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.

Gates Millennium Scholars — This national scholarship program provides an opportunity for outstanding students with significant financial need to complete an undergraduate college education. An applicant must be an ethnic minority (African American, Asian Pacific Islander American, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Hispanic American), and be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the US; have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 (on a 4.0 unweighted scale) or have earned a general education degree (GED). Eligible students must be entering a United States accredited college or university on a full-time basis, have demonstrated leadership abilities and meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria. Three required forms of the application are available online at www.gmsp.org. All online applications must be submitted by January 11 at 11:59 pm EST. Refer to the website for the required forms and complete information about the application process.

Barton L. Weller Scholarship — Students interested in competing for this $12,000 award must complete an original independent research or study project. All students who plan to participate must see Mrs Latowicki in the Career Center before starting their project proposal. Previously submitted proposals are available for review in the Career Center. Submit all completed proposals to Mrs Latowicki by Tuesday, October 11. Seniors attending Newtown, Joel Barlow, Masuk, Shelton or Trumbull High School on a full-time basis are eligible for this scholarship. Students selected as finalists will receive $200 to help defray expenses and must attend an honorary dinner on May 1. The rules and project calendar are available in the Career Center.

 Washington University Danforth Scholars Program — The Danforth Scholarship Program is open to prospective graduate or undergraduate students applying to Washington University. Undergraduates must be nominated to receive consideration; students may not apply directly. Nominated students will be notified and provided with the application and requirements. This is a merit-based program, but financial need will be considered as part of the award process. Nominations for the program must be received by October 15.

Wendy’s High School Heisman Award — For the past 17 years, Wendy’s Restaurants and the Heisman Memorial Trophy Committee have sponsored 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. The application process is open to all rising senior student athletes who exhibit excellence in the classroom, on the playing field, and within their communities. The application period for students extends through October 2. An online nomination form must be completed by students and reviewed and confirmed by a high school official. The first 30,000 applicants will receive $10 Wendy’s gift cards. Winners will be chosen at the school, state, and national levels.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards — The award recognizes middle level and high school youth solely on the basis of volunteer work in their communities. Newtown High School will select one applicant to be forwarded to the state round of judging. State level honorees receive $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian, May 5–8, 2012. National honorees receive an additional $5,000. Students should print out their application and submit it to Mrs Latowicki in the Career Center by October 17 to be evaluated by the NHS administration.