Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012

Great Scholarships for High School Seniors

Scholarships for high school seniors 2012 help cover the increasing costs of higher education. No matter what your academic background, grades or major, you can find money-saving 2012 scholarships for high school seniors. If you don't apply for scholarships, it is like throwing money out the window. Reach out and get some of the money you deserve by applying for 2012 scholarships for high school seniors today.

Congratulations Class of 2012! You are finally high school seniors, and about to begin the journey of a lifetime – your first giant leap into adulthood. This year is going to be an experience unlike any other! You will not only be expected to juggle classes, homework, school activities, while making stellar grades; you will also want to participate in all of the special events that will make your senior year so special. Years from now you’re going to want to remember this year as one filled with special moments . . . and when it comes to making memories, you don’t want to miss a thing!

One of the most important parts of your senior year will be the finalization of your college plans. It’s time to make those campus visits, find out about admission policies and procedures, see what financial assistance each school has to offer, start checking out opportunities for scholarships for high school seniors, and, perhaps most important, see how you feel in each school’s individual environment. This is one decision that is not to be taken lightly. Where you spend your college years is one of the most important decisions you and your family are ever going to make. The education you receive there will include so much more than just what you learn in class! You are going to make lifelong friends, experience new social situations, and learn life lessons, while you mature into young men and women, ready to face the world on your own terms.

A subject that always arises regarding further education is, “How are we going to pay for it?” In this day and age, a college education is very expensive, and most families just can’t bear the brunt of paying all of the associated expenses on their own. A scholarship or grant might be your answer . . . and scholarships for high school seniors come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, once you start looking, you’re going to be surprised by the breadth and scope of what is available. Whenever a student is asked why they did not receive any scholarships, the most common answer is, “Oh, I wouldn’t qualify for a scholarship!” Don’t believe it! This is a popular misconception and it has kept innumerable students from going on to school after high school graduation. The varieties and types of scholarships for high school seniors that are available to you are impossible to count.

There are scholarships for high school seniors ranging in amounts from only a few dollars to thousands of dollars.
Some are for only one year while others are renewable each year, based on your performance.
Many are based on need.
Others require a high grade point average and/or SAT scores.
Not all scholarships for high school seniors require good grades or high scores.
Previous community service is a requirement for a growing number of awards.
There are scholarships based on ethnicity or cultural background.
Residency in a specific state or city is required for others.
Many are gender specific.
There are many presented by professional associations designed to encourage young students to enter their field.

Once you begin to look, you will quickly reach one obvious conclusion – in one way or another, every graduating high school senior is probably qualified to receive a scholarship. The only catch? You have to put forth the effort, do the work, and apply for them!

So, how do you go about finding them? Searching is easy, but it does require persistence and tenacity. For one thing, you are going to find so many scholarship and/or grant opportunities for high school seniors that you may suffer from information overload at first. However, just keep in mind that almost all of these fit into specific categories. They may be listed by state of residence, gender, field of study, ethnicity or minority, or even your interests or hobbies. There are even special scholarships and competitions based on your interests! Imagine being given money for college just for being tall, or left handed, or for competing to create something new made out of an unusual product.

The Search –

There are numerous ways to conduct your search, and in this article we’re going to discuss just a few of the most common:

Where do I start?
Campus visits
Who do you know?
An old fashioned brick and mortar library
Online

So, where do you look first? Meet with your high school guidance counselor -- they know more about you and scholarships for high school seniors available in your area than anyone. Most likely, there are scholarships awarded to graduating seniors every year right there at your high school. Many scholarship student applicants are required to be recommended by their counselor or high school principal. Counselors receive information throughout the year about special awards available for a limited time; and, who knows? You might just qualify for one of them!

Next, when scheduling those college campus visits, be sure to have your parents schedule a visit with the financial assistance officer on campus. Schools make amazing offers to students based on their grades, interests, intended career path, minority/ethnicity, or need. Most universities and colleges give scholarships or grants to deserving seniors they would like to have as students in their schools, and this holds true from state universities all the way up to the Ivy Leagues. This important meeting may help determine your final college selection. And . . . after you’ve made your decision and received admittance to the school of your choice, continue your research to include all of the scholarships they have to offer to high school seniors in every category – and apply!

You’ve heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Ask your family and relatives if they, or someone they know, belong to a civic organization like Rotary International, the Lions, or Kiwanis. Did any of your relatives serve in the military? Are they members of the VFW? Does your mom or dad work for a company that sponsors scholarships for high school seniors who are children of employees?

