SCHOLARSHIPS
Updated 9/22/14
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SCHOLARSHIPS THAT HAVE CONSISTANTLY BEEN AVAILABLE TO LAUREL STUDENTS. YOU MAY ALSO SEARCH THE INTERNET (THE MOST USEFUL SITES ARE ON ANOTHER SHEET IN YOUR FOLDER) AND WITH YOUR PARENT’S EMPLOYERS.
HOW TO SEARCH AND APPLY
Most scholarship searches can now be done using the internet. If you do not have a computer or internet service at your home, you are permitted to use the Laurel High School computers for these searches. The two best websites are fastweb.com & scholarships.com. See also the website handout in your folder for a listing of the most comprehensive and user friendly websites recommended by your school counselor. These websites are also listed on the Jr/Sr. High School wiki page under the link “HS Guidance.”
In addition to the internet, many scholarship agencies send criteria and paper applications to the Guidance Office. The Guidance Office announces on LTV as well as posts on the Scholarship Bulletin Board all scholarship criteria and applications that are received. If you would like to apply for any scholarships on file in the Guidance Office, you must listen to the announcements, and check the Scholarship Bulletin Board regularly. When you want an application for a scholarship simply rip off one of the pull-tabs from the bulletin board, write you name and homeroom on the back and then give the tab to the guidance secretary, Mrs. Linda Barletto.
Many scholarships are now using on-line applications that can be accessed through their web sites. If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, Laurel High School computers are permitted to be used to complete scholarship applications. You may also contact the scholarship agency via phone, mail, e-mail or websites in order to receive a paper application.
Most scholarships require students to complete the general application form and attach an official high school transcript. Official high school transcripts must be sent directly from Laurel High School to the scholarship agency. Transcripts that are given to a student are stamped “issued to student” and are considered unofficial. No transcript can be sent without a release form signed by a parent. Blanket release forms are included in this packet and once signed by parent/guardian, transcript requests are covered for the entire school year.
Scholarships may also require students to write an essay, send letters of recommendation, list activities/honors/achievements, parental income information, listings of financial aid already received, and/or attend an interview.
In order to complete a scholarship application, please use the following guidelines:
1) Complete all the student sections of the applications (on-line or on paper). Be sure to use
pen or type on paper applications. Applications completed in pencil reflect poorly on
your potential as a scholarship recipient.
2) If required, write an essay and attach it to the application. Be sure to use your best writing
skills, proofread it yourself AND have someone else proof read your essay.
3) If required, create a separate sheet with your activities/honors/achievements/community services. This can be included with your application and/or given to people who will be writing recommendations for you.
4) If required, contact teachers and personal references to write letters of recommendations (LORs). Give each person you approach a copy of your activity sheet (see above) in order to assist them with writing about your strengths. It is recommended that you give a MINIMUM of two weeks notice to anyone from whom you request a reference.
5) If required, attach information regarding your parental income and or statements regarding any financial aid already received (this is usually only required for “need based” scholarships).
6) Submit completed application, essays, activities sheet, LORs, parental income and financial aid information to Mrs. Barletto, the Guidance Office secretary AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE APPLICATION DEADLINE. The school counselor will review the completed application, sign it and return any portions to you that are unsatisfactory for submission. Once the application is satisfactory, the Guidance Office will attach an official transcript, and mail it to the scholarship agency.
NOTE: If you apply on-line, you must still contact the guidance office to have an
Official Transcript sent. You may still submit materials to be sent with your transcript.
SCHOLARSHIP LISTING
Previous Year Scholarship / Previous Year Criteria / Previous Year Deadline / Previous Year Award AmountAADE
Am. Assoc. of Drilling Engineers / High school seniors; GPA 3.5+, ACT 25+ or SAT 1600+ apply at www.aade.org/chapters/appalachian-basin/ / April 30 / 20/$1,000
