rthwest High School

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 Additional Resources

 
Remember the FAFSA filing period begins NOW!

 STAR Scholarship Foundation invites all African American 9th, 10th and 11th graders in Montgomery County Public Schools to apply for their competitive scholarship program.  Northwest applicants must meet the minimum requirements below and follow the 'How To Apply' steps below:

STAR Scholarship Minimum Requirements: 

• Applicant must have above average grades (weighted GPA 3.1 or greater) or grades showing significant progressive improvement over three previous marking periods.
• Plus one or more of the following:
  • Significant academic accomplishments
  • Significant employment experience / employer recommendation
  • Significant volunteer efforts or community involvement
  • Responsibility in family life (caring for family member, contributing to family income)
  • Responsible participation in service-oriented or extracurricular activities
   

Here's how to apply for the STAR Scholarship at Northwest High School:  

1.  Complete the NWHS Transcript Request Form and return it to the College/Career Information Center.  Transcript requests forms must be submitted to the center no later than Wednesday, February 15 in order to allow sufficient time for processing.
2. Download and print out the application.  Included with the application packet are 3 Recommendation/Testimonial Forms.  A minimum of 2 recommendations are required (the 3rd is optional).  Give the Recommendation Forms to your recommenders.  Make sure you have them back before the scholarship deadline.
3. Make an appointment with your counselor.  Included with the application packet is a Counselor Recommendation Form.  You will need to give this form to your counselor and be prepared to share information about yourself that will be helpful to the counselor writing your recomendation.
4. Complete the STAR Scholarship Foundation Application Form.  This form is included in the application packet and requires a student AND parent signature.
5. Begin to work on your essay.  Completed essays should be reviewed by your English teacher.  Remember to type the essay and spell check.  Type your essay on the form included in your packet or if you choose to use your computer, make sure your save your essay with your name, the name of your high school and your student ID typed at the top of the page.  Your essay is an extension of you and should be neatly prepared.
6. Your application packet should be submitted to the College/Career Information Center before the Friday, February 24th deadline.  The packet must include your recommendations!

 [STAR Foundation Scholarship Posted January 30]

  THIS JUST IN... The Montgomery County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will award scholarships to students residing in Montgomery County.  The scholarships will be presented at the Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, May 6, 2012.

NAACP Scholarship Elilgibility Requirements: 

• Must be a graduating high school senior
• Must have a GPA of 3.0 or above (weighted)
• Must participate in extracurricular activities
• Must participate in faith-based, religious-based, or volunteer activities.  If this is not possible because of paid employment, please explain.
• Must have submitted a complete application by Thursday, March 1. 2012.

Application packets must include the application, two school references, high school transcript and essay.  [Posted January 26]

"Getting the Most out of Financial Aid" aired on the Today Show.  A great 5 minute overview for parents and students on the financial aid process, what you need to know and how to get the most out of the financial aid office!  Take a look.  [Posted January 20]

  25 new scholarship opportunities listed in the latest JAG Scholarship Bulletin!  Click here to download.  [Posted January 10]

  "Paying for College" Student Resource Guide (includes scholarships, internships, fellowships, resource books and websites).  Updated September 2011 for 2011-2012.  Published courtesy of U.S. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congressional District 34-California. 

Did you miss the 'Paying Your Way' Financial Aid 101 Seminar at Northwest on Dec. 6?  Click the link to view the Power Point presentation.  Seminar packets are also available in the College/Career Information Center.  [Posted December 7]

Attention juniors!  The 11th Annual Montgomery County Young Professionals  Conference (YPC) is inviting you to attend and offering scholarships!  The conference will be held on March 22 from 8 am to 1 pm at the Universities at Shady Grove.  Juniors participating must be enrolled in specific high school programs including Academy of Finance, Academy of Information Technology, Biosciences Program and Broadcast Media/Multimedia.  Registration for the conference is $10.  Scholarships are available for conference participants.  The deadline for conference registration and scholarship application is February 17.  Visit the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education (MCBRE) web site or your College/Career Information Center for details.  [Posted December 7] 

 Attack the Financial Aid Process... the Jaguar way!

