Erskine College Athletic Training Camp

Erskine College is hosting an athletic training camp for high school students who are interested in the field of athletic training or physical therapy.  The camp will begin on Wednesday, June 10th and end on Saturday, June 13th.  For more information and a registration form, please feel free to contact Scott DeCiantis, Athletic Training Program Director at deciantis@erskine.edu.

Apartment List Scholarship

Apartment List, one of the nation's largest online rental marketplaces, is launching their biannual Apartment List Scholarship!  They are offering one  $2,500 scholarship for a high school student (enrolled in college for Fall 2015) who exemplifies one or more of the company's core values:

- Bold while Pragmatic
- Endlessly Helpful
- Making an Impact
- Driven by Data
- Succeeding together
- Forever Learning

The application process is simple and additional details can be found here.

The deadline for applications is June 1, 2015.

Scholarship Opportunity

Avrek Law Firm is proud to present the 2015 Avrek DriveSafe Scholarship program.  The program is designed to help educate and inform high school and college students about the dangers of distracted driving as well as help fund educations for the winners of the essay contest.

The 1st place winner of the contest will receive a $5,000 scholarship, 2nd place receives $2,500, and 3rd place will receive $1,250 to be used toward their education.  This essay contest is open to undergraduates and graduate students who are currently enrolled in a High School or College/University located within the United States.  Find additional details here:  http://www.avrek.com/scholarships/

Essay Topic: "How can we educate our community about the dangers of distracted driving and what are some practical ways we can drastically reduce distracted driving related accidents?"

Submissions for the essay contest are open now and will close on June 1, 2015.

Summer Internship Opportunity with Bel-Aire

Bel-Aire Community Inner-City Summer Camp is looking for about 15 interns to work with them this summer in the following positions:

1. Kids' Younger Camp (1st-5th grades) - 5 interns

• Meets at 28 Seth Street which has the basketball court and more rooms - pretty much having Vacation Bible School, crafts, etc. all summer.  They will also have their own field trips and special events.
• When Camp is over each day, these interns will plan for the next day, assist staff, and/or join the other interns at Older Camp when needed.
• Part-time intern positions are also available with younger camp if there are openings.

2. Kids' Older Camp (6th grade and up) - 5 interns

• Meets at 38 Seth Street in the conference room for guest speakers, small group Bible studies, etc. and will have 28 Seth Street facility after 1:00 pm.  
• We will be taking older kids away for a weekend retreat this year and more one-on-one time will be stressed (pairing kids/interns that click together).

3. Community Development Team - 5 interns

• These interns will help organize and manage the volunteers working with Bel-Aire over the summer.
• Labor skills are preferred, but not required, as the goal is that most of the work is done by the volunteers while our interns supervise that work as they work alongside each team.
• The work will be done on Tuesday through Friday.  Mondays will be spent planning work for the week and talking with neighbors.  

The summer schedule will be as follows:

• Intern training/camp planning starts on Monday, May 18th or one week after interns get out of school (whichever comes later).
• Camp begins Friday, June 5th and ends Friday, August 12th (9 1/2 weeks)
•  Both camps run Monday through Friday.
• Interns meet to plan and pray at 8:00 am.  Kids are picked up at 9:00 am.  Younger Camp ends at 1:00 pm, Older Camp ends at 4:00 pm.  
• Both camps will have at least one outing a week including the zoo/picnic, Greenville Drive baseball game, whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, rock climbing, and possibly Six Flags.  Older kids will have at least one job/career day outing to a plant or local business.  All kids will have community service hours to complete as part of being involved in camp.

Intern Specifics

• Interns are asked to raise their own salary of $2,500 and will be paid 100% of the amount raised, up to $2,500.
• Two weeks of training will be conducted prior to camp starting.  
• All interns will be given a one week vacation during the summer.

For more information, you may call Linda Sanders at 864-360-5963 or email at kbcharitable@gmail.com. 

More Scholarships!

Giva Student Scholarship

Giva will award $1000 scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students who write thoughtful essays in answering the following questions:

How will you use your talents and education to make the world a better place for future generations?  What are you career and personal goals and why?

The essay needs to be between 600-1000 words, and must be submitted to our mailing address no later than June 1st or December 1st of each year.  A current resume must also be included with the essay.  Giva will choose the scholarship winners and will award the scholarships by August 15th and February 15th of each year.  Students can only apply once in any 12-month period.

In addition to the scholarship, winners will be entered into Giva's six-month Worldwide Community Ambassador essay program.  Giva will provide a social media platform wherein subsequent essays written by the award winners will be published on the Giva website, as well as other social media.  The essays will reflect the personal experiences, perspectives and aspirations of winners in order to encourage and inspire others.

