Resources: Opportunities for Challenging Students Academically
Scholarships
Developed by Barbara Libby
Updated by Susan Adler
There are hundreds of competitions, scholarship opportunities, and educational programs
that are available and can be used to enhance and individualize the educational programs
we offer the children in our schools.
Many teachers use the program materials provided by the competitions to supplement their regular curriculum and they choose not to enter the competitive aspect of the program. Many of the program materials and learning activities from the "competitions" are exciting and include hands-on activities and creative problem solving projects that teachers can use in a noncompetitive way in the classroom with large groups, small groups, cooperative learning groups, or individually offered to a child in need of academic challenge.
We need to creatively access quality programs and resources that provide additional learning experiences for those students who are ready for the next level of challenge. The following list is only a sampling of the many educational opportunities available that we as educators should consider as we look for additional ways to help raise expectations for student' achievement and to find strategies for recognizing, enhancing, and celebrating our students' gifts and talents.
Hopefully, this list of options helps educators and parents to expand alternative routes by which a talented youth can obtain an appropriate education. The list has been organized into the following categories: Academic Competitions, Scholarship Opportunities, Correspondence Courses, Enrichment Programs, Talent Searches, and Video and Computer Technology.
Scholarships
The Arts Recognition and Talent search program, sponsored by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, identifies high school senior aged artists in the performing, literary and visual arts. This program is the nation's only scholarship for high school seniors in all art forms. Students are judged against a standard of excellence for their age group within their artistic discipline. Students are not judged against each other. Finalists are brought to Miami for an all-expenses-paid week of master classes, showcase performances, exhibitions, as well as final live auditions. Cash prizes and scholarships are awarded. Contact: National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, Arts Recognition and Talent Search (ARTS), 444 Brickell Avenue, P-14, Miami, FL 33131 (305) 377-1140.
The Youth of the Year Program, sponsored by the Reader's Digest Foundation, is designed to promote and recognize service to Club and community, academic performance, and contributions to family and spiritual life. Clubs select a Youth of the Year who receives a certificate and medallion and then enters state competition. State winners enter the regional competition and regional winners receive a cash scholarship and enter a national competition held in Washington, D.C. The winner receives an additional cash scholarship and is honored in a ceremony conducted by the President of the United States. Contact: Boys and Girls Clubs of America, 1275 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3506 (404) 487-5700, infor@bgca.org
The Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is a federally funded, state administered program to recognize exceptionally able high school seniors who show promise of continued excellence in postsecondary education. Applications for this scholarship are sent to the guidance departments of all public and private high schools. Schools must nominate students for this scholarship award. Applicants achieved between a 3.5 and 4.0 GPA, showed school leadership, community service, paid employment and received special recognition, awards and honors. Contact: Sally Teixeira, Byrd Scholarship Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148 (781) 338-6304, steixeira@doe.mass.edu
Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, financial need, community service, educational and career goals, and character, as demonstrated through leadership, work experience, and recommendations. Applicants must be residents of Boston for at least two years as of January 1, must have graduated from high school or have completed the G.E.D., and must plan to attend a two-or-four-year accredited post-secondary institute in Massachusetts. Contact: City of Boston Scholarship Fund, PO Box 9715, Boston, MA 02105 (617) 635-2240, COBscholarship@cityofBoston.gov
This program, sponsored by Discover Card, if for high school juniors to applaud exemplary accomplishments and to support continued education and training beyond high school. Any current high school junior who has a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is eligible to apply. Applicants are also judged on leadership, community service, and having faced a significant roadblock or challenge. State and National cash scholarships are awarded. Contact: (866) 756-7932, www.scholarshipadministrators.net/EmailRequestForm.asp
The Do Something BRICK Awards for Community Leadership honors and financially supports the best young community leaders in America who are building better communities brick by brick. The Brick Awards recognize social change-makers age 25 and under. For winners age 18 and under, cash scholarships will be awarded as well as a grant to support the winner's project or organization. For winners age 19-25 years old, the entire sum will be given as a grant towards the winner's project or organization. In addition, Golden Brick winners receive an extra cash prize. Contact: Do Something, 423 West 55th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10019 (212) 523-1175, brick@dosomething.org
This program, sponsored by Educational Communications Inc., awards cash scholarships to high school students with a high GPA. Finalists are selected on the basis of GPA, aptitude test scores, leadership qualifications, personal essay, and financial need. Winners are included in the ECI Who's Who Among American High School Students publication. Contact: Educational Communications Inc., 7211 Circle S Road, Austin, TX 78745.
