Inside Financial Aid & Scholarships at Northwest High School

    Quick Link to: Scholarship Resources and a link to the latest publication of the Jag Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin for Northwest HS Students | NEW! Financial Aid Workshop Events |
    General Scholarship Resources | Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Resources |
    Scholarship Application Links | Financial Aid Resources     (incl. new resources for the 2024-2025 school year) | MCPS High Schools Shared Scholarship Resource |

     

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    Class of 2025 Naviance Senior Exit Survey - Deadline to complete May 23

    Student Instructions - Deadline to complete May 23

    | Post 28 March 2025 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP: The POSSE SCHOLAR & POSSE ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS offered to JUNIORS; full-tuition scholarships to Posse DC partner schools; school nomination required; applicants should be able to demonstrate extraordinary leadership within their high school, community and/or family; applicants must be able to demonstrate communication skills; applicants must also excel academically(no GPA and/or SAT/ACT requirement); applicants must be open to making an early decision commitment to a Posse partner institution if selected as a finalist; Posse DC partner schools are currently Bucknell University, Lafayette College, Lewis & Clark College, Sewanee: The University of the South, University of Rochester and University of Wisconsin-Madison; Posse DC partner school for Posse Arts is University of North Carolina School of the Arts; click HERE for the nomination form;  NOMINATION REQUEST DEADLINE:  JUNE 9 2025 | Post 5 MAY 2025 |

     

    Financial Aid (FAFSA) - The CSS Profile  - MHEC OneApp & Dates To Remember:

    Updates on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Click on the link to learn more. 

    Follow Federal Student Aid for FAFSA tips, resources, and announcements.

    Communication from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) regarding the Maryland Student Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) for undocumented students that are unable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The MSFAA is now available on the MHEC OneApp for the 2025-2026 award year.  The MHEC One-App is a dual purpose application.  Click HERE to view the communication in its entirety.  | Post 10 DEC 2024 |

    An Important Message from the Montgomery College Office of Student Financial Aid regarding FAFSA

    Montgomery College has observed a recurring issue where students are entering the incorrect school code on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This error significantly delays the processing of their financial aid applications and may impact their eligibility for various aid programs. 

    Correct School Code: 006911

    Students should be reminded that Montgomery College's official FAFSA school code is 006911 Rockville Campus. Using any other code, such as the codes for Germantown or Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus — will result in us never receiving their FAFSA, causing unnecessary delays and complications. 

    Student resources:

    • Verify the School Code used when completing the FAFSA the correct school code, 006911. 
    • Students are encouraged to visit the MC Financial Aid Application page for step-by-step instructions on completing the FAFSA accurately.
    • Support: If students need assistance, please direct them to the Financial Aid Office at 240-567-5100 or FinancialAid@montgomerycollege.edu. Our team is available Monday through Friday for walk-ins, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

    From: Michael A. Ferby, Campus Director, Office of Student Financial Aid, 240-567-5100

     

    The CSS Profile:

    The CSS Profile may need to be completed for institutional aid consideration. The CSS Profile is a College Board financial aid application and is not required by all colleges.  There is a cost to complete the CSS Profile.  Deadlines may vary.

    RESOURCES FOR COMPLETING THE CSS PROFILE:

     

    The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC):

    Information regarding the State of Maryland Financial Aid process for the coming school year will be published on the  Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) website as it becomes available.  

    Communication from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) regarding the Maryland Student Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) for undocumented students that are unable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The MSFAA is now available on the MHEC OneApp for the 2025-2026 award year.  The MHEC One-App is a dual purpose application.  Click HERE to view the communication in its entirety.  | Post 10 DEC 2024 |

    MHEC ONE-APP:  Through the MHEC One-App, undocumented students who are eligible for in-state tuition and plan to a attend a Maryland college, university, or a career/trade school may now apply for all of the financial aid programs offered by the state using one platform.  This includes the Maryland Student Financial Aid Application (MSFAA).

    To apply for state scholarships and state aid, students must create an MD CAPS account.  To get started, students create their account.   Maryland College Aid Processing System account, known as their MDCAPS account.  A current and frequently used email is required to ensure successful communication between the student and the agency - all notifications go through email!  View this video for step by step instructions on creating the MDCAPS account. 

    NEW Follow the Maryland Higher Education Commission on social media for information on state financial aid opportunities and updates.

