[CJ1]
Fountain Lake
Charter High School
Scholarship Handbook
2016-2017
Striking Excellence
Dear Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
This handbook is a valuable source of information about scholarships and financial aid. Each year, local organizations, community groups, and businesses offer financial assistance to qualified students. Information available to students is posted in multiple places: A folder in their Google Drive,the daily announcements, and on the FLCHS Counseling and Career Facebook page. In addition I or Mrs. Cathy Johnson will email all students at their student email account. If you would like to be added to the list for emails send an email to with the subject “Senior list[CJ2].”
The information provided in this handbook is only a partial listing of scholarships and financial aid available to students. Students are also encouraged to do their own free scholarship search online through various websites listed in this handbook. Deadlines may have changed; therefore, students must access the websites for the latest information.
If you have questions about any of the materials, please call our counseling office at
(501) 701-1749.
Sincerely,
Carmen Keys, M.Ed.,
Fountain Lake High School Counselor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Applying to Colleges...... 5
College Admissions Tests (ACT/SAT/COMPASS)...... 6
Where to look for Scholarships...... 9
How to Apply for Scholarships...... 10
College and University Scholarships...... 11
ROTC Scholarships...... 11
Federal Grants...... 12
State Aid...... 12
Chronological Scholarship Listing...... 13
Ancestry Awards (children of members of certain ethnic or historical background)...... 16
Essay Contests...... 18
General (Scholarships that are available on a national level)...... 19
Occupational, Organizational, and Religious Affiliation Awards...... 23
Special Interest Awards (planning to study in specialized areas)...... 24
Arkansas Universities’ Information...... 27-30
Help With Out of State Tuition...... 31
Senior Timeline...... 33
Requesting Transcripts...... 35
College Visit 101...... 36
Requesting Recommendation Letters...... 38
2016-2017Fountain Lake High School Scholarship Handbook1
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING COLLEGEAPPLICATIONS:
Hopefully you have narrowed your college choices down to 3-5 schools. Be sure to visit those campuses and choose a college that is right for you (and that fits your parents’ budget plans). Many colleges have a senior visit day and students can apply with no application fee. The earlier you apply the better and it is fine to apply to several schools. So get started.
1. All colleges and universities want students to apply online!!!While some colleges will still provide paper applications online applications are easier to process so students are encouraged to submit applications via the internet. Just look for the admissions page on the schools official website. Many larger schools subscribe to The Common App, which is one application that can be used to apply to several colleges. Remember: you are responsible for applying to the colleges of your choice and meeting all deadlines.
2. Although you will apply to colleges online, you must request an official transcript to be sent foreach application through the HS Office. NO COLLEGE WILL CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION WITHOUT OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION FROM FL!!!Request the transcript by submitting a Transcript Request form to Mrs. Johnson in the Counselor’s office. These forms are available[CJ3] in the HS office. Include the name and address of the college to which you are applying.
3. Some colleges require an application fee. These fees can range from $10-$40 or more depending on the school to which you are applying. You can apply for a FEE Waiver if you qualify for Free or Reduced price lunches. YOU MUST COMPLETE AND SUBMIT A FREE LUNCH APPLICATION IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A FEE WAIVER!See the counselor for more information.
***YOUR APPLICATION IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL THE OFFICE SENDS AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT***
Make it a goal to have all college applications in by Nov. 1College Admissions Tests – What You Need to Know
What is a college entrance exam?
To be admitted to most 4-year colleges and some 2-year colleges, applicants must take and submit the results of a college entrance exam, a standardized test that allows colleges to compare student achievement among a public and private school settings across the state and country. Two major companies produce tests for this purpose. The tests are called the SAT and the ACT.
Didn’t we do this already?
Most students at Fountain Lake took the ACT at least once as a Junior last April. However, many choose to take the test again in an attempt to raise their scores for scholarship purposes.
When should I take a college entrance exam?
Tests are offered several times at various locations throughout the school year beginning in October and ending in June. Many colleges stop taking the scores after the October or December test date of a student’s senior year. Test dates and registration deadlines are posted on the ACT and SAT web pages and in the Guidance Office.