Our next recommendation may sound a bit archaic, but go to your school or public library. There are multiple guide books printed every year, already indexed, divided, and categorized, full of nothing but scholarship listings. Included in each listing is information for that specific award: eligibility requirements, application qualifications, deadlines, as well as where and how to apply.

Finally, fire up your PC and let your fingers search for you. The internet has too many sites to count, just waiting to lead you to scholarships for high school seniors. There are links to specific scholarship directory sites, many with applications that you can print off and send in. Descriptions include complete eligibility requirements, along with specific instructions regarding your application package.

Major Scholarship and Grant Categories –

Note: The most important characteristic of a scholarship or grant is that unlike a loan, the funds never have to be repaid. In essence . . . it’s free money!

The largest category is composed of general scholarships and grants. These are not necessarily limited to any specific major field of study, school, gender, ethnic group or minority. Many of these are based on financial need, and for some, the standard for grades and SAT scores is not set as high as for other awards. There is something to be found here for just about everyone.

Then there are scholarships based on specific major fields of study. The majority of these are directed to college upper classmen who have already locked in on their chosen career paths, but some of these are scholarships for high school seniors, who already have a solid idea of what area they would like to study. They are often awarded to good students to encourage them to enter a particular field that is under-populated by their gender or minority group. This particular category is quite broad, and you will notice that it really doesn’t matter which career path you’ve selected -- you’ll find specific scholarships for just about any career you can think of – and some that you haven’t even heard of yet!

Many scholarships are offered to members of specific ethnic or gender minorities. You’ll find numerous awards designated for those with your ethnic or cultural background. Some of these also require residency in a particular state or region of the country.

Speaking of states, one of the largest categories of scholarships for high school seniors are those based on your state of residence – and some of these are for students residing in particular cities in that state.

Don’t overlook the scholarships for high school seniors at your chosen college or university. These schools are rich in endowments and just looking for likely students to award.

Perhaps you are a woman who plays volleyball – and plays it really well. Football players are not the only athletes who go to school on athletic scholarships. There are just as many categories here as there are sports available.

And what if you’re not planning to attend a university or 4-year college? There are numerous grants and scholarships for high school seniors available for students entering 2-year community colleges and vocational/technical schools. You will find these listings in the same places as you find the others.

Application Process and Eligibility Requirements --

Once you take the plunge and start digging, and then decide where to apply, it’s all about doing the work to ensure that yours is the best scholarship application they receive. Here are some of the standard items required in scholarship application packages.

Scholarship application – It should go without saying that you should double check to be sure you are using the correct application form, and that everything is clearly written and spelled correctly. Pay close attention to application deadlines.
Letters of Recommendation – Collect these from teachers – past and present, your minister, professional friends of the family, etc. This is not a step to be left until the last minute, especially with your teachers; give them time to reflect on your performance, leadership abilities, and to imagine your future potential.
Grades - By your senior year, you have already established a track record of academic achievement and leadership ability. You will be required to submit up to date copies of your transcripts.
College Entrance Exam Scores – An official copy of your SAT or ACT scores are a standard requirement.
Admission Verification – If you already have been accepted as a student at a particular university or college, you will need to include a copy of the acceptance letter.
Essays – Write carefully constructed essays based on the subject requirements of the selection committee. As an added measure, work with one of your teachers to review each essay before submission.
Community Service - Hopefully you started contributing community service hours early in your high school career. Your record as a volunteer serves two purposes. First, it is often looked upon as your first real “job” even though you were not paid in dollars. It also indicates that you are personally capable of thinking of others enough to contribute to their well being.
Verification of Financial Need – No matter what the financial situation of your family might suggest, you should fill out the FAFSA (Federal Student Assistance) application form on line. You will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) based on the information you submitted. The SAR can be a very important item in your application package because so many grants and/or scholarships are based on need. You can find the necessary form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. There is no charge for this application. You can find more information on this subject at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov
Verification Documentation – If you are applying for a VFW scholarship, you may have to attach verification of military service. Likewise, if you are seeking a scholarship for Native Americans, you will have to submit verification of tribal membership.

The single most important thing to remember about applying for scholarships or grants is to apply – and apply – and then apply again! Apply for every award you even think you may qualify for. There is a lot of competition out there, but keep in mind all of the unclaimed scholarship dollars each year – and all because no one made the effort to apply for them.

