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College decision day is coming up on May 1! We celebrate the opportunities in all pathways after high school, whether students attend a university, community college, private occupational school, an apprenticeship or serve in the military. Share a photo of yourself wearing gear from your favorite school, alma mater or future program and tag #hrhspostgrad. Or stop by to take a photo with my senior 2026 glasses. We want to celebrate you!

Published on ivypanda.com on Jan 22nd, 2025

As the saying goes, nothing in life is free. In order to find a well-paid, satisfying job, you almost always need to have a college degree. Unfortunately, attaining this level of education involves spending money on tuition and related fees for several years. The average college tuition in the US is about $40,000. This price is enough to terrify even the affluent among us. But for the many young people whose parents cannot afford to pay for their education, the cost is simply too high.

However, there are less expensive options. For example, you can cut costs by attending a public two-year college. For in-state students, the expenses total about $3,500. But a four-year college degree for out-of-state students is, on average, about $32,500. As you can see, the prices differ enormously, and they vary across schools and states.

The cheapest option is to set your sights on a scholarship. Many of these awards are given as prizes to the best students, so you should definitely be proud if you receive one. This article will tell you about different types of awards, show you where to start your scholarship search, and offer many useful resources to help you along the way.

⚙️ How Do Scholarships Work?

Scholarships are granted by governmental, business, and academic institutions as financial aid to students. They either fund all of a student’s tuition fees or some part of them. Additional support also covers housing expenses and books. This assistance can be based on a student’s merit or need.

When colleges offer merit scholarships to high school students, they use certain criteria to determine which students they should reward with financial aid. The college commission usually inspects scholarship application letters and other documentation to find the strongest candidates.

Students receive a need-based scholarship if they come from low-income families. In these cases, applicants must prove their financial need.

Grants vs. Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

1. Similarities: Scholarships and grants have a lot in common, especially when compared to loans. The former are given to students to fund their tuition fees and other expenses related to their studies, but are not subject to repayment.
2. Differences: The difference between a scholarship and a grant lies in the factors that define how the finalist is selected.
   • Scholarships tend to be merit-based. Students who show outstanding achievements in academics, sciences, sports, and other fields usually receive them. This type of funding can also be program-based. In this case, a committee searches for the best candidate to fulfill the needed task.
   • Grants are usually need-based. Students with low income, disadvantages, or certain career aspirations, like teaching in a disenfranchised area, can apply for them.
3. Points to consider:
   • If you are awarded a need-based grant, and then you receive a scholarship that reduces your need, you may be asked to repay part of the grant.
   • If you discontinue your work on a program funded by your scholarship, you may also need to return the money.
   • Note that, in some cases, both scholarships and grants can be need-based or merit-based.

Types of Scholarships

It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare an application for a scholarship or grant. That is why you should select the ones that best suit your situation and work only on them. You should also consult the eligibility criteria before applying. Below you can read through the list of the most popular types of scholarships for students.

1. Merit-based. These awards are given to distinguish a student’s abilities. Many focus on academic achievement, but some consider an applicant’s activity outside their school or college, including community service, extracurricular studies, etc. The college is usually the awarding institution, but some private organizations also fund youth education. In the latter case, you likely will be expected to work for that organization after graduation. The following are several examples of merit-based awards:

• Academic: These scholarships recognize high test scores or academic achievements.
• Athletic: These awards distinguish exceptional skills in sports. If your college offers you an athletic scholarship, they will pay for your education, but you will have to play for their team. If it is a governmental scholarship, you will perform at the national or international level. Presently, school-based athletic awards are becoming more controversial because of the existing debate about whether colleges should concentrate on academic rather than sportive performance.
• Creative: These scholarships recognize innovation and originality. They can also be called project-based scholarships. For some, you are given a challenging task that requires you to think outside the box. These contests are not just for students in the Arts; Science programs also offer creative scholarships.

