Ashley High School AIG Update
November 24 & December 1, 2025
DEC 5 - Youth Legislative Assembly Early Bird Registration
Youth Legislative Assembly Dates: March 13-15, 2026
Youth Legislative Assembly (YLA) is a mock legislative session where high school students voice their opinions and vote on issues concerning local, state and national government.
The conference allows high school students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the workings of local, state, and national government. Active participation in YLA increases the students' confidence and ability to debate current issues. Any high school student in good standing at a public, private, charter, or home school in North Carolina is eligible to participate in YLA. Just complete the student application; you do not have to have a member of the NC General Assembly to sponsor you to participate in the Youth Legislative Assembly.
$430 Early bird price or $480 regular
DEC 10 (11th) Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America
LEDA is looking for highly motivated high school juniors with strong academic records and a desire to develop their leadership abilities to join the 21st Cohort of LEDA Scholars.
Who Should Apply:
1. Junior attending public high school in the U.S. graduating in 2027
2. U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status
3. Annual household income under $90,000
4. Minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.5
Successful Applicants Demonstrate:
1. A desire to be challenged academically
2. A strong commitment to their studies
3. A desire to be a leader in their families, schools, and communities
4. A connection to LEDA's core values of Excellence, Integrity, Compassion, and Community
POSTMARKED by DEC 31 (seniors) Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Scholarship for children of members of IATSE
Scholarship Value: $10,000
Awards Available: 10
Award Deadline: Dec 31st
The Richard F. Walsh/Alfred W. Di Tolla/Harold Spivak Foundation offers an annual scholarship which is open to the children of members in good standing of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada (IATSE). Each winner of a scholarship will receive a total of $10,000 in scholarship funds which will be paid out at $2,500 per year over a four year period. Counting the 2024 awards, the Foundation has assisted 130 students in the pursuit of a college education.
The rules of eligibility state that the applicant must:
- Be the child of a member in good standing of the IATSE.
- Be a high school senior at time of application and has or is about to apply for admission to an accredited college or university as a fully matriculated student, which will lead to a bachelor's degree. The scholarship is not open to students that have already started college or university.
The procedure for the application is as follows:
- Fill out the application in its entirety.
- A complete copy of the applicant's high school transcript is to be forwarded to the Foundation Office. The transcript must have the school’s seal or stamp for authenticity. It can be sent in directly by the school or the student (together with the application).
- Present a letter(s) of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, volunteer institution or clergyman.
- A list of extracurricular activities with the student’s role and description of duties must be submitted with the application (ex. the student’s resume).
- OPTIONAL: Submit to the Foundation Office the record of the score achieved by the applicant on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT). Please note the Foundation does not have a code for the scores to be submitted electronically therefore a printed copy of the scores attached to the application will be accepted by the Foundation.
Deadline for filing applications with the Foundation Office is December 31st of each year. Applications received or postmarked by December 31st will be accepted. Ancillary documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters and test scores can be sent separately and will be accepted after the December 31st deadline. Applications received (or postmarked) after the December 31st deadline will not be accepted - no exceptions. The ten (10) winners of the scholarship award will be notified by the Foundation Office in late May or June. Applicants that are not selected for the scholarship will be advised by email in June or July.
JAN 5 (9-12) 2026 BBB Spark Jr Awards
BBB's Spark Jr Awards recognize current high school students and college undergraduates who display entrepreneurship through a business they are operating or a business model they have developed for future execution.
To qualify, applicants must reside or attend a high school or university within BBB of Eastern Carolinas' 48-county service area. This award application accepts both currently operating businesses as well as business models and plans. The winner of the Spark Jr Awards will receive a prize of $1,000. The Spark Jr Awards winner will be announced in the Spring of 2026 at BBB's Awards Ceremony. Applications are due by 11:59pm EST on Monday, January 5, 2026.
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BBBForms/_2026BBBSparkJrAwardsApplicationForm
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Scholarship Value: $40,000
Awards Available: 400
Award Deadline: Jan. 15, 2026
The Amazon Future Engineer program will award 400 students up to $40,000 each toward college expenses, paired with opportunities to intern at Amazon.
Eligibility Requirements
Be a high school senior in the U.S. who is currently enrolled in or who has completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science, engineering, or robotics is the subject. Students who have not taken this course can opt-in to take an assessment offered by Amazon.
Be planning to attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or other computer science-related field of study from an accredited 4-year college or from a 2-year college with the intent to transfer to a 4-year college.
Must be authorized to work in the US. Example: Employment Authorization Document holder, Permanent Resident, or US Citizen.
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply:
NC School of the Arts Applications Available for 2026-27 Academic Year
UNC School of the Arts (UNCSA) Visual Arts Program is a residential program designed for high school juniors and seniors who have an artistic interest, dedication and enthusiasm they wish to pursue in a structured course of study. Learn more about the program.
Tuition is provided free of charge for in-state high school students, and the majority of their other educational costs (e.g., textbooks, health and wellness services, room and meal plan, activities, etc.) are covered by the North Carolina High School Artists Grant. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Rising high school juniors or seniors are encouraged to apply here.
