Senior Information!

Hello Class of 2024!

Please check this weekly as it details all senior information that we want you to know.

The Office of Elections needs election officers! Make an impact by becoming a poll worker today. We are recruiting election officers for the March 5, 2024, presidential primary election. This is a paid position and you will be trained!

Learn more and sign up at loudoun.gov/ElectionOfficers.

These Career Days feature presentations and panel discussions by industry experts covering a range of topics such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, data center operations, computer science, Credit for Prior Learning (e.g., Google, CompTIA, AWS certs). Students also tour the particular NOVA campus they are visiting. High schools that meet the minimum registration requirement (25 students) will be provided free transportation to and from the event. Lunch will be provided. This is a first come, first served event and each campus is capped at 200 attendees. Registration is required to attend and all high school students MUST self-register for their respective Career Day.

IET Career Day Campus Registration Pages:

• Tuesday, March 12th – Loudoun, 10:30am-3:30pm: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=f7ffpo6ab&oeidk=a07ek9gthku0cecc405

• Thursday, March 14th – Manassas, 8:30am-1:00pm: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=f7ffpo6ab&oeidk=a07ek9gth9d6df79f6e

Students must provide their own transportation to / from the event. However, if Independence HS has 25 or more students sign up, NOVA will provide transportation to our students. I will keep those informed who register.

Our recruitment team will be visiting locations across Virginia soon to celebrate admitted students, and we'd love to see your students there!

If you've been admitted, sign up for one of the student receptions:

Monday, March 4

Virginia Beach, VA

Woodbridge, VA

Tuesday, March 5

Midlothian, VA

Sterling, VA

Wednesday, March 6

Fairfax, VA

Thursday, March 7

Abingdon, VA

Our Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) representative has four dates scheduled to visit our Independence High School students interested in either information about or enrolling into the school this fall. Please sign up in SchooLinks.

March 19th @ 12 pm

April 23rd @ 11 am

May 9th @ 11 am

Are you still researching colleges with late application deadlines? Then look no further! Here are the lists (and lists and lists) of schools with deadlines spanning all the way through the end of the summer. Click on the link here.

Randolph College is still getting our name out there! We are a smaller school near the Blue Ridge Mountains, but have unique scholarship opportunities and new programs (especially in STEM). We’re great for students needing more support, smaller environments, or freedom to pursue several academic interests and activities at the same time. Randolph follows a curricular model called TAKE2 which has been a big draw for students because they focus on only two classes at a time, but still graduate in four years!

While many senior students have already locked in schools of their choosing, Randolph College has a Virtual Open House on March 14th for those students who may still be trying to figure it out. Please contact Margaret (Maggie) Rolf, Admission Counselor, if you're interested and she'll provide the link.

LCPS currently has 249 available scholarships posted for our students, with more added every week! To find these scholarships, log into your SchooLinks account, and look under the Finances Tab on the left side of your page. Click on Scholarship Matching, and filter the district posted opportunities.

In addition to the LCPS scholarships, check out the many different search engines for additional opportunities - websites such as FastWeb, Scholarship360, Big Future by College Board to name a few allow students to use keywords to search for all kinds of scholarships.

Recent Additions & Updates Below:

Kimmy Duong Foundation Scholarship

Men's College Scholarship - Foundation for Fraternal Excellence

Virginia State University Alumni Association (VSUAA) NOVA Chapter's Scholarship

IHS PTO Scholarship

The scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities and community involvement. It is available to any male, graduating senior who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program that commences in the fall of 2024. The scholarship is awarded through the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence, a registered 501(c)3 organization. Current or future membership in a fraternity is not required.

Multiple scholarships will be awarded in amounts of $500-1,000 USD.

REQUIREMENTS

-Must be a graduating high school senior in the United States
-Must identify as male
-Must have access to a U.S. bank account (for direct fund deposit if selected)

Click here for more information and how to apply!

The Virginia State University Alumni Association (VSUAA) Northern Virginia Chapter's scholarship application is now available for high school students who plan to attend VSU this Fall 2024. Students must be a resident of Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Loudoun County, or Prince William County to apply. Students can visit the VSUAA NOVA website at www.vsuaanova.org under Scholarship to complete or download the scholarship application. An informative cover letter providing additional details is also available at this website. The application must be typed and postmarked or emailed to us using the guidelines provided in the cover letter by March 31, 2024.

If you have any questions, contact Gladys Pemberton at 703-627-6577 or email Vivian Bowie at

vmbowie@aol.com

We are excited to announce the expansion of Opportunity Vanderbilt, our nationally recognized no-loan financial aid program. Our expanded commitment will provide a full-tuition scholarship for all households with incomes of $150,000 or less, assuming typical assets. Opportunity Vanderbilt makes three commitments to cultivate a community of talented scholars from all social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

1. For U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, the ability to pay is not part of the admission decision. When we read applications, we consider academics, school and community involvement, and other factors, but not a family’s financial situation. Not all colleges practice this, but Vanderbilt does.
2. We meet 100% of every family’s demonstrated financial need. Not all schools commit to fully meeting demonstrated need, but Vanderbilt does.
3. Financial aid awards do not include loans. Our aid awards include scholarship money that does not require repayment. Some schools include federal student loans or institutional loans in aid awards. Vanderbilt does not.

