March Newsletter

Seniors are required to complete the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by 11:59 PM on April 15th in order to remain eligible for TN Promise.

Seniors and parents can contact and schedule an appointment with Ms. Abby Lyons during normal hours for assistance with the FAFSA. There will also be one more FAFSA Frenzy Workshops where there will be help available until 5pm.

FAFSA is the key to unlocking free federal financial aid to help pay for your education beyond high school. The application is also required for various types of state financial aid including the HOPE Scholarship and TN Promise. Students and parents can attend any of the FAFSA Frenzy events (listed below) or make an appointment with Abby Lyons for assistance filing the FAFSA.

After you complete the FAFSA, you should see a confirmation page. This is not your financial aid offer. You will get that separately from the school(s) you have been admitted to. The confirmation page provides federal aid estimates based on the information provided on your FAFSA form. It's important to know that these figures are estimates. To calculate the actual amount of aid you're eligible for, your school will take into account other factors, such as the cost to attend the school.

Additionally, these estimates only take into account federal aid and not outside scholarships or state and institutional financial asistance you may also be eligible for.

Your Student Aid Index (SAI) will be used by colleges to determine Pell Grant eligibility and your financial need. Each school will do its best to meet your financial need. Some schools may meeet 100% of your financial need, and other schools may only meet 10%- it just depends on the school and the financial aid they have available. You will need to complete the FAFSA annually because there are many factors that can change from year to year.

Once your school receives your FAFSA, you should be receiving your aid offers.

You will be receiving your award offers through your college student accounts. Review these offers carefully to make sure that you understand your potential out-of-pocket expenses. The financial award offers you receive from every school you have been accepted to will vary.

Ms. Abby Lyons can help you understand your financial aid offers. It is also important that your parent(s) review the awards to help you make this important decision, especially since your potential out-of-pocket cost may be an important factor in deciding which school to attend.

After you decide which school to attend, carefully respond to that school's financial aid offer; you will need to "accept" or "decline" each component of your aid package. You can accept some offers, but decline others if you don't need it. Always accept FREE money first- like scholarships, grants and work-study. Think carefully, and review the terms closely, before you accept any loans offered, as these must be repaid with interest.

An example of what these award offers will look like can be found below:

If you were not able to attend the mandatory TN Promise meeting last month, you must have submitted an excuse form 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.

Failure to do this, has officially resulted in you losing your TN Promise scholarship.

If you did submit your excuse form, you should have received an email from TNAchieves. If your excuse is accepted, you will be required to view a mandatory webinar. You will need to watch this webinar by March 15th.

The final step in remaining eligible for the TN Promise Scholarship is to complete and submit 8 hours of community service to TNAchieves by July 1st.

What Counts as Community Service?

Community service is time contributed to a nonprofit or public service organization. The community should be benefiting from the work you do! You can also volunteer in your field of interest to gain experience. This means that job shadowing may count toward your community service requirement.

Virtual Hours

You can complete a maximum of four hours of community service using virtual community service webinars. tnAchieves created over 30 virtual community service webinars. Each webinar counts as an hour of community service. Once you watch the videos, you do not have to submit anything extra, as your hours will be automatically applied.

To view these webinars, follow the link below and enter your information: https://www.tfaforms.com/5157298

In Person Hours

All other hours (4 more hours) must be completed in person. For example, you may view 4 virtual community service webinars and then volunteer at the animal shelter for the reamining 4 hours. Or you can spend 6 hours volunteering for Shephards Center and view 2 virtual community service webinars to bring your total to 8. You have options!

What Does Not Count As Community Service?

• Tasks in which you are paid. This includes working at your job off the clock
• Volunteering for an individual (helping a neighbor with yardwork)
• Listing a family member as your supervisor
• Sharing your faith

How Do I Submit My Community Service Hours?

All community service hours must be submitted through the community service online form. After submitting your community service hours, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep in mind, it is YOUR responsibility to submit your hours. Your supervisor is not responsible for submitting your community service hours.

