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.bbg.org or 703-276-0100.

Full details on all scholarships are available at the high school Career Center.

The Barton L. Weller Scholarship — Any senior attending Newtown, Joel Barlow, Masuk, Shelton, or Trumbull High School on a full-time basis is eligible for this scholarship. The award is $12,000 and the requirements consist of a five-month original independent research or study project of the student’s choice. All students who plan to apply must see Mrs Waterbury in the guidance department before starting their project proposal. All participants must submit their proposals to the Weller Foundation by October 21. Up to five finalists will be selected from all entries and will be notified by November 7. The Career Center has scholarship information sheets with complete information.

NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards — Applicants for these national awards should demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, such as starting a business, participation in organizations such as DECA, Future Business Leaders of America, or Junior Achievement. There are 400 scholarships of at least $1,000 available. Interested students should go to the website for information and FAQs. The selection committee will consider academic record, extracurricular activities, leadership, and character. Applicants should to apply at www.NFIB.com/YEA by December 15.

Mental Floss Tuition Giveaway — A few well-chosen words (750 or less, to be exact) will knock $10,000 each off the tuition tab for five winners of the mental floss Tuition Giveaway contest. This essay contest is sponsored by Mental Floss Magazine, Borders Books, and Merriam-Webster. By simply coming up with the best answer to the question: “Why are you the most deserving person on the planet to win a scholarship?” All contest details are available at www.tuitiongiveaway.com. All essays are due by January 31.

Big Y Scholarships — Big Y awards more than 300 scholarships totaling more than $250,000 to high school seniors, undergraduates, graduates, community college, and nontraditional students each year. Big Y employees and dependents are also eligible for scholarships. All scholarships recognize academic merit and achievement and are awarded to the most outstanding students in the Big Y market area. Information is available at www.bigy.com. Applications are available in the Career Center. The postmark deadline is February 1.

Burger King Scholars Program — Burger King will award $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors for use during the first year of college or postsecondary vocational/technical school in this national scholarship program. Interested seniors must have a GPA of at least 2.5, work part-time an average of 15 hours per week for 40 weeks per year, have demonstrated community involvement and financial need. Students do not have to be Burger King employees to be eligible to apply although employees may apply. Applications are available at www.bk.com/scholars and students must apply by February 2.

Society of Mayflower Descendants Scholarships — The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Connecticut awards three scholarships of $1,250 to graduating high school seniors from Connecticut. Applicants do not need to be members of the Society or related to the Society in any way. Academic achievement, extra-curricular involvement, community service and financial need will be considered in the review of each application. All applications are available in the Career Center and must be completed by March 1, 2009.

Naugatuck Valley Community College Presidential Scholars — This new scholarship program is available to selected high school students within our region and will begin in the 2009 spring semester. The program is meant to encourage high school seniors to expand their horizons while exploring choices for future postsecondary education. Students must meet the prerequisites for enrollment in the liberal arts course for their choice as determined by the college. Each applicant must complete an application packet and submit it to Mrs Latowicki in the Career Center by November 17. Packets are available in the Career Center. Only one student from Newtown High will be selected to participate in this program.

Teachers Against Prejudice — This annual essay contest requires high school students to write a 1,000-word essay on a specific question regarding prejudice and the media. The specific question and rules are available in the Career Center. Winning entries from previous years can be viewed at www.teachersagainstprejudice.org. The first place prize is a $300 savings bond. All entries must be postmarked by December 15.