We believe that cost should never be a barrier to a world-class education. While our expanded commitment provides a full-tuition scholarship for all households with incomes of $150,000 or less, these same families typically receive Opportunity Vanderbilt awards greater than full tuition to support housing, food, travel and other college expenses.

Opportunity Vanderbilt has been a significant part of Vanderbilt’s upward trajectory, contributing to student diversity, academic excellence and alumni philanthropy. The university has provided more than $2.6 billion in scholarship aid for undergraduate students since 2009, and 65 percent of current undergraduates are receiving some type of financial assistance.

To learn more about Opportunity Vanderbilt, visit our website or contact your assigned admissions counselor.

The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has opened up the 2024 Scholarship Application process, and they are now accepting applications for this year’s cycle.

All scholarship applications are due by April 1, 2024 and should be submitted by email to scholarships@communityfoundationlf.org. Download the Universal Application Form below. You must complete a separate application to each scholarship if you apply to multiple scholarships. Please review each scholarship’s guidelines carefully as they have unique requirements.

Students may find information and application instructions here:

https://communityfoundationlf.org/students/

* Scholarship programs include, but aren't limited to, students interested in pursuing careers in: horticulture, music performance / education, health medicine, nursing, pre-med, vocational / trade schools to name a few.

The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association is proud to be able to offer scholarships to English Learners who are planning to continue their studies at a college, university, community college, or work-force training programs.

The following criteria will be used for scholarship consideration:

● Enrolled in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6-12 in a Virginia public school
● Enrolled in 12th grade at the time of application
● Financial need
● The strength of the student produced essay

The deadline for all applications is April 26, 2024 by 5:00pm EST.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Diversifying the Teaching Workforce Scholarship: $12,000

This scholarship supports aspiring educators who are from populations under-represented in the teaching workforce.

Three recipients will be selected.

Elaine Avington Griffin Unsing Hero Scholarship: $1,000

This scholarship supports a high school senior with a parent or guardian who is currently a LCPS classified employee in one of the following positions: Custodial, Food Service, Transportation, Warehouse or Maintenance.

One recipient will be selected.

For more details and application links regarding LEF's available scholarships please see our newsletter: https://www.smore.com/zqp6t

For more information click here.

In 2024, UCB will award 30 scholarships of up to $5,000 and 3 scholarships of up to $10,000 to people living with epilepsy, their family members, and caregivers pursuing higher education.

Thirty applicants who demonstrate academic and personal achievement will receive scholarships of up to $5,000 each. Two applicants will receive Epilepsy Leader Scholarships of up to $10,000 each honoring the late Sandra Helmers, MD, MPH, and the late John M. Pellock, MD, two prominent figures in the epilepsy community who passed away in 2016. Additionally, UCB will award one applicant the Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship of up to $10,000. This scholarship was created in 2019 in memory of UCB’s global medical director.

The recipients of the Epilepsy Leader Scholarships and the Joe D'Souza Memorial Scholarship will demonstrate academic and personal achievement and will also exemplify some of the qualities that Drs. Helmers and Pellock were best known for, including a desire to advocate for and serve others, an interest in positively contributing to the epilepsy community, and a persevering spirit.

Applications for the 2024 scholarship program are due Friday, March 15, 2024. Please use the top navigation bar to access program details and FAQ for the 2024 program. Please check out the video library to see highlights of the first decade of the program and to hear from previous winners.

National Capital Environmental Scholarship Program:

Three scholarships in the amount of $2000 each are planned to be awarded in 2024 to encourage young people to prepare for careers in environmental protection by supporting studies leading to a bachelor's degree in applicable sciences or engineering.

Graduating seniors from high schools in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area and surrounding counties planning to pursue environmental careers are eligible to apply. You must be accepted prior to receiving the award, into a 4-year bachelor's program in an acceptable field of study by an institution of higher learning.

Click here to apply!

The Independence High School PTO is proud to offer three $750 scholarships to graduating seniors. The Independence Scholarship Committee will choose applicants based on eligibility requirements and completion of this application.

Application submission requirements:

· You must be enrolled as a current IHS senior.

· Your parent(s)/legal guardian must be a current member of the IHS PTO.

· GPA is not a requirement.

· Do NOT put your name on the essay.

· Do NOT use your name or a family member’s actual name in your essay.

Application and essay due on or before April 12, 2024 to Mrs. Perlman in the Career Center. Jill.Perlman@lcps.org. No Exceptions!

