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.

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/.  

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!

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.

Wendy's High School Heisman

Wendy's is looking for the next class of remarkable students who excel in academics, athletics, and community involvement.  The 2014 Wendy's High School Heisman award application process is underway.  Now through October 3, 2014, class of 2015  graduating seniors can apply at www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com.

To be eligible, a student must have maintained at least a 'B' grade point average, participated in one of the 27 sports officially sanctioned by the National Federation of State High School Associations, and demonstrated active involvement in his or her community.

National Winners receive:

• Recognition during ESPN's national telecast of the college Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation in New York City
• A Wendy's High School Heisman trophy and Heisman Patch
• $10,000 for their high school
• $500 Wendy's gift card

The Wendy's High School Heisman program is truly a stepping stone toward high achievements, and with college admissions growing more selective, a national award of this caliber can help students stand out.  You may also 'like' Wendy's High School Heisman on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendyshighschoolheisman for program updates and to connect with alumni!

DEADLINE:  October 3, 2014

**Added bonus: the first 25,000 completed applications will receive a $10 Wendy's gift card!

Scholarship Opportunity

Are you an actor, artist, dancer, filmmaker, designer, musician, photographer, singer, songwriter, or writer, age 15-18 or in grades 10-12?  YoungArts has changed the lives of more than 20,000 young artists like you.  How?

Cash awards up to $10,000 with $500,000 given annually - more than $150 million in college scholarships facilitated - Exclusive path to US Presidential Scholars in the Arts - Master classes with renowned artists  - Opportunity to appear in HBO YoungArts MasterClass - Lifetime of professional support and networking

For more information, visit: youngarts.org/apply2015
Deadline: October 17, 2014

Scholarship Opportunity

Danforth Scholars Program honors students who embrace high ideals and whose life choices are guided by personal integrity, selflessness, a commitment to community, and a dedication to leadership and academic excellence.  Danforth scholars may receive full or partial tuition scholarships, renewed each year provided they progress academically and uphold their high standards of character.  This program is open to prospective undergraduate and graduate students applying to Washington University.

Undergraduate students must be nominated to participate in the scholarship selection process. If you are interested in attending Washington University in St. Louis and being considered for this scholarship, please contact Kathryn Taylor in the Student Services Office (ktaylor@shannonforest.com).

Deadline to be nominated: October 10, 2014

Summer Programs: South Carolina Business Week

Are you interested in going into business?  This might be the summer program opportunity for you!  And it's FREE!  South Carolina Business Week is the premier youth program of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.  The timely and customized curriculum encourages participants to excel as individuals while becoming integral team players.  Learn skills from leaders in business, education and government; CEOs from some of South Carolina's largest corporations; and experts in economics, diversity, communications, international business, management, and research and development.

THE DETAILS
Who: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors (top 1/3 of their class)
When: July 13-18, 2014
Where: Presbyterian College
Cost: $50 application fee (program attendees are sponsored by the business community)
Deadline: APRIL 11, 2014

BONUS
Each year, South Carolina Business Week presents four college scholarships totaling $12,000 to deserving students.  The scholarships are: the S. Hunter Howard, Jr. Business Week Scholarship ($5,000), the Ron McNair Leadership Scholarship ($3,000), the Rawl Family Scholarship ($2,000), and the Chelse Ward Elliott Scholarship ($2,000).  Students who receive one of the first three scholarships must attend an in-state college or university in order to receive the scholarship money.  Students are required to submit a separate scholarship application, which will be mailed to them once they are accepted into the South Carolina Business Week program.

If you are interested in learning more or applying for this program, stop by the Student Services Office in the 100 building.  Or visit http://www.scbusinessweek.com/.

For Parents, On Financial Aid

After being accepted by a college or university, the next big hurdle is financial aid.  The Financial Aid process can feel like a maze of details and forms - merit scholarships, need-based scholarships, FAFSA, additional applications, tax information, grants, loans, and on and on.  So how to maneuver through this mess?  Every year, Amber Thompson our registrar, hosts a financial aid meeting with Senior and Junior parents.  This meeting is led by an admissions counselor from a local college and has proved very helpful in years past.  One of the major topics covered at this meeting is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  The federal government and many colleges use the FAFSA as a measurement to determine the amount of financial aid your family would need in order to send a student to college.  Below I have included an article from College Make Simple, a website with tips and tricks for the college application process.  This particular tip is about the importance of filling out the FAFSA even if you think it won't make a difference in your financial aid package.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Dear College Made Simple reader,

Every year, a number of families make a huge mistake.

They don’t fill out and submit their FAFSA.

Some are guilty of simple mistakes – waiting too long to submit their application, not correcting errors in an application – but the majority who make this mistake do it on purpose.

They figure they’re not eligible for financial aid, due to income or savings they think is too high. Why bother doing the application, when there’s no money that will come your way?

If you choose not to fill out a FAFSA – no matter what your situation – you could be shooting yourself in the foot. In today’s College Made Simple report, we explain why…

- Scott

Financial Aid Eligibility: Why It’s Always a Good Idea To Submit the FAFSA

Most people who don’t fill out the FAFSA think they won’t be able to get the money. They could be wrong.

Situations change. Jobs are sometimes lost, health issues sometimes arise that prevent work (or drain savings). A new baby might come into the picture – or, unfortunately, a bread winner might pass.