For more information, visit http://www.givainc.com/scholarships/student-scholarship-worldwide-community-ambassador-award.cfm.

2015 Joye Law Firm Scholarship

Joye Law Firm is offering you the opportunity to win a collage scholarship to help further your education.  Our firm will off six $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in South Carolina who plan to attend a four-year institution of higher learning in the fall.  Selection of the recipients is based on the creative entry, school activities, positions of leadership, special honors and awards, community involvement, academic performance, and professional pursuits.

Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

1. A typed or neatly printed application found here.
2. A current high school transcript
3. A creative entry that warns of the dangers of drunk driving and/or distracted driving

Entries may include, but are not limited to, an essay, poem, painting, poster, video, audio recording, web page or other creative entry.  The more creative, the better.

Essays should be limited to 600 words.  Video/audio recordings should be limited to two (2) minutes.  All creative entries must be transported or mailed with the rest of your application.  Entries will not be returned to the applicant.

Application deadline: Tuesday, April 1, 2015

For more information, visit http://www.joyelawfirm.com/scholarship/.  

Academic Outreach Camp

The University of South Carolina Upstate, BMW Manufacturing in Greer, and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System are teaming up for an Academic Outreach Camp to introduce students to exciting and real world applications of mathematics, statistics, and physics.

The camp will emphasize how mathematics and science are used to improve the processes to build things like BMW vehicles and how other industries and organizations, such as healthcare, finance and the armed forces, use similar processes and tools.  In addition to honing and improving team work and leadership skills, students will gain hands-on experience in learning and applying Lean and Six Sigma tools to computerized challenges, physical simulations, case studies, and teaching games.  An in-depth tour of BMW's manufacturing facility and USC-Upstate's Healthcare Simulation Center are included.  Students will also have a chance to improve their driving skills behind the wheel of a BMW vehicle at the BMW Performance Center.

The Academic Outreach Camp will be held June 15-19 and June 22-26, 2015, at USC-Upstate's George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics in downtown Spartanburg.  Participants will be required to attend both weeks.  Students must be rising seniors at the time of application and must apply online at www.uscupstate.edu/bmwcamp.  The camp is free; lunch and snacks will be provided.  The deadline for applications is March 16, 2015.

For questions or for more information, please contact:

Donette Stewart - dstewart@uscupstate.edu or 864503-5280
Tim Ellis - tellis@uscupstate.edu or 864-552-4235

2015 "Blessings of Liberty" Essay Contest

2015 "Blessings of Liberty" Essay Contest

ELIGIBILITY - To be eligible, the writer must be enrolled for the Spring 2015 semester at any public or private high school within Greenville County, SC.

CONTENT - The essay must be positive in tone, emphasizing the benefits of contemporary citizenship guaranteed in the "Bill of Rights" (first ten amendments).  The essay must be the original work of the submitting student.  There must be at least two direct quotations from the US Constitution.  Sources must be identified for all other quotations or references.  It is essential that correct grammar and spelling be used.  The essay must be typed (double space) on plain white paper.  Maximum length: 600 words.  Minimum length: 300 words.

JUDGING - Each entry will be reviewed upon receipt within deadline by at least two educators with graduate degrees.  Finalist papers will be judged by a panel of educators from outside Greenville County.  Decisions by the judges will be final.  In addition to writing style and format, essays will be judged on the power of persuasion, and the author's ability to relate the Constitution to current issues in America.

SUBMISSION - All entries must be hard copy (no electronic), be postmarked on or before Friday, April 10, and mailed to FFI Contest, PO Box 991, Travelers Rest, SC 29690.  Finalists should be notified in May.  Winners will be announced at a ceremony in May.

Dorothy Marron Memorial Scholarship

American Leprosy Missions (ALM) is no accepting Dorothy Marron Memorial Scholarship applications from graduating high school seniors residing in Greenville County who intend to pursue degrees that will lead to a vocation involving international service to poor and disenfranchised peoples in developing countries.  Scholarships are $2,000 per year and may be renewed for up to three years.

For more information and the scholarship application, contact Gwen Smith at 864-241-1741 or scholarships@leprosy.org.

Deadline: April 6, 2015

The Ride of Your Life!

For 18 years, the South Carolina State Fair "Ride of Your Life" Scholarship Program has helped launch bright futures for deserving students in our state.  The fair is excited to continue this tradition by awarding these scholarships to deserving students again in 2015.

Any high school senior in South Carolina is eligible to apply to be a State Fair Scholar.  Potential scholars will find a link to the application below.  The completed application, school transcripts, a current photograph, and an essay on your educational experience in South Carolina is required.