Application Deadline: January 15th
JAN 16: NC Dept. of Transportation Aviation Art Contest
The N.C. Department of Transportation's Division of Aviation hosts the North Carolina Aviation Art Contest each year to inspire and engage young people in aviation.
The contest offers children ages 6-17 who live or attend school in North Carolina the chance to explore different aspects of aviation. Winners from the North Carolina competition progress to the national competition, hosted by the National Association of State Aviation Officials. Winners of the national competition are submitted to the international competition. The North Carolina Airports Association sponsors the art contest.
2026 Aviation Art Contest Theme: ‘Fly to Save Lives’
For over a hundred years, people have dreamed of flying in the sky. What once seemed like magic is now a part of our everyday lives. Planes and helicopters help us travel far and fast, bringing people together from all over the world. They also help during emergencies, like delivering food, medicine, fighting wildfires and finding people who need help.
This year’s theme is ‘Fly to Save Lives’. We want you to imagine how aviation and air sports can help save lives. With your crayons, paint, or pencils, show us your ideas. How can flight make the world a safer and better place? The sky is not the limit—it’s where hope begins!
Deadline Jan. 16, 2026.
Tar Heels Girls State Virtual Open House Info Sessions
December 9 at 7pm
Register for the info sessions now using this link .
Applications available starting Jan. 15, 2026.
Tar Heels Boys State will be at a new location this year.
Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC
June 21-27, 2026
paws4people®️
paws4people®️ trains and places Assistance Dogs, empowering users to transform their lives for a better tomorrow. You can volunteer with dogs in Wilmington, NC through paws4people®️. Our volunteer opportunities include:
- Puppy socialization
- Resource development professionals
- Media management, publicity, and/or public relations professionals
- Graphic designers, copywriters, editors, videographers
- Internet professionals of all types — web technology, web design, search engine specialists, marketing, communication
Interested in short-term opportunities open to the public? Click here to fill out a volunteer interest form.
YMCA Schools in Pools
Are you ready to make a splash and help young swimmers dive into fun? The YMCA's 2nd Grade Swim Program is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love working with kids! This program is completely FREE for all 2nd graders, and we need your help to make it an unforgettable experience for every child.
As a volunteer, you’ll be the ultimate swim buddy, assisting our coaches as they teach kids basic swimming skills, water safety, and most importantly—having fun in the pool! You’ll get the chance to cheer on the kids as they gain confidence in the water, create memories that last a lifetime, and maybe even make a few new friends along the way!
No swimming experience? No problem! If you’re friendly, patient, and ready to help, we’d love to have you on board. Let’s create a fun, safe, and splash-tacular experience for all the 2nd graders!
You need to create a volunteer account FIRST and then go to this page to sign up for a Schools in Pools help session.
Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC
This is a perfect chance for families, neighbors, and friends to come together, give back, and make a positive impact in our community. Bring your loved ones and enjoy a fulfilling weekend while helping those in need. We encourage you to sign up and spread the word!
Warehouse Project - Wilmington
Volunteer Shifts:
- Tuesday-Friday, 9am-noon & 1-4pm
- Saturday, 9am-noon & 1-4pm
Projects are held inside the Volunteer Area. Occasionally, we may hold projects outside, weather permitting. Some projects include:
- Sorting bulk produce into family–size bags.
- Sorting donations from retail stores.
- Cleaning and bagging drink pouches.
- Sorting and inspecting food drive donations from individuals and corporations.
- Other activities may be available according to partner and community needs.
You can reserve your spot by following this direct link: Sign Up Here
Cape Fear River Watch - 2nd Saturday Clean-Up
Each month on the 2nd Saturday, CFRW conducts a community clean-up somewhere in the local Cape Fear area. Clean-ups are almost always from 9am-11am. Anyone can sign-up to join the clean-up event. CFRW staff provide gloves, trash/recycle bags, and grabbers for volunteers. Check the calendar each month as locations are usually TBD until about a week before. You should register to attend so they will have enough supplies. Click on the event in the CFRW calendar to register.
Calling All Teens: Books + Opinions = Volunteer Hours
Need community service hours—or know a teen who does? Look no further. The library’s got you covered! Teens can earn service hours doing what they love—reading. Submit a short review of any book, graphic novel, or manga title from our Juvenile, Young Adult, or Adult collections and earn 1.5 hours per review (up to 5 reviews/month). Counting these as volunteer hours? Complete the Virtual Volunteer Form first and then submit your review! Virtual Volunteer Form • Submit Your Review Questions? Contact Ezra Letson at eletson@nhcgov.com
FAFSA Guide
Filing the FAFSA can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Our latest guide breaks down everything families need to know for the 2026–2027 cycle, including what’s new, when to apply, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Get the clarity you need to maximize your aid and make college more affordable. Read more…
Jennifer Crudeli - Gifted Education Specialist
Email: Jennifer.Crudeli@nhcs.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/nhcs.net/crudeliaig/home
Ashley Office: 405
Hoggard Office: 104B