Be fierce and powerful like the Jaguar.  Knowledge is power - know the terms and time lines! Click here to download information to help in your scholarship and financial aid planning.  [Posted July 26] 

JAG Scholarship Forecast Bulletin  

Click here to preview many of the scholarship opportunities that may be available during the coming school year!  Opportunities are posted for all grades.  The listing includes scholarship criteria and anticipated deadline information.  Forecast your scholarship future!  [Posted July 7] 

Just in Scholarships (listed in the order received)... please remember to look at the current month's posting and download the complete JAG Scholarship Bulletin!

 MCPS Educational Foundation is accepting applications from seniors planning to attend Montgomery College.  Applicants shuold have minimum 2.5 GPA and be able to demonstrate financial need, self-discipline and motivation.  Applicants residing in Maryland Legislative District 15 may also be considered for an award to attend a 4-year Maryland institution.  Unofficial transcript, counselor recommendation, financial needs essay and proof of application to MC required.  Apply online by visiting:  http://www.mcpsfoundation.org.  The deadline to apply is March 15.  [Posted February 9]

The Baltimore Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-BRC) is offering the Barbara Balter Entrepreneurial Spirit  Scholarship to female seniors enering college or trade school in 2012.  Applications are available at http://www.nawbobrc.org/committees_scholarship.php.  The deadline to apply is April 20. [Posted February 9]

 Project Management Institute (PMI) is offering a $1,000 scholarship to seniors currently enrolled in a Montgomery County high school.  Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA, take and pass the PMI quiz.  NW students will find applications in the JAG Scholarships-PRIVATE ORGANIZATION file in the College/Career Information Center.  The deadline to apply is March 23.  [Posted February 7]

 Delegate Kirill Reznik is offering his Legislative Scholarship to seniors living in legislative district 39 AND planning to attend a Maryland state school.  Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA.  To find your legislative district, visit www.mdelect.net and type in your home address in the "Who Are Your Elected Officials?" window.  Applications will be available in the Northwest College/Career Information Center and are due back to the center by March 16.  [Posted February 6]

 Asian American Education Association of Montgomery County Public Schools offers seniors the opportunity to receive $1,000.  Applicants must be entering college in the fall and planning to major in education.  Graduating high school seniors of Asian or Pacific Island descent from MCPS are eligible to apply.  Northwest eligible seniors will find applications in the College/Career Information Center.  Applications must be submitted to the scholarship contact by April 27.  [Posted February 6]

 Website correction to the Holocaust Remembrance Project Scholarship listed in the latest JAG Scholarship Bulletin.  This scholarship opportunity is an essay contest open to all high school students in grades 9-12 (applicants must be under the age of 20); awards up to $5,000; visit http://holocaust.hklaw.com/ for contest rules; deadline to apply is April 19 (midnight). [Web site Correction February 6] 

 Blacks in Government Department of Labor Chapter is offering scholarships to seniors with a minimum 2.0 GPA.  Recommendations and essay are required.  NW students will find applications in the JAG Scholarships-PRIVATE ORGANIZATION file in the College/Career Information Center.  The deadline to apply is March 15.  [Posted February 2]

 Frostburg State University offers music scholarships to seniors applying to FSU and declaring majors in music.  The deadline to apply is March 1st, 4 pm; auditions will be held Thursday, March 8.  Application and information can be found on their website www.frostburg.edu/dept/music.  [Posted February 2]

 The Masonic Charities of Maryland is offering education grants to seniors planning to attend a 2-year/4-year or vocational training school.  NW students will find applications in the JAG Scholarships-PRIVATE ORGANIZATION file in the College/Career Information Center.  Applications must be returned to the College/Career Information Center for forwarding to the Masonic Charities.  The deadline to apply is March 31.  [Posted February 2]

 The Polish Heritage Association of Maryland offers a scholarship to seniors who have at least two Polish ancestors.  Awards range from $1,500 to $2,500.  Application and information on applying can be found at www.pha-md.org.  The deadline to apply is March 31.  [Posted February 2]