ACT U.S. registration dates and deadlines for 2016-2017
Date of exam
/Registration deadline
/Late registration deadline
Sept. 10, 2016
/Aug. 5, 2016
/Aug. 6-19, 2016
Oct. 22, 2016
/Sept. 16, 2016
/Sept. 17-30, 2016
Dec. 10, 2016
/Nov. 4, 2016
/Nov. 5-18, 2016
Feb. 11, 2017 *
/Jan. 13, 2017
/Jan. 14-20, 2017
April 8, 2017
/March 3, 2017
/March 4-17, 2017
June 10, 2017
/May 5, 2017
/May 6-19, 2017
No test centers are schooled in New York for the Feb. test date.
SAT U.S. registration dates and deadlines for 2016-2017
Test dates / Normal deadline / Late Registration * / Online Score ReleaseOct. 1, 2016 / Sept. 1, 2016 / Sept. 20, 2016 / Oct. 27, 2016
Nov. 5, 2016 / Oct. 7, 2016 / Oct. 25, 2016 / Nov. 29, 2016
Dec. 3, 2016 / Nov. 3, 2016 / Nov. 22, 2016 / Dec. 23, 2016
Jan. 21, 2017 / Dec. 21, 2016 / Jan. 10, 2017 / Feb. 16, 2017
March 11, 2017 / Feb. 10, 2017 / Feb. 28, 2017 / March 28, 2017
May 6, 2017 / April 7, 2017 / April 25, 2017 / May 23, 2017
June 3, 2017 / May 9, 2017 / May 24, 2017 / June 20, 2017
- The late registration deadline is one week earlier if you are registering by mail.
Is there a cost?
There is a cost associated with both exams. There are also substantial late fees for missing a registration deadline. Some students who meet the income guidelines (free or reduced lunch, for example) may be eligible for a no-cost fee waiver.
How do I register for a college entrance exam?
Online registration is recommended by both SAT and ACT. or
Can I get testing accommodations if I have an IEP?
Students with Individual Education Plans (IEP) who wish to use their testing accommodations must contact Mrs. Keys to submit paperwork to the respective agencies well in advance of the testing date.
What is a good score?
To avoid taking remediation courses at most colleges a student must have a 19 in English and Reading and a 20 in math. To receive the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship (Lottery) a student needs a 19 composite.
What if my score isn’t good?
Try, try again. ACT will accept up to 12 test scores. If you still haven’t reached your goal some colleges may offer the COMPASS exam as a means to place you in courses. The COMPASS exam is not timed. You would need to check with the school you plan to attend to see if this option is available and how to schedule a test.
Where to Look for Scholarships
Your school daily bulletin
Your student email
Your school district website on the scholarship calendar
The website of the school you are planning to attend
Internet Resources
Fountain Lake High School does not endorse the above sites; the information is provided for reference only. Students and their families should thoroughly investigate any website or scholarship company before using its services. It is strongly recommended that you DO NOT utilize any services that charge a fee.
How to Apply for Scholarships
Answer all questions accurately and completely. Appearance matters. Make it neat!If asked, be sure to provide information on such items as:
- Offices held
- Special awards
- Special projects
- Extracurricular Activities
- Volunteer service
- Special interests
- Skills
Request letters of recommendation well ahead of the deadline. Teachers need time to prepare these letters.
- Ask a teacher or coach who will write you an outstanding recommendation.
- At the back of this booklet is a request form to use when asking for a recommendation letter. Make copies.
- If you are given a copy of the recommendation, keep it with your other college application materials. Sometimes you can ask the original letter writer to reuse his/her letter for another scholarship application.
- Be sure to write a “thank you” note to the person who wrote the letter of recommendation.
College and University Scholarships
Colleges and universities offer several types of scholarships and financial aid. Complete the appropriate financial aid forms and scholarship applications, which can be obtained online or from the Financial Aid Office of the institution you plan to attend. These forms are different for each college or university and have specific deadlines.
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships
ROTC scholarships are available through the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Students should begin the process as early as the spring semester of their junior year.
