December Newsletter
Hancock County High School
Preparing for the Next Steps
This month we are still focusing on tying up loose ends before everyone leaves for Christmas break. Below are some of the items that we will be focusing on. If you need to complete any of these things, come see Ms. Abby Lyons for assistance. All December graduates will need to have a one-on-one meeting, as well.
- Applying to colleges- if there are still any colleges that you are wishing to apply to, let's complete this ASAP. A lot of these institutions have deadlines in order for you to be eligible for scholarships. If you apply to a school on your own, make sure to let Ms. Abby know so that she can help request your transcript to be sent.
- Selective Service- all males will need to register for Selective Service
- FSA ID- you and your parent(s) will need to have an FSA ID. This will be important to complete so that we can complete your FAFSA as soon as we return in January.
Even if you plan to go straight into the workforce, it will be important to complete these items in the event that circumstances shift and you change your mind.
TCAT Morristown Orientation
Those students who wish to attend TCAT Morristown in the fall, make sure that you attend your orientation. You MUST attend orientation before you are placed on the waiting list for your program. The dates for December are the 5th and 12th, so please go ahead and make arrangements. You will be in orientation from 9:00AM - 12:00 PM.
December Graduates
If you plan on early graduating in December, you must meet with Ms. Abby before December 15th to give her the following information:
- Updated contact information
- Updated parent contact information
- Any items that still need to be completed
- Schedule a FAFSA appointment for January
Having this meeting will help us to continue to work on your post-secondary steps after you leave in December.
FSA ID Appointment
We still have time to make sure that all students and parents have an FSA ID before January. Parents are more than welcome to set up an appointment with me if they would like me to help them create their ID.
Some parents may prefer to create this on their own. Which is also okay! Steps to creating an ID can be found on last month's newsletter.
Just a small reminder: a FSA ID must be made 10 day prior to filling out the FAFSA.
FAFSA Information
Before we sit down to do the FAFSA, it is important that you take time to gather all of the information you will need. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need with you when you get ready to file the FAFSA.
Information:
- Your personal email address (not your high school email) and cell phone number
- Parents' email address and cell phone number
- If you are a Tennessee resident, the month and year you began living in Tennessee
- If your parents are Tennessee residents, the month and year your parents began living in Tennessee
- Your Social Security number
- Your parents' Social Security numbers
- Your parents' dates of birth
- Your driver's license or state ID, if you have one
- The month and year your parents were married, divorced, separated or widowed
- The highest level of school your parents completed
Documents:
- All 2022 federal income tax forms (including W-2's/1099s/Schedules filed) for you and your parents
- Most current statements from all accounts (checking, savings, investments, etc.)
- Child support paid or received
- Value of investments, farms or business
- Other prior year benefits (workers comp, military, clergy, veteran amounts)
Parents and students can begin scheduling an appointment with Ms. Abby Lyons NOW to complete the FAFSA in January. Click the button below!
Spring Dual Enrollment Make-Up Registration Date
January 4th
Mandatory TN Promise Meeting
January 11th
If you have a conflict with this date and you won't be able to make it, you must submit an excuse form. This form can be found here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5012496
They will only accept the form if you have one of the following excuses: participating in a school-sanctioned event (athletic event/practice), death in the immediate family, personal illness, conflict with post-secondary class schedule, conflict with religious observance, personal or immediate family emergency, conflict with work schedule, or lack of transportation.
YOU are responsible for filling out this form and notifying TnAchieves BEFORE the mandatory meeting. Failure to do this, will result in you losing your TN Promise scholarship.
After submitting your excuse form, you will receive follow-up communication from tnAchieves via email. This communication will let you know whether your excuse has been approved and will outline the next steps. If your excuse is accepted, you will be required to view a mandatory webinar. This webinar will be sent to you via email on February 7th and you will be required to view the webinar by April 15th.
Upcoming Events
December 9th
ACT Saturday Test Date (for those taking the test at an alternate site)
December 15th
December 19th - January 2nd
Guide for East Tennessee Foundation Scholarship Application
December Scholarships
East Tennessee Foundation Scholarships- Multiple Scholarships/Amounts Varies
Deadline: February 15th
The scholarship application must be completed and submitted online. Attached above is a copy of the online applicant tutorial. This application may ask for Letters of Recommendation. The letters are uploaded directly from the recommender. Most students will also need to upload a Student Aid Report (SAR). A Student Aid Report (SAR) is an electronic or paper document that summarizes the information you reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
https://easttennesseefoundation.org/students/apply-for-scholarships/
Carson Newman University Bonner Scholars- Amount varies Deadline:
Students admitted into the Bonner Scholars program at Carson Newman received a package of scholarship support (the amount of the Bonner Scholarship varies by student, but can range from $3,000-$25,000) in return for participating in an intensive program of community service, professional skill development, and working for positive change in the world. Participants are called "Bonners" for short.
