community service, must display leadership abilities in school activities or through work experience, GPA of 2.8 or higher. Please see Mrs. Floyd in guidance if you feel you qualify to be nominated.
Deadline: December 12, 2008
CSS/Financial Aid Profile
If you are planning on attending any of the following GA schools, you must complete the CSS Profile:
Agnes Scott College, Clark Atlanta University, Clark-Holder Clinic Medical Education Foundation, Emory University, Schools of Medicine, Morris Brown College, Oxford College of Emory University, Spelman College
Danforth Scholarship for Washington University in St. Louis
Criteria: Students must be nominated. Candidates need to exhibit strong leadership and service, academic excellence, maturity, strong moral character, selflessness, and commitment to the community. See Mrs. Floyd in guidance for information.
Deadline: October 15, 2008
Davidson College Scholarship
Criteria: Honors athletes who are strong leaders both in the classroom and in their sport. Contact the Davidson coach of your sport immediately at www.davidson.edu/athletics. Also complete the application at www.davidson.edu/apply.
Deadline: September 19, 2008
Davidson College – Belk Scholarship
Criteria: Recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding intellectual, personal achievement and significant leadership ability. The character traits expected include: integrity, intellectual enthusiasm and ability, global awareness, and leadership ability and potential. See Mrs. Floyd if you feel you qualify for a nomination.
Deadline: November 15, 2008
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Criteria: Student must be an African American senior. Awards based on honors and awards, extracurricular activities, community involvement, work experience, and essay.
See Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: December 1, 2008
Delta Sigma Theta – Essay Contest
Criteria: Essay for the Fayette Woman Magazine. Please see Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: March 21, 2009
Farmers Insurance Group Emerging Scholars program
Criteria: The Farmers Ins. Group program administered by the UNCF will provide financial assistance to college students who are enrolled full time in an accredited, UNCF institution or a Historically Black College or University. Learn more at http://blackstudents.c.topica.com/maamlpHabK6kvcbqvyRe/
Entrepreneurial scholarship
Criteria: Student must own and operate a business for at least 1 year, have at least one paid employee, have sales revenue, and winners must attend a summer e-Venture program ( June 2009, St. Louis, MO) Apply online at www.mckelveyfoundation.org.
Deadline: January 25, 2009
Florida A & M University
Criteria: For women entering college in fall of 2009 designed for students entering in the Computer Science Technology area. Apply online at http://www.famu.edu/?a=headlines or http://www.famu.edu/?a=headlines&p=display&news=602
Gates Millennium Scholarship
Criteria: Must be African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American, a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the US. Student must have a GPA of 3.3 and will enrolling in college for the first time in the fall of 09. Student must have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular activities. Student must meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria. See Ms. Floyd for an application.
Deadline: January 12, 2009
Georgia Fire Sprinkler Essay Contest
Criteria: Essay contest for seniors. The link for complete information is at http://georgiafiresprinkler.org/contest.php.
Deadline: September 24, 2008
Georgia Southern University –
1. Southern Scholars Showcase – 1300 SAT (CR,M), ACT 29 – highest tier of the University Honors program.
2. Scholars Day – For students interested in competing for academic scholarships and/or entrance into the honors program. The application deadline is February 1, 2009. SAT of 1100(CR, M) and ACT of 27 and a strong GPA.
3. Leadership Conference – For students interested in competing for leadership scholarships. The application deadline is February 1, 2009. 1100 SAT (CR, M), ACT of 24 and a strong academic GPA and involvement in high school.
Georgia State University – Top Scholarships(highly competitive)
1. Presidential Scholarship – GPA of 3.96, SAT 1319(M,V), or ACT Composite of 31.
2. Berner Scholarships – GPA of 3.0, ( the average Berner Scholarship recipient has a 3.89 GPA)
3. Goizueta Foundation Scholarship – Spanish your first language or your community activities show a strong familiarity and engagement with Latino/Hispanic culture. Recipients are selected based on academic merit, service and financial need.
Deadline: December 1, 2008 ( for all 3)
G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Teach Promise Scholarship
Criteria: Student must be a legal resident of Georgia, Eligible applicant for financial aid, less than $33,000 in total family income. Apply online at www.promise.gateach.edu.