These scholarships are competitive and based on SAT or ACT test scores, high school academic standing, leadership, extracurricular, and athletic activities. Applicants are also required to pass a physical exam.
ROTC scholarships generally pay for tuition, fees, and most books. They do not pay for room and board. There is a service obligation that can range from four to ten years, depending on the branch of service. Know what is expected of you before you accept a scholarship.
Federal Grant Programs
All federal money must be applied for through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application may be accessed online beginning October 1st at Parents/guardians must have their income tax information in order to complete the application. The student and one parent will also need a FSA ID to sign your FAFSA electronically. Apply for parent and students FSA ID at
Estimate your need. You start your FAFSA until January but you can get an estimate of what will be available to you by visiting
Federal Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students with financial need who will be attending an eligible college or vocational school at least half-time.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) provides supplemental funding for students with exceptional financial need. Once a Pell Grant is awarded, the college financial aid office will assist eligible students in determining whether or not they qualify for the Federal SEOG.
State Aid
Students will be able to apply for state and lottery funded scholarships beginning October 1st through the Arkansas Department of Higher EducationApplication found at
Chronological Scholarship Listing
These dates are for planning purposes only and may change at any time. Some may no longer be funded. Remember to allow adequate time to complete the application process. You may find more information on these scholarships by using an internet search.
United States Senate Youth Program
Outstanding Students of America
Horatio-Alger Scholarship
Coca-Cola Scholars
National Rice Month Scholarship Contest
November / Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Voice of Democracy Essay Competition
Toyota Community Scholars
Target All-Around Scholarship
Komen Breast Cancer Scholarship
December / Asian/Pacific Islanders American Scholarship Fund
Burger King Scholars
Jackie Robinson Family YMCA
SAE Engineering Scholarship Program
AXA Achievement Award
Principal’s Leadership Award
William Randolph Hearst Foundation US Senate Program
Youth Foundation Scholarship
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Applegate/Jackson/Parks Future Teacher Program
Helping Hands Book Scholarship Program
January / Arkansas Daughters of American Revolution
National Presbyterian College Scholarship
National Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship
Sam Walton Community Scholarship
Sallie Mae Fund
Gates Millennium Scholars
February / AFSA Scholarship Program
Best Buy Scholarship
USA Funds Access to Education Scholarship
Arkansas Alumni Association – University of Arkansas
Governor’s Students with Disabilities
National Co-Op Scholarship Program
High School Oratorical Contest
DAR American Indian Scholarship
Delta Theta Chi Educational Sorority Scholarship
Governor’s and Distinguished Governor’s Awards
Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship
Garland County Athletic Association
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
DeSoto Women’s Club
March / Fountain Lake Alumni Scholarship
American Postal Workers Union
American Cancer Society
American Legion Auxiliary National President’s
SAMMY Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year
Congressman Mike Ross Education Scholarship
Arkansas Public Health Scholarship
Daisy Bates Minority Scholarship
Jackie Robinson Foundation
Asthma Athlete Scholarship
ESPN Scholarship
Village Quilt Guild
Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators
Arkansas Public Health Association
Associated General Contractors of America
Hot Springs Village Symphony Guild
Christopher Castleberry Memorial Scholarship
Kohl’s Kids Who Care
April / Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Young Cancer Survivor Scholarship
AAA State Farm Scholar Athlete
Rockefeller Scholarship
Alpha Delta Kappa Scholarship
Garland County Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship
National School Board Association Scholarship
Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship
AAAA Principals Association Scholarship
First Electric
Hot Spring’s Village Women’s Club
Kamo’s Kids
May / Association of Arkansas Counties
Elk Horn Bank
Making it Count Scholarship
June / Garland County Farm Bureau Scholarship
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Conservation Scholarship
