This newsletter is distributed through English 12 classes and is available on the WGHS website with a better format and graphics. Go to www.gcsnc.com/schools/high/western/index.html, then go to WGHS web site, counseling department, then Senior Scoop newsletter.
Haven’t Applied to College?
If you still have not applied to college, or have not been accepted by a school, please ask for help. You need to start now, but you can still go to college next year. CFNC.org has a College Redirection module that will open up on April 1. All you need to do is to open an account at www.cfnc.org. The Redirections module makes information about seniors available to NC colleges who still have room in their freshman class. Colleges will send invitations to students who meet their admissions criteria.
Cap and Gown
You may still order a cap and gown. Last-minute order forms are in counseling. A cap and gown ordered now costs $63.00 (including tax and shipping/handling). Mail the form in to the company, call 228-7770, or place the order online at www.hjconnection.com\ncgrad. On March 15, the cost for a cap and gown goes up to $73.00. If you order on or after April 15, call the company to find out the price.
Federal Financial Aid
You may apply for federal money on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Your parents must complete 2008 income tax forms before applying. This money is based on need, not grades. Students and parents may get assistance in English or Spanish by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-4-FED-AID. There is a website, www.fafsa.com, that charges $80; don’t go there!
The Pre-Application Worksheet for 2009-2010 is available in counseling.
Seniors and one parent should apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Department of Education Web site, www.pin.ed.gov. This allows you to sign your FAFSA electronically and saves time.
Make it a goal to submit your FAFSA in March. Schools can run out of money, if you wait too late.
College Representatives Visiting WG
If you would like to meet with a representative, sign up in the counseling center.
Lees McRae College, March 12
Unpaid Fees
Remember that seniors may not attend the prom or receive a diploma until debts are settled. WGHS does not charge fees; however, students must return books, locks, uniforms, etc. or pay for them.
Western Guilford High School Code
Some colleges and scholarship programs ask for your high school code, or SAT code, or CEEB (College Entrance Examination Code). Western Guilford’s code is 341675.
TRANSCRIPTS
Complete a transcript request form in the counseling office to request a transcript. If you are not 18 years old, your parents must sign the request form. You will receive an unofficial transcript and a sealed, official transcript to send to the college. Transcripts are free, if you list where you plan to send them.
MORE FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
Information about federal financial aid is available at http://studentaid.ed.gov and at 1-800-4FED-AID.
College Foundation of North Carolina, www.cfnc.org, has everything you need to know about college.
• Career Center section has career inventories and information.
• Student Planner contains SAT/ACT preparation, information about transferring between colleges, and a financial literacy section to help you learn how to budget and spend wisely.
• College Fair allows you to link to college websites, compare colleges, or look for a certain major.
• Online Applications is the place to apply to NC colleges and has link to the FAFSA.
• Paying for College tab is the location for information about financial aid, applying for scholarships, and calculators to estimate how much your family will be expected to pay for college.
• If you do not have internet, access is available in our media center, any library, and counseling.
• CFNC has a toll-free number 1-866-866-CFNC. Both the web site and the telephone have information in Spanish and English.
CSS PROFILE
NC colleges which require the CSS PROFILE are: UNC, Davidson, Duke, Elon, and Wake Forest. The cost is $25.00 to send information to one college and $16.00 for each additional report. Fee waivers are available. Complete PROFILE now at www.collegeboard.com.
NC College/University Data
Sixteen UNC schools - www.northcarolina.edu/content.php/assessment/reports/profiles/current.htm
36 Independent Colleges - www.ncicu.org. All NC students who attend private NC colleges automatically receive the North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant of $1950 per year.
NCAA Clearinghouse
Students planning to participate in Division I or Division II athletics must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse charges a fee of $50.00. Register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Students who qualify for free lunch may receive a fee waiver.
Career Information
U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, www.bls.gov/oco/, is a resource for career information. Find out what you do in a particular job, what education is needed, and what the job pays.
Practice Interviews
We would be glad to schedule a practice interview for you, if you have a scholarship interview coming up.
GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The AES Engineers Scholarship for $500 is available for future leaders regardless of their field of study. Applicants must submit an essay of no more than 1000 words in answer to one of these two questions: 1. Explain the importance of your current studies in today's society.
2. There is general agreement that our economy is in trouble. In general terms, how much responsibility should be shouldered by the average citizen?
The deadline to enter is October 6, 2009. Go to www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm for information.
The American Cancer Society offers scholarships to students who are cancer survivors. The deadline to apply is April 15. Applications are in counseling or by calling 1-800-227-2345.
