November Newsletter

For the month of November we are going to focus on tying up loose ends before everyone leaves for 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.

• 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 either register for Selective Service. You will need to complete this one month before your 18th birthday.
• 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 when it opens.

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.

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. If you missed your October 22nd orientation date, see Ms. Abby Lyons for assistance.

If you plan on early graduating in December, there will be a meetingwith Ms. Abby on November 13th to go over the following information:

• Completing the FAFSA
• Updated contact information
• Updated parent contact information
• Any items that still need to be completed

Having this meeting will help us to continue to work on your post-secondary steps after you leave in December.

We will be having one more FSA ID Workshop. Ms. Abby has personally meet with most of you all to complete your FSA ID. However, several of your parents still do not have an ID. Please pass this date to them and let them know that Ms. Abby will be available to assist them in creating their ID.

Some parents may prefer to create this on their own. Which is okay! Below are the steps in how to create an FSA ID. All they need to do is just go step-by-step.

Each student and the parent(s) in their household must have a unique FSA ID in order to electronically sign the FAFSA.

Step One (Personal Information)

1. Go to the Create an Account (FSA ID) webpage at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
2. Click Get Started.
3. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, date of birth, (mm/dd/yyyy) and Social Security number. If your name is too long and you can't fit your full name into the box, type as much of your name as you can.

Step Two (Account Information)

1. Create a username 6-30 characters in length using any combination of numbers and uppercase or lowercase letters.
2. Enter and confirm your email address. It is recommended to use a non-school-based email address since you will need to access your FSA account after you graduate high school.
3. Create and confirm a password 8-30 characters in length. The password is case sensitive and must include a combination of numbers, uppercase letters and lowercase letters. Do not use personal identifiers (e.g., date of birth, name).

Step Three (Contact Information)

1. Enter your permanent mailing address. If you don't have one, you may use your high school address.
2. Enter and confirm your mobile phone number (the student and parent email and phone numbers must be different).
3. It is highly recommended to check the box allowing for quick and easy mobile phone account recovery.

Step Four (Communication Preferences)

1. Select if you would like to receive U.S. Department of Education communications via email (recommended) or postal mail.
2. Select your preferred language (English or Spanish).

Step Five (Challenge Questions)

1. Select Challenge Question 1 and answer.
2. Select Challenge Question 2 and answer.
3. Select Challenge Question 3 and answer.
4. Select Challenge Question 4 and answer.

Step Six (Confirm and Verify)

1. Review your information for accuracy and make any necessary edits.
2. Review FSA's terms and conditions and agree to them by checking the box.

Step Seven (Account Recovery)

1. Select to verify your mobile phone number, email address and/or authenticator app by retrieving the six-digit code sent to you and entering it into the box provided. Two of these three verification methods are required, and you must verify both methods chosen. Be sure to save the backup code given.

Keep your username and password in a safe place and do not share this information with anyone. If you provided an email address, you will receive a confirmation email. It will take 3-5 days for the Social Security Administration to verify your information.

Filing the FAFSA is the single most important step of the financial aid process and it takes most students less than one hour to complete. The FAFSA is a requirement for all state scholarships, including the Tennessee Promise. You will need to make sure to complete the FAFSA by April 15th to remain eligible to receive these scholarships.

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 2023 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 to complete the FAFSA in December and January. In next month's newsletter there will be a link available.

If you and your parents missed Senior Parent Information Night on October 17th, below you will find a pdf of the presentation. Please share this with your parents as this goes over important FAFSA and financial aid information.

Scholarships are a form of gift aid- money that does not have to be repaid. You will want to invest your time into conducting your own scholarship search to locate this free money. There are many scholarships awarded each year. Some scholarships are based on academics or athletics, but thousands are based on a variety of other criteria:

• The high school you attend
• The community in which you grew up
• Community service you performed
• The program of study you intend to pursue
• How much financial need you demonstrate
• Hobbies, skills or special interests

There are thousands of scholarships awarded every year that have nothing to do with your academic or athletic performance. However, these scholarships are not going to fall in your lap. It's up to you to make every effort to find these opportunities.

Where to Find Scholarships

Investigate the scholarship opportunities offered by the colleges that interest you. The college's financial aid office or website should have a list of scholarships that are available at the college.

Look to other sources, including religious groups, community organizations, employers and other corporations, foundations and even some individuals.

Scholarship Searches

To maximize your chances of receiving scholarship funds, you should develop a plan to search and apply for scholarships. A good place to start your scholarship search is the Internet.

There are several scholarship sites. You may have to provide some personal information in order for the scholarship search engine to be effective. Below are a list of search sites known to be legitimate:

• Fastweb: www.fastweb.com
• College Board: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org
• Cappex: www.cappex.com/scholarships
• Bold: https://bold.org
• Unigo: www.unigo.com
• U.S. Department of Labor: www.careerinfonet.org/scholarshipsearch

Applying for Scholarships

Successful scholarship applicants typically apply for more than one scholarship. They apply for several and so should you. Many scholarship require you to complete a formal scholarship application. They may also request additional information, such as:

• An essay or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Examples of work in a specific study area
• ACT scores
• Transcripts
• Phone or in-person interview

Follow all directions, submit complete, error-free applications and provide all additional information requested.