Fifty (50) chosen seniors will be awarded $1,500 per year for up to four years.  The scholarships are to be applied toward post-high school education or training in a South Carolina university, college or technical college.  Students pursuing two-year degrees are eligible for the award and are encouraged to apply.

Prospective scholars will be judged on overall school performance and involvement, as well as extracurricular activities, communication skills and aptitude for completion of the application.  Although this is not a needs-based program, when applicable, need will be taken into consideration.

Fully completed applications must be postmarked by March 13, 2015.  State Fair Scholars will be notified in early May.

For more information and for the scholarship application, visit http://www.scstatefair.org/p/about-us/214.

Contact Info: Betsy Cooper at 803-799-3387 or betsyc@scstatefair.org

Silver Pen Writing Competition and Scholarship

The Silver Pen is an annual scholarship opportunity for high school seniors hosted by Cascades Verdae.  The scholarship has four monetary awards of $1500, $1000, $750, and $500.  All submissions will be judged by our retirement community's Resident Advisory Council which consists of successful retired business professionals, educators, and community leaders.

Criteria for Application

• high school senior living within or attending a school within 25 miles of Cascades Verdae (as SFCS students, you qualify)
• a weighted GPA of 3.0 or above
• demonstration of outstanding character, leadership and citizenship
• participation in extracurricular activities
• one letter of recommendation from a high school faculty, and employer, clergy, or community organization

Essay Rules

• Essay must be the applicant's original work
• Applicants may only enter one time
• Six hundred word essay, typed and double-spaced.  Cover page, title and footnotes do not contribute to word count (name of applicant only on cover page)
• Quotations may be used sparingly and sources must be clearly identified

Judging Guidelines

• Research, insight and perspective
• Theme development
• Inspirational quality
• Creativity
• Clarity of ideas
• Meaningful personal connection
• Essays should concentrate on a theme.  They will be judged on originality, scholarship, including works cited, and mechanics, including correct grammar and spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.

2015 Essay Question

For almost 1400 years people believed that the Earth was the center of the universe, until one day when Copernicus dared to think differently and proposed that the earth actually revolved around the sun.  In today's world, we live in a society built upon the ideas and advancements of those who thought differently - those who innovated.  Webster's Dictionary defines innovation "the introduction of something new."  To that point, innovation comes in many different shapes and forms - books, technology, fashion, medicine, etc.

While we are exploring new "frontiers" with social media, apps, etc., one must wonder if the age of innovation is coming to a close.  Have all things that can be created, been created?

Do you think that it is easier to innovate now with all of the technological advancements?  Or, do you think it was easier to innovate without modern advancements and thinking?

Deadline for submissions: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY, 15, 2015

For more information and to apply, visit http://silverpen-slc.com/. 

So Many Scholarships!

Check out this link for a list of 50 scholarship opportunities:  Spokeo Top 50 Scholarships

The scholarships are listed by deadline and amount.  There is the potential of a lot of money here - don't miss out on this opportunity!

South Carolina Honors College Writing Contest

Cash Awards: $1000, $500, $250

All finalists will receive

• lunch with the judges and tours of USC Libraries' Special Collections
• autographed books by SC writers
• editing by professional and academic editors
• publication in a USC Press young writers anthology

Judged by

• Pat Conroy, New York Times best-selling author
• Marjory Wentworth, SC Poet Laureate

How to Enter

In 750 words or less, writing in any genre or combination of genres (essay, short story, poem, etc.), answer the following question:

"How should we improve the state of South Carolina?"

Eligibility

• Open to South Carolina high school juniors and seniors
• Must be a resident of South Carolina

Deadline: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

For more information, visit SCHC.sc.edu/writing-contest.

 

College Visits this Week

College Admissions Counselors from Anderson University and Bob Jones University will be at SFCS on Thursday, October 16th.  Stop by the Library during 7th Period to meet the representatives and learn about these schools.  (Bob Jones is bringing donuts!)

Also, don't forget to check out the Scholarships Page on the blog.  We update this page with scholarship opportunities all the time, and there is a lot of available money out there to help fund your college experience.  If you need more information about any of the scholarships, visit us in the Student Services Office, and we can help you out!

Watson-Brown Foundation Scholarship

The Watson-Brown Foundation, a Georgia nonprofit corporation, operates one of the larges college scholarship programs in the state.  Students from eighteen counties in Georgia and South Carolina are eligible to apply for the Watson-Brown Foundation scholarship, including Greenville county!

