GISH Senior Newsletter: November

• November 19 & 20 - Senior Launch Sessions w/ Senior English Classes
• All things SCHOLARSHIPS w/ GIPS Foundation & Scholarship Recipients
• November 20, 5:00 - 8:00 PM - Scholarship Fair
• Grand Island Senior High - Door 21 North Cafeteria
• November 21 & 22, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Senior Support Drop-Ins
• West Gym Foyer
• December 3 & 4 - Senior Launch Sessions w/ Senior English Classes
• During class - grade checks

Sign up to take a Saturday ACT Exam at act.org. If you are qualified for Free/Reduced lunch, your test fee can be waived. Using this waiver also qualifies you to send scores up to 6 colleges for free before taking the test, and more colleges after you receive your score if needed. You also will have access to Official ACT prep. Please see your academy counselor for a waiver. Visit this LINK for free test prep. Check the image for exam dates and deadlines.

***Please note: GISH only does paper tests, not online tests. If you choose to do an online test, you will be sent to another test center.

This year, all students receive free lunch, but if you were eligible for free or reduced lunch in previous years, you’ll need to submit income verification forms to ensure you remain eligible for scholarships, fee waivers, and other financial assistance.

To keep your eligibility on file, please complete both the Direct Certification Form and the Income Eligibility Form as soon as possible. These forms are necessary to qualify for several scholarships and resources, including:

GIPS Foundation Scholarships Requiring or Giving Preference to These Forms:

• Marilyn Arrants Scholarship
• Duane D. Curtin Scholarship
• Marjorie Curtin Scholarship
• Eakes Family Scholarship (2)
• Charles R. and Bessie E. Frith Scholarship (2)
• Dr. Carlos Guerrero, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
• Marilyn Huebner Memorial Scholarship
• Joel Family Scholarship
• Kahrhoff Family Scholarship
• Patty and Mike Kneale Education Scholarship (2)
• Lofgreen Family Scholarship
• Lucile C. Martin Dream Scholarship
• P.E.O. Chapter EZ Scholarship
• "Build GI" Reed Family Scholarship (3)
• Gene Schneberger Memorial Scholarship
• Roberta Slack Scholarship
• Bob and Marge Sorensen Family Scholarship
• Dr. Joe and Bonnie Watkins Scholarship
• David and Helen Young Scholarship

Completing these forms is also essential to qualify for ACT fee waivers, college application fee waivers, and more. For any questions, please reach out to Kari Price at kprice@gips.org.

Seniors, it’s time to jumpstart your scholarship search! November marks the beginning of scholarship season, and it’s never too early to start exploring opportunities that can make college more affordable. Be sure to check the scholarship section below for valuable resources, including scholarships that fit a wide range of career interests and backgrounds.

A few tips to get you started:

• Update Your Resume: Make sure your resume reflects your latest achievements and experiences, especially if you're applying to scholarships or jobs.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, requirements, and documents so you’re always one step ahead.
• Keep Going! Persistence is key – don’t be discouraged if you don’t qualify for everything. There are plenty of options, so keep applying!

Let’s make the most of this season and secure those scholarships!

We are so excited for you as you embark on this important journey. We're here to guide you through all the challenges and milestones along the way! Our first tip: USE THIS INFORMATION & REFER BACK TO IT - make sure you don't forget to share it with your parents. If you ever have questions, reach out to your counselor - we're happy to help. This newsletter will be updated monthly, so be sure to check your email often for new information and announcements.

We know senior year can feel overwhelming, and you likely have a lot of questions. Check out the resource center below for answers to FAQs and other tools. Hopefully, this will address many of your concerns ... for now!

OPEN - December 1, 2024

CLOSE - February 5, 2025

The GIPS Foundation will offer over 190 scholarships to the Class of 2025. Last year they awarded $415,518 in scholarships! Check our their website to start preparing for the application process. The Scholarship Fair will take place at Grand Island Senior High (enter Door 21 - North Cafeteria) on November 20 from 5:00-8:00 pm. The Foundation will share information about their application process at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and a Scholarship Essay Strategies presentation at 6:00 pm. These presentations will be in the GISH Little Theater. Parents are welcome to attend!

APPLICATION DUE FEBRUARY 1, 2024

GREAT scholarship opportunity for students interested in attending a Nebraska public college and show financial need (Fill out FAFSA but do NOT have to be Pell grant eligible). Check the image for more information and click here to head to the Buffett website.

