Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships

April 21, 2014

Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) is a company-sponsored employee network dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of black employees at Microsoft Corporation. This year, BAM will award two US$5,000 scholarships to outstanding high-school seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in technology. The scholarships are renewable, so winners who continue to meet the criteria can receive an annual $5,000 award for up to four years.

Requirements

To be considered for a BAM Scholarship, you must:

Be a high-school senior of African descent (for example, African American, African, or Ethiopian).

  • Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the fall of the year following high-school graduation.
  • Plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (such as finance, business administration, or marketing).
  • Demonstrate a passion for technology.
  • Demonstrate leadership at school or in the community.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
  • Require financial assistance to attend college.

Deadline: March

Starting a College Planning Book Club

April 17, 2014

Activity: Starting a College Planning Book Club

Through our work with schools and school districts throughout the United States and in Bermuda we are providing important college admissions and financial aid guidance to thousands of students and parents. However, there are simply too many students and families continuing to lack access to sufficient college planning information within their schools and communities. Subsequently, we were inspired by Patrick Johnson, Director of Equity and Excellence, in the Tacoma Public Schools, and his work in creating book clubs for elementary and middle school students.

Click here to see the Tacoma Public Schools Book Club video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lbajG6XSb8

We have followed Patrick’s lead and now support College Planning Book Clubs in schools, churches, and communities throughout the country to ensure that more students and families have access to important college admissions and financial aid planning information.

In addition to the foundational texts, A High School Plan for Students with College-Bound Dreams (book and workbook), used to begin each book club, we provide monthly activities to guide the reading and research of book club members. In addition to the Starting a College Planning Book Club activity that you may download to guide your efforts in starting a book club, following are some of the activities that book clubs have received during 2014 to guide their efforts.

Activity 1: A Context for the Conversation

Objective

Develop a context for the many conversations that will occur between you, the student, and your parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, tutors and anyone assisting you with conceptualizing your college-bound plans.

Guiding Questions

  • What is my plan to maximize my 2 million minutes of high school?
  • What is my anxiety level based on where I am in the college planning process?

Activity 2: My Student Profile

Objective

Develop a student profile to focus your college and financial aid research.

Guiding Questions

  • What is my current student profile?
  • How can I compare my profile to those of other students?
  • How can I use my profile to guide my scholarship research?

Activity 3: High School Graduation Requirements

Objective

Ensure that you are fully aware of your progress toward fulfilling your state high school graduation requirements and that you understand the requirements for state sources of financial aid.

Guiding Questions

  • What are my state’s high school graduation requirements?
  • What are the course requirements for admission into the state university system?

Activity 4: Self-assessment—My Gifts and Talents

Objective

Perform a self-assessment of your gifts and talents and identify those areas that may be further developed during high school to qualify for merit-based scholarships or to expand your college admission opportunities.

Guiding Questions

  • What are my gifts and talents and am I working hard enough to develop them to the level necessary to influence college admissions and scholarship opportunities?
  • Am I maximizing opportunities within my school and community to develop my gifts, earn recognition, and serve in leadership roles?

Activity 5: Whom Do I Need on My Team?

Objective

Determine the college planning support you currently have or will need.

Guiding Questions

  • How competitive will it be to gain admission into top colleges?
  • How much work will be required to develop a high quality college application package?
  • Who are the people or what are the programs from which I will require support?

Activity 6: Developing My College List

Objective

Develop a list of colleges that will provide the context for your college planning activities and conversations.

Guiding Questions

  • What type of college, i.e., large institutions, liberal arts, highly competitive, special focus schools (e.g., visual arts, music, theatre arts, HBCUs, military service academies, etc.) community colleges, or technical schools would I like to attend?
  • Where can I research information about the colleges on my list and identify similar types of colleges?
  • What are the benefits of pre-college programs, Honors Colleges, and Study Abroad programs?

Activity 7: Self-reflection and Self-assessment

Objective

Engage in a self-reflective and honest self-assessment of your level of competitiveness in the college admissions and scholarship application processes.

