CRC CONNECTION: Scholarship Edition
December 2024
Hi Seniors!
Scholarship “season” is upon us, and now is a great time to start looking for and applying to different scholarship opportunities. This newsletter has a lot of resources to assist you with finding and completing scholarship applications. Be sure to bookmark the link below and watch the video above for important information and tips!
TWO POINTS OF EMPHASIS FROM THE CRC:
1. It's VERY RARE that students win scholarships from national databases--focus on local scholarships instead. We do share information about national scholarships, but we have become increasingly concerned about students devoting a lot of time to scholarship applications with little chance of winning those scholarships. Please read this article for more information.
2. Check college policies on outside scholarships (this database has the policies for over 100 colleges). Many colleges practice what is referred to as "Scholarship Displacement," which means the college reduces the aid they give to students when students receive outside scholarships. Families should contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions about a college's outside scholarship policy.
Our 2024-25 Scholarship Program is OPEN!
The Vernon Hills High School Scholarship Program is now open and accepting applications! We have 11 different scholarships that will be awarded ONLY to graduating VHHS seniors. Apply to one or all scholarships if you meet the eligibility criteria. To learn more about each scholarship and find information on how to apply, visit our VHHS Scholarship Program Guide and watch the video below.
DEADLINE FOR ALL VHHS SCHOLARSHIPS: FEBRUARY 21, 2025
The VHHS Scholarship Program Application Has Two Parts
PART 1: Complete ONCE
PART 1 asks general information about you and your high school career. You will complete Part I only once!
PART 2: Complete for EACH Scholarship
PART 2 allows you to select the specific scholarship to which you want to apply. Locate the ones that apply to you and fill out the specific, supplementary information for that scholarship. You can apply to as many scholarships as you like, but you will need to complete PART TWO for each one.
Application Tips
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying
- Copy and paste your essay/answers from another document (review for spelling and grammar)
- Read the Essay Prompt(s) carefully and make sure your essay answers the prompt
- Review your information before submitting to avoid unnecessary typos and errors
If you apply for a VHHS Scholarship that requires a Letter of Recommendation, DO NOT ASK A TEACHER OR RECOMMENDER TO WRITE A LETTER. We will either use an existing letter of recommendation that is already in ScooLinks or we will send the recommender an evaluation form to complete after you apply. You do NOT need to request your transcript for VHHS-specific Scholarships, we will provide it to the Scholarship Committee if required.
Most scholarships will be announced at the VHHS Honors Day Assembly on May 16, 2025.
The D128 Scholarship Database compiled by VHHS and LHS provides a curated list of local, regional, national, and trades/vocational scholarship opportunities, as well as links to national scholarship search engines. Several local scholarships that are listed in this database and outlined below are also highlighted in our VHHS Scholarship Program Guide.
Local Scholarships
We receive information about local scholarships (that have been awarded to VHHS students in the past) from now through the spring. You can find these scholarships highlighted in our VHHS Scholarship Program Guide under the D128 Scholarship Database overview section. Currently, only the Sports Lodge B'nai B'rith Scholarship Application is open, but others will be added as we receive the information so check our Scholarship Program Guide and the D128 Scholarship Database regularly! Please note, these are NOT considered VHHS-specific Scholarships, so you will need to submit the completed application directly to the organization and download and provide your transcript directly (or, if an official transcript is required, see How to Request an Official Transcript in SchooLinks).
National Scholarship Databases
SchooLinks lists many national scholarship opportunities--select the Finances icon on the left side of your Dashboard, and then select Scholarship Matching. Additionally, the following search engines provide many other opportunities:
Good Luck!
Please stop by the CRC if have any questions or need help applying for Scholarships!