2. Student-specific. These awards are given to students based on their race, gender, religion, family situation, or medical history. For example, students in Canada may qualify for a number of Indigenous scholarships, whether they study at home or abroad.

• Ethnic minority scholarships are the most common examples of this type of award. For instance, The Gates Millennium Scholars Program funds college studies for high-achieving African American, Latino, American Indian, and Islander American youth. In Canada, students can apply for numerous indigenous scholarships for in-country and overseas studies.
• Scholarships for women aim to eliminate gender inequality. For a long time, women had limited or no access to the academic world. The situation has changed, but prejudices remain.
• Scholarships for students with disabilities help students with physical disabilities and health problems. The families of such people often spend most of their savings on medical treatment and rehabilitation programs, so little money is left to pay for college. These awards are also merit-based, but the competition is among the disabled.
• “Last dollar” scholarships cover the outstanding amount that needs to be paid after various grants are used. They are provided by governmental and private institutions only after other funding has been awarded. Among other requirements, you are not supposed to have received any loans or other financial aid. Your parents need to have filed their taxes from the previous year.

3. Career-specific. These scholarships are given to students who intend to dedicate themselves to a specific profession or field of study. Students of Education and Nursing degrees receive the most generous funding. Your chances to receive these awards increase if you plan to work in a low-income community.

4. College-specific scholarships. Educational institutions offer these awards to students with exceptional academic performance. Some of them impose a “bond” requirement, which means that you will have to work for a specified employer for a certain length of time after you complete your studies. Such job offerings presuppose employment in rural or remote areas. If you don’t follow through with the job commitment, you will be asked to repay the scholarship amount in full.

🕵 Finding a Scholarship: Best Strategies

No one is stopping you from carrying out a random search for funding sources. But there are more productive ways to find a scholarship. If you need good advice, listen up: local scholarships are the least competitive. Also, it is easier for in-country students to fund their studies since the tuition fees are lower than those for international students. Besides, the government tries to keep the most intelligent youth within the country.

You can also sign up for newsletters from scholarship databases. Select only the most relevant options to your situation or else you will become overwhelmed with emails. Note that you can start the search for a scholarship even before your senior year. If you have already decided what you want to study as a high school junior, start your research for scholarships early before other students begin theirs.

Local Scholarships: How to Find the Best Awards

Most students start their search with prestigious national and international awards. However, we again advise you to start with local scholarships that might prove to be more attainable. Besides, their award amounts are sometimes as competitive as those of national awards.

1. Analyze the previous awards. Find out which students won last year, who belonged to the scholarship committee, and why they chose the students they did. This information will help you prepare a thoughtful application. You can always approach the commission members with questions about the application instructions, especially if they are part of the school staff.
2. Ask your guidance counselors any questions you might have. Few students realize how much information on local scholarships is available through their school. The best person to approach is your school counselor. Local entrepreneurs and businesses often like to help students from their hometown. If they intend to provide a scholarship, they always communicate with the school counselor. Moreover, guidance counselors often have a place in their office dedicated to funding opportunities where you can investigate scholarships and their deadlines.
3. Investigate community-based scholarships. If you follow our advice and start your search early enough, you will have plenty of time to check out all the opportunities available to you. Visit the local chamber of commerce, places of worship, and local businesses. Being proactive and showing interest in organizations and businesses will help you build connections, which can increase your chances of receiving an award. Also, you ask your parents to talk to their employers about any available student scholarships.
4. Make a strategy to avoid a chaotic search. Use the bottom-up approach. Start with the most local awards, including those available only to students of a specific high school or club. Then, gradually expand your search. Many public schools offer college funding through alumni and sports teams. Continue to widen your net, inspecting your immediate local community (chamber of commerce, Rotary clubs, women’s clubs, etc.). Slowly expand your search to the neighboring communities, counties, and states.

Scholarship Databases

There is no unified, constantly updated source of information about all currently open scholarships. To find one you qualify for, you may need to investigate various sources. Country-wide and international awards are more competitive, but the prize money is worth the effort. Check out the best scholarship databases below.

