CCHS - Counselor’s Corner
November 6, 2017
Important Reminders for CCHS Students:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid – Available NOW for seniors!
Visit to complete the FAFSA
A completed FAFSA application is required for students to receive certain financial aid opportunities in college. Please speak with a college admissions representative for more information about the financial aid process at the schools that you are applying to.
Seniors - Scholarship Deadlines Fast Approaching
Seniors, take note of the academic scholarship deadlines for the schools you are considering. If you are unsure of the scholarship deadline for a particular college or university, contact the admission representative from that school. Most schools require students to be admitted before considering them for an academic scholarship.
Upcoming College Visits at CCHS:
- Tuesday, November 7 – Auburn University
- Tuesday, November 14 – University of North Alabama
Juniors and seniors can sign up to meet with college recruiters in a small group session before thegeneral session. The general session is open to all students during lunch outside the Cougar Cafe. Small group sign-up sheets are located in the main office. Juniors are limited to three small group sessions throughout the school year.
Community Events:
LSCC Innovation Technology Leadership Conference
Tuesday, November 14; Registration Deadline: November 8
The Innovation Technology Leadership Conference is available to 10th-12th grade students that are interested in the fields of Business and Information Technologies. The conference will be held at Lawson State Community College, Birmingham Campus on November 14, 2017. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m., and the first workshop at 9:15 a.m., in the Dr. Perry W. Ward Advanced Technology Building, and the conference will end at 1:15 p.m. The workshop topics will focus on “College, Career and Life Readiness”. Students will be able to choose three workshops of their choice. LSCC is asking each student to pay $10 for registration, and lunch will be provided. RSVP by November 8, 2017. For more information, email Dr. Stephanie Henry,.
Wells Fargo Free College-Planning Webinar
Tuesday, November 14 at 11:00 CST
November has been designated National Scholarship month. In order to celebrate and help students find the money necessary to afford their higher education, Wells Fargo is offering a webinar on finding and applying for scholarships.In this webinar undergraduate students will learn how to navigate the process of finding and applying for scholarships with useful tips, tools and resources to help increase the amount of their scholarship awards.Advance registration is required; to register or to view a recorded topic, visit:
The Trunk Project - College Dorm Supplies (Juniors Only)
Deadline: December 1, 2017
“The Trunk Project” is a non-profit program of the “Go Beyond You” Foundation. If you are on track to graduate in 2019, have a desire to attend a 2 or 4-year college, and can show need based on social and/or economic disadvantage, you qualify. Qualifying students will receive basic items needed for college dorm living following their high school graduation. For more information about the program, visit To apply, students will need to complete a Student Information/Application form and a personal statement. Selected students will be required to attend mandatory classes concerning college prep. Interested students should see their counselor for an application packet.
********************************************************************************
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
***As you receive scholarship offer letters, please bring in a copy of your award letter to your school counselor!!! Do this for EVERY offer you receive as soon as you receive it***
Below is a list of free scholarship search sites to find out what free money is available before applying for student loans. Start your search today!
- –like their page on social media!
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Deadline: November 7, 2017
Maybe you planted a garden to feed the hungry. Maybe you found a way to support U.S. troops and veterans. Perhaps you collected clothes or toys and gave them to children in need. No matter your volunteer project, Prudential Spirit of Community Awards wants to hear about it in your application! If you are named a Local Honoree, you’ll be eligible for statewide recognition, a $1,000 award, a silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., where America’s top 10 youth volunteers of 2018 will be named. The 10 National Honorees receive additional $5,000 awards. If you want to apply, visit This opportunity is available for students in all grades.
Scholastic Publishing Student Poetry Contest
Deadline: November 8, 2017 through mail OR November 15, 2017 online
Each student may submit only one original poem on any subject, of no less than 2 lines and no more than 20 lines, in any form other than concrete or blackout. Offensively graphic poems or those containing profanity will not be accepted. Complete rules and restrictions are posted online at $500 prize for 1st place winner in the 9th-12th grade division.
Mississippi State METP Scholars Day
Registration Deadline: November 10, 2017
The College of Education at Mississippi State University is proud to offer the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program (METP) Scholarship. This innovative scholarship is designed to recruit and prepare teacher candidates for the future of tomorrow’s education profession. Qualified high school applicants must have a 28 or above on their ACT or a score of 1210 or above on the SAT and a 3.5 overall GPA. Participating scholars receive an award covering full tuition, books, room and board, and incidental expenses for four years of attendance along with a one-time technology stipend. Monday, November 20th will be METP Scholars Day on campus. Interested seniors can register at
Maryknoll Essay Contest
Deadline: November 10, 2017
All students grades 9-12 are eligible to submit an essay to the Maryknoll Student Essay Contest. In the essay, students should cite examples of violence and tell what actions they are taking or could take to promote peace. Essays should be 500-700 words and must be accompanied by a completed Contest Cover Sheet (available online). Note: spelling and grammar count. First-place winners will receive $1,000 and their essay will appear in the May/June 2018 Maryknoll magazine. All winning entries will be published online at MaryknollSociety.org/Winners. For more information, visit MaryknollSociety.org/Essay.
