Counseling Newsletter

Decisions:

Please be patient as you receive your acceptances and financial aid packages. You do not need to make a decision right away! Remember that Decision Day is not until May 1st. Please wait until you get ALL acceptances and financial aid packages back.

Once you have committed to your school and paid the deposit, please remember to decline the acceptances at the other schools to allow seats to open for those on a waitlist. This can be done by either signing on through the portal or by emailing the admissions office. A simple message of: "Thank you so much for this opportunity, but I have decided to commit to another institution." goes a long way!!!

What to Do Once You've Applied to College: Deferrals, Waitlists, and Letters of Continued Interest:

In this YouTube video, The College Essay Guy team goes over the steps students can take to demonstrate to colleges and universities that they're still interested in attending their institutions after submitting their applications. Check out the links below!

https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/letter-of-continued-interest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kmvGAFgwC0

Please click the link below to review the financial aid newsletter. It contains important information on the FAFSA, College Board's CSS Profile (required by some colleges/universities), and MDCaps (the Maryland state financial aid system to accept scholarships and grants for those planning to attend a Maryland institution)

With major policy changes taking effect at the federal level, it is important to stay in contact with financial aid advisors. Many are preparing updated resources and guidance to help families adjust and navigate the financial aid world. Speaking with them early can prevent surprises later in the enrollment process.

Be sure to create a realistic financial plan. Map out the full cost of attendance, including housing, tuition, and fees. Compare these items to the new federal borrowing limits. Use this information to strategize your finances based on where your needs may be. Consider the cost over four years and remember, student loan debt is a real burden and should be taken seriously!

Below are some helpful resources from Sallie Mae to help understand your financial aid offers. Plus a helpful tool to compare your financial aid packages!

Demystify the Cost of Any College: A college's sticker price rarely represents the actual cost. Niche True Cost gives an in-depth estimate of how much you'll pay - and where those dollars will go - for every college on your list.

Sponsor Types

• Private - Awarded by private sector organizations like foundations or businesses
• Institutional - Awarded by your college
• Local - Awarded by organizations in your community: local banks, Rotary clubs, churches, school-affiliated organizations, etc.
• These local scholarships begin to open in December and continue to open through the end of the school year, so be sure to keep those notifications on in Schoology!

Eligibility Types

• Need-Based - based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA or, for some private scholarships, by family or individual income
• Academic & Merit - criteria for academic performance and extracurricular involvement vary by scholarship. Merit scholarships don't always have academic components. They could focus on sports, arts, leadership, or community involvement

How to Qualify

• Some scholarships require completing the FAFSA
• You may also need to complete the CSS Profile, which involves more detailed financial information than the FAFSA. This is completed in addition to the FAFSA.
• Some scholarships can be listed in your award letter while others, including private scholarships, have separate applications and requirements

Application Tips

• Organize your scholarship application deadlines
• Create a resume of accomplishments
• Gather letters of recommendation
• Write an essay that can be easily tailored to multiple questions (recycle your essays that you've already written!)

What to know about your Scholarships

• Renewability: Is this scholarship available next semester? Next year?
• Required GPA: What grades do you need to maintain the scholarship, if awarded?
• Credit Minimum: Do you need to take a certain amount of credits to receive the scholarship?
• Deferral: If you take time off school, can you defer the scholarship?
• Major Transfer: Are you still eligible for the scholarship if you change majors?

Each Delegate and Senator is able to create their own scholarship applications, requirements and deadlines. Students should find out who their elected officials are by following the link below and entering their home address. From there, they can contact the offices of the appropriate officials for application details. Anything shared with the Carver Center Counseling Office, will be shared through Schoology and this newsletter regarding Delegate and Senatorial Scholarships.

Remember: You must create an MDCAPS account to receive any aid from the State of Maryland. You must also complete the FAFSA by March 1st and add at least one Maryland college or university to be eligible for many of these scholarships. Remember to check to see who your elected official is before applying to these scholarships.

These scholarships must be used to attend a college, university, or private career school in Maryland. You may use the scholarship for an out-of-state school ONLY if the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) identifies your major as "unique" (not currently available at any Maryland institution), or if you are a Maryland resident serving in the military and stationed out of state.

Most scholarship committees make award determinations based on a combination of need and merit. Merit is determined by a student's GPA, written essay, and resume. Need is based on FAFSA information provided to MHEC and any additional circumstances a student informs the committee about.