1. Unigo. This resource hosts about 3.6 million currently available scholarships and grants. Here you can create an account and fill in your profile for personalized search results. There is a feature to save the options that piqued your interest for future reference. You can also apply for scholarships directly from the website.
2. Niche.com. This is the former College Prowler platform. It is an excellent place to research colleges and funding opportunities. You can search by categories, such as career, major, minority, state, etc. The filter system is user-friendly and intuitively clear. Students select the criteria that match them, and the search engine shows the awards for which they are eligible.
3. CollegeBoard.org. This non-profit organization features college-readiness tests and a list of scholarships. It offers a lot of information on financial aid and internships for around 2,200 programs. The database is extensive, so it is critical to enter as many details as possible to obtain the most personalized results.
4. Fastweb.com. This is a unique resource that gives you access to thousands of scholarships and other sources of student money. For example, you can find part-time jobs, loans, and even deals and discounts for students. Here you can also find online learning courses and scholarships for them. It is an excellent option for students during these COVID pandemic times.
5. SallieMae. This company provides student loans, but it also has an extensive section on scholarships. You can find it in the Graduate School Information tab. The benefit of this website is that it covers all the possible sources of money to pay tuition fees.
6. Scholarships.com. This resource advertises scholarships and grants, totaling around $19 billion in financial aid. It is one of the largest databases and is updated daily. Like other similar websites, you can create your profile to find the funding for which you are eligible.
7. Chegg. Chegg features about 25,000 scholarships. To open the section on financial awards, press the menu button in the top left corner and choose “Scholarships”. You can also search through internships and job offerings. This website offers the option to rent or buy textbooks cheaper than anywhere else.
8. Moolahspot.com. Moolahspot is exclusively dedicated to scholarship searches. It is not as powerful as other scholarship databases, but it is a good alternative since it offers awards for students of all ages and life situations. The options are both merit-based and need-based.
9. Scholarship Monkey. In addition to the personalized search and scrollable list of scholarships, this website features searches by keywords. You can also check the latest featured awards. The interface is simple: create a profile, search for awards you qualify for, and save the results.
10. Peterson’s. These scholarship opportunities amount to $10 billion. In addition, the website offers lots of reference information to organize your search. Adult learners, military, transfer, and international students can also find useful resources on this website.

📑 Documents You Might Need to Apply for a Scholarship

A successful application depends not only on your merits but also on your ability to properly present yourself and your work. You cannot apply to every scholarship with the same set of documents. The requirements vary, so you’ll have to create a different application for each new award.

Your principal task is to meet the deadlines and be creative. All the other factors depend on your eligibility. But if you prepare everything at the last minute, the quality of your submission will leave much to be desired. You can write a template of your motivation letter and edit it according to the requirements of each scholarship. Be aware that the most common mistake that renders students ineligible for an award is failing to abide by the word count. Fortunately, some grants don’t require an essay.

Main Documents

1. Completed application form- Once you have filled it in and verified it, check it over once again. This is where you demonstrate your attention to detail, precision, and ability to follow instructions.
2. Copy of your passport or ID- As a rule, the first page of your passport is enough unless otherwise indicated. The document must be valid for at least six months after your graduation.
3. Copies of diplomas or transcripts- You will have to provide the transcripts from the last school you graduated from or the one you are currently attending. This is a photocopy of a document showing the courses you studied and the grades you received. These papers differ at various schools. The main requirement is that the transcripts are signed and stamped by the issuing institution.

Some schools provide this document only upon graduation, but you should be able to obtain preliminary transcripts if you need.