East Tennessee Foundation Scholarships- Multiple Scholarships/Amounts Varies

Opens: December 15th Deadline: March15th

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

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/

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

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

American Welding Society National Scholarships- $7,000 Deadline: March 1st

You must be planning to pursue a bachelor's or associate degree in welding or a related skill.

https://www.aws.org/Career-Resources/Students/Scholarships/

Children of Warriors National Presidents Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: March 1st

Candidates for this scholarship must be a direct desecendant of veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Being a member of the American Legion is not required. Applicants must also complete 50 hours of volunteer service.

https://www.legion-aux.org/Scholarships/Children-of-Warriors

Engebretson Foundation Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 1st

Must be planning to attend a four year university and have a 3.75 GPA or higher. Must also have a composite score of 28 or higher on the ACT. Must be in need of financial assistance. Must submit a student resume and a 750 word essay.

https://www.engebretsonfoundation.org/docs/application.pdf

Life Lessons Scholarship- $15,000 Deadline: March 1st

Must be planning to attend college, university or trade school in the upcoming fall semester. Must have experienced the death of a parent or legal guardian.

https://lifehappens.org/life-lessons-scholarship-program/

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Scholarship- $40,000 Deadline: March 1st

You must be a child or stepchild of one of the following: Active duty, Reserve, or veteran U.S. Marine. Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

https://www.mcsf.org/apply/

Price Legacy Scholarship- $2,000 Deadline: March 1st

This scholarship provides $2,000 for low-income, high-achieving high school seniors entering their first year of post-secondary education. Must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and come from an economically disadvantaged household.

https://www.bbpricelegacy.org/apply/price-legacy

Create a Greeting Card Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 3rd

The Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest is open to students who are 14 years of age and older. To enter you must submit an original design for a Christmas card, holiday card, birthday card, or all- occassion greeting card. All designs or photographs must be the original work of the applicant. You will need to create a FastWeb account.

https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/162493-create-a-greeting-card-scholarship-contest

AFA National Scholarships-$3,200 Deadline: March 6th

Must be planning to enroll in a four-year institution and major in agriculture or food-related program. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher.

https://www.agfuture.org/scholarships

Connex Foundation Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: March 10th

The Connex Foundation awards scholarship to individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades (electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC, carpentry), construction and/or facility management industry. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and have a history of active involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, or work experience.

https://www.connexfoundation.org/scholarship-opportunities/

Mission of Hope Trade Scholarship-$3,000 Deadline: March 10th

Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and plan to attend a technical school for one of the following programs: Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Welding, Construction, Automotive, Industrial Machinery (Operation and Maintanence), Computer Aided/Information Technology, or Truck Driving. Student must apply online. The password is TRADEapp25.

https://missionofhope.org/trade-scholarship-application/

FEEA Scholarships- $5,000 Deadline: March 13th

To be eligible you must be the child, step-child or have legal guardians of full or part-time permanent federal civilian or postal workers employed with the federal government for more than three years.

https://feea.org/our-programs/scholarships/

Microsoft disAbility Scholarship- $20,000 Deadline: March 13th

Must be a current high school senior living with a disability as defined by WHO including visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, and/or speech disabilities or other disability. Must plan to enroll in a trade, 2 year or 4 year university in the fall. Must be majoring in one of the following areas: engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or related field. Demonstrate a passion for technology and leadership at school and the community. Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Will need to submit an essay (2,000 words max) and have a letter of recommendation.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/microsoftdisabilityscholarship.aspx

NPCA Foundation Scholarship- $20,000 Deadline: March 14th

Applications are open to anyone who will be enrolled in a certificate program at an academic institution for the upcoming year. The applicant's course of study should be in a field related to the building, construction or precast concrete industry. There is also internships available!

https://precast.org/foundation/scholarships/

9/11 Promise Scholarship- $15,000 Deadline: March 15th

Must be a child of a fallen first responder or military service member, OR a child of a first responder or military service member certified as not being able to work. Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and two letters of recommendations. One letter must be from an educator, employer or member of the community familiar with you and your goals. There will also be two essay prompts.

https://the911promise.org/scholarships/

ASME Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: March 15th

Available to high school seniors who are interested in pursuing engineering degreees. Must be enrolled full-time in an mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology program.

https://www.asme.org/asme-programs/students-and-faculty/scholarships/available-high-school-scholarships