Chef G. Garvin’s Culinary Boot Camp is for inner city youth interested in the hospitality industry. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 3 at www.chefgarvin.com/bootcamp/application.php. The camp lasts five days and is limited to 16 to 19 year olds.
The Cherokee Nation's Higher Education Office awards scholarships to selected Cherokee Nation Tribal Citizens. Applicants must submit a complete set of application documents to the Higher Education office postmarked by March 20. Information is www.cherokee.org/Services/341/Page/Default.aspx.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure College Scholarship is offering up to $10,000 per year for four years to students who have lost a parent to breast cancer. Applicants must attend a NC state-supported college or university. Apply at http://ww5.komen.org/ResearchGrants/CollegeScholarshipAward.html. The completed application packet must be received no later than March 20.
Latino Diamante Scholarships are offered to Hispanic students who plan to attend college in NC and have at least a 2.5 GPA. Information is available at www.diamanteinc.org/index_files/Page417.htm. The deadline to apply for these $500 scholarships is August 15.
North Carolina Society of Accountants awards $500 scholarships to students to intend to study accounting. The application (in counseling), photograph, two letters of reference, transcript, personal letter, and parents’ income tax return for 2008 are due on April 15 (of course).
The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Gamma Beta Sigma Chapter offers a scholarship of $500 to an African American male senior who has at least a 3.0 weighted cumulative GPA. Pick up an application in counseling. Other requirements are a transcript, two letters of recommendation, a photograph, and a two-page essay explaining why you are seeking higher education and your plans after earning the degree. The deadline for receipt of all application materials is April 30.
Price Waterhouse Coopers of the Carolinas sponsors an essay contest for minority seniors who have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and who plan to study business at a four-year college/university. The topic is “My Legacy,” and the essay cannot be more than 1000 words. The deadline is March 31. Prizes will be $1000, $750, and $500. Details are in counseling.
Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships of up to $7500 annually to minority high school students to attend a four- year college. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, have a reading and math SAT score of 1000, display leadership potential and community service, and demonstrate financial need. Apply at www.jackierobinson.org/apply/elig.php. The deadline to apply is March 31.
United Negro College Fund has several online applications with deadlines in late March and April. Go to www.uncf.org/forstudents/applynow.asp.
SCHOLARSHIPS TO SPECIFIC COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
All colleges and universities offer scholarships. If you cannot find information on a school, come to the counseling office for help.
Common Black College Application allows students to apply to all 33 institutions for one fee of $35. J.C. Smith, Bennett, St. Augustine’s, SC State & Norfolk State are included. Visit www.eduinconline.com.
Florida A&M University is offering grants from $4,000 to $10,000 per year for female African American students to enter the field of computer science. Go to www.famu.edu, and search for computer scholarship.
Gate City Chapter Scholarships to NC A&T State University are offered to students with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Applications are in counseling. The application, transcript, two recommendations, and a copy of the FAFSA are due on March 31.
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) offers free tuition, free books, $250 monthly stipend, and guaranteed job placement as a nurse at Providence hospital after the 3-year program with a starting salary of $40,000. The program is recruiting new nursing students between the ages of 18 and 28 years old. The contact is Ms. Beshon Smith at 202-266-5481 or Bsmith@urbanalliance.org.
SCHOLARSHIPS REPEATED FROM THE LAST NEWSLETTER
Alpha Delta Kappa’s Gamma Epsilon Chapter awards a $1000 scholarship to a senior who will enter the field of education. Application, transcript, picture, letter, and recommendations must be received by April 7. Applications are in the counseling office.
Alpha Delta Kappa’s Lambda Chapter awards a $1000 scholarship to a senior girl who will enter a NC four-year college/university to study education. The recipient must rank in the top 20% of their class and score at least 900 on the SAT Reading and Math. The deadline for receipt of application, transcript, picture, letter, and references is March 28. Applications are in counseling.
The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program’s first place prize is $18,000. For more information, please visit www.legion.org, go to legion programs, then oratorical.
Better Business Bureaus of Central North Carolina offers two $1000 Student Ethics Scholarships to students in one of five NC counties, including Guilford. Applications are in counseling and require a binder with sections on leadership, community service, academics, essay, and letter of recommendation be received by April 10. (A WGHS student received this award in 2006.)
"Call Me MISTER" is an effort to attract African American male teachers. Black males can receive four years of education at Clemson University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Morris College, and South Carolina State University. Visit www.callmemister.clemson.edu/index.htm or call (800) 640-2657.
EARN Grants of up to $4000 per year are awarded to eligible NC students to enable them to obtain an education beyond the high school level at NC community colleges and public universities without incurring student loans during the first two years of their postsecondary education. Application is by filing a FAFSA.