International students need to submit the results of language proficiency tests. Depending on the institution, this is the list of the most commonly accepted tests:

• English language: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge
• Spanish language: DELE
• French language: DELF (B2 level) or DALF (C1-C2 levels)
• German language: DSH, OSD, TestDaF

1. Letter of motivation- This letter is also called a statement of purpose. It explains your objectives for your future education and the reasons you seek funding. The word count is usually specified, but if not, your essay should not exceed 400 words. Never include any misleading information to make your needs look more acute or your results more impressive. Do your best to be creative when stating your reasons for applying to the particular scholarship.
2. Letter of recommendation- Some awards require two recommendation letters, but for the majority, one will suffice. This document talks about your personal qualities and academic achievements. Ask your teacher, lecturer, or supervisor for a recommendation. If you volunteered or had a part-time job, your employer can write the letter too, if the requirements allow.
3. CV or resume- The scholarship committee does not want to know your professional experience. They would rather you talk about your studies, hobbies, preferences and interests, social skills, and leadership qualities. You can mention your language proficiency, computer skills, and knowledge of special programs required for your degree. Indicate only your real achievements without unnecessary exaggeration.
4. Scores in standardized tests- As with any other tests, your scores on the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GPA tests determine the outcome of your academic scholarship application. The higher the mark, the better the chances of being picked by the commission. But certainly, there are other factors that influence their decision.
5. Essay. This is not the same as your motivation letter. It is a piece of creative writing in which you dwell on some aspect related to the scholarship. Try to put yourself in the place of the scholarship provider. What would you like to see in an applicant’s essay? Always follow the guidelines and do not write more than requested.
6. Portfolio. This is a requirement for those applying for art and design degrees. These students usually have specific preliminary education and experience. You are expected to include your artistic projects in this portfolio. This package is as critical as your GPA score in demonstrating your skills.
7. Financial information from your parents, including their tax returns. Need-based scholarships for college students decline applications from individuals whose parents do not pay taxes. To be eligible for a grant, you’ll need to submit proof of your parents’ annual income and taxes.
8. Heath evaluation form. If you are an international student, an authorized clinic in your home country must sign this document. If it is written in a language other than English, you’ll have to attach a certified translation. The original documents must be submitted along with the translation.

🏆 Writing a Successful Scholarship Essay: Useful Tips

• Dedicate the introduction to presenting yourself. Explain your objectives, background, and needs. Scholarship committees ask you to write an essay to learn more about you and evaluate which candidates can achieve more with the money they receive. Explore sample essays on the web. You’ll see that the main idea is to show your community involvement, activity on campus, and hobbies.
• Before writing the main body, make a note of keywords you should use. What does the scholarship provider look for (leadership skills, creativity, subject matter knowledge, etc.)? Make these keywords appear naturally in your text.
• Think about your audience. Respect their time by focusing on the given question and avoiding unnecessary deviations.
• Make your piece of writing unique. Each person has something different to tell. What has been a meaningful moment in your life? Tell the committee about it. Grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more.
• Write in positive statements. If your readers cry during your essay, it does not necessarily mean you’ll get the award. It is essential to keep a positive tone when discussing painful or complicated situations. This habit tells a lot about you as a person.
• Never neglect to proofread. Grammatical and spelling mistakes are intolerable. There is a lot of correcting software, and you should know how to use it. Moreover, you can ask a friend or relative to read your essay and provide feedback. In addition to following the above tips, we’d recommend you to take a look at free essays on scholarship in our samples database. They will provide you with additional knowledge on the matter.

👣 A scholarship is a ticket to a good education and a better life. It is not “free money” given to anyone who asks. Most awards are prestigious and should be perceived as a sign that you are the best among your peers. You will have to work hard to retain this reputation. But for now, we hope that the advice given above will help you get that lucky ticket to higher education.

Registration is now open for GoGetMath@CSU, a free weeklong, non-residential summer math camp in the Department of Mathematics at Colorado State University – Fort Collins campus! The camp will run June 8-12, 2026, Monday-Thursday 9am-3:00pm and Friday 9am-5pm. Students will explore a variety of topics in mathematics (such as cryptography, data science, image processing, fractals, and graph theory) in a collaborative and inclusive learning environment where they engage with hands-on activities and computer labs. During the camp, students will also take a campus tour, eat lunch in dining halls, and hear from successful mentors in STEM careers. There is no cost to attend the summer camp, and we will provide all materials, daily snacks, lunch, and a camp t-shirt.