Deadline: check website
Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarship
Criteria: Student must be a US citizen, GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrated leadership abilities through participating in community services, extra curricular or other activities. Application requires essay. See Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: March 31, 2009
J. P. Morgan Launching Leaders Scholarship
Criteria: The launching leaders gives talented Black, Hispanic and Native American students across the US the chance to fulfill their ambitions and carve out an outstanding career with one of the worlds leading innovators in banking and business. http://blackstudents.c.topica.com/maamlpHabK6kvcbqvyRe/
Justice Served Oratorical Contest
Criteria: Contestants must be under the age of 20 and be a junior or senior. All contestants will deliver a Primary Oration on the importance of the Separation of Powers Doctrine to protect and preserve the independence of the judiciary. Must be 5 minutes and not exceed 8 min. Registration forms may be downloaded from the website at www.JusticeServedGeorgia.org.
Deadline: October 31, 2008
KFC Colonel’s Scholarship
Criteria: Min GPA of 2.75, US citizen or permanent resident, demonstrate financial need. Apply online at www.kfcscholars.org
Deadline: December 1, 2008
Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award for Women in Science
Criteria: This award honors a female student who is exceptionally well-rounded and excels in her studies as well as outdoor activities, service, sports, music, or other non-academic pursuits or who has overcome significant obstacles. Learn more at http://blackstudents.c.topica.com/maamlpHabK6kvcbqvyRe/.
Melissa Segars Memorial Scholaship
Criteria: Student must attend high school in the Coweta-Fayette EMC area, plan to attend a accredited college in the US, and complete and essay. Attention will be given to factors such as the applicant’s academic performance and financial need, heavy emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s personal involvement in community activities and what that individual has done to better the community. You can download an application at www.utility.org or see Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: March 1, 2009
Mental Floss Tuition Giveaway Contest
Criteria: By coming up with the best answer to the question: “Why are you the most deserving person on the planet to win a scholarship?” Just log on to www.tuitiongiveaway.com for all the details.
Deadline: January 31, 2009
MetroPCS
Criteria: Student must have a GPA of 3.0, demonstrate involvement in volunteerism with community organizations, leadership and involvement, honors, work experience, statement of goals and aspirations, unusual personal or family circumstances.
Application online: www.metropcs.com/scholarship
Deadline: December 15, 2008
Miami University – George W. Jenkins scholarship
Criteria: Students may be nominated for this scholarship if they have had to overcome some significant adversity, as well as achieved academic excellence in spite of this adversity and demonstrate high financial need. See Mrs. Floyd in guidance if you would like a nomination form
Deadline: December 1, 2008
NACAC – The Atlanta National College Fair
Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 12:00 pm to 4:00pm at the Georgia International Convention Center. Students can register their information for the college fair at www.gotomyncf.com. Students can also check out the website www.nacanet.org for more information.
NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program
Criteria: ARMD is undertaking a new scholarship program focused on aeronautical research and related degree programs at both the undergraduate level. Learn more at http://blackstudents.c.topica.com/maamlpHabK6kvcbqvyRe/
New York University
Criteria: A nomination scholarship for students interested in education, a merit and need based program. See Ms. Floyd in guidance if you are interested.
Deadline: September 19, 2008
Norfolk State University – DNIMAS Program
Criteria: Student must have a GPA or 3.2 (unweighted), a combined SAT of 1500, or 22 Composite ACT, 4 units in science and 4 units in math, and must a US Citizen. Must major in one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Pre- Med, Computer Science, Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics. Apply online at www.nsu.edu/admissions. Or see Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: January 31, 2009
North Georgia College and State University ROTC Scholarship
Criteria: Must have a 3.0 GPA, 920 on critical reading and Math on SAT, or a composite of 20 on the ACT. Student must be involved in extracurricular activities, hold leadership positions in clubs, sports or other activities, and/or hold a part time job.
Apply online at www.acdetscholarships.ngcsu.edu
Deadline: March 10, 2009
Oglethorpe University
Apply by December 5th to be considered for the annual scholarship weekend. Invitation will be sent to qualified students.
1. James Edward Oglethorpe Scholarship – min GPA of 3.3, Min SAT of 1200(CR, M), Min ACT of 26. Demonstrate involvement on campus or in the community.
2. George Shakespeare Scholarship – A commitment to performing and understanding Shakespeare, Min GPA of 3.3, Min SAT of 1100(CR, M) , min ACT of 25.
3. Civic Engagement Scholarship – active involvement in community service and leadership development activities, min GPA of 3.0, min SAT of 1100(CR, M), min ACT 25.