American Legion Essay Contest / Grades 9-12, 500 to 1000 word essay
Sponsored by Amer. Legion Post 343; Topic: “Should the supreme court be appointed or elected”
www.pa-legion.com / January 31 / 1st: $3,500
2nd: $3,000
3rd: 2,500
American Legion
Need A Lift / www.legion.org/needalift / Varies / Varies
AXA Achievement Scholarship / Active in community; led project to benefit others; overcome personal challenges
www.axa-achievement.com / Feb. 1 / 375/$2,000
Balanced Man / U of Pitt. Incoming fall male freshman; academics; leadership; activities; personal statement; trans.; GPA; SAT; rank / June / 3/$1000
Beaver-law Central Labor Council / Applicant (member or dep.) in good standing of an affiliated local union, hs senior, post secondary acceptance, 500 word essay / March 11 / $1,000
The Bee Scholarship / Laurel senior, 3.25+ GPA, proof of acceptance to cont. educ. beyond HS, transcript, 450 word essay on friendship, 8 x10 original photo to portray essay characteristics / March 31 / $350.00
Benjamin Franklin Scholar Award / Junior, original essay up to 750 words; today’s relevance of a specified Benjamin Franklin quotation
Submit to Guidance / October 23 / 1: 3,000
2: 2,000
3: 1,000 and Award Presentation/Dinner
Big 33 / Senior, 2.0+ GPA, well rounded education & extracurricular activities
www.big33.org
(Laurel code BO392900) / February 1 / varies
Blackwood Theatre Organ Society / Senior to pursue instrumental music career, personal interview, audition, music talent, LOR, academics, need, essay, tax return, transcript
www.blackwoodmusic.org / February 1 / 5 at $20,000.00
Buick Achievers / 4-year college bound major in sci., tech., engineer., math, bus. Admin., finance, marketing or design, career in automotive or related industry; community-minded; giving back to community; financial need www.buickachievers.com / February 28 / 100/up to $25,000 yearly; 1,000/$2,000
Burger King / Senior or Burger King employee
www.bkmclamorefoundation.org/WhatWeDo/ScholarsProgram / Nov. 15-Jan. 10 / $1,000 - $25,000
Caroline Knox Memorial Academic Grant / Law. Co. senior, financial need, high academics, SAT/ACT, community involvement, interests, aspirations essay, FASFA EFC and SAR, 1040 Income Tax, Financial aid award letter, college cost statement / April 15 / $1,000-$2,500 yearly, renewable for 4 years
Caroline Knox Memorial Trust Fund - Westminster / Law. Co. Senior, Westminster accept., great financial need, EFC / April 15 / $3,000 yearly, renewable
College Prowler / Law. Co. high school student; answer two questions at www.CollegeProwler.com/Scholarship/Pittsburgh / December 31 / $1,000
Coca-Cola / Senior, GPA, rank, school activities, community/volunteer act., employment history, leadership, awards/honors, must apply online www.coca-colascholars.org / October 31 / 50/$20,000
200/$10,000
Crisci Memorial / Law. Co. senior, Financial need, 2.5+ GPA, Character, , trans., photo, tax statement, apply at www.sv-foundation.org / March 15 / Amt. Varies & luncheon
Daughters of the American Revolution (Fort McIntosh Chapter) / LHS senir good citizen representative selected on dependablility, service, leadership, patriotism demonstrated in life and relationships; future plans; activities; grades; trans.; 2 LOR; part II phse 550 word timed essay; original photo / October / $200 & lunchoen
Debra Bakewell McEwen / Laurel senior, GPA, rank, essay, trans, 2 LOR, college information, activities/honors / May 1 / varies
Del Williams Environmental
Shenango River Watchers, Inc. / Senior interested in preservation/conservation and residing in a Shengango River watershed OR volunteer/member of Shenango River Watchers; 2 LOR, 500 word essay, GPA 3.0+, volunteer, community service, 4 yr college plan
http://shenangoriverwatchers.org / March 19 / 1/$1,000
Design Award / Full-Time senior; US resident
www.studentscholarships.org/scholarshipsforcollege.php / May 1 / $500
Distinguished Young Woman Law. Co. Junior Miss Inc / Graduating senior; GPA 2.5+ (3.0+ preferred); commitment to program rehearsals; talent presentation; honors, clubs, awards, hobbies, interests, sports, community, social, civic activities; Submit to guidance office or on
http://www.ajm.org/about/scholarships/ / February 13 / Numerous awards available
Dick & Mary Lou Borowicz Memorial / Senior athlete at a Law. Co. high school, top 50% of class, college accept., 1 LOR, trans., essay, comm. Service, activities & honors, athletic success, personal merit, SAT/ACT, GPA, Rank / May 20 / 6/$300
(3 males & 3 females)
Dr. Almo Sebastianelli Drum Corps / PA senior that is child/grandchild of PA Legionnaire living or deceased; band member, major in music in PA; trans.; acceptance ltr.