The Matthew Graziadei Achievement Award is awarded to a student with a disability. The $1000 scholarship can be used for college, training, equipment, or technology for employment. The deadline for nominations is March 16. Information is in counseling.
Greensboro Housing Authority ROAD TO SUCCESS Scholarships are offered to youth who reside in Greensboro Housing Authority Communities.
Guilford County Association of Educational Office Professionals award two scholarships. The Helen Foust Scholarship for $650 and the Aline Brewer Scholarship for $350. The deadline to receive the applications is March 23. The scholarships will be awarded in Guilford County and require an application which is at www.ncaeop.org/forms.html or in counseling, biographical sketch, transcript, photograph, college acceptance letter, 3 letters of recommendation, and a statement about financial need.
The Charlie Harville Memorial Scholarship is available to senior baseball players attending Guilford County High Schools and who are recommended by their coaches. The contact is Donald Moore, GREENSBORO GRASSHOPPERS, 408 Bellemeade Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, 268-2255.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is designed to assist students of Hispanic heritage obtain a college degree. See their website for available scholarships and applications: www.hsf.net/scholarship/seniors.php
The Camberly Noel Holliday Performing Arts Scholarship are awarded to 7th through 12th graders who exemplify a passion for the performing arts and have a minimum of two years experience in a discipline within the performing arts. Funds may be used for instructions, training, master classes, workshops, camps, supplies, equipment, travel to and from instructions. Applications are in counseling and at www.cfgg.org.
Hope Scholarship Tax Credit – If your parents have to pay to send you to college
next year, they may be eligible to claim a credit against their 2009 federal income taxes. Hope Tax Credits are for students’ first two years in college; Lifetime
Learning Credits are for later years. See www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf.
The Imagine America Scholarships program awards up to three $1000 scholarships per participating high school to seniors who plan to attend a career school (ECPI, Universal Tech Institute, Nashville Auto Diesel, and Brookstone are included in the program). All applications must be submitted online through the website, www.imagine-america.org.
Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program “recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) who help make their communities a better place.” They will award 2000 scholarships and prizes ranging from $50 gift cards to $5,000 scholarships. Students ages 6-18 may be nominated by a parent, teacher, or community person at www.kohlskids.com. The deadline is March 15.
The Bill Lee Memorial Scholarships are available to senior athletes participating in the LITTLE FOUR INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT and are recommended by their coaches. The contact is Herb Goins, Director of Athletics, Guilford County School System.
A list of 200 Minority Scholarships is at www.blackexcel.org. Copies are also in counseling.
The National Technical Honor Society awards 45 $1000 scholarships in the US. The deadline to apply is April 20 at www.nths.org. Click on “scholarships” under “scholarships and awards” to apply. HOSA and NTHS members may apply for 3 $1000 scholarships at www.hosa.org/member/scholarship_app_form.pdf. The deadline is April 15.
North Carolina AmeriCorps offers full and part-time opportunities to provide service to the community. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the monthly stipends and educational vouchers for up to $4,725. Living expenses are provided. See www.volunteernc.org/code/americorps.htm or 800-820-4483.
NC Association of Rescue & Emergency Medical Services awards the Whitlow-Osborne Scholarship, a $2000 scholarship to a high school senior in one of 12 NC counties, including Guilford. The student must plan to study Emergency Services and must apply by March 31. Applications are in the counseling office.
The North Carolina Bar Association offers scholarships to children of NC law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The deadline to apply is April 1. The application is at www.ncbar.org or at http://younglawyersdivision.ncbar.org/Scholarships+and+Awards/Scholarships/6743.aspx.
The North Carolina Child Support Scholarship (Bob McGuire Memorial Scholarship) is a $1000 award given to students whose parent receives child support or is a member of the NC Child Support Council. The deadline is April 30. Apply at www.nccscouncil.org/scholarship.htm or pick up an application in counseling.
The North Carolina Education and Training Voucher Program (NCETV Program) is designed to help foster youth and former foster youth through college or vocational/technical training. Scholarship applications are available online at www.statevoucher.org.
The North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarships will range in value from $100 to $2500 and will be awarded to needy NC students attending NC colleges and universities. Application is by the FAFSA.
The North State Law Enforcement Association Furniture City Chapter offers two $1000 scholarships to major in Criminal Justice or a related major. Applications are in counseling and are due March 15.
Nurse Scholars Program information is at www.cfnc.org/NSP. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. Students who plan to study nursing at GTCC or another community college may apply by May 3. Recipients are given up to $3000 a year and are expected to work in NC after graduating.