    Other Resources:

    Subscribe to updates from Maryland Higher Education Commission

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    Northwest Scholarship Resources:

    Workshop:  Scholarships Presentation Recording | Presentation PDF

    Northwest High School Scholarship Resource (PDF format)

    The JAG Scholarships 'Apply Now' Bulletin:  This bulletin includes financial aid resources and will be updated as scholarship opportunities become available.  | end of week publication for 16 MAY 2025 | 

    Published weekly, this bulletin summarizes scholarship opportunities that are currently available to Northwest High School students.  The 'Apply Now' Bulletin is available to download using the link provided above.  Included in this publication are the links to the scholarship application, eligibility criteria and deadlines to apply.  The scholarship opportunities are listed by the scholarship application deadline to apply date.

    The JAG Scholarships 'Apply Later' Forecast Bulletin:  Published one-time only at the beginning of each school year.  The Forecast Bulletin lists all scholarships available to students at Northwest High School based on the prior year.  Included in this publication will be the criteria for applying, links to scholarship funder web sites and the general time line for availability and application.  The Forecast Bulletin is available to  download using the link provided above.  The Forecast Bulletin lists the scholarship alphabetically by the scholarship name.

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    Scholarship Application Links:

    If the JAG Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin directs you to this web page for the application, download the application using the link provided below.

    Scholarship Transcript Requests: Scholarship Transcript Request Processing Form 

    The list below is reflects only NEW scholarships posted and REMINDERS for deadlines approaching. A complete list of ALL scholarship opportunities that have been made available to Northwest students can be found in the JAG Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin, including criteria, ONLINE links to applications, and eligibility.  New scholarship information is posted in the order it is received.  Reminder post dates refer to the original post date in the JAG Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin.

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP POSTS  |  MAY & Beyond DEADLINES |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE DEADLINE EXTENDED:  MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAPTER BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. SCHOLARSHIP.  SENIORS who have applied and/or been accepted to BOWIE STATE. $1,000 to $3,000.  Eligibility: 1. good standing in the community. 2. have applied for upcoming Fall semester admission to Bowie State University. 3. provide a sealed copy of their most recent official transcript with the scholarship application. 4. have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater.   DEADLINE TO APPLY:  Extended to THE END OF MAY | Updated Post 15 MAY 2025 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP: The POSSE SCHOLAR & POSSE ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS offered to JUNIORS; full-tuition scholarships to Posse DC partner schools; school nomination required; applicants should be able to demonstrate extraordinary leadership within their high school, community and/or family; applicants must be able to demonstrate communication skills; applicants must also excel academically(no GPA and/or SAT/ACT requirement); applicants must be open to making an early decision commitment to a Posse partner institution if selected as a finalist; Posse DC partner schools are currently Bucknell University, Lafayette College, Lewis & Clark College, Sewanee: The University of the South, University of Rochester and University of Wisconsin-Madison; Posse DC partner school for Posse Arts is University of North Carolina School of the Arts; click HERE for the nomination form;  NOMINATION REQUEST DEADLINE:  JUNE 9 2025 | Post 5 MAY 2025 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program.  Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants are pleased to be able to continue with our scholarship program for the 19th year.  We will be awarding $1,000 to the winner(s) each year. Open to JUNIORS & SENIORS.  Application Process:  Students will submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of our web site.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JUNE 10 2025 | Post 5 MAY 2025 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  MONTGOMERY COLLEGE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP NOW AVAILABLE.  You can apply online for hundreds of scholarship opportunities generously provided by businesses, organizations, and individuals, through the Montgomery College Foundation.  SENIORS.  With your valid M number, you can apply for all scholarship opportunities by completing just one application. An online tool matches your application with relevant foundation scholarship opportunities at Montgomery College.  You may click HERE to sign in with your MyMC user ID and password. Then complete the general application that will allow you to qualify for Fall 2025 Montgomery College Foundation Scholarships. For more information on this or additional opportunities, visit the grants and scholarships web page at montgomerycollege.edu/scholarships.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JUNE 30 2025 for completing your application to be eligible for the Fall 2025 opportunities!  | Post 5 MAY 2025 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  MONTGOMERY COLLEGE Raptor Scholarship:  MC will be offering the Raptor Ready Scholarship once again for incoming spring 2025 Montgomery County high school graduating SENIORS attending MC!  