Receiving a Scholarship

Most scholarships are paid to the college on your behalf. Some may be made co-payable to you and the college. If this happens, you will be required to sign the check. Alternatively, some scholarship donors may send the scholarship funds directly to you. If you receive a scholarship check, advise the financial aid office at your college immediately upon receipt.

Award Displacement

Federal regulations require the college to reduce the financial aid package when the total aid from all sources exceeds the college's cost of attendance by more than $300. Certain aid, such as the Pell Grant, do not get reduced. An outside scholarship is most likely to affect campus-based aid, such as Work Study and the college's own financial aid funds. This is called award displacement. You are required to report an outside scholarship to the college's financial aid department. If you fail to report an outside scholarship and it results in an overpayment, you may be required to repay the college or the government all or part of your need-based financial aid package. Check with your financial aid department if you have questions on how a scholarship may impact your financial aid package.

As stated in the video, a "bragg sheet" can really help you when it comes to applying for scholarships and asking for recommendations. You can download a bragg sheet below!

Austin Peay State University Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: FEBRUARY 1ST

All students who have been accepted to Austin Peay are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.

https://www.apsu.edu/scholarships/

Carson Newman University Bonner Scholars- Amount Varies

Students admitted to the Bonner Scholars program at CNU receive a scholarship package in return for participating in an intensive program of community service and servant leadership development. Participants are called "Bonners" for short. They receive the following financial awards:

• $3,000 in service-based scholarship funds each year
• A need based grant for 100% of unmet financial need each year
• $3,000 living stipend at the beginning of each summers of service (this is awarded twice)
• $1,500 service awards at the end of each summer of service (this is awarded twice)
• $500 in professional development funds, awarded during senior year

Bonners also have access to the Community Fund Grant Program, a program that provides grants for student-led projects at non-profits. These grants have provided story books to children with learning disabilities, shelves for food banks, speech therapy tools for public schools, and furniture restoration supplies for non-profit thrift stores.

https://admissions.cn.edu/register/bonner2025

ETSU Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: MARCH 1ST

All students who have been accepted to ETSU are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.

https://www.etsu.edu/university_scholarships/application/

Lincoln Memorial University Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: JANUARY 31ST

All students who have been accepted to LMU are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first. Once your account is created, you can access the application from the "Quick Links" tab. Select the "Annual and Endowed Scholarship Portal" option from that menu and log in using your LMU credentials.

MTSU Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: FEBRUARY 15TH

All students who have been accepted to MTSU are encourged to apply. You must create your account first.

https://mtsu.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/CMXAdmin/Cmx_Content.aspx?cpId=1276

Northeast State Community College Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: MARCH 1ST

All students who have been accepted to Northeast State Community College are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.

https://lewis.northeaststate.edu/apply/scholarships/

Pellissippi State Community College Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies

All students who have been accepted to Pellissippi are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.

https://pstcc.academicworks.com/users/sign_in

TN Tech University Institutional Scholarship- Amount Varies Deadline: DECEMBER 15TH

All students who have been accepted to TN Technological University are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.

https://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/index.php

University of TN Chattanooga Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: FEBRUARY 1ST

All students who have been accepted to UT Chattanooga are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.

https://www.utc.edu/enrollment-management-and-student-affairs/financial-aid-and-scholarships/steps-apply

University of TN Martin Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: FEBRUARY 1ST

All students who have been accepted to UT Martin are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.

https://utm.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/CMXAdmin/Cmx_Content.aspx?cpId=1212

Walters State Community College Scholarship- Amount Varies

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

Elk's Most Valuable Student- Varies Deadline: November 12th

Current high school seniors. Scholarship ranges from $1,000-$7,500 per year. These scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis.

https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship- up to $55,000 Deadline: November 14th

This is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend a four year college or university. The scholars receive college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to network with the larger Cooke Scholar community in addition to scholarship funding. Must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need.

https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/

10 Words or Less Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: November 15th

Must be planning to enroll in college fall 2025. This scholarship is provided by StudentsScholarships.org. In order to apply, you must go to their Facebook page, like and comment on the post that says, "In 10 words or less, tell us why you deserve the $1,000 scholarship".

https://studentscholarships.org/easy.php

Brent Willis Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: November 30th

This scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate the potential to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to their education and career goals through coursework and extracurricular activities. Must answer the prompt with an essay of 500-1,000 words.

https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/brent-willis-scholarship#

Education Matters Scholarship-$5,000 Deadline: November 30th

Must submit an online response to the question "What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn't matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?" (250 words or less).

https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/education-matters-scholarship

Sallie Mae Scholarship- $2,000 Deadline: November 30th

To apply you must be a current high school junior or senior who intends to enroll in an accredited college or university located in the United States.

https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/2k-scholarship/?dtd_cell=SMPLSODCZPPSOTOTOTHOTHRN010000&utm_source=studentscholarships&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=acq1p_ss_s_u_u_sch_u_u&utm_content=app

ACF Visionary Scholarship- Varies Deadline: December 1st

Fill out the registration form on the link below. You will receive an Application Packet via email within 2 weeks from the time that you register.