Individual awards range from $3000 to $5000 a year and are given on the basis of merit and need to students who attend 4-year, accredited, non-profit colleges.  Watson-Brown Foundation Scholars attend over 120 different colleges and universities throughout the United States.  Scholarships are renewable for a student's first four years of undergraduate education.

Students must complete and submit this online application by February 15, 2015.  The 2015-2016 Watson-Brown Foundation Scholarship Application is available on their website: www.watson-brown.org/scholarship.

EVERY Shannon Forest senior should apply for this scholarship!  This is a great organization and an amazing scholarship, and we highly recommend that everyone apply.

Please feel free to stop by Student Services for more information about this scholarship or with questions about the application process.

Applying to Charleston Southern?

Charleston Southern University is waiving the online application fee through December 31, 2014!  If you are looking for another school to apply to, this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

Admissions Counselor Visits for Week of September 22

Monday, September 22

Appalachian State University @ 7th-8th Period

Berry College @ 7th-8th Period

Georgia State University @ 7th-8th Period

Liberty University @ 7th-8th Period

(US Library)

Tuesday, September 23

Montreat College @ 4th & Lunch (Student Services)

Oglethorpe University @ 7th-8th Period (US Library)

Belmont Abbey College @ 8th Period (US Library)

Thursday, September 25

Catawba College @ HS Lunch

St. Andrews University @ HS Lunch

(Lunchroom)

Leadership Opportunity for Sophomores

Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership

Empower ~ Lead ~ Excell

Leaders are not simply born.  They're chosen, nurtured, and developed.

HOBY's flagship program, the State Leadership Seminar, is designed to empower high school sophomores to recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, and community.  Your high school's selected student attends our three- or four-day seminar to participate in hands-on leadership activities, meet leaders in your state, and explore personal leadership skills, while learning how to lead others and make a positive impact in the community.  

Every spring, nearly 10,000 high school sophomores from across the country are chosen to represent their high schools in HOBY State Leadership Seminars.  Your student will have a life-changing experience and develop leadership skills which will serve him/her long into the future!

Register at www.hoby.org or call 818-851-3980x400.  Log in to see your seminar date, location, and registration fee.

Guaranteed Acceptance date of DECEMBER 5, 2014.  (Registrations submitted after this date are accepted on a space-available basis.)

If you are interested in being considered for this leadership experience, please stop by the Student Services Office to pick up more information.

Desired Leadership Characteristics:

• outstanding oral and/or written communication skills
• critical and/or creative thinking
• creative problem solving
• strong decision-making skills
• sensitivity to the needs or concerns of others
• charismatic personality (others gravitate towards him or her)
• courage to speak out for one's beliefs
• courage to challenge authority
• participation and/or interest in community service activities

College Visits for Week of September 15th

Monday, September 15

Presbyterian College @ 4th Period & Lunch

University of Alabama @ 4th Period & Lunch

(Room 113)

Tuesday, September 16

Texas Christian University @ Lunch

(Room 102)

Thursday, September 18

Southern Wesleyan University @ Lunch

(Room 102)

Military Academy Day 2014

Saturday, September 27th

National Advocacy Center  ~ 1620 Pendleton Street ~ Columbia, SC

9:30am - doors open and registration begins

10:30am-12pm - official program

Students in grades 8th-12th are invited to attend and learn more about life at a Service Academy as well as the application and nomination process.

No cost to attend - dress is business casual and JROTC cadets are welcome to wear their uniforms, if they wish.

Program includes the following presentations - 

US Air Force Academy

US Coast Guard Academy

US Merchant Marine Academy

US Military Academy at West Point

US Naval Academy

ROTC

Afterwards, visit information tables and meet with the various representatives.

RSVP by September 19th - militaryacademyday2014@lgraham.senate.gov

Seating is limited so you must register to attend.

Please call (803)933-0112 with any questions.

Hosted by US Senator Lindsey Graham in partnership with the SC Congressional Delegation

College Admissions Counselor Visits to SFCS

This year, the Office of College Counseling has lined up quite a few visits from college admissions counselors.  The majority of these visits will be in the month of September with a few in October and November.  This is a GREAT opportunity for you to learn about a bunch of colleges and universities and meet the admissions counselor who may be reading your application.  We will notify you before their visit and direct you to where they are set up.

Please, please, please come to meet these admissions counselors.  They are friendly people who truly want to get to know you.  (And, they often have free give-aways...)

Here is the schedule for this week:

Tuesday, September 9 

Columbia College @ 11:30 am

Wednesday, September 10

Wofford College @ 11:30 am

Furman University @ 2:00 pm

**As an additional incentive, we may be giving away prizes to the Junior and Senior who stop to talk to the most number of college admissions counselors.