    Student Requirements

    • Be a spring 2025 Montgomery County high school graduate and a Montgomery County resident; home school and private high school graduation are included (proof of graduation and residency for all students are required)
    • Be admitted to Montgomery College prior to applying for the Raptor Ready Scholarship
    • Complete the Raptor Ready Scholarship application by August 1, 2025
    • Register for and attend 6 credit hours in the fall 2025 semester at Montgomery College or fall courses in one of the WDCE programs listed above
    • The first eligible 1000 applicants will be considered for the scholarship; all others will be placed on a wait list
    • Visiting students who attend other colleges and universities in fall 2025 are not eligible for the scholarship
    • A financial aid application (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] or the Maryland State One-App) is not required for this scholarship, but these and the MC Foundation Scholarship application are highly recommended for many other available financial aid awards

    DEADLINE TO APPLY:  AUGUST 1 2025 | Post 5 MAY 2025 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  The Izaak Walton League of America Rockville Chapter (IWLAR) THOMAS W. FISHER CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP is offering six (6) $2,000 scholarships to qualified Montgomery County, MD student applicants. This scholarship is available to students who will be pursuing their education in conservation or environmentally related disciplines. DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JUNE 18 2025 | Post 28 APRIL 2025 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Inc. Kappa Gamma Chapter Scholarship.  Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority located in Prince George’s County, Maryland would like to award two $1000 scholarships to two graduating high school FEMALE SENIORS who can meet the eligibility requirements listed:

    • Must be an African American female high school senior.
    • Submit documentation reflecting acceptance as a student for fall enrollment at an institution of higher learning.
    • Have a GPA minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
    • Submit an official High School transcript through the fall semester of senior year.
    • Submit two letters of recommendation.
      • One recommendation letter from the high school you are presently attending may be from a Department Chair, Professor, or Advisor.
      • One recommendation letter from community/volunteer service experience (on their letterhead) from a manager or supervisor who can verify student’s volunteer activities.
      • Submit proof of at least 60 hours of community or volunteer service.
      • Submit an essay of no less than 500 words (addressing applicant’s career goals).

    DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JUNE 1 2025; 11:59 PM | Post 3 APR 2024 |

     

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    | Scholarships with MAY+ DEADLINES posted in deadline order |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  THE HERB BLOCK FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP.  SENIORS.  No required GPA or age to apply.  The scholarship is last dollar and covers tuition, school fees, books, and transportation and one can attend full-time or part-time (at least six credits per semester). For more information and the online application please go to our website at www.herbblockfoundation.org.  Please note that this is for the 4 area community colleges listed below.  There is no age cut off, DACA, MD Dreamers, Virginia Dreamers, and Approved Asylum/Refugee status are eligible and there is no GPA cut off.  One needs to have a high school diploma or a GED to apply.

    1.   Northern Virginia Community College
    2.   Montgomery College
    3.   Prince George’s Community College
    4.   Community College of the District of Columbia

    See the link for a video that explains The Herb Block Scholarship in more detail at https://www.herbblockfoundation.org/scholarships.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JUNE 1 2025 | Post 10 MARCH 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  AES Engineers is once again offering an annual scholarship for 2025.  SENIORS.  Application Process:  Students will submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of our web site https://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.php.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  OCT 8 2025 | Post 13 JAN 2025 |

    REMEMBER:  A complete list of ALL scholarship opportunities that have been made available to Northwest students, including criteria, ONLINE links to applications, and eligibility, can be found in the JAG Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin. 

     

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    General Scholarship Resources:

    Scholarship Resource:  MCPS High Schools Scholarship Resources List

    Scholarship Resource:  HBCU College & Scholarship Resource Guide sponsored by Mt. Calvary Baptist Church

    Scholarship Resource:  Know the names of your elected officials and legislative district when applying for state scholarships.  Find your district and the names of your elected officials at mdelect.net.

    Scholarship Resource:  Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) website.

    Scholarship Resource: United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships presentation.

    Scholarship Resource:  United Negro College Fund (UNCF) web site.  Scholarship opportunities for all high school students, including for those planning to attend a Historically Black College or University.

    Scholarship Resource:  Montgomery College  Raptor Scholarship Series continues.  A conversation about Maryland State Programs.

    Scholarship Resource:  Maryland State Scholarship webinar hosted by Mount St. Mary's University.  Click HERE to access the webinar on YouTube.

    Scholarship Resource:  BigFuture Scholarship with CollegeBoard for the Class of 2023.  Become eligible by taking steps to plan for college.  Open to application until February 28, 2023.  Find out more...