https://www.cn.edu/academics/center-for-community-engagement/bonner-scholars/
East Tennessee State University Scholarships- Amounts vary Deadline: March 1st
All students who have been admitted to ETSU are encouraged to apply for the University Scholarships. Students will need to activate ETSU Goldlink account before applying for scholarships. To access the application, log in with your ETSU username and password at the top right of the link below.
https://www.etsu.edu/university_scholarships/application/
Lincoln Memorial University Endowed Scholarships- Amounts vary Deadline: January 31st
All students who have been admitted to LMU are encouraged to apply for the Endowed Scholarships. Students may access the application from MyLMU's "Quick Links" tab. Select the "Annual and Endowed Scholarship Portal" option from that menu and log in (if prompted) using your LMU credentials.
Walters State Community College Scholarship- Amount Varies Deadline: February 1st
All students are encouraged to apply after being admitted. Use your MYWS log in to apply.
https://ws.edu/cost-aid/types/scholarships/ws-scholarships/index.aspx
ACF Visionary Scholarship- Varies Deadline: December 1st
Scholarship is open to all high school seniors. The award is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship that is paid directly to the institution. To apply, visit the Registration Page to begin the application process. You will receive an Application Packet via email within two (2) weeks from the time you register. You must send in the complete application which will also include your most recent unofficial high school transcript and a 500 word essay on "Why College is Important to Me".
https://americancollegefoundation.org/college-planning-visionary-scholarship-details/?authuser=0
Be Bold Scholarship- $25,000 Deadline: December 1st
The "Be Bold" Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. It takes less than 2 minutes. Students will need to create a Bold.org account.
https://bold.org/scholarships/the-be-bold-no-essay-scholarship/#ref=best-scholarships
Ron Brown Scholarship- black or African American only $40,000 Deadline: December 1st
Must be black/African American, must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service, and demonstrate financial need. Scholarships will be sent to accredited four-year college or university of your choice.
https://ronbrown.org/apply/ron-brown-scholarship/?authuser=0
Ron V. Dellums SMART Scholarship- Full tuition & $30,000 stipend Deadline: December 1st
High school seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher can apply. Must want to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in (or closely related to) one of the SMART STEM majors. Must be able to complete summer internship and accept a full-time Civilian Employment with the Department of Defense after graduation. Benefits of the scholarship include: full tuition, $30,000 annual stipend, summer internships, experienced mentors, book and health allowance, and Civilian Department of Defense Employment.
Your Time to Climb Scholarship- $2,000 Deadline: December 1st
Must be a high school senior planning to enroll in a post-secondary institution and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Must also submit a 500-1,000 word essay telling about a time that you pushed yourself because you wanted something.
https://tengelaw.com/scholarship/
Niche "No Essay" Scholarship- $50,000 Deadline: December 14th
Niche is giving one student $50,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books, and other college expenses. High school seniors will also be eligible to receive acceptances and scholarships from partner colleges. Fill out the Niche profile with key details like your GPA and the high school you attend, and you'll automatically be considered.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship- $40,000 Deadline: December 15th
Must be a high school senior who has completed high school or dual enrollment course where computer science, engineering or robotics is the subject. Students who have not taken this course can opt-in to take an assessment offered by Amazon. Must be planning to attain a Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or other computer science related field of study from a 4 year college or from a 2 year college with intent to transfer to a 4 year college. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.3 and demonstrate financial need.
https://www.amazonfutureengineer.com/scholarships?authuser=0
Burger King Scholarship- Varies Deadline: December 15th
Burger King Scholars program provides scholarships ranging from $1,000-$60,000 to high school students. Scholarships are intended to help the cost of attending college or post-secondary vocational/technical school. Recipients are selected through an application process and that takes into consideration GPA, work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service.
https://www.burgerkingfoundation.org/programs/burger-king-sm-scholars?authuser=0
Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: December 15th
This scholarship is open to all students who have a deep curiosity in studying the universe- whether that be pursuing studies physics, philosophy, biology, mathematics, literature, or any other field that seeks better understanding of our existence- and you will seek to lift up those from underrepresented communities in those fields, and first generation college students.