Guiding Questions

  • How do I compare to the type of students who apply to the colleges on my list?
  • What is the Common Data Set?

Activity 8: AP, IB, and Dual/Joint Enrollment

Objectives

  • Understanding the impact of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual/Joint Enrollment on college admissions.
  • Understanding how to research the potential tuition savings of AP, IB, and Dual/Joint Enrollment classes.

Guiding Questions

  • What are the AP, IB, and Dual/Joint Enrollment options at my high school?
  • Which program is most closely aligned with my college and career aspirations?
  • What are the potential tuition savings for each program?

Activity 9: Course Work and Teacher/Counselor Evaluations

Objectives

  • Developing your high school course schedule.
  • Identifying what will be required to receive the highest teacher/counselor evaluations.

Guiding Questions

  • What level of course work is expected by the colleges and universities to which I am planning to apply?
  • What type of academic assistance is available to support my enrollment in the classes I am planning to take?
  • What personal qualities will my teacher and counselor be evaluating?

Additional college planning book club activities will be posted as they are released.

Click here to download the Starting a Book Club Activity…

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – Chi Gamma Gamma Chapter

April 8, 2014

Chi Gamma Gamma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. is now accepting applications for the 2014 scholarship award.

STUDENT’S ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOLARSHIP

  • A male high school senior, who will graduate with his class in spring 2014, and resides in Chi Gamma Gamma’s Geographical Service Area of Cobb County.
  • Student who will enter a college or university within one (1) year of completion of high school.
  • Student does not need to be accepted to a college or university at the time of application.  However, payment of the Chi Gamma Gamma Foundation Award Fund to a recipient’s institution is contingent upon proof of acceptance and/or enrollment to an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.*

All applications must be received by April 30,2014.

Please download the instruction guide and application using the following link.

XGG Scholarship 2014

 

American Chemical Society Georgia Local Section, Percy Julian High School Award, Deadline April 16, 2014

March 16, 2014

The Percy Julian Award is open to African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and members of other groups who are traditionally underrepresented in science.  Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and plan to major in a STEM discipline, plan to attend a college or university in the Fall 2014 semester, and show evidence of leadership skills which promote racial, ethnic & cultural understanding.

A copy of the qualifications and application can be found here:  https://cobbk12.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-782441-dt-content-rid-4738672_2/courses/HIL.Counseling.Hurst/2014%20Percy%20Julian%20High%20School%20Award%20Application.pdf

 

 

Cobb School Counselor Association Service Scholarship Deadline April 11, 2014

March 16, 2014

The criteria for this scholarship is as follows:

 

Student has served as a peer helper, peer tutor, peer mediator, or some other type of service work.

Student is a graduating high school senior.

Minimum 2.5 G.P.A.

Letter of recommendation

Written essay…two typed pages, double spaced, size 12-14 font.

Additional information and a copy of the application can be found here:  CSCA scholarship (1)

 

 

 

Scales of Justice Scholarship, Deadline April 15, 2014

March 16, 2014

The competition is open to High School Seniors and Senior Level Home School Students who are residents of Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb and Clayton counties.  The deadline is April 15, 2014.

https://cobbk12.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-782441-dt-content-rid-4753312_2/courses/HIL.Counseling.Hurst/2014%20Scales%20of%20Justice%20Scholarship.pdf

University of Wisconsin College of Engineering

March 2, 2014

Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a six-week residential program for students who will be high school juniors or seniors in the upcoming school year. The ESP course curriculum includes math, physics, chemistry, engineering, and technical communications. Other structured programming such as industry site visits, fieldtrips, guest lectures, workshops, and faculty mentoring will help you gain a better understanding of the field of engineering and its applications. Click HERE to learn more about the Engineer in Summer Program

Participants

The ESP Program is targeted to high school students from groups traditionally under-represented in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field. African-American, Native American, Latino/a, Laotian, Vietnamese, Hmong, and Cambodian students are especially encouraged to apply. Students from rural regions, as well as women from all backgrounds are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

To take part in ESP you must have a strong interest in math and engineering; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; be entering your junior or senior year for the upcoming school year; have completed at least one year of algebra, geometry, and chemistry by June of the program year; and have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Benefit

The Program challenges students to think creatively, work in teams and draw on previous knowledge and experiences to solve problems both inside and outside the classroom. The program consist of rigorous preparation in engineering foundation courses consistent with our engineering degree programs.