Please direct any interested students to https://mathematics.colostate.edu/go-get-math/ where they can fill out a short application to attend the camp. The deadline is Tuesday, March 31.

For rising 10th-graduated 12th graders that are first-generation college students! The First-Generation Business Summit is a popular week-long program that allows participants to get a taste of campus life, learn about CSU's College of Business, and earn 1 college credit. Applications due April 21. Live like a college student and learn more about the CSU College of Business

First-Generation Business Summit 2026 is 7/20-7/25/26 and FREE!!

For any students interested in Law Enforcement ot Criminal Justice/Law as a career pathway, here is a great opportunity to get some experience/training in the field! Applications are due March 30.

High School Juniors and Seniors: Dive into a paid internship program and gain some serious job experience! Apply online at aacu.com/internship

Immerse yourself in a transformative journey meticulously designed to empower young leaders, foster cross-cultural understanding, and equip students with the tools to make a meaningful global impact. Guided by Yale mentors and alumni, students will sharpen their leadership skills, broaden their worldview, and build lifelong networks within one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

What Will Participants Gain?

• Rigorous Academic Engagement – Learn directly from Yale mentors through sessions in leadership, diplomacy, public speaking, conflict resolution, and policy writing.
• Global Impact Challenge – Collaborate in teams to tackle pressing world issues and present innovative solutions to peers and mentors.
• Exclusive Cultural Immersion – Explore Yale’s historic campus, museums, and landmarks, while connecting with peers through cultural exchanges and community-building activities.
• Mentorship & Networking – Small-group mentor circles, fireside conversations with Yale alumni, and networking opportunities designed to inspire future academic and professional pathways.
• Certificate of Completion – Awarded by the Yale International Relations Association, recognizing your achievement and leadership potential.

The Yale Experience

• Venue: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
• Dates: May 25 to 29, 2026
• Eligibility: Grades 8 to 12
• Cohort Size: Limited to 50 students globally
• Meals & Accommodations: Daily lunch will be provided as part of the programme. Students are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodation.
• Programme Fee:
• Early Bird Fee: 1500 USD (valid until 28th February 2026)
• Regular Fee: 1800 USD
  (Fee covers the academic program, mentor sessions, campus activities, and lunch on all program days. Accommodation, visa, and travel costs are not included.)

Applications are now open, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the limited cohort size, early applications are strongly encouraged.

Program Page: https://www.learnwithleaders.com/camps/yale-diplomacy-summercamp/

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/JwyJovycfQESQghp9

Programme Brochure: Click Here

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to able part of the first Yale Global Diplomacy Summer Programme by YIRA, where only 50 students will represent their countries and cultures on a global stage. Spaces are limited, and the opportunity to be among the founding cohort of this historic program is right here!

• 4/23/26 Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX at 12:30pm

Please stop by post grad to sign up (or follow the link in Naviance) to attend so that I can call you out of class, if the visit is not during your lunch/off period.

Tips for Students when meeting with Reps:

• Do your research ahead of time
• Introduce yourself
• Be attentive
• Keep cellphones and headphones in your backpack/pocket
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Say thank you

Cornell University, Emory University, Pomona College, Rice University and Washington University in St. Louis are proud to present LAUNCH (Linking Access, Unity, Networking, Collaboration and Higher Education)! We invite you to join LAUNCH partners near you — or virtually — to meet admission officers from all five institutions and learn more about what unites us.

• LAUNCH Student Event: Denver, CO
  Sunday, April 26 at 2:30 PM
  Denver, CO

By popular demand, Mississippi State University invites your students to join us for a virtual panel series where current students, advisors, and alumni will share their experiences with professional schools, their current occupations, and how MSU set them up for success. These sessions are a great way to gain insight, ask questions, and find out how MSU supports students every step of the way.