NOTE: often times the elected officials will ask for your MHEC ID. This is found by creating your MDCAPS account!

Scholarship funds are now available from Delegate N. Scott Phillips for Academic Year 2026-27. You must meet the following criteria:

1) You must be a permanent resident of the 10th District of Maryland, please check the Maryland General Assembly website to determine whether you live in District 10.

2) You must complete the requirements for funding as provided in the link below and submit ALL information electronically. https://form.jotform.com/260825804253153

3) You must submit all required information (jotform) no later than Thursday, April 30, 2026 (first time applicants) and May 8th for (previous recipients still eligible for an award).

4) You will use this money for academic year 2026-27 and disclose whether you will be seeking funding for one or two semesters.

Deadline: May 8, 2026

This scholarship opportunity is open for students in District 10. If you live in District 10 and plan to attend a Maryland college, university, or vocational program next academic year while taking at least 6 credits, you may be eligible to apply.

Before applying, please make sure you:

• Create or update your MDCAPS account
• Confirm your current address in MDCAPS
• Have a completed FAFSA or MSFAA (if applicable)
• Confirm that you live in District 1

Applicants will also need to submit:

• School information and MHEC ID
• A personal statement (up to 1,000 words)
• Transcript and proof of enrollment

Deadline: May 15, 2026

Many BCPS elementary and middle school PTA's offer scholarships to students who attended their school(s). Stay tuned for more throughout the spring!

To help in your scholarship search, please look beyond just university-specific awards and explore community organizations, professional associations, employers, and national scholarship databases. Anything that Carver receives will be posted in this newsletter, however, there are TONS out there to take advantage of. It just takes a little time and dedication!

Scholarships are also posted in the Carver Counseling Corner 2026 and Carver Center College and Career Counseling Schoology groups, as well as Xello.

To find scholarships in Xello, click on plans at the top of the page then select scholarships

Parents are invited to link a parent account to their student's Xello account (invites were previously sent) - email Ms. Pettit with any questions (kpettit2@bcps.org)

Enter our $1000 Scholarship Monthly Sweepstakes!

Getting into college is the first step. Navigating how to pay for college is the next step. At College Ave, we know the best strategy for financing college is to first look at finding scholarship opportunities.

Enter to win our College Ave Student Loans scholarship, and you could win $1000 for school. We'll choose one lucky winner each month, so be sure to come back each month to enter.

Each year NPVA offers merit-based scholarships for students who are committed to volunteering and making a difference in their communities. Our scholarships are open to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be currently enrolled or plan to be enrolled part-time or full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university, vocational/technical, two-year, four-year, or graduate institutions are eligible.
• Be a high school junior or senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student
• Have a 2.5 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
• Recipients must provide an official transcript confirming their reported GPA and proof of enrollment. No transcript or proof of enrollment is required until after students are selected as winners.

Available Scholarships:

Altruism + All Good Deeds Scholarship is awarded to students who participate in volunteer work and community service.

Amount: $1000

Deadline: May 31, 2026

Building Bridges Scholarship helps students who are involved in their communities.

Amount: $1000

Deadline: September 30, 2026

Aaliyah Lee Scholarship honors the memory of Aaliyah Lee who committed herself to the educational opportunities of her children.

Amount: $1000

Deadline: November 30, 2026

For more information on each of the scholarships and to apply, click the link below!

Our mission is to educate students and parents about cyberbullying and to work toward its eradication. To fulfill this mission, we offer 3 scholarships!

How to Apply:

• You must be a high school student (9th-12th grade), college student or graduate student attending or planning to enter an accredited U.S. college or university
• You must complete the online application form
• Selection is based on the written statement and focused on creativity, content, and commitment to the cause of deleting cyberbullying

Available Scholarships:

Delete Cyberbullying Mental Health Awareness Scholarship: Cyberbullying is often tied to mental health issues, anxiety, and depression. We want to encourage students to be aware of the impact that cyberbullying can have and to watch for the signs of it.

Amount: $1000

Deadline: June 30, 2026

Delete Cyberbullying Beyond School Walls Scholarship: Even though cyberbullying may occur beyond school walls or outside of school hours, we'd like students to know that there is help both within and outside of school. Students can reach out to a trusted teacher, coach, employer, relative, or other adult for help.

Amount: $1000

Deadline: October 31, 2026

For more information on each scholarship and to apply, please click the link below!

The Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter (BCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will award a limited number of scholarships to academically meritorious students based upon available public service funds. Scholarship awards may range from $500 to $2500 per academic year.

The BCAC Quest Scholarship is intended to assist adult CCBC students who are seeking an Associate Degree or Certification that will enhance their career and educational goals.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Submission of a completed BCAC Scholarship Application in its entirety
• Acceptance into CCBC
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school transcript with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or GED/Certificate (if applicable)
• Reside and/or attend a school in Baltimore County

Deadline: May 15, 2026

The Junior League of Baltimore (“JLB”) announces the 2026 Young Woman Leadership Scholarship. This annual scholarship program awards $2,000 to a Maryland female graduating senior who has performed outstanding leadership during her high school years. Additional scholarships may be awarded as funds allow.

Please submit your application and necessary materials to scholarship@jlbalt.org or mail all materials in one envelope to:

The Junior League of Baltimore

Attn: Scholarship Committee

5902 York Road

Baltimore, MD 21212

All applications must be postmarked no later than April 29, 2026.

DARK Endowment Scholarship for Cybersecurity is now open! $2000 scholarships will be awarded to deserving students who have demonstrated academic preparation, a passion for cybersecurity, and a commitment to contributing to the field.

Applicants must be:

• US Citizens
• Class of 2026 graduating high school seniors
• Accepted into an accredited undergraduate cybersecurity program or a closely related field at a US college or university
• Submit the application along with required documents listed under Application Requirements

Application Requirements:

• Copy of your high school transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• Copy of your admission letter
• Resume or cybersecurity activities document to include, but not limited to cybersecurity competitions, clubs, camps, certifications, self-directed learning, volunteer work or internships
• You must provide 3 personal statements addressing:
• Why do you want to study cybersecurity
• A description of your academic background and preparation for college-level cybersecurity
• Evidence of work ethic and dedication to leadership roles
• You must provide the names of 2 adults that will submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. Instruct your recommenders to directly email the letters to Dr. Melissa Dark (melissa.dark@darkenterprisesinc.com)
• You must provide the name of your school, the name of your school counselor, your email address, home address, phone number, expected graduation date, and name of college or university.

Deadline: May 8, 2026

The Beta Alpha Lambda, Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. proudly presents our 2026 scholarship opportunities for graduating high school students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to community service.

Opportunities include:

• Onward and Upward Scholarship ($1000) - This scholarship will be awarded to high achieving students entering any community college, or 4-year college or university in the fall of 2026. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.5.
• HBCU Scholarship ($1000) - This scholarship will be awarded to one outstanding scholar attending an HBCU in the fall. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.0.
• Rev. Douglas B. Sands Book Scholarship ($500) - This scholarship will be awarded to a student seeking support with books or supplies while attending any community college or 4-year college or university in the fall of 2026. The minimum GPA requirements is 3.0 (multiple awards may be made for this scholarship).
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Scholarship ($500) - This scholarship will be awarded to a student that has demonstrated superior community service. Showing an outstanding record of achievement in community involvement, volunteering, or other activism (multiple awards may be made with this scholarship).

Deadline: May 22, 2026

Miss Utility of Maryland/D.C. is pleased to announce its 12th annual college scholarship program for graduating high school seniors. Awards will be in the amount of $1008.11.

The scholarship requires applicants to submit the following:

• General contact information
• Essay describing the importance of Miss Utility of Maryland/D.C. and how it could relate to a future career path
• High school transcript - we accept unofficial transcripts

To be eligible, applicants must be on track to graduate from a Maryland or Washington, D.C. high school in spring 2026 and intend to enroll in an accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university, or technical school beginning in fall 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified by July 2026.

If interested in submitting the application by mail in its entirety, please email Anna Trim at atrim@mghus.com for a PDF of the application.

For mail-in entry, please submit the application to:

Anna Trim

Attn: Miss Utility Scholarship Program

118 AA Shawan Road

Hunt Valley, MD 21030

Deadline: May 22, 2026

Community Advocates 4 You, Inc. (CA4Y) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual Amanda Queen Scholarship for students with disabilities. This year the AQSF will award $1,000.00 scholarships to deserving scholars.

he Amanda Queen Scholarship Fund (AQSF) was created in honor of our founder’s daughter, Amanda Queen. Amanda was born with a rare medical condition which impacted her cognitive abilities, development, and social-emotional learning. For many scholars like Amanda, the resources to attend college and/or trade schools are scarce. This fund looks to support these individuals through endowments to help them realize their academic and career goals.

