SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN – MARCH 2008
DIRECTIONS: If a website is provided for the application, please use this method to apply. Otherwise pick up a PINK Scholarship Request Form in the counseling office and return it to Mrs. Nielsen to receive a paper application for the scholarship. 24 hours after returning your scholarship request, you may pick up the copies of the paper applications from Mrs. Hatzinger, the counseling secretary.
A&F SCHOLARSHIPS: Abbot and Fenner Business Consultants will award a $1000 scholarship to one or two students. All high school seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants will need to write an essay on one of the two topics below and submit it by email to scholarships@abbottandfenner.com. The application deadline is June 20, 2008. Essay options: 1. Discuss, in less than 1000 words, what you consider to be the single most important societal problem. Why? 2. How has your education contributed to who you are today or how will it affect who you will become? In less than 1000 words, discuss this question. AES ENGINEERS SCHOLARSHIP: These $500 scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post secondary educational facility. You are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible. Students must submit an essay of no more than 1000 words in answer to one of the two questions that are posted on their website: http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.php. Deadline for entry is September 15, 2008. ALPINE KIWANIS SCHOLARSHIP- This $1,000 scholarship is designed to recognize a Rockford area high school senior who has been actively involved in school and community activities and wishes to continue their education. Financial need will be a consideration in the selection process. Applicants should be an active member of Key Club! Two letters of recommendation, an official transcript, a one page essay, and a list of extracurricular activities are required with the application. Applicants may apply access the application online at www.alpinekiwanis-il.org, click on “our bulletin” then on “scholarship application documents” or fill out a pink scholarship form in the counseling office. Postmarked application deadline is April 1, 2008. AYN RAND ESSAY CONTESTS: Cash prizes range from $30-$10,000. Students from grades nine through twelve may compete in the contests. Depending on your grade level, you will read a specific Ayn Rand novel and then respond to specific topics in a typed essay. See www.aynrand.org/contests for specific novels and instructions. Essays for ninth and tenth graders must be postmarked by March 20, 2008. Essays for eleventh and twelfth graders must be postmarked by April 25, 2008. BIGSUN SCHOLARSHIP: This $500 award is sponsored by the BigSun Organization to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. An essay is required. Visit http://www.bigsunathletics.com to apply. Deadline is June 20, 2008. DIANE THOMPSON-WELLS SCHOLARSHIP: Criteria: A graduating high school senior or current four-year college or university student who has a GPA of at least 2.5, has financial need and is a Marching member of the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps . Apply at www.cfnil.org. Deadline April 15. EDUCATORS OF BEAUTY SCHOLARSHIPS: Are you interested in a career as a cosmetologist? Four scholarships are available to Guilford students who have completed their application to Educators of Beauty Schools in Rockford, LaSalle, or Sterling. Awards range from $250-$1000. Students must complete an application and 250 word essay. See Mrs. Nielsen for the scholarship application and is due back to Mrs. Nielsen by March 14, 2008. GENERAL ASSEMBLY SCHOLARSHIPS: This scholarship covers tuition and some fees for one year at any of the Illinois public universities (NIU, SIU, ISU, UofI, WIU, etc.). Students must be a resident of the 35 th Senate District or 68th Legislative District, be accepted at an Illinois public university, and have evidence of activity in public and civic affairs. Official transcripts and 2 letters of recommendation are required. Applications must be postmarked by March 28, 2008 for the 35th District and April 30, 2008 for the 68th District. ILLINOIS LUMBER AND MATERIAL DEALERS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship ranging from $500 to $2000 is available for students you plan to pursue industry-related coursework in college. This scholarship encourages students to select the lumber and building materials field as a career. Application is due April 1, 2008. ILSSAR JOSEPH S. RUMBAUGH HISTORICAL ORATION CONTEST: This contest is for an original oration of 5-6 minutes dealing with an event, a document within the context of the Revolutionary War, or a personality showing the relationship it bears to America today. Contest rules can be found at www.sar.org under “Education/Youth” then “Joseph S. Rumbaugh Contest”. Entries must by VHS tapes or CD Rom disks. See Mrs. Nielsen for contact information to send your entry. Submissions must be postmarked prior to April 5, 2008.