Orphan Foundation of American and Casey Family Scholars Program offer scholarships to assist students who have been in foster care or who have lost both parents due to death before age 18. The deadline to apply is March 31 at www.orphan.org/scholarships.html.
The Ervin Outlaw Scholarship is awarded by the Walter Latham Foundation. Outlaw was the first African-American deputy sheriff in NC. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and have participated in school sports or other activities at least two years in high school. Scholarship applications are in counseling; Dr. Miller will complete the GPA and class rank section. Applicants also need a letter of recommendation from a teacher. The application must be received by March 15.
Your parent’s employer may offer scholarships to employees' children. Ask your parents to check.
Prospective Teacher Scholarship Loan Applications are available online at www.cfnc.org/PTSL. The deadline is April 15. Applicants must have a minimum SAT (reading and math only) of 900 and an unweighted GPA of 2.5. Recipients are eligible to receive $2500 per year. For each full year a recipient teaches in NC public schools, one year of the loan amount is forgiven.
Ayn Rand Essay Contest. 236 awards ranging from $50 to $10,000 are given in the essay contest on Ayn Rand’s Novel, The Fountainhead. Submit essays online at www.aynrand.org/contests by April 25.
State Employees Credit Union Scholarship is worth $10,000 over a four-year period. Applicants must attend one of the 16 UNC schools and be a US citizen, NC
resident, and have at least a 2.5 GPA. “Preference will be given to students whose
parents or guardians and family members are public sector employees who live and
work in NC.” The recipient should “exemplify the philosophy of ‘People Helping
People’ and demonstrate leadership, excellent character, integrity, and community
involvement. The recipient “may be deserving of financial need.” Return a completed
self-nomination form to counseling by March 27 to be considered for this scholarship.
State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) Scholarships are given to SEANC members’ children, www.seanc.org (800-222-2758). Apply by April 15. Eight $1000 scholarships are awarded to community college students, and 36 $4000 scholarships are awarded to four-year college students. Half are based on need, half are awarded on merit. (This is not the State Employees Credit Union Scholarship.)
The Suntrust Off To College Scholarship Sweepstakes chooses a winner of $1000 every two weeks between October 31 to May 15. Apply online at www.offtocollege.info.
Through the Looking Glass Scholarships are new scholarships offered to seniors who have parents with disabilities. Five $1000 scholarships will be awarded. Apply at http://lookingglass.org by March 16.
The Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, Coast Guard, and Marines all offer money to help pay for college. You may be eligible for up to $4,500 per year in tuition assistance to pay for college.
ROTC Scholarships are offered by the Army, the Air Force, and Navy/Marines. Students who receive these scholarships are obligated to pay back the military with four years of active duty as an officer.
The North Carolina Police Corps offers scholarships to law enforcement at four-year colleges. Students may receive up to $7500 per year. Recipients serve a 4-year commitment with NC law enforcement agency.
The North Carolina Lions Foundation, Inc. offers scholarships to children whose parents are legally blind. Awards are based on financial need, scholastic record, and character.
Vocational Rehabilitation offers scholarships to students with academic, physical, emotional, or mental difficulties. Ask a counselor to arrange an appointment to see a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor.
Veteran’s Scholarships are awarded to children of disabled, deceased, combat, POW, or MIA war veterans. Call the Guilford County Veterans Service Office at 294-1222 for information. Visit www.doa.state.nc.us/vets/benefits-scholarships.htm.
MISCELLANEOUS
Tutoring:
• Teachers provide free tutoring before and after school.
• If you don’t have a computer and need access to one after school, please ask.
• These people have contacted us to say they will provide tutoring:
• Leila Wolfrum, lwolfrum@gmail.com, 919-308-3686
• Mammoth Tutoring, Daniel Shirley, Daniel@mammothwriting.com, 336-899-0239
• Proehlific Park Sports Complex, www.proehlificpark.com or call 209-0203.
Charlotte National College Fair will be held on Sunday, March 22 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart). More information is at www.nationalcollegefairs.org.
GTCC’s Automotive Department has an open house every month. The general Open House is on the first Thursday of the month from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the Jamestown campus. You may also attend special sessions. Call 334-4822, ext. 2624 for more information.
Governor’s Page program offers students between the ages of 15 and 18 a chance to work as a page for a week. Go to www.volunteernc.org/programs/pageProgram.aspx for more information.
NCSU Arts Village is a creative living and learning community on NCSU campus. See www.ncsu.edu/housing or www.ncsu.edu/arts.
Young men are required by law to register with the Selective Service System at the age of 18. You must register to be eligible for federal financial student aid. You may register online at www.sss.gov.
