College Counseling Newsletter
January 2026
Happy January !
As we begin a new year and the spring semester, our seniors are entering an exciting and meaningful phase of their college journey. January is a time to review progress, respond to application updates, complete any remaining requirements, and begin preparing for important next steps such as financial aid, scholarships, and enrollment decisions. It’s a month filled with anticipation, reflection, and forward momentum.
We are incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience, and growth our students have demonstrated throughout the application process. Their commitment and perseverance continue to shine, and we are honored to support them as they navigate these final stages.
As we move into the new semester, we encourage students and families to stay engaged, organized, and hopeful. May this new year bring clarity, confidence, and exciting opportunities as we look ahead to what’s next.
Warmest wishes,
The College Counseling Team
- Complete your FAFSA immediately if you have not done yet.
- Apply Arkansas Department of Higher Education Scholarships on ADHE website. There are many scholarships for you if you are planning to attend college in Arkansas.
- Apply for scholarships by checking SchooLinks → Scholarship Matching regularly and submitting applications for all scholarships you qualify for.
- Check college websites for the college specific scholarships. Most colleges require you to apply scholarship to receive the scholarships.
- Explore post-graduation pathways if you are not attending college, including trade schools opportunities, apprenticeships, or military options.
- Sign up for the ACT Boot Camp to raise your ACT on March ACT.
Arkansas State University
The Department of Music offers several privately funded music scholarships to students of all majors. All scholarships are for full-time students attending the main A-State campus. To be considered, all students must meet criteria, complete the form, and audition for their chosen area.
Regardless of major, all students must fill out the A-State Music Audition & Scholarship Form and audition for the A-State Music Department to be admitted into the program as well as considered for a music scholarship.
Auditions are held on designated audition days but may also be scheduled individually as needed.
Priority Deadline: April 1st
Audition Dates:
Friday, February 13, 2026
Saturday, March 7, 2026
University of Arkansas
The Department of Music offers scholarships (both music scholarships and band scholarships) for talented students who sing or play instruments. All scholarships are based on musical ability, academic achievement, and potential contribution to music department ensembles. Scholarships are renewable for up to five years (ten semesters), as long as the student meets the conditions specified on the scholarship letter or contract.
Music and band scholarships are available to music majors and to students majoring in other areas who participate in certain ensembles. All scholarships require an audition. To set up an audition, contact the music department at 479-575-4701 or the band office at 479-575-4100.
UA Little Rock
An audition is required for consideration for a Music Program scholarship. The live auditions are scheduled on the UA Little Rock campus. Specific audition times will be given to students after a completed application is submitted.
Click the link below for detailed information about the music scholarships at the UALR.
University of Central Arkansas
Each year the UCA Department of Music awards scholarships to promising incoming students. These scholarships are awarded through an audition process for the area of study in which the student will enter. Students MUST audition in order to be eligible for a scholarship in the Department of Music. Whether you are a music major or majoring in another field, there is scholarship funding available for those that participate in a UCA music ensemble.
All prospective students wanting to participate in music must audition and apply for acceptance into the Music Department. Your audition will be evaluated for both Music Department acceptance and scholarship consideration.
To apply for a music foundation scholarship, please click here.
LISA North High Alumni Panel
LISA North High Alumni Panel
LISA North High Alumni Panel
LISA West High Alumni Panel
LISA West High Alumni Panel
LISA West High Alumni Panel
9th-12th grade students can apply to volunteer at the Museum of Discovery. If they are selected, they can earn 100+ volunteer hours at the Museum of Discovery. In order to volunteer at the Museum of Discovery, students will need to do summer training. Click the link here to apply for Museum of Discovery Camp Counselor Volunteer Application
Application deadline is April 17th.
Earn 100+ Volunteer Hours at the Little Rock Zoo!
Youth ages 13–17 are invited to apply for the newly revamped Youth Zoo Crew, where teens work alongside Zoo staff to help create memorable experiences that inspire guests to value and protect our natural world.
Participants should be eager to learn, willing to step outside their comfort zones, enjoy interacting with guests of all ages, and have a passion for wildlife and conservation.
Application deadline: February 1
Click here to learn more and apply.
Looking for ways to earn volunteer hours from home?
Students can participate in online community service and virtual volunteer opportunities that allow them to support causes they care about anytime and from anywhere.
The link below includes a list of over 90 organizations that offer volunteer hours in exchange for virtual service. While most of the organizations listed are non-profit, students are responsible for confirming that the organization they choose is a registered non-profit before participating.
Click here to explore virtual volunteer opportunities.
