TO:NTCHS Seniors (and their Parents)
FROM:Mrs. Nancy Linnell
DATE:November 1, 2013
SUBJECT:Scholarships and More
November 11 – 15 is COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK. Did you know in 2010 only 61% of Montana high school graduates enrolled in college in the fall semester immediately following graduation? The majority of jobs require at least some postsecondary education. Seniors are encouraged to complete their applications to in-state 2 and 4 year colleges that week. We are one of 80 high schools accepted into a program that allows students to defer the application fee if their application is completed and given to the high school counselor by Wednesday noon, November 13. The colleges will decide at the time of enrollment whether to go ahead with the waiver or charge the application fee along with the tuition. The bottom line is no senior will need to pay when they submit their Montana application by November 13. I will be available to help any seniors during their study halls or after school on November 11 and 12, as well as the morning of the13th. November 12 will be Wear Your Favorite College Shirt Day at NTCHS!
On Monday, November 18th at 4p.m. in the high school library, Mrs. Kerfoot will be offering a workshop for junior and senior students and parents. This workshop will focus on the website MCIS (Montana Career Information System) and it’s useful tools for college readiness; specifically scholarships. Please feel free to bring your laptops or tablets to view this website. There are a few available laptops at the school as well. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Kerfoot at 937-2816 or 937-2844.
You can get ready for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by getting your PIN number. Log on to Both student and parent will need a PIN. If you have a sibling in college, your parents can use the same PIN as they did with that child, but you will need your own PIN. Next month there will be more information about FAFSA, which will be available in January.
Prudential SpiritAwards – Award recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary community service. Application online at and submit to high school counselor by November 6.
Check out these websites:
*FREE practice tests for ACT and SAT tests, FAFSA, and financial aid at
* Scholarship and college searches, career planning, and more at
*Download a free digital copy for NextStepU Magazine at
*Online guide book for parents & students at
*Scholarships & financial aid information at
ACT test dates are posted on bulletin board by counselor’s office or check the ACT website. You can register online at Our school code is: 270-855.
When searching scholarships on the Internet, be cautious of potential scams. If you have to pay an application fee to apply for a scholarship, it may not be legitimate.
Carroll College Merit Scholarships – range from $7,000 to $16,000 per year. Apply for admission to receive more information. Early Action application deadline is November 1. Priority deadline is February 15.
Youth Volunteer Scholarship Award - Completed minimum 50 hours of volunteer work, and GPA 3.5. Visit Deadline November 29.
MSU Presidential Scholarships – given to 20 of the most academically talented freshmen applicants for fall 2010. Deadline is December 6. Visit for details.
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship – Based on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Visit click on the 2014 MVS application link, enter your email address to register, fill out your contact information and submit, a cover page specific to you will be generated. Print and save this document, download the remaining 4 pages of application. The application is five pages total, including the cover page. The five pages do not include supplemental materials. See poster by counselor office for more information. If you plan to apply, let me know by November 18 as your 7th semester classes need to be added to your transcript. Application deadline to Shelby Elks Lodge by December 6 to Shelby Lodge 1696, Attn: Mike Cullen, Box 791, Shelby, MT 59474 or drop off at Coyote Club Monday through Saturday between 4 – 10 pm.
AXA Achievements Scholarship – Seniors who are active in community, led a project that benefits others, and overcome personal challenges. Learn more and download application at Deadline December 15 but only the first 10,000 applications are accepted.
Young Entrepreneur Award - high schools seniors who operate their own small business are eligible. Visit for more information. Deadline December 18.
Odenza Marketing Group Volunteer Scholarship – GPA 2.5 or higher last academic year, at least 50 hours of volunteer service over last 12 months. Deadline December 30.
UM – Missoula Student Scholarships – Download information and applications at The first scholarship is a Montana Resident Entering Student Scholarship Program. The deadline is December 31. There are several scholarships available with different qualifications and deadlines so do some snooping when at this website!
AnyCollege.com Scholarships – Sign up at and click on “Win A Scholarship” link. Random drawings. This site is also a direct, user-friendly college search engine for students.
2014 Profile in Courage Essay Contest –Write an original and creative essay on an act of political courage by a US elected official who served after 1955. For contest information, registration and to submit your essay, visit the Profile in Courage site at See poster in Mr. Ellis classroom. Deadline: January 5.
Montana Jaycee Foundation Scholarship – applications at Click on Scholarship & Senateship Forms, then select MT JC Scholarship Application Form. Deadline is January 6.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program – awards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with renewable scholarship.More information and online application at Deadline January 9, 2014.
National Scholarships - $1000 to $7500. History buff, enjoy politics, government or military service in your future? Washington Crossing Foundation. Visit website gwcf.org or call 215-949-8841. Deadline January 15.
Montana Tech – Butte New Student Scholarship – Visit:mtech.edu/onestop/scholarships/
Priority deadline is January 15.
MSU Billings Scholarships – Visit Scholarships will be awarded on an on-going basis beginning in October with a priority filing date of February 1.
MSU-Bozeman Resident Freshman Scholarship – apply for admission (include GPA on the self report form), send ACT or SAT scores to MSU, and complete Montana State Premier Scholarship application available online. scholarships will only be available for a limited time so it is essential that you apply asap. Priority deadline February 1.
UM-Western New Student Scholarship &UM- Western Chancellor’s Leadership Scholars Award- Visit school website. Priority deadline: February 1.
Need money for college? Consider the National Guard Army ROTC option. Visit
The Rural Montana Saves program is helping families with limited incomes save for college or job training. For every $1 saved, the Rural Montana Saves program matches it with $3. Save up to $400 and you will be eligible for the maximum match of $1,200. Plus, participants may be able to access $1200 in ‘quick start’ payments to begin an education or training program. For more information contact Rural Employment Opportunities, 1-800-546-1140 or .
All students who have not yet turned 18 are encouraged to apply for a NEXUS card. NEXUS is a trusted traveler program which allows pre-screened travelers to travel to and from Canada. Applicants submit one application on-line via the Global On-line Enrollment System (GOES). Qualified applicants will receive an email instructing the applicant to schedule an appointment for an interview and issuance of a photo ID card at the Port of Sweetgrass. The main benefit of the NEXUS card over a passport is the difference in cost. The cost of the adult NEXUS card is $50 but there is no fee for persons under 18.
Remember there is no job that you will ever have that pays more per hour than applying for scholarships!