Hagan Scholarship- $15,000 Deadline: March 15th

Must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and plan to enter a 4 year university (online will not be eligible). You must have 240 hours of employment from January 1, 2025 to September 1, 2025 (employment can be full-time or part-time). Your family's adjusted gross income for 2023 must not exceed $100,000. Award recipients will receive $2,000 to purchase essential items for college. Award recipients will also receive up to $7,500 each semester. TN Universities that are eligible for this scholarship: Austin Peay, Belmont, Bethel, Bryan, ETSU, Freed-Hardeman, Johnson, Lee, LMU, Lipscomb, Maryville, MTSU, Milligan, South-Nashville, TN Tech University, University of TN-Southern, University of TN-Knoxville, University of TN-Chattanooga, University of TN-Martin, Union, and Vanderbilt.

https://haganscholarships.org/application/

Richard Holland Memorial Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: March 15th

Must plan to enroll in a full time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university. Must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and family total annual income must be less than $100,000. Must submit a video essay (3 to 5 minutes) about something you are passionate about. Must also submit a personal statement, an academic resume, a reference letter from someone who can discuss how you have made an impact on the community or others, a reference letter from a peer on why they value you as a friend and peer.

https://www.hollandfamilylegacyfoundation.org/the-scholarship

Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship- $1,500 Deadline: March 15th

This scholarship is awarded annually to graduating seniors who are wanting to attend college, university, or trade school. This will be applied to tutiton, fees, books and on-campus housing charges. A local selection committee of three to five people consisting of high school official and leaders of the buisness and/or professional community will consider applicants' scholastic achievement, participation and leadership in school and community activities, citizenship, moral character, educational goals, and financial need.

PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316

The Marjorie Watson Mathematics Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 15th

This scholarship is intended for an incoming freshman attending the University of TN- Chattanooga who majors in mathematics. You will need 2 letters of recommendation affirming your mathematic ability (one must be from a math teacher). Must also submit an essay discussing your interest in a math degree.

https://utk.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_555xuMFAGjBPvAG

UCT Charities Heaston Scholarship- $3,000-$6,000 Deadline: March 15th

The UTC Charities Heaston Scholarships will be given to 3 deserving students who demonstrate evidence of hard work to overcome obstacles, academic success and extracurricular success in high school, and commitment to community service. Will need to write a pesonal statement and submit 3 letters of recommendation.

https://www.uct.org/the-uct-heaston-scholarship/

Morristown Hamblen Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship- $750 Deadline: March 26th

The JBC Hospitatlity Center and Auxiliary at Morristown Hamblen Healthcare System will present two- $750 scholarships to deserving students in the Lakeway Region who are planning a career in the healthcare field.

PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316

Hancock Manor Scholarship-$25,000 Deadline: March 31st

Must be majoring in a healthcare related degree and be a Hancock County, TN resident. Must have a 2.7 GPA or higher. Must include an essay which includes a brief biological sketch, a description of an experience in your life that has deeply influenced you, and a description of your goals for the future and how you plan to achieve those goals. Must have a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or principal.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1riOcM9AO4LAwJZRWW0fN6uE6FM5X6Oa0/view?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2-FXIahmsyrwGY2iRLfwoEukVD_m9lVbb1cxeqd1n_U6bloWl37gHdxoY_aem_df3mClHTA2y9WSS_JfdLYg

Judy Barton Tourism Memorial Scholarship-$1,000 Deadline: March 31st

Must complete the application and submit a speech about why tourism is the fastest growing industry in the Cumberland Gap region and what does the region have to offer to the typical tourist family. You must present the speech before judges and parent on Thursday, April 10th.

PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316

Niche Scholarship- $25,000 Deadline: March 31st

This scholarship can cover tuition, housing, books, and other college expenses- no essay required!

https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/25k-no-essay-scholarship-202503/?utm_source=student_scholarships&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=student_scholarships_25k_202503

Robert G. Porter Scholars Program- $8,000 Deadline: March 31st

Applicants must have at least one parent or legal guardian who is an American of Federation of Teachers member. Awards are based on academic achievement, commitment to community services and school-related activities, demonstration of leadership, work experience, recommendations, special talents and skills, an essay and a commitment to advancing the interests of working people and building unions.

https://www.aft.org/member-benefits/education-learning-opportunities/scholarships/robert-g-porter-scholars-program

University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 31st

Full-time students who plan to go into automotive, heavy-duty, or collison repair school.

https://automotivescholarships.com/apply-online

Chief Petty Officer Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: April 1st

Must be a dependent child (natural or adopted), step-child, of a US Navy Active Duty, Retired, Honorably Discharged, Reserve or deceased Chief, Senior Chief, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. Note: Students selected to schools under full scholarship will not be eligible for this scholarship. Students selected to attend military service academies including Merchant Marines or enlisted in the Reserves or on Active Duty are not eligible.

https://www.cposf.org/scholarship.

Heavy Equiptment Parts Express Scholarship- $500 Deadline: April 1st

Must fill out the application and submit an answer to the essay question, which can be found on the application page.

https://excavatorpartscalifornia.com/dozer

VMDAEC Scholarship-$1,000 Opens: February 3rd Deadline: April 1st

Your primary residence must receive its power from Powell Valley. A comination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 40% financial need; 40% academic achievement; and 20% personal statement. Funds can be applied towards tuition, student fees, room and board, or textbooks.

https://vmdaec.com/scholarship/

Appalachian Fair Scholarship-$1,000 Deadline: April 10th

You must have been a participant in the Appalachian Fair within the past 2 years. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and submit 3 letters of references. You must also write a 200-250 word essay.

PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316

The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: April 13th

A $5,000 scholarship awarded over two years ($2,500 each year) to a graduating high school senior who will enroll in a two-year community college, a vocational or technical training program, or a specialized program for students with disabilities in the fall. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD). Students who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a LD, are encouraged to apply.

https://www.ncld.org/scholarships-awards/

The Anne Ford Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: April 13th

A $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year over four years) granted to a graduating high school senior who will enroll in a full-time bachelor's degree program in the fall. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD). Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who also have a learning disability, are encouraged to apply.

https://www.ncld.org/scholarships-awards/

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

Must be planning to attend college in the fall of 2025. Complete the application and in 10 words or less, write why you deserve the scholarship. You will also need to like a Facebook page.

https://studentscholarships.org/easy.php

TN Baptist Foundation College/Medical Scholarship- Need Based Deadline: April 15th

Must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Must be a member in good standing of a church cooperating with the TN Baptist Mission Board. Must be going to be a full time student majoring in medical, dental or pharmacy. Household income must not exceed a certain limit and they will need a copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report (when available). Will need to submit a one page testimony and a reference letter from a pastor or church leader.

https://tbfoundation.org/college-medical-scholarships/

Lift Parts Express Scholarship- $500 Deadline: April 30th

Must be enrolling in college by Fall 2025. Must fill out application and write a short essay on how much you expect to spend to finish college, how you intend to pay for your education, and what you expect your job to be once you are finished.

https://forkliftpartstexas.com/forkliftparts.php

4-H Scholarships- Varies Deadline: May 1st

These scholarships are open to all 4-H members. The email provided when registering will be used to contact scholarship recipents. All required documetns are due no later than May 1st. Scholarships will be awarded on January 1st following the successful completion of one quarter or semester of college or schoolwork. Successful completion is defined as a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.

https://4hscholarship.tennessee.edu/About

LM Scholarship- $500 Deadline: May 1st

Must be enrolled in a degree program (2 year of more). Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit a 1,000 word essay about a situation you have been involved in or someone you know has been involved in where better safety procedures would have prevented an injury.

https://forklifttrainingcalgary.com/apply.php

Review It Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: May 15th

Must be attending college or university no later than September of 2025 and have a 2.5 GPA or higher. The scholarship will be awarded to the best Movie Review submitted by a student.

https://chiureviewsscholarship.com/feedback.php

The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: Varies

Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to an education student who exemplifies dedication to Right to Work priciples. High school students must have declared education as their declared major. Requires a 500-700 word essay, an acceptance letter or transcript, and a completed online application.

https://nilrr.org/resources/applegate-teacher-scholarship-application/

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.

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.