James Alan Cox Photojournalism Scholarship
Deadline: November 15, 2017
Focus of work and entries:PHOTOJOURNALISM. (Please see the2016orprevious years’scholarship recipients to view examples of winning photographs and videos.) Scholarships will be awarded to those students whose work“tells a story”. This is a fairly broad topic and may include a variety of subject matter and approaches(breaking news, sporting events, etc.) Jim Cox, who was a television photojournalist in Phoenix, always
“told a story” through his work, whether it was in video or still photography. To apply, students must complete and submit an application form, brief essay, teacher mentor form, 2 letters of reference, a school transcript, financial data, and a portfolio. For more information and to apply, visit
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Deadline: November 27, 2017
The 2018 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest is open to any high school senior who is a US Citizen. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.The 20 top finalists will participate in an all-expenses paidLeadership Weekendin Chicago during which they’ll interview with the national judges. These 20 finalists will be vying for two first-place awards of $50,000; two second-place awards of $40,000; and two third-place awards of $30,000. The remaining 14 finalists will receive awards of $20,000. The 480 runners-up will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000. To apply, visit
Sixt Scholars Program
Deadline: November 30, 2017
Sixt rent a caris pleased to offerfive high school seniorsgraduating in2018the opportunity to receive a$5,000scholarship and become a Sixt scholar.The program is designed to assist high school students who plan to continue their education in college. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice.Application requirements include a 3.7 GPA and plans to enroll in a full-time 2 or 4-year university. Mandatory application materials include a completed application and copy of your high school transcript. For more information, visit
FRA Americanism Essay Contest
Deadline: Postmarked by December 1, 2017
The Fleet Reserve Association invites students grades 7-12 to write an essay (350 words or less) about “What Patriotism Means to Me”. The essay should be legibly written or typed on one side of the paper; the title of the essay should be written or typed at the top of the paper; limit one entry per student. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed cover sheet (see your counselor for a copy of this cover sheet). The national grand prize is $5,000, but the Birmingham FRA chapter also has local prizes to offer essay contest participants. Visit for more information, or contact Juan A. Bowden (local FRA Essay Chairman) at 256-626-0880.
Auburn University Academic Scholarships
Deadline: December 1, 2017
Students must complete the scholarship application through the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM) forscholarship consideration.Students planning to apply for scholarships should complete the admission application with all required materials received by November 15. This will allow sufficient time to receive an admissions decision and complete the scholarship application by December 1.Updated test scores and transcriptsreceived after this date will beconsidered, as funding permits, forstudents with a complete scholarshipapplication by December 1.
University of South Alabama Academic Scholarships
Priority Deadline: December 1, 2017
Students admitted to the University of South Alabama are automatically reviewed for the Freshman Admission awards. In-state award opportunities begin at a 23 ACT or equivalent SAT score and a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. For a complete listing of scholarship opportunities, please visit
Troy University Academic Scholarships
Deadline: December 1, 2017
Troy University’s academic scholarship programs begin at a 23 ACT/1130 RSAT, 3.0 GPA and resume. An essay is required for some academic scholarships. Additional scholarship opportunities are available and deadlines may vary. All scholarships are competitive awards with limited availability. For more information, visit
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship
Deadline: December 5, 2017
A program that recognizes students who are driving awareness and mobilizing youth to be catalysts for innovative models that provide solutions to eliminate hunger in America. Scholarship winners receive a $5,000 scholarship and a $5,000 grant for their hunger-related charity. The Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship is named for the Foundation's founder and former president,Steve Brady, who was an unstoppablechampion in the fight to end hunger. To apply, visit
AXA Achievement Scholarship
Deadline: December 15, 2017
The AXA AchievementScholarship offers college scholarships of $2,500, $10,000 and $25,000 to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their activities in school, the community or the workplace. Scholarship winners are known as AXA Achievers. They are ethnically and economically diverse, but they share these qualities: ambition and drive; determination to set and reach goals; respect for self, family and community; ability to succeed in college. The 2018 program will be accepting applications from September 5, 2017 until 10,000 applications are submitted or December 15, 2017, whichever comes first. Your application MUST be one of the first 10,000 submitted electronically by the deadline date.Apply early!For more information and to apply, visit
University of Alabama Academic Scholarships
Deadline: December 15, 2017
First time freshmen who meet the December 15 scholarship deadline in their senior year of high school, have a qualifying score on the ACT or SAT, and have at least a 3.5 cumulative high school GPA will be eligible for merit-based scholarships. For more information, visit
South Georgia Film Festival Scholarship
Deadline to Register: December 15, 2017
The South Georgia Film Festival will be held March 2-4, 2018 at Valdosta State University. This is an open film competition for filmmakers of all ages, including high school students. All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.com. Along with trophy and prizes from local sponsors, there are tremendous scholarship opportunities for our overall winners in the High School category. For more information, visit
Linly Heflin Scholarship for Women
Deadline: December 31, 2017
The Linly Heflin Unit is a non-profit organization that provides scholarshipsto Alabama womenattending four-year Alabama colleges and universities.Scholarships are$5,000 per yearfor up to four years.Applicants must demonstrateboth significant economic need and sound academic records. The application, as well as detailed policies and requirements, are available on the website:
FIRE Free Speech Essay Contest
Deadline: December 31, 2017
High school juniors and esniors are eligible to participate in FIRE’s essay contest. To enter, students must submit an essay between 800 and 1,000 words on the provided topic. One $10,000 first prize, one $5,000 second prize, and three $1,000 runner-up prizes will be awarded for the best essays. Four $500 winners will be chosen from the remaining entrants in a drawing. To enter, visit thefire.org/contest.