• Pre-Health Panel on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 p.m. CT
• Pre-Vet Panel on Tuesday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. CT
• Pre-Law Panel on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. CT

Students can register for the event(s) they are interested in using the links above and explore our website to learn more about the panelists ahead of each event.

· Tickets start at $12 for most games.

· Click Here for full schedule, pricing, and additional details.

No time to visit campus in person? Try watching The College Tours. Each episode of the award-winning TV series shares the story of a single college or university through the authentic lens of its current students. Learn from real students about their real experiences on campus. This TV series is a comprehensive guide to aid your college research, helping you answer the ultimate question: ‘Which college is best for me?’ Take the ultimate campus tour now by watching episodes of this informative TV series. The College Tour at High Point University

As you receive your college acceptance letters, please let me know of any scholarship offers you receive. And that means EVERY scholarship offered....even if you don't accept the award. We report the total amount offered to our seniors. When you receive award letters, please forward the email, bring it in, snap a picture or email a typed summary....however it is easiest for you to send me the notification of the offer so that we can update our system.

• This includes any scholarship offered to you: need based, academic, athletic, etc.
• Please include the name of the scholarship, the total amount of $$ awarded and indicate if it is a one time scholarship or for all four years.
• Specific information (names, amounts) will not be published. The total $$ earned will be announced during our Honors Convocation ceremony in May and reported to the district.
• Please reach out with any questions you might have!

A successful college career begins with CIEE Gap Year Abroad! A growing number of recent high school graduates are choosing to defer college for a semester or year, and research shows that taking a gap year offers multiple benefits, including improved graduation rates, stronger GPAs, and more fulfilling careers after college. On CIEE European Tour Programs students immerse themselves in three iconic European cities, alongside a small cohort of CIEE students, and expand their understanding of history, art, politics, cuisine, and culture through carefully selected lectures, cultural activities, and excursions.

Apply to 2026 CIEE College First Year Abroad or Gap Year Abroad program by Friday, May 1, and be automatically entered to win a free flight in our College Decision Countdown Giveaway.
Want to boost your chances? Apply early:

• March 1 = 3 entries
• April 1 = 2 entries
• May 1 = 1 entry

CU’s TRiO Student Support Services (TRiO SSS) is a comprehensive and holistic academic excellence program for first-generation, low-income, veteran and disabled students. We cultivate each student’s sense of community, achievement, and leadership while valuing their individuality and unique needs. TRiO SSS strives to maximize student involvement and success in CU’s academic community through mentorship, academic programs, and one-on-one counseling.

We also provide:

• Peer Mentors

• Free Tutoring

• Smaller class sizes (provided by Student Academic Success Center)

• Lounges and Private Study Rooms

• Career, Financial and community building workshops

We will be admitting 25 incoming freshman that meet our requirements and are interested in participating in our Summer Ready program. We serve undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who meet at least one or more of the following criteria:

• First-Generation - neither parent graduated from a four-year college in United States

• qualify as low-income under federal income guidelines.

• have a documented disability on-file with CU's Office of Disability Services.

• Is a US Veteran

In addition to the above criteria, we also serve students who:

• foster youth, unaccompanied, and/or independent status; (Guardian Scholars)

• Mckinney Vento designation

• FosterEd Student (part of the foster care system by the age of 13)

• Are homeless; (Guardian Scholars)

How to Apply: TRiO SSS 2026-2027 Application due: March 22nd, 2026.Students who apply by the deadline will be put in consideration for a LEADS Scholarship if selected for TRiO SSS.

• ACT's "My Journey" is a free series of live and on-demand webinars designed for high school students and families to navigate college planning, admissions, and career readiness. Led by Collegewise experts, these sessions cover topics like building application roadmaps, finding scholarships, and selecting colleges.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it on time. Your registration includes a recording of the event delivered straight to your inbox.