http://pa-legion.com/programs/student-programs/ / May 1 / $500.00
Dr. Spokane & Staff Smile / High school senior, past or present patient of Dr. Spokane; name, address, sr. photo, name of high school, 500 word essay on “How your beautiful smile has changed your life” / April 1 / 4/$500.00
Donald McNutt Memorial / Member or dep. in good standing of affiliated local union; high school senior, post-secondary program acceptance, 500 word essay / March 28 / $1,000 and presentation
Dorothea & Lois DiGiorgi / Law. Co. senior; college plans, financial need, GPA, rank, ACT?SAT; personal reference, if employed: employer reference; trans.; community involvement, essay
www/cp,,-foundation.org / March / $10,000 & recognition luncheon
Edgar Snyder & Associates / College-bound senior, activities, sports & community activities, acad. & professional goals, photo; video/power pt/brochure/website/essay presentation that discourages underage drinking or texting while driving
www.edgarsnyder.com / March 29 / 1/$5,000
3/$2,500
3/$1,000
Elks
(Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) / Senior, LOR from faculty, LOR form community rep, top 10% of class, 200 wd fin. stmt, leadership, employment, SAT/ACT, counselor report, comm. service, honors, 500 word essay, trans., SSN, fin. analysis, us citizen, apply at
http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/ / Dec. 1 / $1,200 - $60,00
Varies
(500 four year awards)
Emma Hoyt Foundation / Senior of Law. Co., tax forms, trans., SAT, GPA, rank, accept. Ltr,; fall semester invoice, written statement of activities, accomplishments, honors/awards, educational objective / August / TBA
Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central PA / Western/central PA senior diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure disorder, physician’s confirmed statement, trans.; SAT; rank; GPA; honors, awards; post secondary acceptance ltr.; reference; activities; essay; any employment; need (IRS); attend at least one EFWCP run/walk / March / $2,5000 & 6/$1,000
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Writing Contest / Jr. or Sr. write essay, poem, play or short story with teacher supervision on “the most dignificant advancement in the last 100 years and any impact on our economy”; judged on comprehension, organization, conclusions, creativity, clarity / February 28 / $100-$500, plaque, tour of reserve bank (teacher=gift bag)
First Commonwealth “Time to be First” Athletic / Senior athlete; success in classroom, the community, and athletic endeavors; 500 word essay, LOR’s optional
http://WPIAL.org / March 28 / 20/$1,000
FIRE
Foundation for Individual Rights in Education / High school junior or senior; free speech topic essay, 800-1,000 words
www.thefire.org/contests / January 1 / 1/$10,000
2/$5,000 3/$1,000 &
4/$500.00
Freddie Fu Sports Medicine UPMC / Junior or senior, interest in sport medicine career, 2 LOR, trans., based on commitment, leadership, community service, financial need, GPA, rank, Counselor form
www.upmc.com/Services/sportsmedicine/services/Pages/athletic-training.aspx / April 26 / $2,000 & and UPMC summer internship
Gannon Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computer Science / High school senior or recent graduate; apply and acceptance to Gannon; GPA 3.0+, SAT 1100+ or ACT 24+; full-time student status; financial need
www.gannon.edu/seecs / March 30 / Varies
GE Reagan Foundation / College bound, leadership, drive, integrity & citizenship
www.reaganfoundation.org / January 9 / 20/$10.000 renewable up to $40,000
GI Bill Benefits / Eligible 18 or older dependant and/or survivor of certain veterans
www.gibill.va.gov / None listed / $425,000-
$860,000 until age 26
Gilbraitti / Age 16-20, attending college/university in fall; essay
www.mortgagebrokerprincegeorge.ca / March 30 / $500.00
Gino V Cugini Memorial / Athlete, committed to continue athletic participation at college level, trans., LOR, activities, goals, SAT/ACT, copy athletic commit, any employment copy college accept. / April 12—due there / Check towards college expenses
Global Lift Equipment / Attend post second. Instit. In fall; GPA 2.5+; short story
www.usedforkliftsoregon.com / October / $500
Greenville Symphony Orchestra / Senior planning on continuing music ed., current member of HS music dept. (Chorus or Band), Good acad. Standing, 3 LOR from music director/teachers/coaches; 500 word personal essay / April 26 / $1,000 and invitation to spring concert
Helen English Memorial / Laurel Senior, trans.,GPA, rank, essay, 2 LOR, college info., activities & honors / May 1 / Varies
Herff Jones Believe in You Principal’s Award / 500 word essay on why you excel in leadership, academics, or community service. Turn into LHS guidance / January 31 / $2,000-$12,000
Hermine Solt Business
(PAEOP Sponsored) / High school senior pursuing business-related degree; LOR; financial need
www.paeop.com / March 1 / $500
Horatio Alger Association / Financial need, character to succeed, overcoming personal adversity with integrity & perserverance, persue bachelor degree; co-curricular & community activities; 2.0 GPA
www.horatioalger.org/scholarships / October / $5,000- $20,000
Hoyt Foundation / Law. Co. resident, tax forms, college fees, trans., accept. ltr, student aid report, personal LORs, college itemized expenses, written statement of activities / Third Friday in August / Varies
Jack Butz Humanitarian / Law. Co. senior, 2.5+ GPA, plan to attend 2-4 yr. coll., fin. need, personal interview, essay, trans., 100 word essay, SAR, tax return, photo, honors/awards/activities, awards/honors/hobbies, community projects / March 27 / $500 - $5,000 & annual dinner recognition
JCI Senate PA/US (Jaycees) / Senior, PA resident
www.usjcisenatefoundation.org / January 4 / 2 PA $500 and 15 National $1,000
Jerb Miller Scholarship (Westminster College) / HS senior w/ 3.5 GPA, applied & Westminster College, nominated by Westminster alumnus (see school counselor if interested) www.westminster.edu/jerb / Oct. 31 / $17,000 per college year ($68,000 total)
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage / Essay Contest – Gr. 9-12; 1,000 word essay on political courage (as defined by JFK) of a US elected official since 1956; using 5 sources www.jfklibrary.org / January 6 / 1: $10,000