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February Newsletter
Hancock County High School
It's FAFSA Time!!!
Seniors are required to complete the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by 11:59 PM on May 15th in order to remain eligible for TN Promise.
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.
Who is my FAFSA Contributor?
Contributors include: biological parents, step-parents, or adoptive parents. (Step-parent must be legally married to your biological or adoptive parent.)
Not a Contributor: Aunts/uncles, grandparents, someone who has custody of you that isn't a parent, etc.
Note: What is your contributor(s) did NOT file 2022 taxes? Your contributor(s) will need to create an FSA ID and give consent on the FAFSA form to confirm they are a non-filer.
I Wasn't Able to Attend the Mandatory TN Promise Meeting, Now What?
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 will receive follow-up communication from tnAchieves via email. This communication will let you know whether your excuse has been approved and will outline the next steps. If your excuse is accepted, you will be required to view a mandatory webinar. This webinar will be sent to you via email on February 7th and you will be required to view the webinar by April 15th.
Upcoming Events
February 6th
FAFSA Frenzy (12PM - 6PM)
February 14th
February 19th
Guide for East Tennessee Foundation Scholarship Application
February Scholarships
East Tennessee Foundation Scholarships- Multiple Scholarships/Amounts Varies
Deadline: March 1st
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. Due to the delays this year with the FAFSA, uploading the Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA will not be required.
https://easttennesseefoundation.org/students/apply-for-scholarships/
East Tennessee State University Scholarships- Amounts vary Deadline: March 1st
All students who have been admitted to ETSU are encouraged to apply for the University Scholarships. Students will need to activate ETSU Goldlink account before applying for scholarships. To access the application, log in with your ETSU username and password at the top right of the link below.
https://www.etsu.edu/university_scholarships/application/
University of TN- Southern Scholarship- Full Tuition Deadline: February 3rd
UT Southern is offering the W. Garie Taylor Honors Day Competition on February 3, 2024. This competition consists of an interview with faculty and a prompted essay. They will then award three competitors with a full tuition scholarship. In order to complete this competition, one must meet the following requirements: an application for admission for the Fall 2024 term must be submitted, have an ACT score of 25 or higher, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
https://visit.utsouthern.edu/event/305857?_eid=64f1f5032580bf72d907ead5
Jimmy Rayne Foundation Scholarship-$5,000 Deadline: February 8th
Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The Foundation seeks scholars who demonstrate not only acaedmic strength but also leadership, community involvement, and a strong desire to overcome challenges. Successful applicants will show how they plan to use their education to achieve significant goals and contribute positively to their communities.
https://www.jimmyranefoundation.org/scholarship-about
POET Never Satisfied Scholarship-$5,000 Deadline: February 12th
Open to students who plan to enroll in any accredited two or four year post-secondary institution. Available to students who are determined to go beyond "good enough" and align with POET's mission to create a brighter future. No specific major or GPA requirement.
George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest- $6,000 Deadline: February 15th
Students must submit an original 800 to 1, 200 word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student's essay will be judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.
https://www.sar.org/george-s-stella-m-knight-essay-contest/
Farm Kids for College Scholarships- $1,000-$2,500 Deadline: February 20th
Must be a senior who is planning to attend college for agribusiness, dairy science, animal science, farm business or any other agriculture related field.
https://www.nationalfarmers.com/scholarships/
Gordan A. Rich Memorial Scholarship-$50,000 Deadline: February 20th
Must be a graduating senior who plans to enroll as a full time student to pursuit a four year bachelor's degree at an accredited college/university. Must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and rank in the top 20% of the class.
http://www.gordonrich.org/html/apply.html
MathWorks Math Modeling (M3 Challenge)- $20,000 Deadline: February 23rd
MathWorks Math Modeling is a contest for teams of high school juniors and seniors in the U.S. and sixth form students in England and Wales. Through participation in this competition, students experience what it's like to work as a team to tackle a real-world problem under time and resource constraints, similar to those faced by professional mathematicians working in the industry. The competition is fully virtual, and participants will not be charged a registration or participation fee. Teams must be comprised of 3 to 5 students and one teacher-coach and a maximum of two teams per school may register.
https://m3challenge.siam.org/the-challenge/
Mission of Hope Scholarship Program- $3,000 Deadline: February 23rd (PICK UP IN 316)
To become a Mission of Hope Scholar you must, complete the application and include a handwritten letter. Details of items needed in the letter is listed on the application. Must include 2 Letters of Recommendation from the Principal, Guidance Counselor and/or teacher. Include high school transcripts and ACT scores.
SEE MS. ABBY LYONS FOR THE APPLICATION
Optimist International Essay Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: February 28th
Open to all students under the age of 19. To be considered, you must submit a 700-800 word essay on the following topic, "Optimism: How It Connects Us". Students will need to create a FastWeb account.
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/5249-optimist-international-essay-contest
BMW Engineering Scholarship- $1,500 Deadline: February 29th
Must have a 3.75 GPA or higher. Want to pursue a degree in engineering or a related science degree with an interest in mobility and advanced or emerging technologies such as Automated, Connectivity, Cybersecurity, etc. Provide two letters of recommendation- one that focuses on academics and one that speaks to your involvement in extra-curricular activities or employment.
https://www.sae.org/participate/scholarships/bmw-sae-engineering-scholarship
Murray Rossen Criminal Justice Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: February 29th
Students who have an interest in the criminal justice field are encouraged to apply. You must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students must submit a video showcasing their vision and passion for making a positive impact in the criminal justice field. Also will need to include a professional resume with relevant experience, such as academic achievements, internships, volunteer work and extracurricular activities.
https://www.criminal-defense-dui.lawyer/2024-murray-rossen-criminal-justice-scholarship/
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
Create a Greeting Card Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 1st
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.
Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 1st
Must be a registered active member of a Boy Scouts of America unit that is charted to an American Legion post, American Legion Auxillary unit or Sons of the the American Legion squadron.
https://www.legion.org/scholarships/eaglescout
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.
FEEA Scholarships- $5,000 Deadline: March 14th
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/
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/
VMDAEC Scholarship-$1,000 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/
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.
Helpful Websites
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.