APPLICATION DUE NOVEMBER 15TH, 2024

Students accepted into Chadron, UNK, or Wayne can get free tuition for their undergraduate degree and provisional acceptance to UNL College of Law. Great opportunity for students interested in law! Check the image for more information and visit the links below for more information:

Chadron State College

University of Nebraska - Kearney

Wayne State College (Note: December 1 deadline)

APPLICATION DUE DECEMBER 1, 2024

Students accepted into Chadron, UNK, Peru, Wayne, and even UNO can get free tuition for their undergraduate degree and guaranteed admission to UNMC. Great opportunity for students interested in health and attending medical school. Check the image for more information and visit the links below for more information:

Chadron State College

University of Nebraska - Kearney

Peru State College

Wayne State College

University of Nebraska - Omaha (NEW! Deadline January 17th)

Students! Check out this flyer for an incredible scholarship & career opportunity through Wayne State College. This may be a great fit for you!! Visit this link for more information.

Provides scholarships to Peru State Criminal Justice students who are completing a degree while working at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) during the school year and summer. Students accepted will receive $12,500 per academic year, plus an additional $2,500 for housing in addition to pay received for hours worked at TSCI ($16.74/hr). Deadline for scholarship is January 2025. Click this link for more information and the application.

We recently received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to strengthen and expand student-centered activities and infrastructure in STEM education. More than $540,000 of the funds have been earmarked for scholarships for students pursuing a career as a biologist, chemist, or mathematician and who intend to pursue careers in research and discovery.

Our goals for this grant include the following:

• Support low-income, academically talented students.

• Build a foundation for success through a week-long academic skills summer camp before the students first year

• Establish a residence hall community where scholars live for two years and support each other through learning activities and shared experiences

• Provide scholarships to meet student unmet need (averaging $7,500, up to $10,000 while in the program)

Your student/s must be admitted to apply for the Nebraska STEM Scholars opportunity and other scholarships at: wsc.edu/scholarships. The application deadline is December 1st, 2024!

A select number of students will be invited to interview for this fantastic opportunity in the Spring.

Once you have applied and been accepted to CCC, head to their website to learn more about the types of financial aid and scholarships available to their students. You can apply to their scholarship programs from this page.

Students should always head to educationquest.org to get started on their scholarship search. They have a link called ScholarshipQuest where you can fill out a profile. They in turn will send a list of scholarships right for you (from a database of 2,000 Nebraska scholarships!). They have been vetted so they will not send you things that will clog up your email. In addition, doing this puts you in the running for scholarship opportunities on the EducationQuest website! Click here for more.

There are also other resources available! We provide a list of additional local scholarships for students on the GISH website. If you click on the link that says “Current Scholarship Information“ at the top, it will take you to a page that is updated as we receive scholarship information. This is continuously updated, so it is up to you to check it.

It is really never too early to start getting ready for scholarship applications. Whether you are looking out of state, instate, two/four-year schooling, trade, or university, you can apply for scholarships.

• It is important to secure at least three positive recommendations for your applications. In fact, when preparing, ask the person, “Would you please be able to write me a positive letter of recommendation?” Doing this in person is always best.
• Give your recommender plenty of time to complete the letter. Allow 2-3 weeks for them to complete it, but check in to see if they need any more information from you before finishing.
• Look for a mixture of recommenders. Work to have letters from both in-school (teacher, coach, counselor, administrator) and out-of-school (employer, pastor, neighbor, etc.).
• DO NOT assume someone will be willing to write a recommendation letter. Ask first before adding their email to a recommendation form.
• Provide a resume for your recommendation writers. Include contact information in case they have questions while writing your letter. Your academy counselor will need one, too.
• Send a thank you note to your letter writer after he/she submits your recommendation. Give updates if you receive the scholarship, get accepted, etc.

Preview the Scholarship Fair here

Follow the GIPS Foundation on social media! Facebook Instagram

This event is FREE for the Grand Island Senior High Class of 2025 and their families.

• Scholarship Application Preview
  Learn about the GIPS Foundation's online scholarship application. We have over 190 scholarships to offer to the GISH Class of 2025! Get an overview of the application and award process, timelines, tips and frequently asked questions. Presentations in the GISH Little Theater at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
  
  
• Essay Strategies
  Understand scholarship guidelines and how they can help you apply for scholarships. Determine if you are eligible for a scholarship and what rules might apply to your essay. Learn how to get organized, manage deadlines, what to save in your scholarship folder and how to draft essays for easy feedback. Learn how to create a strategy to answer the prompt. Presentation includes essay examples for group to brainstorm how to make a personal connection to make your essay stand out. Presentation in the GISH Little Theater at 6:00 pm.
  
  
• $500 Scholarship Drawing Entries
  Sponsored by the GIPS Foundation
  
  
• Federal Financial Aid Help
  FAFSA presentations by EducationQuest at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
  Create your FSA ID with help from Gear Up.
  