The Elks Most Valuable Student Contest, sponsored by the Elks Foundation, provides college scholarships to any graduating high school senior. Cash scholarships are awarded to high school seniors based on financial need, leadership and scholarship. Applications must advance through local, district and state competition to reach the national competition. Male and female students compete separately. Contact: Elks National Foundation, Scholarship Department, 2750 N. Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614-1889 (773) 755-4732, scholarship@elks.org
The Gates Millennium Scholars program is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of this program is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for thousands of outstanding students with significant financial need to reach their fullest potential. Individuals are eligible to be nominated if they are African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific American or Hispanic citizens of the United States. Applicants have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale; have applied to, and have been accepted into a full-time college, university, or graduate degree program; have significant financial need; and have demonstrated leadership ability through participation in community service and extracurricular activities. Scholarships can be renewed for up to five years in undergraduate studies and for the fields of education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, and science for graduate studies. Contact: Gates Millennium Scholars, PO Box 10500, Fairfax, VA 22031-8044 (877) 690-4677, mary.williams@gmsp.org
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund is a national scholarship program that gives annual awards to outstanding students interested in applying for college or law school. Applicants are judged on test scores, an essay, demonstrated leadership, and work experience. This award is open to African-American seniors. Contact: Scholarship Program, Herbert Lehman Education Fund, 99 Hudson St., Suite 1600, New York, NY 10013 (212) 219-1900.
This program, sponsored by the Horatio Alger Association, specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives. In addition, applicants should show strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. Students selected for this award convene in Washington, all-expenses paid, to meet Association Members, business and government leaders to discuss topics vital to today's youth.
Contact: Horatio Alger Nominations Chairman, Horatio Alger Association, 99 Canal Center Plaza, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 684-9444.
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is the world's larges pre-college celebration of science. Held annually, students from forty nations compete for cash scholarships, tuition grants,
internships, scientific field trips. Contact: Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Science Service, Inc., 1710 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 785-2255.
This scholarship, sponsored by the Jackie Robinson Foundation, is awarded to minority high school seniors who are U.S. citizens. Applicants need to be accepted to a four-year accredited college or university and are judged on leadership experience and qualities, high SAT or ACT scores, and financial need. Contact: Jackie Robinson Foundation, Attn: Scholarship Program, 3 West 35th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001-2204 (212) 290-8600.
Jewish War Veterans of the United States "Classmates Today-Neighbors Tomorrow" Award
This program is an opportunity to recognize students who work to promote respect, citizenship, community and leadership in their schools. Students selected for recognition will receive honorary awards, and in some cases, cash prizes. Contact: Jewish War Veterans of the United States, Department of Massachusetts, State House - Room 547, Boston, MA 02133-1051 (617) 727-2963.
The Adams Scholarship is available to students in public high schools in Massachusetts. Students who enroll in a Massachusetts public high school in the eleventh grade may take the high school English language arts and Mathematics MCAS tests in their junior year. This group of eleventh graders must participate in the standard spring Grade 10 MCAS tests. Students automatically qualify for the Adams Scholarship when they score in the advanced category in either the Mathematics or the English language arts section of the grade 10 MCAS test; score in the proficient or advanced category on the second subject (Mathematics or English language arts); and have a combined MCAS score on these assessments that ranks in the top 25% in their school district. This scholarship provides a tuition waiver for eight traditional semesters of undergraduate education at the University of Massachusetts, the seven state colleges, or fifteen community colleges. Contact: Virginia Crocker, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Student Assessment, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148 (781) 338-3678, vcrocker@doe.mass.edu
The College Board sponsors the National AP Scholars Award. Awardees are selected on the basis of having the most AP examinations for year-long courses or the equivalent, plus the highest AP examination grades. The award enables these students to be eligible for high levels of college programs such as double and triple majors, freedom to explore new and different subjects, and enter graduate programs earlier. Other awards include AP Scholars with Distinction Award, AP Scholar with Honor Award, and AP Scholar Award. Contact: The College Board, New England Regional Office, 470 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA 02451-1982 (866) 392-4089.
The National Achievement Scholarship Program is an academic competition providing recognition for outstanding black high school students. Black students enter the program by taking the PSAT, no later than the third year in grades 9-12, and meeting other requirements for participation. Semifinalists must meet high academic standards and are named on a regional basis. About 800 finalists receive a cash scholarship. Contact: National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Attn: National Achievement Scholarship Program, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200, Evanston, IL 60201-4897 (847) 866-5113.
The Merit Program is a nationwide annual competition for college undergraduate scholarships. Students enter the competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test no later than their junior year in high school. If the score on the test is high, students may participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Further requirements are imposed and every finalist is considered for a scholarship. All Merit Scholars are chosen from the finalist group. Contact: National Merit Scholarship Corporation, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200, Evanston, IL 60201-4897 (847) 866-5113.