To be eligible for one of the scholarships, the prospective students must be:

(1) A graduating senior with a documented disability that has impacted learning; and

(2) Must have applied to AND been accepted to an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university, or a vocational/trade school.

All scholarship applications must be submitted by no later than May 29, 2026. Applications and supporting documentation are to be submitted to:

apply4aqsf@advocates4you.org. Scholarships will be awarded following the evaluation of the applications.

To receive the link to apply and more information, please contact us via email at apply4aqsf@advocates4you.org.

Sigma Phi Epsilon is proud to offer the Balanced Man Scholarship at over 140 universities to student leaders this year! This is a great opportunity for students entering college this fall. Search for the university you're attending below to see if there's a scholarship application currently available!

The deadline for many is June 1, 2026

This year, 300 students will be awarded with scholarships up to $2,500 to help fund their education. Funds may be used for tuition, childcare, transportation, equipment, supplies, or other related costs.

• Have completed high school (or equivalency) by July 1
• Plan to attend a not-for-profit community college or trade/vocational school
• Enroll in an associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma program by September that will lead to employment
• May not be enrolled in pre-requisite courses
• Demonstrate financial need (applicants must show household income of $100,000 or less)
• Be under the age of 35
• Be a United States citizen

Deadline: June 5, 2026

It's important to understand that almost anything you post on the internet is neither temporary nor private. And posting too much information can have devastating consequences. 43% of employers who checked on social media have decided not to hire someone, according to a CareerBuilder survey. 12% of college admissions officers who checked Facebook decided not to admit an applicant according to a Kaplan Test Prep survey. The purpose of this scholarship is to help you understand why you should be cautious about what you post on the internet.

Amount: $1000

Deadline: June 30, 2026

Do you know how far you will drive on the freeway if you take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds, the average time it takes to send a text? An entire football field. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, texting while driving makes drivers 23 times more likely to get into a "safety-critical event". The purpose of this scholarship is to help you understand the risks of texting while driving.

Deadline: September 30, 2026

The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc. is committed to contributing to a brighter future. Part of the mission-driven work of The Foundation is to partner with private philanthropic donors to provide graduating seniors with scholarships to further their post-secondary education and training. All scholarship applications are available to BCPS students via Xello through April 2026.

Last school year, The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc. was proud to award 129 scholarships totaling nearly $40,000 in funding to graduating seniors

Through support from our community partners, the following scholarship opportunities have been made possible, enabling our graduating scholars to pursue the necessary education and training they need to become successful contributors to our society.

1. The Bernice H. Johnson Memorial
2. Fishel Technical School Scholarship
3. Index Analytic for High Education
4. Bedford Elementary School – Robyn Kiah-Simmons (must have attended Bedford for at least one year)
5. Alan M. Marvel Scholarship
6. Steven Shock
7. Patricia Corbett Kirkner Scholarship
8. Martin Marvel Scholarship
9. Brittney Reese Scholarship (Allied Sports)
10. The O’Meara Family Allied Scholarship (Allied Sports)
11. Chase Kalisz Scholarship (Allied Sports)
12. Tradepoint Atlantic Scholarship (Allied Sports)
13. League of Dreams Scholarship (Allied Sports)
14. Oak Contracting Scholarship (Allied Sports)
15. Dr. Joe A. Hairston Scholarships
16. Lead for Tomorrow in Education
17. Baltimore County Retired Schools Personnel Association
18. Dr. Anthony Marchione (College, Career, and Technical Education)
19. Alternative Education
20. St. Johns Crossroads Scholarship
21. Phelps Family Legacy Scholarship

BCPS students are encouraged to apply for scholarships from The Education Foundation of BCPS. All foundation scholarships are awarded to recipients at each high school’s award ceremony in the spring.

Many colleges offer need-based and/or merit scholarships/grants that are not advertised widely. Contact financial aid and admissions offices to ask about awards, assistantships, tuition remission programs, and other opportunities.

These newsletters contain multiple scholarship opportunities. You may also subscribe to receive these weekly newsletters.

Check out the linked newsletter for summer job opportunities, gap year opportunities, and other career opportunities for those not interested in attending a college/university.