Arkansas Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship
Aspiring Fashion Professional Scholarship
Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship
Aspiring Business Professional Scholarship
July / Arkansas Department of Workforce Education
High-Tech Scholarship
August / Military Dependents’ Scholarship Program
Law Enforcement Officers’ Dependents’ Scholarship
Ancestry Awards
American Dream Scholarship Program – $500-$5,000 / Deadline April
Who: African American, must meet Federal Pell Grant criteria, must be planning to attend a Title IV eligible 2 or 4 year college or university, vocational, or technical school
American Physical Society Corporate Sponsored Scholarships – $2,000-$3,000 per year
Who: African American, Hispanic, or Native American majoring in physics at any accredited college
Asian-American Journalist Association Scholarship – $2,000
Who: Asian majoring in Journalism or Radio/TV Broadcasting
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – $2,000
or
Who: See application on website for details
Catching the Dream Scholarship– $500-$5,000 / Deadline April
Catching the Dream, Inc., Attn: Scholarship Request, 8200 Mountain Road, NE, suite 203
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Who: At least ¼ American Indian; enrolled member of a U.S. Tribe
First in My Family Scholarship Program – $500-$5,000 / Deadline April
Who: Hispanic Americans who are U.S. citizens and are first in family to attend college, minimum GPA 3.0, enroll full time at accredited institution
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards – $2,000-$5,000
Who: Hispanic heritage, citizen or permanent resident, academic excellence
Indian Health Service Scholarship – Deadline February
Who: American Indian or Alaskan Native interested in health profession career; intend to serve Indian people upon completion of education
National College Scholarship Award – $1,500-$2,500
Who: African American with minimum GPA 3.0
United Negro College Fund Awards
Who: 2.5 GPA or higher; have unmet need verified, completed FAFSA
Essay Contests
American Legion High School Oratorical Contest – $1,000-$2000 / Deadline January 2
Ayn Rand Essay Contest– $50-$10,000 / Deadline April
Who: 11th and 12th grade students
Drug Abuse Education Scholarship – $1,000 / Deadline March
The Enrique S. Camarena Educational Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 28691, San Diego, CA 92198
Who: High School senior, leadership, community service
Kaplan/Newsweek “My Turn Essay Competition” – $1,000-$5,000 / Deadline March
National Peace Essay Contest – Up to $10,000 / Deadline February
General Scholarships
Abbott & Fenner Annual Scholarship Awards – $1,000 / Deadline June
.
Who: All high school juniors and seniors age 16 or older
All-Ink.com– $5,000 / Deadline December
Best Buy Scholarship– $1,000-$2,000 / Deadline February
Community involvement and academics
Bradley Foundation Vocational and Trade Scholars Program / Deadline February
Who: GPA 2.5 or above; use at accredited vocational or trade school
Burger King Scholars Program– $1,000 / Deadline December
Who: 2.5 GPA, community activities, works 15+ hours per week
Calgon Take Me Away Contest– $500
Cheerful Giver Scholarship – Deadline March
Who: senior who is a child of a single parent, or children of parents who serve the community,
GPA 2.0 or better
Dale E. Fridell Memorial Scholarships– $1,000 / Deadline 4 times a year
Who: Eligible students may not already be receiving a full tuition scholarship or waiver from another source
Lowe’s Scholarship– $1,000-$15,000. Deadline March.
Who: All high school seniors who plan to attend 2 or 4 year college or university
Mary Roberts Rinehart Award– $200 - $2,800
Who: Must be in top 40% of class with minimum GPA 3.0 and have excellent writing ability
Most Valuable Student Competition– $1,000-$15,000 / Deadline January
Who: Financial need, leadership and academic success
National Campers and Hikers Scholarship– $2,000
Who: Must be in top 40% of class with 3.0 GPA
Orphan Foundation of America/Casey Family Scholarship
Who: In foster care for one consecutive year at the time of your 18th birthday or high school graduation OR was adopted or taken into legal guardianship out of foster care after your 16th birthday OR lost both parents to death before the age of 18 and not been subsequently adopted
Sam Walton Community Scholarship – $5,000 / Deadline January
Access Key: SWCS.
Who: Financial need, academic record, community involvement, work experience
Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY)– $7,500 / Deadline March
Who: Athletic excellence, academic achievement, leadership, community service.
Toyota Community Scholars – Deadline December
Phone: 609-771-7878
Who: Community service.