Click here to apply!

A minimum of two $500 scholarships will be awarded. All applicants must be a male, senior high school student who will be graduating from an Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fredericksburg, Stafford, or Prince William County, VA high school and has been accepted to a 4-year college university for the 2024/2025 school year.

All applicants will need to include the following documents with their completed application:

• HS Transcript

• College acceptance letter(s)

• Documentation of financial need

• Letter of recommendation

• Essay

Applications must be mailed and postmarked by 11:59 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024 to the address below.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

Beta Alpha Omega – Northern VA Alumni Chapter

Attn: CSM Karl Roberts Sr. Scholarship Program

PO Box 706

Lorton, VA 22079

A minimum of two $250 scholarships will be awarded. All applicants must be a male, senior high school student who will be graduating from an Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fredericksburg, Stafford, or Prince William County, VA high school and has been accepted to a 2-year community college for the 2024/2025 school year.

All applicants will need to include the following documents with their completed application:

• HS Transcript

• Official Community College acceptance letter that includes ID number

• Documentation of financial need

• Letter of recommendation

• Essay

Applications must be mailed and postmarked by 11:59 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024 to the address below.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

Beta Alpha Omega – Northern VA Alumni Chapter

Attn: Chief Darryl Smith, Sr. Scholarship Program

PO Box 706

Lorton, VA 22079

The WREN Project awards educational scholarships to LGBTQ+ and allied students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment in the efforts and fight towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community.

The WREN Project, which aims to provide tools, facilitate connections, and empower young people to fight for LGBTQ+ equality, understands the obstacles that LGBTQ+ students face in the pursuit of education. This can be from myriad reasons, including discrimination and lack of support. The scholarships were created to provide outstanding students with the funding they deserve and need to ensure a successful college experience.

Applications for The WREN Project scholarships are open to High School Seniors in Fairfax and Loudoun County (VA) who are planning on attending, or are accepted to, an accredited post-secondary education institution or vocational or technical equivalent, in the United States.

Apply HERE!

This scholarship will recognize students who have documented need for accommodation and who demonstrate engagement in their community.

Two award recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help with post-secondary education.

Attached is an Application Form. The student(s) should submit application and all supporting information by mail to be received by WISER no later than March 22, 2024.

An informational flyer is included for distribution to potential applicants. Additional information and applications can be found at www.wiserdc.org.

The Gamma Sigma chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa (an honorary organization for women educators) recently received a grant from the African American Community Alliance to fund a $5,000 scholarship for an African American senior planning to enter the field of education. Please see below for details.

https://sites.google.com/view/va-gamma-sigma/home

On behalf of the Taiwan Culture Center, we opened up the 2024 Taiwanese-American Community Scholarship Award program.

This $1000 award is open to all ethnic backgrounds. The deadline is April 1, 2024.

Click here for more information. Click here to apply.

Easily find scholarships that fit you. Fastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to college scholarships, trade school scholarships, and financial aid tools. Our goal is to help you find scholarships to make college or vocational school more affordable.

Click here to see these 24 scholarships.

Click here to go to FastWeb's other opportunities!

Our Mission

The Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational and Charitable Foundation increases opportunities for achievement for African-American males through scholarships, mentoring, and charitable services.

To be considered for one of this year’s $2,000 Jewel College Scholarships, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Eligible to graduate from high school by the end of the current academic school
• Plans to enroll in an accredited college or university for the Fall 2024 school year
• Reside in Northern Virginia Counties of Fairfax and Loudoun or within the greater Metropolitan Washington, DC. area

Application Requirements

Submit a complete application package on or before March 14, 2024, and include the following:

1. Two-page Jewel College Scholarship Application (Please Type or Print).
2. A two-page, typed, double-spaced essay describing, “Who am I, and What will the Jewel Scholarship Mean to Me?”
3. A typed detailed description of your high school community service and volunteer activities.
4. Two letters of recommendation.
5. A copy of your most recent 12th-grade transcript which includes your cumulative high school grade point average.

Two $500 C. Richard Walk Masonic Memorial Scholarships will be awarded in the current academic year to two full-time graduating seniors. These scholarships are underwritten and sponsored by Ashburn-Sterling Lodge No. 288, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Ashburn, Virginia.

The PDF application is below. Please follow the directions on the application process and where to submit by their deadline.

Here's a quick document to peruse this spring season with a few current scholarships, a few that will open in the spring, summer and fall, and additional resources.

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.

RBSP competitively awards 45 – 50 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, 634 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

Applicants for the Ron Brown Scholarship MUST be Black/African American, US citizens or permanent residents, and a current high school senior at the time of their application.

For more information and how to apply, click here

In addition to the LCPS scholarships, check out the many different search engines for additional opportunities - websites such as FastWeb, Scholarship360, Big Future by College Board to name a few allow students to use keywords to search for all kinds of scholarships.