  
• College/University Booths
  Meet with college and university representatives about admission and scholarship opportunities.

Use this link to pay your $40 graduate fee. You may also pay in cash at the West office.

Mid-Term & May Grads: $40 graduate fee payment is due December 1.

Sunday, December 1 - Cap and gowns fee due ($40)

Friday, December 6 - Teacher's notify of students who are failing classes to graduate

Monday, December 9 - Pickup a checkout sheet from your counselor

Wednesday, December 11 - 8:05 AM - Graduation practice at GISH Auditorium

• Turn in check out sheet
• Pickup cap and gown if fines paid, check out sheet signed, and post graduation survey completed

Thursday, December 12 - 2:00 PM - Graduation

• Graduates arrive at 1:15 PM - GISH Auditorium

Song: Where'd All the Time Go? by Dr. Dog

Motto: "What's funnier than 24? 25!" - SpongeBob SquarePants

Colors: Black and Purple

Flower: Hibiscus

Prom theme: Met Gala / Red Carpet

Seniors, if you joined us for the October Senior Launch Sessions, you should already have your FSA ID set up! If you missed those sessions, you’ll still need to create your own FSA ID at studentaid.gov – and remember, a parent will also need to make an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA together.

Important Dates & Reminders:

• FAFSA Opens: December 1
• Graduation Requirement: Completing the FAFSA is required to graduate, so make sure you’re prepared to file as soon as it opens!

Let’s get FAFSA-ready and check that off your graduation list!

Congrats to those who have received college acceptances! Now it’s time to complete your next steps, like setting up your student accounts, which are essential for getting updates from your school. Need help? Reach out to a counselor or any Gear Up team member – we’re here to support you through the process!

Application Fees: Some colleges may charge an application fee, but many offer options to defer it. And remember, UNO applications are always free!

Keep moving forward, Islanders!

Many of you are asking whether the class(es) you are taking will transfer to your college of choice. You can start asking your admissions representative but you can also search the college‘s website for “Course Equivalency Information.” You can generally find what you need on their website.

Hear us out on this: Just because a course you are taking for dual credit doesn’t apply directly to your program of study, doesn’t mean it’s not going to benefit you. Often you will need to take additional courses as electives in a certain area. These can apply to that, and it will still save you money. Check out Nebraska’s Transfer website for all the information you’ll need on course equivalency.

• AET: Mindy Ulmer - mulmer@gips.org
  
• ABC: Dave Woods - dwoods@gips.org
• ATS: Melissa Luthi-Placke - mluthi@gips.org
• AMS:
• Alex Niederklein - aniederklein@gips.org
• Julie Markvicka - jmarkvicka@gips.org
  
• Alternative Sites: Jeff Westerby - jwesterby@gips.org
• Alternative Programs: Kathleen Townsend - mtownsend@gips.org
• Gear Up College Advisors:
• Mayra Ramallo - mortizquintan@gips.org - Annex 385-5977 ext. 461008
• Joana Reyes - jreyes2@gips.org - Annex 385-5977 ext. 461003

• Senior need-to-knows (class rank, yearbook, cap & gown, etc.)
• Requesting GISH Transcripts:
• Students with last names A-L should email Mrs. Gentry at bgentry@gips.org
• Students with last names M-Z should email Ms. Perkins at cperkins@gips.org
• Counselors can provide an unofficial copy
• Requesting Wayne State College Transcripts and CCC Transcripts
• Check your email DAILY!
• Educationquest resources:
  
• Reality Check - How do you see your future?
• ScholarshipQuest - a free database of more than 2,000 Nebraska-based scholarships. Complete a profile to find awards that match your criteria
• Nuria Lemus (nurial@educationquest.org) can help with any FSA & FAFSA questions
• FAFSA Checklist
  
• Upcoming FAFSA webinars
• Apply for Scholarships NOW!
• FAFSA website:
• FAFSA can help you obtain funding for college through the Pell Grant, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
• Filling out the FAFSA give you access to more scholarships like the Buffet Scholarship
• Grand Island Community Foundation scholarship traditionally opens in December, watch your email for updates
• Grand Island Public School Scholarship page - click "Current Scholarship Information" for updated list
• Send your AP test scores by requesting them from the College Board
• PASS YOUR DUAL CREDIT COURSES!
• If you are college-bound, an "F" on a college transcript can affect the amount of scholarship money you are offered and it can start out in academic probation to start the year.

If you need support in passing your classes and earning the best grade you can - visit ASP for help. Click the image for a schedule on subjects & teachers available.

STUDENTS: Great selection of womens and mens business professional clothes for presentations, interviews, jobs, and more! All items are FREE! Click the flyer for more information and email gearup@gips.org to set up an appointment to visit.