Counseling Center Connection

Where you'll find the latest news from your counseling team

February 2025

Enrollment Conferences: We will host Enrollment Conferences on February 10th and 11th for you to review and complete your student’s course selection for the 2025-2026 School Year. Your student’s Advisory teacher sent an email on January 31st with a link to sign up for a conference time. You must schedule a time for each student that attends the high school. Please contact your student’s counselor with any questions!

Summer School: Summer school enrollment begins on February 17. Contact your counselor to enroll in classes. For more information click here.

Register for the April 5th ACT: The deadline to register for the April 5th ACT is Friday, February 28. The late registration deadline is Sunday, March 16. Late fees will apply if you register after February 28. April 5th is the last time Fort Osage will host the ACT until October 2025. We recommend if you are a college bound junior and you have not taken the ACT yet, that you sign up for the April ACT. If you need help registering, please contact Mrs. Ginger at aginger@fortosage.net

ACT Prep Info: ACT Prep for the April ACT will begin March 3 and run through April 2 on Mondays and Wednesdays (when school is in session) from 2:30-3:30 after school. All students will need to provide their own transportation, interested students should see Mrs. Ginger for a permission slip.

KC Scholars:

Juniors have the unique opportunity to apply for KC Scholar's Traditional Scholarship, which is $50,000 over the course of five years, with the exception of UCM who offer full ride scholarships for awardees. Last year, over 300 junior students in the Kansas City Metro were awarded the scholarship. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 OR a 16 on the ACT and fall within an income threshold.The application closes on February 23rd.
Freshmen have the unique opportunity to apply for KC Scholar's College Savings Match Scholarship. KC Scholars is a local scholarship organization dedicated to empowering low & modest income students to go to college. 250+ freshmen who are awarded the scholarship will receive a $1,400 college scholarship. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and fall within an income threshold.The application closes on February 23rd.

NCAA/NAIA Clearinghouse: Athletes, please make sure you are in contact with your coaches and Mr. Duis regarding your NCAA/NAIA Clearinghouse status. In order to be eligible to play sports in college, you must go through the Clearinghouse. If you have any questions that your coach does not have the answer to, please see Mr. Duis in the counseling center!

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): FAFSA is now open! Seniors who are furthering their education next year will want to file a FAFSA. Please note: Students who are planning on using their A+ are required to file. Completing your FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, state grants, student loans, and work study. You can begin preparing now by creating an FSA ID for the student and one parent as well as collecting tax documents from 2023. For more information, refer to the College and Career Resources website under the “Financial Aid” tab.

Prom Dress Giveaway Event

Blue Springs Elkettes Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2025

The Blue Springs Elkettes are offering $3000 scholarships to graduating seniors. The application for this scholarship must be typewritten so if you are interested in applying email Ms. Bozeman (mbozeman@fortosage.net) or stop by the Counseling Center for instructions.

Jackson County Farm Bureau College Scholarship

Deadline: March 28, 2025

The JCFB scholarship is open to any student in Jackson County, with special consideration given to students with an interest in agriculture, veterinary medicine, or education, however all applicants will be taken into consideration. Farm Bureau membership is NOT a requirement for eligibility. Stop by the Counseling Center to pickup an application.

Automobile Dealers of Greater Kansas City Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2025

Will you be pursuing a degree in the automotive field? Do you have a 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher? If you answered yes to both questions, you may qualify for this $2,000 scholarship. For more information and to apply, click here (Click on the "Greater Kansas City Community Foundation" logo at the top for instructions).

Missouri Bankers Foundation Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: March 7, 2025

The $1,000 Missouri Bankers Foundation Scholarship Program is designed for graduating Missouri high school seniors who plan to pursue college studies in banking-related degree programs. For more information and to apply, click here.

The Hagan Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2025

The Hagan Scholarship is a life-changing scholarship that provides up to $7500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, providing recipients with the opportunity to graduate college debt-free. To qualify you must have a 3.5+GPA and have a Adjusted Gross Household Income under $100,000. To view additional qualifications and to apply, visit www.hsfmo.org.

STEM Signing Day Scholarship

Deadline: February 15, 2025

Are you planning to study a STEM field - science, technology, engineering or mathematics - at a Missouri college, university or technical school? If you are, apply for this $1,000 scholarship. Twenty-five scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors throughout the state of Missouri. Click here to apply now.

Life of Purpose Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2025

This $10,000/year scholarship provides funds for college tuition and expenses to students who demonstrate an interest in developing their unique potential and using their talents to foster the well-being of themselves and others. To be eligible you must have at least a 3.0 GPA. For more information and to apply, click here.

USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

Deadline: March 1, 2025

The 1890 National Scholars Program is aimed at increasing the number of students from rural and underserved communities who study food, agriculture, natural resource and other related sciences. This scholarship provides recipients with full tuition, fees, books, room and board. To be eligible to apply, you must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a minimum composite ACT score of 21. For additional qualifications and to apply, click here.

Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: February 14, 2025

This $2500 renewable scholarship was founded in 2000 to honor the memory of the only First Lady of the United States from Independence, MO. The First Lady was actively involved in many community service organizations in her hometown, a trait that is prioritized for all scholarship winners. For more information and to apply, click here.

Ryan Grace Memorial Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: March 9, 2025

Has organ donation had an impact on you or your family? Has that experience changed your personal views on organ donation? If it has, apply for this scholarship by clicking here. Up to three renewable scholarships will be given out each year.

Central Bank of the Midwest Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: February 28, 2025

Central Bank is proud to invest in the future of your community through this scholarship opportunity. If you have a 3.0+GPA and have demonstrated a balance of academic, sports, work experience and/or community engagement, you may qualify for this $1500 scholarship. Click here for more information and to apply.

John and Kathryn English Memorial Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: February 14, 2025

This scholarship is available to Fort seniors who will be actively involved in 4-H at the time of graduation and who have a parent or guardian who is a current West Central Electric member. For more information on this scholarship and to apply, visit www.westcentralelectric.coop and click on the “Youth Programs” heading.

West Central Electric Cooperative Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: March 7, 2025

West Central Electric is providing up to twenty $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors. Applicants must have a parent/guardian who is a current West Central Electric member. Applicants must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must have taken the ACT or equivalent college entrance exam. For more information on this scholarship and to fill out an application, visit www.westcentralelectric.coop and click on the “Youth Programs” heading.

Truman Heartland Community Foundation Scholarships

Deadline to Apply: February 14, 2025

THCF provides numerous scholarships that are available only to graduating seniors in our area. Check out their website for more information and to apply. The application process is a TWO STEP process. You will fill out the general application which will match you with specific scholarships. You will then fill out additional information for each scholarship you are matched with. If you do not complete both steps of the process, your application will be dismissed. Click here for a list of scholarships available to Fort Osage seniors. Stop by the Counseling Center if you have any questions.

The American Legion Scholarship Program

Deadline to Apply: April 20, 2025

The American Legion is offering several scholarships to Missouri students who are descendants of a veteran with at least ninety days active service in the US Military, who received an Honorable Discharge for such service. To find out more information about the individual scholarships and to fill out an application, visit www.missourilegion.org/scholarships.

New Scholarship for Future Teachers

Deadline: March 31, 2025

We've all heard the saying, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", but what does that look like in action? Check out the video below for an example of what it can look like when we live lives of good character and seek out opportunities to do unto others.

If you are a current student and have applied to a college or university and need your transcript sent to them, click here to submit your transcript request.