 Absalom Jones Scholarship is an opportunity for seniors who are members of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.  Financial need is a consideration.  The application requires an essay and recommendations.  Applications are available to download at www.stphilipslaurel.org.  The deadline to apply is April 6.  [Posted February 2]

 The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is offering scholarships to seniors who are affiliated with the local AHEPA family or have the local Green Orthodox church.   Applicants should have achieved excellence in academic, athletic, civic, and cultural endeavors.  NW students will find applications in the JAG Scholarships-PRIVATE ORGANIZATION file in the College/Career Information Center.  The deadline to apply is April 6.  [Posted February 2]

 Montgomery County Teachers Credit Union is offering seniors the Bill Teel Memorial Scholarship.  Seniors must be members of MCT and in good standing.  $1,500 award.  applications are available to download at www.mctfcu.org.  Look for the scholarship link under "Get More News;"  The deadline to apply is April 9.  [Posted February 2]

  The National Organization of Professional Hispanic Employees Natural Resources Conservation Scholarship is available to seniors who are pursuing a career in natural resources conservation.  Applications should have a minimum 2.75 GPA and must show proof of US citizenship.  $1,000 award.  Applications are available online at www.nophnrcse.org.  The deadline to apply is April 2.  [Posted February 2]

  The Thomas W. Fisher Conservation & Environmental Studies Scholarship is being offered to seniors by the Izaak Walton League of Rockville, MD.  Applicants should plan to pursue advanced learning in the areas of conservation or environmental sciences.  $1,500 award.  Applications are available to download at www.iwla-rockville.com (select 'Education Programs' - 'College Scholarships').  The deadline to apply is April 15.  [Posted February 2]

 Nordstrom Cares! is back for juniors!!  The Nordstrom Cares Scholarship is offered to juniors with a minimum 2.7 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale).  Applicants should have volunteer or community service and/or extracurricular activities.  $10,000 scholarship opportunity.  Apply online at www.nordstrom.com/scholarship.  The deadline to apply is May 1.  [Posted February 2]

 Montgomery College Alumni Scholarships are available to seniors who are the sons and daughters of MC alumni.  $2,000 award.  Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA and plan to enroll as a full-time student for the upcoming MC semester.  Applicants must also complete the MC Foundation Scholarsihp application (available online late spring at montgomerycollege.edu - Financial Aid link).  Scholarship applications are available online at https://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/alumnischolarship.  The deadline to apply is June 30.  [Posted February 2]

 Air Force Officers' Wives' Club Scholarships are available to seniors who are US Air Force military dependents (active duty, reserved, guard, retired, deceased, officer or enlisted).  Applications are available online and must include official transcript and current college test scores, two letters of recommendation and a resume.  Download applications at www.afowc.com/scholarships before March 1st.  [Posted January 24]

 Army Officer's Wives' Club Scholarships are being offered by the Greater Washington Area and Fort Myer Thrift Shop to seniors who are children of active duty, retired and deceased Army officers and enlisted Soldiers; applications are available online www.aowcgwa.org; apply by March 31. [Posted January 24]

 The Done Vida Video Scholarship is being offered to Latino seniors; scholarship awards range up to $3,500; video submission required on specific topic regarding organ transplant and donation; visit www.BeADonor.org for video guidelines and requirements; deadline to apply is March 31.  [Posted January 24]

 The Maryland PTA Scholarship is being offered to seniors pursuing a career in education; $500 award; awards are based on the applicants commitment to education, financial need, academic record and resume; minimum 2.75 GPA requirement; essay, copy of FAFSA, transcript and college test scores required; two letters of recommendation required; NW students will find applications in the JAG  Scholarships-PRIVATE ORGANIZATION file in the College/Career Information Center; deadline to apply is March 15.  [Posted January 24]

 The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) Scholarship orgranization has several scholarship opportunities; awards range from $500 to $12,500; visit www.bcf.org/Scholarships to view the complete list and look for scholarships specific to Maryland seniors; deadline to apply is  April 2.  [Posted January 24]

