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.

College Xpress — Alloy Education is sponsoring a $10,000 scholarship. To register go to the website, collegexpress.com. There is no application, no grade point average requirements, and no essay. The scholarship winner must be entering one of the member colleges for the first time and must be accepted as a full-time transfer student or freshman for the fall term. Eligible colleges are available online. The scholarship drawing will be held in May, and the check will be issued to the institution at which the winner will enroll.

Ronald McDonald House Charities US Scholarship Program — Ronald McDonald House Charities Global and the local chapter in Fairfield County are sponsoring four scholarships: RMHS Scholars, RMHS African American, RMHS Asia, and RMHS HACER. Students in financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement are eligible to apply. Applicants must be current high school seniors planning to attend a two- or four-year college or university full-time. Online applications are available at www.rmhc.org. The application deadline is January 27.

Siemens: We Can Change World Challenge — Teams from across the country are challenged to create sustainable, reproducible, energy-related environmental improvements that can be replicated around the globe. Student teams, comprised of two to four students in the ninth through twelfth grade, must identify an energy-related issue that has local, national, and global implications and provide a viable solution. Each team must have a designated student team lead and be under the guidance of a teacher/mentor. Top team prizes include first place $50,000, second place $25,000, and third place $10,000 and an opportunity to present your project at a prestigious venue. Refer to the website www.wecanchange.com for the application, criteria, rules, and suggested timeline. The deadline for submission is March 15.

Kay Wyrick Scholarship — The Foster Adoptive Mission will award one $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior from the greater Waterbury, Torrington, or Danbury areas in memory of Kay Wyrick, outstanding volunteer and child advocate. Students should have been in foster care for one consecutive year at some point in their lives are eligible. Applicants should have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and be a person of color, preferably African American or of African ancestry. Students should plan to major in a related field, working with children in the community and be accepted to an accredited postsecondary program. Applications are available from the website www.fosteradoptivemission.org and the deadline is April 1.

American Academy of Chefs (AAC) — The American Academy of Chefs will award scholarships to exemplary, graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Eligible students must be currently accepted to an accredited, postsecondary college, with a major in either culinary or pastry arts. Applicants will be evaluated on a 100-point scale; refer to the website www.acfchefs.org for specific criteria. Selection will be based on student’s overall academic progress, essay, financial need, and extracurricular participation in culinary activities and competitions. All application materials must be postmarked no later than March 31.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Colonel’s Scholars Program — The Kentucky Fried Chicken Colonel’s Scholars Program is looking for outstanding graduating high school seniors with financial need and entrepreneurial spirit. Applicants must pursue a bachelor’s degree and enroll in a public college or university in September 2012 in their state of residence. Selection criteria will include: financial need, a grade point average minimum of 2.75, and United States citizenship or permanent residence. This scholarship becomes active on December 1 and the deadline is February 8. To prepare, seniors should complete their FAFSA information.

DuPont Challenge Science Essay — The DuPont competition gives students an opportunity to research, study, and present a fascinating aspect of science or technology. Students in grades 7 through 12 are eligible to participate in this annual science essay contest. Essays must be between 700 to 1,000 words discussing a scientific discovery, theory, event, or technology application. The first place prize is an all-expense paid trip to Disney World and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in addition to a $5,000 savings bond. Complete details are available at www.thechallenge.dupont.com. All submissions must be submitted electronically by January 31.