The Massachusetts Foreign Languages Association awards four scholarships annually in honor of past presidents. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in foreign language study and service within their school. Applicants must be high school seniors who have completed the last sequence of that language, and have studied a foreign language for a minimum of three sequential levels and plan to continue foreign language study at the college level. Students must have achieved a 90% average in the foreign language over the 3+ years of study and
complete an essay articulating the importance of foreign language study. Contact: Maryann Brady, 91 Black Oak Lane, Dracut, MA 01826, brdyl@comcast.net
This award, sponsored by Prudential Financial, recognizes middle and high school students (grades 5-12) who have demonstrated exemplary community service. Local honorees are judged at the state level and students chosen as State Honorees receive a cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. In Washington D.C., ten National Honorees are chosen to receive an additional cash prize, and other awards. Contact: The Prudential Insurance Co. Attn: Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, 751 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3777, (888) 450-9961, spirit@principals.org
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards identify outstanding achievement of young arts and writers in the visual and literary arts. The program is administered by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, Inc. Students in grades 7-12 participate regionally and then nationally, if they qualify. The Gold Portfolio Award recipients receive cash scholarships. C Contact: Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (212) 343-6493, A&WgeneralInfo@scholastic.com
The Koplik Certificate of Mastery with Distinction waives tuition at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. Initial eligibility is based on a student's scores on English language arts, mathematics, and science assessments in the grade 10 MCAS. Students need to score at a minimum, Advanced in one subject and Proficient in the other two subjects. They must also pass two additional standardized tests (either two Advanced Placement exams or two SAT Subject Tests or one of each) or show other academic accomplishments while in high school. Koplik coordinators in each high school are responsible for: (a) notifying students who meet the initial eligibility requirements; and, (b) advising those students who choose to complete the remaining requirements. For more information, see http://www.doe.mass.edu/FamComm/Student/mastery.html.
People to People Student Ambassador Programs are invitation-only programs that provide international educational opportunities for elementary school, junior high school, and high school students. The journeys combine hands-on cultural experiences; behind- the-scenes access to fascinating people and places; and amazing outdoor adventures to create life-changing educational experiences. These programs promote peace through understanding between individual citizens of the world. Students have traveled to seven continents gaining maturity, confidence, and friendship. Contact: People to People Student Ambassador Programs, Dwight D. Eisenhower Building, 110 S. Ferrall Street, Spokane, WA 99202-4800 (509) 534-0430, info@studentambassadors.org
In 2001, Steppingstone merged The Scholars Program in Boston with The Magnet Program to form the Steppingstone Academy. The Academy is designed to identify underserved fourth and fifth graders and prepare them to enter and succeed at the top independent and public exam schools in the Boston area in the sixth or seventh grade, respectively. The structure of the Academy is a 14 months of academic classes followed by a range of support services offered throughout middle school, high school, and college. Contact: The Steppingstone Foundation, 155 Federal Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02110 (617) 423-6300.
The makers of Tylenol are committed to helping the students of today, who become the devoted healthcare professionals of tomorrow. Tylenol awards many cash scholarships to students pursuing careers in healthcare. Contact: 1-877-TYLENOL.
This program was established to recognize and honor our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. The scholars are chosen based upon their accomplishment in many areas: academic and artistic success, leadership, and involvement in school and the community. The academic component of the program selects students who have scored exceptionally well on the College Board SAT or ACT. The majority of the scholars are selected on the basis of broad academic achievement but about twenty additional scholars are selected on the basis of their academic and artistic scholarship in the visual arts, the performing arts, or creative writing. Presidential Scholars are guests of the Commission during National Recognition Week and enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. to meet with government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other accomplished people. Scholars are awarded a medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House. Contact: Presidential Scholars Program, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-8173 (202) 401-0961, Presidential.Scholars@ed.gov
This program, funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, provides high school students a brief introduction to the functions of the federal government. Juniors and seniors in high school are eligible to apply for this scholarship program if they are currently serving in an elected or appointed position representing the student body. Students must take a qualifying exam to be eligible for this scholarship. Finalists are awarded cash scholarships and receive an all expense paid trip for a week in Washington D.C. where they meet with government leaders. Contact: Donna Taylor, Program Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148 (781) 338-6320, dtaylor@doe.mass.edu
The National Endowment for the Humanities invites applications for College Younger Scholars Awards. These awards support individuals who wish to conduct research and writing projects in the humanities during the summer. Award recipients work full time for nine weeks during the summer, doing research and writing a paper under the close supervision of a humanities scholar. These cash awards are made to undergraduates below the level of senior. Contact: Younger Scholars Guidelines, Room 316, Division of Fellowships and Seminars, National Endowment for the Humanities, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20506 (202) 606-8400, fellowships@neh.gov
last updated: July 16, 2009
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