ACT Student Champion Scholarship
Deadline: December 31, 2017
The ACT Student Champion Award recognizes one student in each state who is tenacious and persistent, no matter the challenge, and is prepared for life after high school with a goal in mind and plan in place. ACT Student Champions receive a $500 non-renewable scholarship. Eligibility requirements include: students in the graduating class of 2018 who have taken the ACT, composite ACT score of 22 on a single test date or a 3.0 GPA or greater on a 4.0 scale, and a student who has overcome challenges and can articulate education and career actions. Preference will be given to underrepresented and/or first-generation college students. Applications can be found at
Thomas E. Huey, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: December 31, 2017
BLSA, a Chapter of NALS, Inc., the association for legal professionals, will award its Thomas E. Huey, Jr. Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a high school senior in January 2018. Scholarship applications will be accepted based upon 50% financial need, 40% grade point average (must be at least a 3.0), and 10% achievements and accomplishments. Application requirements include an official high school transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a typed biographical statement. For a copy of the application, please see your counselor.
2018 Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Deadline: January 4, 2018
To apply for this award, students need to describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. official who served during or after 1917, the year of JFK’s birth. Essay length: 700-1,000 words. Cash awards up to $10,000 are available. For complete guidelines, please visit
The Smith Scholarship Foundation
Deadline: January 5, 2018
The Smith Scholarship Foundation will begin accepting online applications beginning on September 15, 2017 for the Smith Scholarship Program. The Smith Scholarship Foundation Program is an Accountability Scholarship Program providing assistance to high school seniors who have “given back” to their community through volunteer activities or care of family while overcoming financial and personal challenges. Proof of filing FAFSA must be submitted with SSF Scholarship application. For more information, visit
National College Army ROTC Scholarship
Deadline: January 10, 2018
For seniors who are interested in the U.S. Army ROTC 3- and 4-year College Scholarship Program for school year 2018-2019, applications are currently available on the following website: You will need to create an account, complete the application, send a copy of your high school transcript to U.S. Army Cadet Command, take the Physical Fitness Assessment, and set up and interview with the closest ROTC program.
Jacksonville State University Academic Scholarships
Deadline: February 1, 2018
Jacksonville State invites all accepted students to apply for academic scholarships. Eligibility begins at 23+ ACT or 1100+ SAT and a 3.0+ GPA. Visit more information.
Rising Star Scholarship
Deadline: Weekly scholarships given NOW throughFebruary 2, 2018
The Rising Star Scholarship is available to Central Alabama high school seniors who have maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher who also participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, band, art, volunteer work, etc. Thirty weekly winners will be selected to write an essay, and a panel of judges will choose four $5,000 scholarship recipients based on the essay submissions. Please speak to your CCHS counselor if you are interested in competing for this scholarship opportunity.
SCAD Challenge Scholarship
Deadline: February 2, 2018
Your artistic vision could earn you the honor of being a SCAD Challenge scholarship recipient at The University for Creative Careers.The SCAD Challenge competition gives you the opportunity to submit your works of art to a panel of accomplished SCAD faculty. Entries must demonstrate creativity, innovation and a strong understanding of aesthetics. Let your design speak to your skill level and ability to handle university-level design assignments.Challenges are open to current juniors and seniors in high school as of the 2017-18 academic year. A panel of SCAD faculty will review and evaluate submitted entries, and three winners will be selected from each category. To learn more about this opportunity, follow this link:
Sleeping Organic Sustainability Essay Contest
Deadline: April 1, 2018
As big believers in promoting sustainable products, services, and other initiatives that make the world an eco-friendlier place, Sleeping Organic is proud to announce the first semi-annual sustainability scholarship!The scholarship will be awarded each semesterto an incoming college student who is committed to challenging the status-quo of what “sustainability” means in the industry they’re studying to enter. To apply, students will need to submit a personal video or essay that answers the following two questions: 1) How will online buying habits change as information about product sustainability becomes more accessible?2) What’s one type of product that needs a more sustainable solution? Students must be a US Citizen and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. For complete guidelines, please visit