https://bold.org/scholarships/mindscape/#ref=best-scholarships
Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program-$20,000 Deadline: December 18th
This scholarship program is to assist high school seniors who are planning to continue their education at a two or four year college in Fall 2024. Must demonstrate ambition and self-drive to be a force for good in school, community or work activities. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/equitableexcellence/
Because College is Expensive- $500 Deadline: December 31st
Fill out the short form. (This scholarship is offered quarterly at the end of the following months- March, June, September and December).
https://cedaredlending.com/scholarship/
Opportunity to Grow Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: December 31st
Open to any high school senior who is enrolled in a two or four-year college. Must write a 750-1,000 word essay answering the following question: "What does your community mean to you? How have you demonstrated a commitment to both your school and larger community?" Must also submit a personal resume with your experience, both professional and educational.
https://familylawyersnewjersey.com/2023-opportunity-to-grow-scholarship/
Power of Resilence Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: December 31st
High school student in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 3.0. Submit a 1,000 word essay discussing when you were faced with a serious life challenge and how you overcame that challenge. You should explain what you learned, and especially what others can learn from your experience.
https://scottglovsky.com/power-resilience-scholarship/
Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: December 31st
Fill out the short form. (This scholarship is offered quarterly at the end of the following months-March, June, September and December).
https://accessscholarships.com/1k-too-cool-to-pay-for-school/
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship-$40,000 Deadline: January 4th
Earn a $10,000 renewable scholarship (up to $40,000 total) for tuition, school fees, books, supplies, and on-campus room and board. Attend an exclusive, all-expsense paid Scholars Retreat in California. Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within your community, school and workplace. Must plan to enroll at a four-year college or university.
2024 TN Concrete Association High School Essay Contest-$250-$750 Deadline: January 5th
Open to all TN high school students ages 16-18. Complete online form to submit essay at link below. Essay must be typed, double-spaced and limited to 600 words. It will be judged on content and writing ability (grammar, style, clarity, etc.). Essay should demonstrate a student's awareness of concrete's role as a building material in homes, commercial buildings, streets and highways. The essay should be a short literacy composition about concrete, not a report. Winning essay authors will be asked to submit a head shot phot to accompany their essay in the Tennessee Concrete magazine.
Students may pick up scholarship in Ms. Abby's office OR online at www.tnconcrete.org
Mensa US Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: January 15th
Must submit an essay of no more than 550 words explaining your career, academic and/or vocational goals.
https://www.mensafoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships/us-scholarships/
Michelle Obama Award for Memoir- $10,000 Deadline: January 16th
This scholarship is open to current high school seniors who attend public school in the United States and are planning to attend an accredited institution in the fall. You must submit a memoir/personal essay of no more than ten pages in order to be considered for this award.
https://www.fastweb.com/student-news/articles/michelle-obama-scholarship-for-student-memoir-writers
Breanna Coleman Memorial Nursing Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: January 31st
Any high school senior who will be a first-generation college student pursuing a four-year degree in nursing may apply for this scholarship if they have volunteering and extracurricular involvement. Must create a Bold.org account.
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/27824/breanna-coleman-memorial-nursing-scholarship
Zeta Phi Beta Scholarship (Female only)- $125,000 Deadline: February 1st
Must be a female high school senior who qualifies for free/reduced lunch, enrolling as a full-time students at a college or university, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate financial need, and demonstrate a commitment to community service and involvement.
https://z-nefscholarships.smapply.org/res/p/Scholarship-Programs/?authuser=0
Citizens Bank Scholarship- Varies
Fill out the form and submit. Your entry will carry over month to month, but if you want to increase your chances of winning during the sweepstakes period, you can enter up to once a month.
https://www.citizensbank.com/student-loans/scholarship.aspx?authuser=0
https://tengelaw.com/scholarship/
Employment BOOST College Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: Rolling Basis
Must have a 3.6 GPA or higher. Must include a college acceptance letter, one letter of reference, and submit a short essay. Essay topic is dependent on type of major you plan on pursuing.
Helpful Websites
College for TN: https://www.collegefortn.org/
College for TN is a free one-stop resource for college and career information in the state of Tennessee.
Big Future: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
Big Future is a free online resource that can help you plan for college, scholarships, and explore careers. Plus, when you complete steps, you can earn the chance to win $40,000 scholarships.
Bold: https://bold.org
Bold allows you to search for scholarships
Cappax: www.cappax.com/scholarships
Cappax allows you to search for scholarships and more.
Fastweb: https://www.fastweb.com/
Fastweb allows you to search for scholarships, internships, and more.
UNIGO: https://www.unigo.com/
UNIGO has multiple ways to search for scholarships and explore various colleges.
Become: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/
Interactive guide that helps you learn about career paths associated with various careers and understand what it takes to get the career by picking the college/classes to climbing the company ladder.