Matriculate is a national nonprofit that provides free virtual college advising for 3,000 high-achieving(3.5+ unweighted gpa), low-income students (family income less than $90k). Trained near-peer mentors support students through the entire college process- from balanced college list to financial aid. The 2027 application is open until May 31 or until the class is filled. Students accepted on a rolling basis.

Matriculate Summer College Support 101-

Wednesday, April 22, 6-7pm MST. FREE College Webinar. Learn what students should be working on this spring, including: writing college essays, building a college list, and applying to scholarships.

• Check the Scholarship website on the HRHS website for scholarships and scholarship search engines to help you find scholarships that meet your qualifications.
• I update scholarships that are sent to HRHS seeking potential applicants weekly. It is sorted by application due date.
• I will also post some in this newsletter

Scholarships to Empower Student Success in the Natural Sciences (S4) Program at UNC.

As an S4 Scholar, students receive:

• Up to $15,000 per year for up to four years

• A Summer Bridge Program designed to help students begin their first year with confidence

• Faculty and peer mentoring to support students throughout their academic journey

• Research and internship opportunities that strengthen academic and career preparation

• STEM workshops and events that build skills, community, and professional networks

Eligible students include:

• Prospective UNC students majoring in: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Climate Science, Environmental Earth Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science and Statistics

• Students with demonstrated financial need (must be Pell-eligible)

• Motivated, curious learners eager to explore, grow, and lead in STEM disciplines

Important application dates:

• Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Air Academy Credit Union (AACU) is NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for its 2026 AAFCU Foundation Scholarship Program! AACU established the Air Academy Federal Credit Union Foundation in 2002, to promote financial education and wellness within the community. In the spirit of the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People," the Foundation scholarship aims to promote education and lifelong financial responsibility. The scholarship program promotes high school students to unlock their potential and encourage growth! Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis to high school seniors. All majors are accepted. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic merit, application questions, essay response, and community involvement. Awarded scholarships will be sent directly to the student's accredited institution.
Qualifications:

• High School Senior
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Eligible to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university
• Applicant will enroll and attend an accredited institution in the academic year after selection
• One of the following applies:
• Applicant has a parent who is an AACU member or Applicant is a current AACU member themselves or Applicant is enrolled in one of our 15 school districts
• Applications will be accepted through March 27, 2026.

From the nation's earliest days, the promise of America has been rooted in the idea that all people are equal under the law. The 2026 Law Day theme, "The Rule of Law and the American Dream," highlights how our constitutional framework protects the rights and freedoms that allow each person to pursue their own path. By ensuring that no one is above the law, our system promotes fairness, stability, and opportunity. This year, we invite students to consider how the rule of law helps turn aspirations into reality. Essay Question – All entries must address the prompt: Essay entries should reflect the student’s interpretation of the 2026 Law Day theme by responding to one of the following prompts: 2026 Law Day Essay Contest Page

1) How does the rule of law protect individual rights and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to pursue the American Dream?

2) What challenges threaten the rule of law today, and how might those challenges affect opportunities for future generations?

3) What responsibilities do citizens have to help uphold the rule of law, and how do those responsibilities support the American Dream?

Come by post grad for an entry form. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.

For 2025 the Kit Faragher Foundation will offer three $12,000 scholarships to graduating Colorado high school seniors, with one of those scholarships dedicated to a graduating senior from a Montrose County High School due to the generosity of that community during our fundraisers there over the past several years. These scholarships will support high school seniors who have earned cumulative 2.5 GPAs, are in strong need of financial assistance for college, university or technical school, and who demonstrate positive attitudes, strong commitments and drives towards accomplishment. The applications for 2026 are now available! The application deadline is Friday, April 17, 2026, 5:00 P.M.

The Student-View Scholarship is a unique opportunity for high school seniors.