Youth Leadership Development Program is for young adults (ages 15-21) who will participate in a series of leadership workshops free of charge. There is no experience or qualifications needed; only that you are interested in becoming a leader, are dependable, and are willing to attend required meetings. Information and applications are in counseling. The deadline to apply is April 1.
Websites to Look for Financial Aid
www.fastweb.com
www.cfgg.org
www.cfnc.org
www.scholarshipplus.com/guilford/
www.meritaid.com
www.scholarships.com/educators - a free scholarship search site with a college research database, online FAFSA guide, and details on federal and private education loans.
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
• The deadline to register for the May 2nd SAT is March 31st. The deadline for June 6th is May 5th. The fee for the SAT is $45.00. If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you qualify for a free SAT. You may register by mail or online at www.collegeboard.com. Extended time is available for students with disabilities.
• When you register to take the SAT, please use Western Guilford’s school code, 341675.
• List four colleges to receive your scores; four score reports are included in the cost of the SAT.
• Help - Official SAT Question of the Day, practice tests, and hints at www.collegeboard.com, under Prepare for the SAT. NC Virtual Public School, www.ncvps.org, and College Foundation, www.cfnc.org, have SAT practice modules. Libraries have test prep books. PTSA has SAT prep classes that cost $25 for 4 Saturdays.
American College Test (ACT)
• The ACT includes grammar and science reasoning tests as well as math and reading comprehension tests. The registration fee for the ACT Plus Writing is $46.00.
• The deadline to register for the June 13th test is May 8.
• Register online and find practice tips at www.actstudent.org. Fee waivers are available for the ACT.
SAT Subject Test
Students who will enroll at NC State or UNC-Chapel Hill next fall must take the SAT Math Level II test on March 14, May 2, or June 6 or the AP Calculus AB or BC exam. Registration for the SAT Math Level II test is at www.collegeboard.com or by mail. The cost is $28.00. Students at UNC or NCSU may not register for math until these scores are received.
Free SAT Prep Class at UNCG
If you still plan to take the SAT, you may attend a one-time SAT Prep Class. They offer more classes for a fee. The date is April 1 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Register at www.testprep.uncg.edu.
GTCC
• Apply to GTCC using a paper application or online at www.cfnc.org.
• Mail or hand deliver a copy of your transcript.
• Take the COMPASS placement test in reading, grammar, and math at the GTCC Assessment Center. Tests are given on a walk-in basis. The test is on a computer and is not timed. Most people complete the test in two hours.
• A practice COMPASS test is available at www.testprepreview.com/compass_practice.htm.
• Before you test, you must have applied, mailed or hand delivered a transcript, and met with an admissions counselor. Take your placement test card and a photo ID to the Assessment Center.
GTCC Placement Test Hours
Days Walk-in Hours Close at:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm 8:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 1:30 pm 3:30 pm
Saturdays 9:00 am - 10:00 am 12:00 noon
GTCC College Tech Prep Scholarship
All students who have taken four courses in the same career/technical area qualify as College Tech Prep completers. The GTCC CTP scholarship pays for all tuition and fees (not books) for GTCC for two years. This offer is good for two years from the student’s high school graduation. Recipients must:
• Have at least a 2.0 cumulative weighted GPA,
• Have grades of C or better in the four courses that qualify the student as a CTP completer,
• Fill out an application for GTCC and the CTP scholarship,
• Go into a course of study that GTCC recognizes in their pathway,
• Mail (or hand deliver) the two completed applications and a transcript to Mr. Bill Eversole,
• Take the COMPASS placement test (see above),
• Complete a FAFSA in February, March, or April. After students complete FAFSA, they should check with GTCC Financial Aid Office in April or May to make sure their FAFSA file is complete.
• Attend a Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) session by July 15.
• All steps (except for SOAR) must be completed by June 15 to guarantee the student will receive this scholarship. All students who qualify will receive this scholarship.
• Students must enroll in a college course linked to their high school major.
• The college transfer curriculum is not an eligible program for the GTCC CTP Scholarship.
Scholarships and Grants
If you receive a scholarship, grant, computer allowance, out-of-state tuition grant, please let us know! At Awards Day, we will include winners of all money (except loans) in a power point presentation. We will recognize the award, even if you decide not to accept the offer. Bring the award letter to counseling; we will make a copy and let you keep your original.
DATES TO REMEMBER
• Senior Awards Day & Picnic – Fri., May 22, 10:00 a.m.
• Graduation practice – Wednesday, June 3, 3:00-5:00, Special Events Center
• Graduation – Sunday, June 7, 6:00 p.m., Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center
Senior counselor contact information is: Teresa Miller
Email: millert4@gcsnc.com Telephone: 316-5802, extension 4
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