Optimist Club of Peachtree City
Criteria: Scholarship is based on financial need, grades, and community service involvement. See Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: March 31, 2009
Piedmont Fayette Auxiliary (PFHA) Scholarship
Criteria: This scholarship open to all Fayette County students either attending or having been accepted into a medically related program in a Georgia College. Student must have at least a 3.0 GPA and complete a personal interview with the scholarship committee. See Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: March 27, 2009
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Criteria: Any student in grades 5-12 and is a legal resident of the US and has engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred at least in part after Sept. 1, 2007. Complete an online application form following all the directions carefully, and submits by Oct. 31, 2008 to a school principal/counselor. Complete the application at www.prudential.com/spirit or www.principals.org/prudential (access key: spirit) One application will be chosen from SCHS. Print application and return to Ms. Floyd by October 31, 2008.
Deadline: October 31, 2008
RMHC Scholarship
Criteria: This scholarship is for minority students in specific communities with limited access to educational and career opportunities. Please refer to RMHC.org to confirm which scholarship program would be available to you. Apply online at www.rmhc.org or see Ms. Floyd in guidance for a copy of the application.
Deadline: February 16, 2009
Robertson Scholars Program – Duke University
Criteria: Students will excellent academics, who have made an impact in your school and communities and beyond, and have demonstrated great results and even more potential. Apply online at www.robertsonscholars.org.
Deadline: Check website
SAE Engineering Scholarships
Criteria: for students who are interested in the study of engineering and related sciences. Apply online at www.sae.org/students/engschlr.htm.
Deadline: December 1, 2008
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
Criteria: For young men attending the University of Georgia who embody the principles of the Balanced Man . See Ms. Floyd in guidance for an application. Or download the application at www.uga.edu/sigep
Deadline: May 1, 2009
SunTrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes
Criteria: High school seniors can win a $1000 scholarship for their first year expenses at a college. One winner will be chosen every two weeks from October 31, 2008 through May 15, 2009. Students can begin registering September 15, 2008 and the first drawing will be held on October 31, 2008. Apply online at offtocollege.info.
Toyota Scholars Program
Criteria: Student must have a 3.0 GPA, be actively involved in a service organization or project that has a positive impact on the school and/or community, be a US citizen, a national or permanent resident, plan to pursue an undergraduate degree at an accredited 4-year college or university in the US. Please see Mrs. Floyd in guidance if you would like to be considered for this award.
December 1, 2008
UAW Essay Contest
Criteria: See Ms. Floyd in guidance if you would like more information about this essay contest and rules.
Deadline: March 31, 2009
University of Connecticut
Criteria: Academic and Leadership scholarships available to students with a 3.5 GPA and 1350 (M, V) SAT or composite ACT 32. The Leadership scholarships require a 3.2 GPA 1100 on SAT (M, V) and a composite ACT of 24 with demonstrated leadership, special talents, and community and school involvement. Apply online at admissions.uconn.edu.
Deadline: Check application deadlines, they vary.
University of Maryland – Dance Scholarships
Criteria: For gifted and talented students, apply online at dancedept@umd.edu
Deadline: February 17, 2009
Virgil Fludd Scholarship
Criteria: Student must live in the 66th District(for a map visit www.virgilfludd.com), personal essay, recommendation letter, GPA or 3.0 or higher, and college acceptance letter.
Deadline: March 31, 2009
Virginia Military Institute
Criteria: VMI offers 2 different scholarship programs: Institute Scholars = SAT 1300(M,V), ACT of 29, GPA of 3.7, and rank in the top 10% of the graduating class; and the Superintendents Scholars = SAT of 1200(M,V) or ACT of 27, GPA of 3.5 and rank in the top 10% of the graduating class. Apply online at http://www.vmi.edu/Academics.aspx?id=130&rsm=2725&ekmensel=fb5d653b_311_385_130_1
Deadline: February 1, 2009
Voice of Democracy Contest
Criteria: All students 9-12 are eligible. Students must write an essay and record the essay on a tape or CD in their own voice. The topic is “Service and Sacrifice by America’s Veterans Benefit Today’s Youth by ……” This should be turned into Ms. Floyd in guidance.
Deadline: November 1, 2008
Wesleyan College
Criteria: Offers major scholarships for women with special talents in art, music, and theater. Check out their website at www.wesleyancollege.edu
World Gym Scholarship
Criteria: Download an application at www.worldgymfayette.com.
Deadline:
Yokogawa Corporation Scholarship for Future Leaders
Criteria: For seniors with a 3.0 or higher, community involvement and volunteer work, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendations, essay. See Mrs. Floyd in guidance for an application.
Deadline: February 27, 2009