General Information

Look up www.collegeboard.com online. Your parents will find an informative “Parents Guide to College,” which provides a lot of helpful facts about aid, and scholarships for high school seniors; who is eligible, and how to apply. There is even a special calculator provided to help them estimate the real costs of a college education and determine how much aid might actually be required. Another site, www.studentaid.com, will allow them to double check their estimates. Check out www.finaid.org/calculators for one more example of this valuable tool for estimating costs and student budgets. At the same site you can find a wealth of information about funds from various sources. They also provide clear explanations of how military programs can help finance your education; how education tax benefits work; and, how to apply for tuition payment plans.

State-Specific Scholarships for High School Seniors Graduating in 2012

Simply go to our State Scholarships and Grants section. This link will lead you to a complete state-by-state directory of scholarship opportunities listed by state. You will also find information about those designated by minority, cultural background, subject of interest, gender, etc.

Scholarships for High School Seniors in 2012

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Write a Winning Essay

High school seniors, juniors and students currently registered at post-secondary institutions can write an essay to qualify for the B. Davis Scholarship. The deadline to apply for the $1,000 award is May 28, 2012.

There is no age requirement for this non-academic scholarship. Be sure, however, to include your name, where you are currently attending school, and what your future academic plans are. Please do not send transcripts or letters of recommendation at this time.

An essay of less than 1,000 words is required on a topic designated on the website. The current essay topic is to discuss how your education has contributed to who you are today and how it will affect who you will become. Your submissions must be sent via email at awards@studentawardsearch.com.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Are You a Vegan?

Are you a vegetarian who promotes the lifestyle? Two high school seniors graduating in 2012 who have promoted vegetarianism in their communities or schools will be awarded The Vegetarian Resource Group College Scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each in 2012. The deadline to apply is February 20 of each year since 2003. Qualifying applications and essays become the property of the sponsoring Vegetarian Resource Group. Applicants are judged on courage, compassion and strong commitment to promoting peace through a vegan lifestyle. Vegetarians do not consume fowl, meat or fish. Two $5,000 scholarships are awarded. Go to the website for complete details at http://www.vrg.org/student/.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Everything’s Just Ducky!

Can you imagine yourself wearing duct tape to the prom? If you can pull it off with style and pizazz, you just might qualify for a Stuck at Prom Duct Tape College Scholarship. High school students over 14 years old can apply between March and mid-June for awards up to $5,000. The Stuck at Prom scholarship requires applicants to create their prom outfits, or accessorize them, with items made of duct tape. A photo of the couple wearing their items should be submitted to qualify for the award. There are also categories for accessories embellished by duct tape. To learn more, visit duckbrand.com/promotions/stuck-at-prom.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Win the Sweepstakes

High school seniors and current undergrads are eligible for the SunTrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes. Between October 28, 2011 and May 11, 2012, 15 winners will receive $1,000 to be applied toward their educational expenses. The deadline entry is May 11, 2012.

The SunTrust scholarship sweepstakes is an easy way for students to possibly win a $1,000 scholarship by just completing an entry form. You may complete the on line form at their website or send in a 3x5 index card as outlined on the website. Only one entry is allowed per person per month. The money may be used at any accredited college or private career school. For additional info, visit http://suntrusteducation.com/sweeps.

Scholarships for High Schools Seniors 2012 . . . Remember WWII

High school students graduating in 2012 with an interest in history and the ability to write a compelling essay may qualify for the National D-Day Museum Online Essay Contest Scholarship of up to $1,000. The deadline and topic for this year will be announced in January on their website http://www.nationalww2museum.org/education/for-students/essay-contest/studentessays.html.

Essays must be written in the applicants own words relating their opinions on the given topic. Essays are judged on clarity of expression, adherence to contest theme and originality. Entries are read and evaluated by WWII Museum staff.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Get A Jump Start!

Most high school seniors are looking for a jump start on educational expenses. Current high school students in grades 10 through 12 are eligible to apply for the College JumpStart Scholarship of up to $1,500. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2012.

Financial need is not a consideration for this annual, merit-based scholarship. The main requirement is a commitment to going to school and the ability to express your goals for getting a college education. To get additional info, go to http://www.jumpstart-scholarship.net.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Do YOU Love Science?

Do you look forward to your school science fair every year? Current students between the ages of 13 and 18 are eligible to apply for the Google Global Science Fair Scholarships of up to $50,000. This prestigious scholarship is in partnership with leaders such as National Geographic and Lego. Google is searching for the best and brightest young scientists from around the globe. Creative, interesting projects should be relevant to the world today. Full information will be available soon. If you would like to be notified when registration opens for 2012, sign up at http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Keep the Drive Alive

If you have an interest in journalism and would also like to have your say about safer driving laws for teens, this is your chance. The Allstate Foundation is sponsoring their annual Keep the Drive High School Journalism Awards to encourage teens to educate their peers about the importance of stronger driving laws at the state or national level.