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROCKFORD OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: This $1500 scholarship is available for one senior (male or female) who gives freely of his or her time to aid and benefit others in the community. An essay and two letters of reference are required with the application. Deadline is March 21, 2008. MYRLA BLOCK EDUCATIONAL TRUST SCHOLARSHIP: Four scholarships of $1000 each are available for any student who is a resident of Rockford, Illinois and who is beginning or continuing undergraduate study at any college or university. Awards will be given based ability, ambition, and need. You must include a transcript, copy of FAFSA or SAR, and a letter of recommendation with the application materials. Deadline is April 30, 2008. RICHARD J. SCHNELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Criteria: An individual who has been accepted into or is enrolled in an American Dental Association accredited dental or dental hygiene program or a graduate post-doctoral program in the United States. Must show evidence of financial need. Apply at www.cfnil.org. Deadline July 1. ROCK RIVER TRAIL HORESEMAN ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP: This $300 scholarship is available for seniors seeking a degree in Equine Husbandry or any related field to Equestrian Riding, Training or care of horses. Students must have at least a 2.75 GPA, and an essay is required. Application deadline is April 1, 2008. ROCK RIVER VALLEY ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP: Three $500 scholarships are available fore students attending a two or four year college or university. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in a construction and/or an electrical related field. The application includes a 300 word essay describing why you are pursuing a degree in this field of work. Applications must be received by April 4, 2008. ROCKFORD RENAISSANCE EDUCATION FOUNDATION – will award three $500 scholarships this spring to Rockford Public High School Seniors who have earned Renaissance and are planning to further their education in the 2008-09 school year. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 through the 7 th semester. A letter of recommendation and an essay are required. The application deadline must be postmarked by: Wednesday, March 19, 2008. SIUC ROSCOE PULLIAM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Four $1000 scholarships will be awarded to incoming students at SIUC who are children, grandchildren, or siblings of an graduate of SIUC who is a current member of the SIU Alumni Association. Applicants must be in the upper 10% of their class and score at least 26 on the ACT. Financial need is considered. Students must submit an application, three letters of recommendation, and a copy of SIUC financial aid award letter. Applications can be printed from www.siualumni.com/pulliam and are due by Friday, April 13, 2008. SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS SCHOLARSHIP: This $1000 scholarship is for a male or female graduating senior who resides in Illinois and will be enrolling in college in the fall. Applicants must be a descendant of a male who served honorably in the army, navy, judicial, executive, or civil service of the Confederate States of America. Students must submit a 500 word essay dealing with an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with such cause during the war between the states. Transcript and biography sheet needed with the application. Deadline is postmarked prior to March 15, 2008. TRUMAN D. PICARD SCHOLARSHIP: This $1500 scholarship is dedicated to the support of Native American students pursuing a degree in Natural Resources. Students must submit a letter of application, resume, 3 letters of recommendation, evidence of validated enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Corporation, high school transcripts, and proof of college acceptance. For complete instructions, visit www.itcnet.org. Application must be received by March 31, 2008. UW-MADISON ALUMNI CLUB OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS SCHOLARSHIP: Five $2000 scholarships are available for seniors planning to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall. Qualified candidates will be judged on academic performance, extracurricular activities and community involvement. An essay, photo, transcript, and two letters of recommendation are required with the application. Application deadline is April 15, 2008.
Rockford Public Library Local Scholarship Search: You can do a keyword search of local scholarship opportunities!! Visit www.rockfordpubliclibrary.org click on “Financial Opportunities Center”, then click on “Scholarship Search”. This site allows you to search for various local scholarships.
ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Several scholarships are offered through the Rock Valley College 2008-2009 Foundation. Each of these scholarships uses the same application. You must include a personal statement including your future educational and career goals. A current recommendation letter and an official high school transcript must also be included. Below are a list of the scholarships for new students and their requirements. For any of these Rock Valley College scholarships, request a RVC Scholarship Packet from Mrs. Nielsen. Application deadline for all RVC scholarships is May 19, 2008. E. Clarence Ahlgren Memorial Scholarship: Demonstrated financial need. Thomas A. Bullen Scholarships: Full-time student in good academic standing; show academic promise. Carlson Memorial Engineering Scholarship: Engineering concentration. Dean Durst – Rock Valley College Community Chorale Vocal Arts Scholarship: must be enrolled full or part-time at RVC and concurrently registered for voice lessons and choral ensembles. Student must earn 2.5 GPA and be enrolled in at least one vocal performing ensemble for second semester funding. Eloise K. Eshbaugh Scholarship: Full-time student in good academic standing; show academic promise. Danny Eytalis Memorial Scholarship: Male student; concentration in engineering or computer science; average academic record. Betty Fernandez Memorial Scholarship: RVC student worker pursuing a degree in any discipline. Student must earn a 2.5 fall GPA for spring portion of the award. Dale Gulbrantson Memorial Scholarship: Criminal Justice concentration; minimum 2.0 GPA; demonstrated financial need. Elizabeth “Liz” Harris