Student Insights will award the following prizes: (Select your state below to apply)

• One (1) individual prize of a $10,000 scholarship.
• Two (2) individual prize of a $1,000 scholarship.
• Three (3) individual prizes, consisting of $500 scholarships each

This scholarship offered by Colorado Garden Foundation is a four-year full-ride scholarship available to an incoming freshman resident from Colorado at a publicly funded Colorado college or university. Applicants must be majoring in one of these fields of study: • Agriculture Business • Agriculture Education • Horticulture • Floriculture • Landscape Architecture • Botany • Plant Biology • Plant Pathology/Science • Nursery & Landscape Management • Environmental Horticulture • Agronomy. Applications must be mailed and received by the Colorado Garden Foundation office by March 15th. No applications received after that date will be considered.

If you are a student living in the Littleton Post Service Area (South of Hampden, Ave, West of I-25 and NE of C470) and are a descendent of a Veteran, you qualify to apply for the $5,000 George C. Evans Post 103 Scholarship. Please email Mrs. Sadler for details. April 9 deadline.

The Road Home Exteriors Scholarship was created to honor local high school seniors in the Denver Metro area who truly live out our company motto: Do What Is Expected, Then Do More. We believe in rewarding students who go above and beyond - whether in academics, leadership, community service, or personal growth. As a locally owned company committed to integrity and excellence in every roofing, siding, and window project, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of leaders who share those same values. This scholarship reflects our dedication to both our craft and our community. The scholarship is divided between four chosen applicants who best exemplify our motto: Do What Is Expected, Then Do More.

Digital SAT practice is free and available to all students through the Bluebook™ testing app. Students can take a full-length digital practice test, view their results, and get linked to additional instructional materials, resources, and lessons on Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy®.

There are several tutors hoping to help students with various subjects or testing. A list can be found on the post grad website.

This is available for free in the Library every Access period, after school Mon-Thurs from 2:45-3:30, before school on silver days from 7:15-8:10!

Students sign up online for tutoring using this google form: Sign up for NHS Tutoring

What kind of help can you get from a tutoring session?

• One-on-One tutoring session -- specific skill or assignment

• A study buddy -- study and review for a test

• A homework helper -- while you work on your homework

• A writing coach -- organize your thoughts/edit your written work

• A reading buddy -- help you with your assigned reading

General Reminder: All seniors need to complete and turn in 20 hours of community service. Your completed hours are posted on your unofficial transcript. Need ideas?

Join the Douglas County Department of Parks and Recreation for a morning of tree planting at Fairgrounds Regional Park. All equipment is provided, and participants will receive gloves and an appreciation bag.

Friday, April 24, 2026

Please note:

• An adult must accompany all children under 16

• Closed-toed shoes are required

• Groups are welcome (if registering minors outside your household, please contact organizers to complete required waivers)

This is a great opportunity for students and families to give back, support our local ecosystem, and make a lasting impact right here in Douglas County. Learn More and Sign Up Here

• Lone Tree Elementary is holding its spring fundraiser on April 17th and is looking for volunteers. The event is from 5:30-8:00 pm, and volunteers need to arrive by 4:45 pm. They need help with registration, mini-golf, face painting, food/snack station, and cleaning up afterwards. Please contact Sara Hammerbeck at hammerbecks@gmail.com, if interested.

• Denver Museum of Nature & Science Guest Engagement Volunteer program. Students will have the opportunity to volunteer at the information desk, ticket scanning and greeting, while creating a friendlier and more convenient Museum space by serving as gallery guides and performing wayfinding assignments during special events and programs.

• The Aspen Effect offers leadership and volunteer services hours through Ranch Hand Jobs. Visit www.theaspeneffect.org to sign up (limited spaces).

Army:

• May 6

Marines:

• May 13

• April 21

To honor the dedication and bravery of former HRHS students serving in the military, we have a recognition wall for service members at HRHS. If you know of a former student enlisted with the military, I would like to include them in our display case. It is an opportunity for our school community to express gratitude and support for these individuals. Please email me the contact info and I can reach out to them to include their name, branch of the military and a photo/write up if available.

Follow the HRHS Postgrad Instagram Page!