FHSD College and Career Newsletter
January 2026 Edition
Table of Contents
Westlake University China Summer Program
African-American Students Interested in Engineering
NROTC Scholarship
Mentors 4 College
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholars Program
Wash U College Prep Program
College Preview Day: February 23rd
Southeast Missouri Visit Days
Rockhurst Early Acceptance Medical Programs
Columbia College Spring Music Talent Scholarship Opportunity
How Can We Pay for College Webinar
Junior Spring College and Career Timeline
Missouri Masonic Scholarships
Central Methodist University Visit Days and Scholarships
High Demand Occupations in Missouri
Video: Create a MyScholarshipCentral Account
Important College and Career Links
College and Career Counselors
African-American Students Interested in Engineering
Check out PCI Weekend sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers. It will be held February 26-March 1st on the campus of Missouri S & T. Students must apply by February 1st. See two flyers below for more details and to apply.
Pre-College Summer Program in China
Students interested in STEM might want to check out Westlake University Pre-College Summer Program. The cost is only $750 and includes airfare, housing, meals and tuition for the summer college program. Participate in global participation in science and engineering with students from around the world. Also, experience Chinese culture. The camps is from July 5-21st and the deadline to apply is February 1st. Apply here: https://precollapp.westlake.edu.cn/#/home
Students will have to apply for a student visa to participate, and the program will help them with those steps.
NROTC Scholarship and Deadlines
The deadline for the NROTC Nurse and Four-Year Scholarships has been moved up to January 15th (previously January 31st).
Scholarship Requirements:
- ACT: Minimum 22 in English, 21 in Math, combined score of 44
- SAT: Minimum 550 in Reading, 540 in Math, combined score of 1100
- ASVAB: Minimum score of 81
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
We are excited to offer this opportunity to students who are committed to serving their country and pursuing a rewarding career in the Navy
For more details, students can visit: NROTC Scholarship Application
Mentors 4 College
Would you and your family like free, private, one-on-one help with the college and career planning process. Sign up for a free mentor who will work with your student and family free throughout the entire college and career planning process. Plus check out all the free webinars and resources they have to offer at mentors4college.org
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholars Program
The Joyce Ivy Foundation is pleased to announce that the application for our 2026 Summer Scholars Program is now open! Please share with academically high-achieving young women in 9th, 10th and 11th grades. Our full and partial scholarships enable young women in the Midwest to attend residential pre-college programs at one of our partner institutions based on demonstrated financial need; scholarships cover the cost of tuition, room and board, travel expenses, and supplies. Please check out website at joyceivyfoundation.org for more information or reach out to info@joyceivyfoundation.org if you have questions.
Dates & Deadlines
December 7, 2025 2026 application available online
March 1, 2026 Application deadline
By April 1, 2026 Decisions released via email
April 10, 2026 Scholarship reply deadline
Washington University- St. Louis College Prep Program
The WashU College Prep Program is a four-year commitment that begins the summer after a student’s first year of high school and continues through their first year of college.
Three Summer Academy experiences on WashU’s campus anchor the program; the first and second experiences are held during the day for two weeks, while the third is residential, students live on campus for three weeks. Various weekend programs occur throughout the school year, which range from scholarship and financial aid workshops and ACT test prep sessions to college trips and local social and cultural opportunities. During their four years in the College Prep Program, students gain significant academic knowledge and experience, form bonds with their fellow scholars, and gain a greater understanding of college life. Eligibility Criteria:
- are currently in 9th grade and live in the St. Louis region
- will be a first-generation college student — your biological parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree from an accredited institution in the United States — and come from a household with an annual income of $75,000 or less
- maintain a 2.5 unweighted cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale throughout high school
- are open to receiving coaching and guidance throughout their college journey
- commit to attend CPP’s Summer Academy for three consecutive summers (the third summer is residential), as well as attend a minimum of two Saturday sessions each semester during the academic year
For more information and to apply, go to: https://collegeprep.washu.edu/about-cpp/
College Preview Day for Juniors for Four Amazing Universities
Students are invited to a free local evening event on February 23 at 6:30pm to learn more about academic majors, student life, scholarships and opportunities at these four city universities:
Drake University
University of Cincinnati
University of Louisville
University of Memphis
See flyer below for more details and to register.
SEMO Visit Days
When students visit campus for one of the Admissions events below, SEMO will waive their $150 housing deposit when they enroll for fall 2026!
/ Show Me Day
/ Future Teacher Day
/ Weekday Walking Tours
/ River Campus Tours
/ Saturday Campus Tours
/ Pilot Program Airport Tours
Rockhurst University Early Acceptance Medical Programs
Rockhurst University has partnered with Kansas City University to offer Early Acceptance Accelerated Programs with a new
Accelerated Seven-Year Medical Program: BS-DO
Accelerated Seven-Year Dental Program: BS-DMD
Accelerated 5.5 Anesthesiology Assistant Program: BS-MHSAA
Application due February 1st
See hand out for more details and information
Columbia College Spring Music Talent Scholarship Opportunity
Exceptional vocal talent deserves recognition! Columbia College offers vocal music talent scholarships to incoming students regardless of major committed to participating in CC choral ensembles. Additional funds are given to those who major or minor in music.