Students may enter either the Print or Broadcast Category, but not both. Print Category submissions are articles written and published by students in their high school newspapers. Broadcast Category submissions are video segments in journalistic style written and produced by students and aired within the high school. During the 2011-2012 school year, the Keep the Drive Journalism Awards specific top is, “The importance of stronger teen driving laws at the state or national level.” Six winning teens will be rewarded with a total of $7,500 (three in each category)! Go to this website for further information http://www.allstatefoundation.org/keep-the-drive. Entry deadline is March 1, 2012.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Public Service

Are you a current high school student who is under 18 years old and dedicated to public service? You might be eligible for the Caring Institute Caring Awards Scholarship for up to $2,000. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2012.

Candidates can come from any walk of life but must show a selfless and deep concern for others with a long-time commitment to social improvement in the world, nation or community. To learn more about this public service scholarship award, visit http://www.caring.org/caringawards.html.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Community Involvement

Are you involved in your community and AXA? You may qualify for the AXA Achievement Community Scholarship Program for an award of up to $2,000. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2012.

This scholarship opportunity is open to current high school seniors. Scholarships are awarded locally through AXA. To learn more, visit http://www.axa-equitable.com/axa-foundation/scholarship-applications.html.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Best Buy

Do you have good grades, work experience or involvement in community service? If you are currently a student in grades 9 through 12 who plans to attend post-secondary education, you may be eligible for one of the 2012 Best Buy Scholarships. The 2012 Best Buy Scholarship Program will award scholarships to students in grades 9-12 living in the U.S. or Puerto Rico who plan to enter a full-time undergraduate course of study upon high school graduation. The application period for the 2012 Best Buy Scholarship program will open December 26, 2011 and run through February 15, 2012. Check back at their website on December 26th for more information, scholarship application requirements, and access to the online application site: http://www.at15.com/contests_scholarships/at15_scholarship.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Alzheimer's Awareness

Have you been touched by Alzheimer's disease through a family member, friend, neighbor or involvement in community service? If you are a high school student enrolling in a four-year accredited college within 12 month of the application deadline, you may qualify for the AFA Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness College Scholarship of up to $5,000. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2012.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) has a division just for teens, AFA Teens. Its goals include raising awareness about the disease, sharing feelings, providing education, support and counseling and referring teens and their family members to support services. Each student must submit an autobiography and an essay that answers questions about how this disease has impacted his or her life. Find out additional details at http://www.afateens.org/about_new.html.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Entrepreneurial Drive?

Do you have perseverance, entrepreneurial drive and financial need with the desire to get a college education at an accredited public institution in your state? You may be eligible for the KFC Colonel's Scholars Program with awards up to $20,000. The rules of entry and complete information regarding this scholarship program is posted on the KFC website at http://www.kfcscholars.org. You may apply after 2/08/12.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Underage Drinking

The Courageous Persuaders Scholarship Competitions offers numerous opportunities and scholarships for students who are aware of the dangers of underage drinking and want to warn middle school students about them. All it takes is a message that will hit home with middle school kids, your imagination, and your ability to create a television commercial which whatever equipment you have. Winning commercials will be broadcast on television. If you think you have what it takes to do this job, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by entering. The Courageous Persuaders Scholarship Competition scholarships award up to $3,000. The deadline to apply is February 9, 2012. Get more information at http://www.courageouspersuaders.com/contest.htm.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Engineering

Do you have a talent for engineering and a feel for design? Well, you may be eligible for the 2012 EngineerGirl! Essay Contest for both girls and boys in 9th through 12th grade and awarding $500. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2012.

Applicants must choose one of the foods from the list on the website and explain how it is produced, from planting to harvesting of raw material to being ready to eat. In 1500 words or less they must select a technology critical to one or more steps in the process and explain how it works. Discuss how various types of engineers may have worked together to design both the specific technology and the key elements of the design. Also discuss what is currently being done to improve the present technology. References must be included. To learn more about this scholarship opportunity, visit http://www.engineergirl.org.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Can You Communicate?