    Scholarship Resource:  ARMY ROTC Scholarships

    Scholarship Resource:  The Howard P. Rawlings Program of Excellence Awards (Maryland Higher Education Commission):

    • Educational Assistance Grant (EA)
    • Guaranteed Access Grant (GA)
    • Maryland Community College Promise SCHOLARSHIP.  Are you planning to attend a community college in the state of Maryland? Do you plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) by March 1?  Learn more about the Promise Scholarship and important next steps.  Download the one-page Information Sheet here.

    Scholarship Resource:  C. D. Motes, Jr. Incentive Awards Program (IAP) with the University of Maryland College Park and MCPS UMD Accepted Students.  If you are applying to UMD College Park and demonstrate qualities like leadership, being service oriented, committed to striving to be best and perseverance, you may want to learn more about IAP.  Learn more on the IAP website.  Click here to learn more about Becoming A Scholar. 

    Scholarship Resource:  StudentScholarships.org.  Newsletter includes multiple scholarship opportunities with deadlines through the end of the school year.  Click on the link for a list of current scholarships and links to applications. 

    Scholarship Resource:  Scholarships for International Students.  A resource from BestColleges.com.

    Scholarship Resource:  Immigrants Rising (undocumented) for Scholarships.  A National scholarship search engine.  

    Scholarship Resource:  MCPS College Career Information Center Scholarship Updates for Students

     

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    Financial Aid Information & Resources:

    Financial Aid Resource:  FAFSA Guide from Collegiate Directions, Inc., (CDI) for current high school seniors entering college or career school in the fall of 2025. | Post 2 JAN 2025 |

    Financial Aid Resource:  Collegiate Directions, Inc., (CDI) Events Calendar.  Includes post-secondary financial aid events and general information.  | Post 5 DEC 2024 |

    2024-2024 Financial Aid Resource: How to Create the FAFSA FSA ID

    2024-2024 Financial Aid Resource: Financial Aid Basics, presented by Collegiate Directions, Inc. | English Slideshow| Spanish Slideshow | Post 10 October 2024 |

    2024-2025 Financial Aid Resource:  The Financial Aid Process Webinar, presented by Rob Maddox, Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid, St. Mary's College of Maryland | Post 10 October 2024 |

    Financial Aid Resource:  Reasons to File the FAFSA

    Financial Aid Resource:  Federal Student Aid Better FAFSA Better Future Resources | How to Submit the FAFSA Webinar Recording in Spanish | Update on Submitting FAFSA without a Social Security Number | Upcoming Webinar on Understanding Financial Aid Offers and Special or Unusual Circumstances | Post 10 May 2024 |

    Financial Aid Resource:  TheTRiO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) provides Financial Aid assistance, online and in-person EOC can also provide financial aid award package(s) review.  To schedule an appointment or sign up for a workshop:

    Financial Aid Resource:  A one-page document with links to resources for assistance completing the FAFSA/  Click the image to view the document in PDF format with embedded links.

    Financial Aid Resource:  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

    Financial Aid Resource:  Video tutorials!  

    Financial Aid Resource: MyinTuition Cost Calculation.   A college cost estimator for specific colleges and universities. @ https://myintuition.org/quick-college-cost-estimator/. Posted 14 August 2023 |

    Financial Aid Resource:  The CSS Profile may need to be completed for institutional aid consideration. The CSS Profile is a College Board financial aid application and is not required by all colleges.  There is a cost to complete the CSS Profile.  Deadlines may vary.  Use the link provided to access a list of colleges that require the CSS Profile.

    Financial Aid Resource:  Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) website and the websites for the colleges you are applying to for financial aid updates and deadlines.  Click HERE for the State of Maryland deadlines for scholarships and grants. 

    Financial Aid Resource:  Maryland Higher Education Commission:  FAFSA Simplification

    Financial Aid Resource:  StudentAid.gov Financial Aid Webinars for parents and students looking for assistance with the financial aid process.

    Financial Aid Resource:  Resources and Toolkit supported by StudentAid.gov.  Select your resource platform and topic.

    Financial Aid Resource:  Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Financial Aid Questions Answered!  FAFSA workshop/webinar on YouTube.  The workshop was facilitated by Ed Prep PLUS and Outreach Specialist, Mr. Isaiah Ellis, with the MHEC Office of Student Financial Aid.Questions around finances, as well as various family circumstances including citizenship, divorce/separation, and much more are covered.  Additionally, how to search for scholarships and additional (federal) grants is also discussed.

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