For students who might feel overwhelmed by large state schools, Columbia College provides an intimate learning environment where every voice is heard and no one gets lost in the crowd, while still enjoying life in the vibrant community of Columbia, Missouri.
Students can choose:
· In-person audition on Saturday, February 21, 2026 (advance registration required)
· Pre-recorded submission
For in-person auditions:
· Accompanist provided
· Complimentary lunch and Starbucks included
· Detailed itinerary sent before the audition
· Auditions scheduled mid-day
Vocalists should prepare a contest-type solo (classical, musical theater, jazz, or contemporary) that demonstrates their tone, range, and technique. Scholarship amounts vary based on individual financial aid packages.
Our distinguished voice faculty, led by Director of Choral Activities Emily Edgington Andrews and Voice Area Coordinator Dr. Catherine Sandstedt, brings extensive performance, conducting, and teaching experience to our program. Active in organizations like NATS, ACDA, and NAfME, they provide valuable networking and performance opportunities. Students benefit from guest artist masterclasses, compete in national competitions, attend major conferences, and participate in domestic choir tours. Our intentionally diverse guest artist series exposes students to musicians from various genres, cultures, and backgrounds.
We look forward to hearing your talented vocalists at our scholarship auditions and welcoming them to our vibrant and nurturing musical community.
All students interested in scholarship consideration should register at https://forms.gle/2ebzohNPXruS6WhBA
How Can We Pay for College Webinar
Mentors for College Presents free webinar on How Can We Pay for College?
Thursday, January 8, 7:00-7:30 pm Central Time
The cost of college worries students and parents. There are ways to find colleges that offer ore scholarships than others and ways to figure out public and private colleges that may be financially attractive to you. Thoughtful and thorough research is the key. Join us for a webinar to learn how to research to find affordable colleges.
Missouri Masonic Scholarships
Missouri Masonic Scholarships- $1,000-$17,000 yearly scholarships -Deadline March 1. There are 3 Masonic Scholarships available: 1) Masonic Merit-$1,000 per year available to students in any degree program 2) Ruth Bates Bachmaann-$1,000 per year for student seeking degree in education or nursing 3) Samuel Smith Stewart-$17,000 per year available to students in any degree program
Requirements: High School Senior in Missouri, involved in extracurricular activities, 3.0 GPA & ACT score of at least 18 for the undergraduate scholarship, 2.8 GPA & ACT score of at least 17 for community college scholarship. All applications and more details are online at: https://momasonscholarships.org/undergraduate-scholarship-application-process/
Central Methodist University Visit Days and Scholarships
Marine Biology Day: March 21, 2026
Register at go.centralmethodist.edu/marinebio/inquiryform
Central Scholars Competition: The Central Scholars competition is an invitation only event for students in their senior year of high school. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 to be invited to participate. The competition is designed to recognize new traditional undergraduate students who exhibit high academic achievement and a service mindset. Up to two Eagle Select full-tuition scholarships (fees, housing and meal plan not included), up to one Pre-Health Scholars full-tuition scholarship, and up to one Valedictorian full-tuition scholarship will be awarded (living on campus is required for full tuition winners). To be considered, students should apply to CMU by January 4th.The 2026 Central Scholars Competition will be held on February 21, 2026 on campus. Students who reside outside the state of Missouri may request to participate virtually.
Central's Got Talent Scholarship Competition: February 19, 2026. Central’s Got Talent is an annual event for students in their senior year. Two full-tuition scholarships will be awarded after competition in Vocal, Instrumental, and Praise Band. Register for CGT below. Center Stage acting and theatre design competitions take place February 19, 2026. Register for Center Stage below. We will award major scholarships to the top three winners in each category. Upon application/registration, students may receive an invitation from the Office of Admissions to compete. The events are open to parents and families. They provide opportunities to see the campus and learn about financial aid, student services, and a variety of other helpful information. Note: Full-tuition scholarship winners are required to live on campus.
High Demand Occupations in Missouri
Information about in-demand occupations is valuable because it equips
students with the insight needed to make informed decisions about their high
school coursework, future academic training, and career pathways, which can
lead to secure, fulfilling, and well-paying occupations.
For more information go to: Critical Need Occupations
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tU--M-Gz9_xQsDcXkC6rx889krrsLOMQ/view?usp=sharing
IMPORTANT COLLEGE AND CAREER LINKS
District College and Career Website: bit.ly/fhsdCCR
Direct General Scholarship Link
Direct Summer Opportunities Link
High School Campus Specific Scholarships
College and Career Counselors
Francis Howell Central Dustin Bailey dustin.bailey@fhsdschools.org
Francis Howell High Jennifer Lowrey jennifer.lowrey@fhsdschools.org
Francis Howell North Brooke Prestidge brooke.prestidge@fhsdschools.org
FHSD College & Career Specialist Katie Vargas katherine.vargas@fhsdschools.org