 Federal Water Quality Association Scholarships offered to seniors planning to pursue a career in the environmental sciences, environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, civil engineering, chemical engineering, or natural resource planning; applications will be reviewed based on the student's level of commitment to environmental protection, service and leadership; high school transcript, essay, SAT/ACT scores and references required; NW students will find applications in the JAG  Scholarships-PRIVATE ORGANIZATION file in the College/Career Information Center; deadline to apply is April 16.  [Posted January 24]

 Senator Jennie Forehand is offering her scholarship to seniors living in Maryland District 17.  Applications are availble online at www.jennieforehand.com.  Check your legislative district online at www.mdelect.net.  The deadline to apply is May 4. [Posted January 24]

 The US Hispanic Youth Entrepreneur Education (USHYEE) GenOn  Scholars Grant is being offered to seniors of Hispanic descent.  Applicants must plan to major in the Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields and plan to attend a Maryland college or university.  There is an essay requirement and minimum 2.75 GPA requirement.  Proof of citizenship/residency is NOT required.  Download applications online at www.ushyee.org/educationgrant.html and apply before May 14.  NW students will find a limited number of applications in the JAG Scholarships-MINORITY file in the College/Career Information Center.  [Posted January 24]

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Scholarships with February 2012 deadlines:

   AFA TEENS FOR ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP – open to SENIORS; $5,000 top award; AFA offers this opportunity in an effort to provide an outlet for teenagers to express their thoughts about Alzheimer’s disease and to engage the younger generation in this cause; autobiography and essay required for scholarship consideration; requirements, eligibility and essay questions can be found online www.afateens.org; under “Take Action” select “Apply for Scholarship”; DEADLINE FOR ENTRY:  FEBRUARY 15 (ONLINE ONLY) [Posted October 20] 

   AFCEA NOVA (Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association) – open to SENIORS pursuing degrees in technical fields such as:  Information Technology / Computer Science / Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural/Physical sciences, and other technology-related fields supportive of our National Security; $4,000 award; applications are submitted online with transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation provided separately; visit AFCEA www.afceanova.org/committee/scholarship-committee to apply; DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 29 (ONLINE ONLY) [Posted December 5] 

 ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY (Xi Sigma Omega Chapter) SCHOLARSHIPS (awards vary from $500 to $1,000): 

• GOLDEN SOROR SCHOLARSHIP:  open to SENIORS planning to attend an Historically Black College or University 
• OLA CARTER BERRY SCHOLARSHIP:  open to SENIORS; need based; student may matriculate at any college or university 
• BERNADINE M. PINDELL SCHOLARSHIP:  open to SENIORS planning to major in mathematics 

Applications are available to download from the website www.xisigmaomega.com; DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 24 (NW students will find applications in the JAG Scholarships-PRIVATE ORGANIZATION file in the College/Career Information Center) [Posted January 4] 

 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MILITARY COMPTROLLERS SCHOLARSHIP – open to SENIORS; applicant must be entering a field of study related to financial operations; e.g., business administration, economics, public administration, operations research, accounting, finance or other related field; $1,000 award; applications will be evaluated based on scholastic achievements, extracurricular activities and leadership roles; DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  FEBRUARY 10 (NW students will find applications in the JAG Scholarships-PRIVATE ORGANIZATION file in the College/Career Information Center) [Posted November 3] 

  BEST BUY SCHOLARSHIPS:  offered to students in GRADES 9-12; $1,000 awards; applicants should have solid grades plus community service or work experience; apply online at www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com or www.at15.com; DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 15 (ONLINE APPLICATION) [Posted January 9] 

  CYNTHIA E. MORGAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:  offered to Maryland high school students who are first generation and plan to attend a Maryland college and major in a medical-related field; apply online to www.cemsfund.com; DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 25 (ONLINE APPLICATION)  [Posted January 19] 