The future can’t be known – but one thing you can know, if you don’t file a FAFSA, you can’t adapt to changing circumstances. Even if you won’t be eligible for aid today – you might be tomorrow.

Further, many merit scholarships require a FAFSA. So even if you don’t qualify from need, you might qualify thanks to achievement.

Of course, if you don’t fill out a FAFSA, you’ll never find out.

Finally, any student loans you might take out require a FAFSA as well. Even if you’re perfectly capable of affording school – sometimes it makes sense to take out a loan anyway.

In some cases it’s to avoid running down retirement savings – or, perhaps, to give a student a fine lesson in financial life as well, even if just with a token loan.

In short, there are a few good reasons to fill out a FAFSA that have nothing to do with need. And, as a type of insurance, everyone should fill out a FAFSA, just in case a family’s financial fortune takes a sudden turn south.

To your college funding & admissions success,

Scott Weingold

Co-Founder, College Planning Network LLC

Publisher, CollegeMadeSimple.com – The free educational resource of College Planning Network

Scholarship Opportunities

Watson-Brown Foundation

The Watson-Brown Foundation has $3000 and $5000 annual scholarships ready for 200 students, just like you! Apply online at www.watson-brown.org/scholarship.  See Mrs. Thompson for more information.

DEADLINE- FEBRUARY 15, 2014

SunTrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes

High school seniors can enter for a chance to win a $1000 scholarship for their education expenses at a college or university.  One winner will be chosen every two weeks from October 25, 2013 through May 9, 2014.  This scholarship is free to enter and eligibility not based on GPA or financial need.  For complete details and to enter, visit https://www.suntrusteducation.com/ScholarshipSweepstakes/index.html.

George W. Jenkins Scholarship

For students interested in attending the University of Miami, the George W. Jenkins Scholarship is a four-year scholarship awarded to students based on academic merit, financial need, and an essay that demonstrates a history of overcoming significant adversity.  The award includes tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, and a $2,050 stipend per semester, totaling more than $55,000 a year.  For more information, see Mrs. Thompson.

DEADLINE- DECEMBER 1, 2013

National Honor Society Scholarship Program

The NHS Scholarship program will award more than $200,000 in scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $13,000 each.  Selection is based on outstanding performance in the four criteria for NHS membership: scholarship, leadership, character, and service.  More information can be found at www.nhs.us/nhsscholarship.

DEADLINE- JANUARY 27, 2014

Kittie Moss Fairey Educational Fund Scholarship

The Kittie M. Fairey Educational Fund offers scholarship aid to deserving students who meet certain academic and financial criteria.  Applicants must have the following criteria: a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; a combined SAT score of 1800 or a composite ACT score of 26; a household adjusted gross income not exceeding $40,000; plans to attend an accredited, four-year college or university in South Carolina.  For more information, see Mrs. Thompson.

DEADLINE- DECEMBER 2, 2013

South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation Scholarship

The South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation offers scholarship aid to deserving students who meet certain academic criteria including a cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, plans to attend an accredited private or public, four-year college or university in South Carolina, and a competitive or recreational interest in golf.  Applications can be submitted online at www.scholarshipprograms.org.  See Mrs. Thompson for more information.

DEADLINE- DECEMBER 2, 2014

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship

The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program annually awards roughly 20 college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships – up to $40,000 total per recipient.  For more information, eligibility requirements, and an online application, visit www.reaganfoundation.org/scholarships. 

DEADLINE- JANUARY 9, 2014

2013-2014 SportQuest Playing with a Purpose Program

“A unique program that recognizes and rewards the nation’s outstanding Christian Student Athletes.”

Students must meet the following criteria:

-Currently a high school sophomore, junior or senior

-Maintains a minimum ‘C’ grade average or higher

-Currently a varsity level athlete in one or more sports

-A committed follower of Jesus Christ

To apply, visit- www.sportquest.org

DEADLINE- FEBRUARY 1, 2014

Elks National Foundation
The Elks Foundation awards scholarships to 500 high school seniors (range from $4,000 to $60,000)

Applications are available online- www.elks.org/enf/scholars but must be MAILED. See Mrs. Thompson for more information
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 3, 2013

Columbia College Momentum Scholarship
If you are applying to Columbia College, please let Mrs. Thompson know as soon as possible. You may qualify for this prestigious scholarship.

DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 15, 2013

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association awards scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to students who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity.  Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA and require financial assistance to go to college.  Applications are available online at www.horatioalger.org/scholarships. See Mrs. Thompson for more information.

DEADLINE:  OCTOBER 25, 2013

2014 American Legion Oratorical Contest

If you are interested in competing in the National American Legion 76^th Annual High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, please let Mrs. Thompson know as soon as possible. The topic of this year’s competition is “A Constitutional Speech.” State and National winners qualify for scholarships between $400 and $18,000.

DEADLINE: JANUARY 14, 2014

Congrats to Kyle and Emma!

A great big congratulations to seniors Kyle Bradley and Emma Knight, who are not only our school Wendy's Heisman winners, but are 2013-2014 state finalists!  The Wendy's Heisman award is given to senior athletes who excel in academics, athletics, and leadership.  SFCS is very excited to have two students qualify as state finalists!