Many Scholarships Available To Newtown High School Students

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.

SMART Scholarship — The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and be gainfully employed upon degree completion. The SMART Program aims to increase the number of scientists and engineers in the Department of Defense. The program is particularly interested in supporting individuals that demonstrate an aptitude and interest in conducting theoretical and applied research. Students applying to the program should have a strong interest in working for the Department of Defense as a civilian research scientist or engineer. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the disciplines listed on the website www.smart.asee.org. The submission deadline for all materials and the application is December 15.

Profile in Courage Essay Contest — This annual contest invites high school students from across the nation to write an original 1,000-word essay about an elected official who has demonstrated political courage. Winning essayists will receive awards totaling up to $10,000. The first-place winner will be invited to accept the award at the Profile in Courage Award Ceremony hosted each May by Caroline Kennedy at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. All students must have a nominating teacher and the first-place winner’s nominating teacher will receive a John F. Kennedy Public Service Grant for $500. Submissions can be made online www.jfkcontest.org or by mail. The submission deadline is January 7.

Jean O’Brien Memorial Scholarship — Teachers Federal Credit Union is offering the Jean O’Brien Memorial Scholarship to four students planning to pursue a degree in education. Applicants must apply for membership, see website www.wctfcu.com for eligibility details. Applications are available online and in the Career Center. The submission deadline is May 12.

DECA Scholarship Program — DECA offers several scholarship opportunities supported by its corporate partners. The organizations sponsoring the scholarship opportunities are Don deBolt, Finish Line, Marriott, NAPA, NFIB, Otis Spunkmeyer, Safeway, Sears, Publix, Kmart, TJ Maxx/Marshalls, Walgreens and Harry Applegate. DECA scholarships are strictly merit based and awards are in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. All scholarships will be available for online submission at www.deca.org. Deadline for submission is January 20.

Mensa Member Scholarship — The Mensa Education and Research Foundation is sponsoring five $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to American Mensa members or IRS-dependent children of American Mensa members. Students have until January 15 to write an essay of not more than 550 words explaining their career, academic and/or vocational goals, and how they plan to achieve those goals. Refer to the website www.mensafoundation.org for additional rules, guidelines and the scholarship entry form.

Drew University Scholarship — Drew University is offering a $20,000 scholarship for high school students who demonstrate leadership in organizing and implementing community service projects. Scholarship recipients join Drew’s Civic Scholars program, which include special classes, workshops, seminars, and off-campus service projects. Refer to the website drew.edu/wanted for more details. Information about applying to Drew can be found at drew.edu/apply. The application deadline is February 1.

Ron Brown Scholarship — Each year up to 20y high school seniors from across the United States will each receive $10,000 annually for four years for full-time undergraduate study as Ron Brown Scholars. Applicants must be African-American United States citizens or permanent residents who have demonstrated high academic achievement, show exceptional leadership potential and have made a significant contribution to their community through community service. The website has complete information and applications should be downloaded at www.ronbrown.org. The submission deadline is January 9.