  NATIONAL CO-OP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM – open to SENIORS; partnership program with Drexel University, Johnson & Wales University, Kettering University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Rochester Institute of  Technology, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Toledo; required 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; applicants must complete all required admissions applications material and be accepted to one of the partner schools listed above; awards vary based on institution (range is up to $30,000 over 4 years); online application and essay required; transcript and recommendation NOT required; to download application or complete online, visit www.co-op.edu; DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 15 (ONLINE APPLICATION) [Posted October 26] 
  MONTGOMERY COUNTY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP – open to JUNIORS; applicants MUST participate in the March 22 11^th Annual Montgomery County Young Professionals Conference (YCP); applicants MUST be enrolled in any one of the following high school programs: 

• Academy of Finance 
• Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) 
• Biosciences Program 
• Broadcast Media/Multimedia 
• CISCO Networking Academy 
• Entrepreneurship Program 
• Interactive Media and more (complete list available on the web site below) 

Scholarship applications MUST BE SUBMITTED BY REGISTRATION DEADLINE OF FEBRUARY 17; $10 conference registration fee; visit the YCP web site for scholarship application and registration details: 

http://mcbre.org/programs-students-conferences.shtml  (ONLINE APPLICATION) (NW students will find a limited number of applications in the JAG Scholarships-PRIVATE ORGANIZATION file in the College/Career Information Center) [Posted December 6] 

  QUE LLUEVA CAFÉ SCHOLARSHIP:  Open to undocumented students of Chicano/Latino descent.   Applicant must demonstrate financial need, academic potential and promise.  $500 awarded.  Visit http://www.ca-core.org for application and guidelines.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 24 (ONLINE APPLICATION) [Posted December 27] 

   Complete JAG Scholarship Bulletin "What's Available Now"  

 
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Additional Scholarship & Financial Aid Resources:

 FAFSA filing tip:  Remember to check the state's FAFSA deadline for the schools you are applying to.  File the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. 

Check out this new tool from FAFSA on the Web!  Students and parents can now op to transfer tax data directly from the IRS.  Visit FAFSA FAQs for more information. 

 FAFSA 4caster! 

 The FAFSA4caster presented by Federal Student Aid.  Preparing for college takes planning and organization.  Paying for college takes financial aid.  The FAFSA4caster will help you get an early start on the financial aid process.

Assistance with the FAFSA...

• FREE of charge.  Appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling (240) 567-5644.  Montgomery College Educational Opportunity Center, 7600 Takoma Avenue HC 135, Takoma Park, MD  20912
• College Goal Maryland held in February each year.  Registration to attend will be online at CollegeGoalSundayMD.org or call 1.877.632.4709.  FREE to families. 

Scholarship and Financial Aid Web Sites!

www.problemsolver.maryland.gov 
Valuable information for Maryland residents - Click on the Education link

 www.Scholarships4Students.com 
Great resource for scholarship searching - search by several categories.

 www.SchoolSoup.com
Scholarship opportunities for all students. Search for information on colleges and universities and hundreds of careers

CollegeBoard Calculator
For estimating financial aid!

  The Scholarship List published by the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund (MALDEF).  An extensive list of scholarships that may not inquire about immigration status or require a valid social security number to redeem the award. [Posted August 2011]

From the Maryland Higher Education Commission:  Use the College Aid Calculator for Maryland students and families

WIN SCHOLARSHIP MONEY USING PETERSON'S StudentEdge! Northwest High School now offers FREE access to The Student Edge, Peterson's online college and career planning tool. Highlights of the program include finding the best college for a student's academic goals, social interests, and financial needs, access to a scholarship database, college testing preparation & career interest tools.

from FundingCollege.org The "AWARD LETTER". An award letter, by definition, is the college or university's offer of financial aid. 

Fastweb.com is a great resource for Award Letter Explanations!

Sample Award Letters
For families who DO qualify for need-based financial aid
For families who DO NOT qualify for need-based financial aid 

Are you a recipient of the STAR Foundation Scholarship?  If so, click here to find out how to receive your award. [Posted June 11]  

SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS!!!. Helpful information from the Federal Trade Commission

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