Scholarships Available

The Newtown High School Career Center publicizes all scholarships of which it is notified. A few of the scholarships, typically national ones, request that money be enclosed with the application.

The Career Center believes that students should not have to pay to apply for scholarships. If a student chooses to apply for a scholarship that charges a fee, however, the Career Center strongly advises parents and students to check its authenticity through the FTC Consumer Response Center, www.ftc.gov or 877-FTC-HELP; the National Fraud Information Center, www.fraud.org or 800-876-7060; or the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org or 703-276-0100.

Working Women’s Forum Scholarship — The Working Women’s Forum is sponsoring a $500 scholarship to be awarded to a Newtown High School senior girl who best demonstrates her interest in a business career through one or more of the following: a business or business-related college major, active participation in a business-related club, a job or business internship, or other extracurricular activities related to business or entrepreneurship. The applicant must provide proof of enrollment at an institute of higher learning or in a postsecondary program of study. Applications can be downloaded from Naviance. Completed applications must be submitted to Mrs Latowicki in the Career Center by April 27. The award recipient will be notified on Senior Awards Night, Wednesday, June 6.

Community Scholarship Group — The Community Scholarship is awarded to a student who has financial need and has worked to save for college expenses. Selections will be based on the student’s overall financial need, a determination to succeed, and the ability to overcome adversity. The Scholarship Committee will select candidates based on the completion of the one-page application. Applications may be downloaded in Naviance and must be returned to Mrs Latowicki in the Career Center by April 12.

Feile Scholarships — Feile, Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of Irish culture, will award six scholarships of $1,000 to graduating high school seniors. Applicants need not be of Irish heritage to participate. Awards will be based primarily on the submission of an essay with additional consideration for school, community, and church activities as well as overall academic achievement. For the 500-word essay, the writer must choose a character within an Irish play and explain why he/she exemplifies an aspect of Irish character. Complete details, instructions, application, and essay requirements are available online at ww.feileinc.org and can be downloaded from Naviance. Submission deadline is April 30.

Sandy Hook Elementary School PTA Scholarships — The Sandy Hook Parent Teacher Association will be awarding two scholarships for $1,000 to NHS seniors who attended Sandy Hook Elementary School and have been accepted to a post-high school academic program. Two letters of reference, a transcript, an essay, and a letter of acceptance to college must accompany the completed application. An interview may be required. Complete details and an application can be downloaded through Naviance. Applications must be received at Sandy Hook School by Thursday, April 12, by 3 pm.

Financial Planning Scholarship — The Financial Planning Association is sponsoring a $1,500 scholarship to a college-bound high school senior from a public school in Fairfield County who is majoring in business, accounting, or a related business field which may lead to a career in financial planning. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement, character, financial need, and career potential. The application must be accompanied by a transcript, CSS Financial Aid Form or FAFSA Form, IRS Form 1040, and proof of college acceptance(s) received to date to an accredited college that offers a degree in business. Applications must be postmarked by April 24 and received by April 26. Applications are available in the high school’s Career Center.

Society of Women Engineers Scholarships — The Society of Women Engineers supports women pursuing ABET-accredited baccalaureate programs in preparation for careers in engineering or computer. The minimum grade point average for eligibility is 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 unweighted average. The scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. Specific details and online application requirements are available at http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org. Applicants complete one application and are considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible. Freshman applications are due May 15.

Wendy’s High School Heisman Award — Wendy’s Restaurants and the Heisman Memorial Trophy Committee are sponsoring the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award, which honors both male and female students who excel in academics, athletics, and student leadership. Applicants must have at least a “B” grade average and participate at school in at least one school-sponsored sport listed on the website. The application process is open to all rising senior student athletes (Class of 2013) who exhibit excellence in the classroom, on the playing field and within their communities. The application period for students extends through October 2. The online nomination form may be accessed at www.wendysheisman.com and must be completed by students and reviewed/confirmed by a high school official. The first 25,000 applicants win a $10 Wendy’s gift card. Winners will be chosen at the school, state, and national levels. Applications must be completed and submitted no later than 5 pm CST, on October 2. School officials must submit their online review no later than 5 CST on October 4 in order for applications to be considered.

Newtown High Orchestra Parents Scholarship — Newtown Orchestra Parents Scholarship is open to all graduating seniors currently enrolled in NHS’s orchestra program. Applications are available in the Career Center. The completed application and essay including the check list of activities must be returned to Mrs Latowicki in the Career Center by May 4. Interviews may be conducted by the scholarship committee. The award will be presented at the spring concert on May 22.

Bill Benzing Memorial Scholarship — The Bill Benzing Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who is a member of the varsity baseball team and will be pursuing a college education. Applicants should highlight their contribution to the baseball program, service to the community, and participation in extracurricular activities. The application is available in the Career Center and requires a recommendation from the baseball coach and a signature from the guidance counselor who must officially seal the application prior to mailing. Send the application and supporting documentation to: Jeff Earle, 19 Pound Sweet Hill, Bethel CT 06801 by the May 11 deadline.