American College Foundation - ACF Scholarship Details

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/

Dell Scholars Program- $20,000 Deadline: December 1st

To be eligible you must participate in a program-approved college readiness program in 11th and 12th grade. You must be on track to graduate, demonstrate need for financial assistance, be eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant in the first year of college, and have a 2.4 GPA.

https://www.dellscholars.org/students/

Lamber-Goodnow College Scholarship-$1,000 Deadline: December 1st

Must have a 3.5 GPA and submit a 500-750 word essay on how you are driven to innovate, how you plan to influence progress on any level in any space, or how you have already affected positive change with creative thinking.

https://lambergoodnow.com/lg-scholarships/#college

Lamber-Goodnow Nursing Scholarship-$1,000 Deadline: December 1st

Must have a 3.5 GPA. Must submit a 500-750 word essay on what drives you and why you want to pursue a nursing degree or why you want to go to nursing school.

https://lambergoodnow.com/lg-scholarships/#college

Ron V. Dellums SMART Scholarship- Full tuition & $30,000 stipend Deadline: December 6th

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.

https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart?id=kb_article&sys_id=0383c5d6db2a03006bb8f4b40f961956

Burger King Scholars Program- Varies Deadline: December 16th

Applications will be accepted from October 15th - Deceber 16th.

https://bk-scholars.com/?utm_source=MCHe1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BK2022

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship- $40,000 Deadline: December 19th

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?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAire5BhCNARIsAM53K1jlY7pJ4JMFA7USc0H_HplfUVMx8MtTFWZAI4Y3_nU8jprcAE2YbgEaAssxEALw_wcB

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/

BadCredit Wealth Wise Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: December 31st

Must want to major in a career in the finance industry (finance, business, accounting, mathematics, management, and other related majors). Must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Must write a 500-900 word essay on how the US Credit Scoring System can be improved

https://www.badcredit.org/scholarship/

"No Sweat" Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: December 31st

The Cirkled In "No Sweat" scholarship can be used for any educational purpose, from books to summer camp.

https://www.cirkledin.com/scholarships/

Austin Peay Balanced Man Scholarship- $1,750 Deadline: December 31st

Sigma Phi Epsilon is proud to offer this scholarship for those interested in applying to Austin Peay State University.

https://austinpeay.sigep.org/bms/?_ga=2.79710494.884650831.1724934445-1998930656.1724934444

Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program- $2,500 OPENS: January 1st

The goal of the program is to provide financial assistance, staff and peer support to ensure that you are successful in getting to and through higher education and into the workforce. Students must provide the requested information, submit a transcript, personal essay and at least one letter of recommendation. Must have experienced homelessness in the last six years.

https://schoolhouseconnection.org/scholarship/

Michelle Obama Award for Memoir- $10,000 Deadline: January 15th

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

Modern Woodman Scholarship- Amount Varies Deadline: February 3rd

Must be a Modern Woodman member, covered by Modern Woodman life insurance or an annuity of of at least one year. Must have 40 hours of volunteer experience in the previous 2 years. Have a minimum of 3.5 GPA (Track 1) or 2.5 GPA (Track 2) and plan to attend an accredited two or four year college/university or a trade/vocational/technical school for the upcoming fall.

https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/modernwoodmenscholarship/

Modern Woodman Continuing Education Grant- $2,500 Deadline: February 3rd

High school graduates of all ages can apply for a $2,500 grant to help with their education cost. Up to 50 grants are awarded to qualified members on a first come, first served basis. The grant is open to all high school graduates - no matter their age- who want to continue their education including: current college students, those who took a gap year (or more) after high school, and adults wanting to go back to school, obtain a master's degree or earn a designation.

https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/modernwoodmengrant/

UT- Chattanooga Westbrook Scholarship Program- $14,000 Deadline: February 16th

The Department of Chemistry and Physics at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga announces this scholarship program which will award $14,000 (over 4 years) to as many as 7 entering freshmen majoring in Chemistry or Physics. Once awarded these scholarships they are automatically renewed provided that the student meets specific academic requirements. Student must have completed a course in high school chemistry or physics with an A or B, must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, have an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and must declare chemistry or physics as their major. A separate "Application for Admission" to the university must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions at UTC by February 1st. The completed Westbrook application (submitted online) and 2 letters of recommendation (emailed) are due by February 16th. Announcement of the awards will be made in middle to late April.

https://www.utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/chemistry-and-physics/department-of-chemistry-and-physics-scholarships/westbrook-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.

https://employmentboost.com/scholarship/

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.