Jim McKay was well respected successful in the television broadcast industry, and for many years was the voice of the Wide World of Sports and the Olympics. The Jim McKay Memorial Scholarship awards a high school senior pursuing a communication major with $10,000. Applicants must complete a registration form, and write an essay about a specific topic provided by the scholarship committee. Scholarships are usually awarded to those high school seniors who go above and beyond the normal boundaries of their classmates. This scholarship requires submission of SAT and ACT scores, so you will need to have those tests completed before your application. Academic merit is also considered when determining winners of this award. For complete application details and deadline information go to the website at http://www.emmyonline.org/scholarship/.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Scientific Curiosity?

Are you science bug with a particular interest in DNA and genetics? You might be eligible for the Seventh Annual DNA Day Essay Contest that will be awarding up to $1,000 this year for the 1st place essay. Other awards are $600 for 2nd place, $400 for 3rd, and there will be 10 prizes of $100 each for Honorable Mention. The deadline for this contest is March 12, 2012, at 5:00 PM.

Sponsored by The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), the contest is open to students in grades 9-12. The contest aims to challenge students to examine, question, and reflect on the important concepts of genetics. This year there is one question, which deals with gene regulation. To find out more, visit http://www.ashg.org/education/dnadaycontest.shtml.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Dedicated to the Prom

Have you been planning for and eagerly awaiting the prom for years? Your prom enthusiasm coupled with your imagination might score you the Prom Guide Scholarship for Creative 2012 Graduates for $1,000. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2012.

Applicants must submit a short YouTube video explaining the benefits of using the PG Card with the word “prom” in its title. You can also win a $1,000 scholarship by helping Prom Guide look for models for the Prom Guide Teen Model Search. Get additional details about these scholarship opportunities at http://www.promguide.com/scholarship.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Substance Abuse

Have you or someone you know personally ever had a personal encounter with drug and/or alcohol abuse? If you can express yourself in a compelling manner, you may qualify for the Alert Scholarship of up to $500. Winning essays are also published in Alert Magazine. There are no deadlines to apply for this award but students must attend a high school located in Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington or Wyoming.

Applicants much have a minimum 2.5 GPA, plan to attend college after graduation and submit an essay between 650-800 words about their encounter. The essay should discuss the drug/alcohol abuse, how it was dealt with, and whether it was handled right or wrong and why. To get additional details, visit http://www.alertmagazine.org/scholarship.php.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Are You a Math Whiz?

Are you good at applied mathematics with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with a team? You could be eligible for the M3 Challenge, awarding up to $20,000. The registration deadline is February 24, 2012 – no exceptions under any circumstances. Challenge Weekend is March 3 and 4, 2012. The challenge is Internet-based with no participation or entrance fees. High schools can enter up to two teams of three to five students each. Students have 14 hours to solve a realistic, open-ended applied math-modeling problem. To find out more about this mathematical opportunity, visit http://m3challenge.siam.org/.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Buried Treasure

Can you write an effective essay about future buried treasure? If so, you may qualify for the Big Dig Scholarship of up to $3,000. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2012. High school seniors who will be entering their first year of college in Fall 2012, as well as first and second year college students may apply. You must submit an essay of 500-1,000 words describing what particular item you could bury today for your future relatives to discover 200 years from now that would have such immense value that it would end all of their financial problems for good. To learn more about this thought-provoking scholarship opportunity visit www.antiquetrader.tv/studentscholarship.php.

Scholarships for High School Students 2012 . . . Ashley’s Award

Are you an excellent student who is respected by your teachers and peers? You may be eligible for the Ashley Marie Easterbrook Scholarship of up to $1500. The deadline to apply is March 30. The applicant must be a US high school student (or home schooled) graduating in 2012.

The student must have a cumulative 4-year unweighted GPA of between 3.50 and 3.74, write an essay, submit a letter of recommendation and attend an accredited 4-year college or university. To find out more go to http://ashleysdream.org.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . $2,000 No Essay Prize

How it works -- the $2,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students and those planning on enrolling within 12 months. The monthly winner is determined by random drawing and then contacted directly and announced on our Facebook page. One entry per person, but you can come back each month to try again. Visit our website for more details at https://collegeprowler.com/scholarship/apply.aspx about this most unusual scholarship program.

Scholarships for High School Seniors 2012 . . . Poster Contest

If you have a flair for art, you might want to consider the Christophers Twenty-second Annual High School Poster Contest for high school students. Students in grades 9 through 12 create a poster that visually interprets a designated theme – this year’s theme is YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Each year eight winners selected and prizes awarded of $1,000 first prize, $500 second price, $250 third prize and honorable mentions of $100 each. Deadline is February 20, 2012. To find out more about this creative way to pay for higher education, visit www.christophers.org for complete poster contest rules and application details.