Updated 8-29-08

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENIORS - CLASS OF 2009

Scroll down past the box for scholarship listings.

Important announcement for all seniors and their parents (Class of 2009)

 The 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be completed by all seniors and their parents during the period from January 1, 2009 through March 2, 2009 to determine eligibility for college financial aid from the Federal government, from California, and from individual universities and colleges. More information in December.        (The FAFSA website is www.fafsa.ed.gov)

Elks Student of the Month Scholarship Program (Santa Maria Elks Lodge 1538)

Mr. Tscheekar has paper applications.  Monthly applications are due at the Elks Lodge no later than the 15th of the month prior to the month for the award (example: the 15th of September is the deadline for Student of the Month for October; last deadline is March 15th).

All Students of the Month have until April 15, 2009 to update their applications for the Student of the Year judging. All Students of the Month automatically qualify for Student of the Year.

We urge seniors to apply. In 2007-2008, we had many "Student of the Month" winners and two Students of the Year.   [Posted 8-15-08]

~~~

Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Youth of the Month Program: $100 and recognition at a Chamber luncheon.  Mr. Tscheekar has paper applications, which must be typed; Mr. Tscheekar must also verify your GPA by initialing the application. Monthly winners are selected through April.  [Posted 8-27-08]

~~~

Santa Barbara Foundation Creative Writing Awards: Eligibility: Demonstrate aptitude in creative writing, four years in and graduation from a Santa Barbara County secondary school, plan to attend college full-time in 2009-2010, U.S. citizenship.  Apply online at www.sbfoundation.org   Deadline: October 16, 2008  [Posted 8-29-08]

~~~

QuestBridge College Match Scholarship: This year's QuestBridge College Match is now available online at http://www.questbridge.org/  It offers outstanding low-income students admission and full-tuition four-year scholarships to some of the nation's leading colleges. If you are a student who has achieved academic excellence in the face of economic challenges, we encourage you to apply.  The application is free of charge on the QuestBridge website and is due on September 30, 2008.  [Posted 8-28-08]

~~~

The Gates Millennium Scholars   (www.gmsp.org for full details) The Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMS), funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide 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 area of interest. Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they:   Are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian Pacific Islander American** or Hispanic American Are a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States Have attained a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 on an unweighted 4.0 scale or have earned a GED Will be enrolling for the first time at a U.S. accredited***college or university as a full-time, degree-seeking, first-year student in the fall 2009 Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria Have completed and submitted all three required forms (Nominee Personal Information form, Nominator form, and Recommender form) by the deadline Deadline: January 12, 2009.   [Posted 8-25-08]

~~~

California Dreamers Scholarship Challenge: "Tell us how your dream will leave a lasting mark on the state, the nation, and the world" with a video, music, artwork, or essay, digitally submitted on CD or DVD. $5000 for the winning entry. Go to www.CaliforniaMuseum.org for information. Deadline: October 10. [Posted 8-25-08]

~~~

The Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Program

Scholarships range from $2000 to $20000. They provide financial assistance to students who have financial need and who have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. Must be a senior and a U.S. citizen going on to a four-year university. Applications are online only: www.horatioalger.org       Deadline: October 30, 2008 (posted 8-15-08)

 

===============================================================================

Useful Websites

www.collegeboard.com    --The official site to register for the SAT tests, filled with information about colleges, majors, scholarships.

http://www.californiacolleges.edu/    California's free official source for college planning.

                                                                    ~~~ ~~~

 www.fastweb.com   --Search for scholarships and colleges. Sponsored site. Free

 www.scholarships.com - A sponsored scholarship search site.

 www.CollegeAnswers.com - A sponsored scholarship search site.

 www.finaid.com - A sponsored scholarship search site.