ESP provides participants with a hands-on experience in design; group study and problem solving that will be transferable to the students’ future high school and collegiate coursework. Students will also participate in faculty-led discussions, team building, professional development programming, as well as workshops that will help students navigate the college admission and financial-aid process.

Housing and Meals

Housing and meals are included as part of the program. While attending ESP, participants will reside in University Housing. Lodging will be in Dejope Hall — a University Housing residence hall conveniently located on the Lakeshore campus. To foster a real sense of community, you will share a room with another program participant. Each air-conditioned room includes twin beds with bed linens and pillows, minifridges, desks, and internet. Floor lounges include televisions, comfortable seating, and an attached kitchenette. There will be no telephones in individual rooms; therefore, students are encouraged to bring a cell phone. Laundry and vending machines are located on the main floor of Dejope Hall. Meals will be served three times per day, seven days a week in the Four Lakes Market, located in Dejope Hall. Dining services will provide a variety of youth-friendly and healthy selections, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Supervision

Participants will be supervised by program staff. Current undergraduate students are hired and trained to provide supervision and daily programming — including weekends. The counselors live in University Housing on the same floor as participants.

Curriculum

ESP is designed to focus on academic enrichment related to math, science, and engineering; provide an orientation to the UW-Madison environment and collegiate experience; and demonstrate the importance of early preparation for the college-bound student. Participants will interact with UW faculty/staff, students, program alumni, practicing engineers and other talented peers who share the same interest in mathematics, science and engineering.

Elon University Diversity Weekend

March 2, 2014

Come see Elon for yourself!

Phoenix Fusion is a special open house program held each spring for those interested in learning more about the multicultural experience at Elon. Students lead campus tours, provide helpful information and answer questions from prospective students and their parents. For more information or to arrange a campus visit, please call the Admissions Office at 800-334-8448 or 336-278-3566. Or register online for a campus visit. Hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Resources you can count on
Financial aid opportunities such as grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs are available to students. Our financial aid counselors will be happy to discuss your options. Click here for more information.

Need More Info?

For information about admissions, scholarships or campus visits for prospective multicultural students, call Natalie Garza at 800-334-8448 or email her.

 

Connecticut College Explore Weekend

March 2, 2014

A Multicultural Leadership Program for High School Seniors

Ask questions. Make discoveries. Explore the possibilities.

Hosted during October and November

Explore Weekend is a program for high school seniors from underrepresented groups and those committed to issues of diversity. Over two days, you’ll get a sneak peak at a challenging liberal arts environment and learn about campus resources for students of color.

Some parts of your college experience will be easy to figure out. Intellectual drive? Lifelong passions? You’ve got that covered. Building a successful future? It’s at the top of your list. To make it happen, you need to find a school that supports and challenges you. That’s where Explore Weekend comes in.

Here is a sample schedule of the events of a typical Explore Weekend.

Connecticut College sponsors the Explore Weekend program for high school seniors over two weekends in the fall. During that weekend, you and your peers will:

  • Attend Explore Weekend classes and discuss big ideas with your professors
  • Tour the campus
  • Interview for admission
  • Stay overnight with a host in a residence hall
  • Make new friends from across the country
  • Learn the ins and outs of financial aid
  • Meet College deans and professors
  • Learn about our home, New London, through a community service project

Applications for Explore Weekend are now closed. We look forward to your application for Fall Admission.

If you have questions, please contact Will Tran, Assistant Director of Admission:

Telephone: 860-439-2200 or
Fax: 860-439-4301.
william.tran@conncoll.edu