Memorial Scholarship: for students who are descendants of Korean War veterans (documentation required). Students must earn a 2.2 fall GPA for spring portion of the award. Harlan J. and Elsie Ingwalson Memorial Scholarship: must be enrolled full-time at RVC; preference given to students with areas of concentration in pre-engineering or a technology field. Student must earn 3.0 GPA for second semester funding. Fred E. Machesney Memorial Scholarship: Enrolled in Aviation Technology or related field with intent to transfer to four-year school with Aviation Technology; minimum 3.0 GPA required; demonstrated ability to succeed; community activity required. Lynn E. Manning and Aaron D. Manning Memorial Scholarship: Be in good academic standing; student must earn a 2.5 fall GPA for spring portion of the award. Kevin R. McIntyre Memorial Fire Science Scholarship: enrolled in a minimum of six semester hors. Preference given to members of local 413 and their families; second preference given to area firefighters; third preference given to general applicants enrolled in fire science program. Student must earn a 2.5 fall GPA for spring portion of the award. Final selection based on interest in fire science and financial need. The Navy Club of Rockford, Ship No. 1 Scholarship: preference given to Veteran or said child of Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard with second preference given to Army or Air Force. Must have 2.5 GPA, reside in Winnebago County; have general financial need. Sue Olive Memorial Scholarship: Must be attending Rock Valley College and be in good academic standing. Porod Chemistry Scholarship: chemistry concentration. Victoria Purnell Memorial Scholarship: must be enrolled in 9 semester hours, minimum per semester. Earn a 2.8 fall GPA for spring portion of the award. Demonstrated financial need. Kevin D. Rice, Sr. Memorial Scholarship: Criminal Justice/Police Science concentration. Student must earn a 2.75 fall GPA for spring portion of the award. Rockford Business and Professional Woman’s Club Scholarship: female pursuing associate degree; enrolled for at least six credit hours; demonstrated potential to succeed. B.W. “Sandy” Sandberg Memorial Scholarship: enrolled in Aviation Technology or related fields; 3.0 GPA; based on academics and financial need. George E. Seidler Scholarship: for students who display academic ability and financial need. Preference given to students involved in any capacity in the newspaper business, high school newspapers included. Edward and Kathryn Way Fund: must be pursuing a major in liberal arts and sciences. Student must earn a 2.5 fall GPA for spring portion of the award.
Rock Valley College Honors Program:
The Honors Program at Rock Valley College offers many benefits for students who qualify: · The experience of working with other students who have demonstrated their abilities and high achievement and who are serious about their education. · The support of an Honors Counselor. · The opportunity to work closely with highly motivated and innovative professional educators who are committed to academic excellence and the Honors Program experience. · Tuition waivers for 13 honors credit hours per academic year. · An Honors Center equipped with computers and other resources for research and collaboration—a place for study, special programs, and meeting with fellow Honors Program members, · Honors co-curricular functions such as colloquia, symposia, forums, seminars, often with visiting guest speakers, panels, focus groups, and special themes and topics — all to broaden and enrich the honors experience. · Recognition of honors participation or program completion at graduation ceremonies, on the diploma, and on the official transcript. · Enhanced appeal to transfer institutions of higher learning and to potential employers Students seeking admission to the Honors Program must — 1. Meet at least one of the following minimum admission criteria: · Top 10% of the student’s high school graduating class, with graduation date no more than three years prior to application to the RVC Honors Program. · Cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 (4 point scale), with graduation date no more than three years prior to application to the RVC Honors Program. · ACT composite score of 25 or higher, or an SAT composite score of 1130 or higher, with test scores earned no more than three years prior to application to the RVC Honors Program. · Cumulative GPA of 3.5 for 24 or more credits in 100/200 level courses taken at Rock Valley College or other fully accredited postsecondary institutions with a minimum of 12 of those credit hours earned at RVC. 2. Complete the official “Application for Admission to the Honors Program at Rock Valley College.” Applications and details for application procedure will be available online, from area high school counselors, the RVC Advising and Counseling Office, and the RVC Information Center in the Student Center.
Don’t forget to apply for state and federal financial aid using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)! Apply online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov
as soon as possible!
When you receive your SAR (Student Aid Report) make sure you verify that all of the information is correct. If you need to make corrections, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and select “Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA.” The information on your SAR will be sent to the schools that you listed on your FAFSA. Then each school will send you an AWARD LETTER. Review the different award letters to see what type of financial aid package the schools will offer you. When you have decided which package to accept, sign the award letter and return it to the school for processing.