March Scholarship Newsletter

March 4, 2008

Seniors and Parents:
• See the information from EducationQuest at the end of this newsletter regarding the FAFSA
• Visit the college before you make a final decision
• Read through the recommendation tips at the end of this newsletter
• Be looking for scholarships to complete

                        ACT Test Dates
Test Date Registration        Deadline Late Reg.
Apr. 12, 08                       Mar. 7, 08 Mar. 8 – 21, 08
June 14, 08                       May 9, 08 May 10 – 23, 08

You can register to take the ACT on line at www.actstudent.org Choose “SIGN UP NOW” and follow the directions. To register on line you must pay by “VISA” or “MasterCard”. You can also register using the ACT packet. You can get a packet from me. If you have never taken the test before, please allow extra time in filling out the registration packet. If you have already taken the test and you want to retake it, I highly recommend registering on-line as it will save you a lot of time because you will just go in and update the info. Remember our school code is 282 285

Selective Service: If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25 you are required to register for the Selective Service. To register go to www.sss.gov This is the law and you are required to do so.
Open Houses and Special Visit Days
University of NE @ Lincoln Red Letter Days: You must register on line at www.admissions.unl.eduNebraska's all-day (8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), open house program is offered to high school seniors and their families. At Red Letter Day, you will have the opportunity to pick from several group presentations such as: choosing a major, university housing, scholarships, learning communities, financial aid, and many more. You'll also have a chance to attend academic presentations, meet with faculty from your academic area of interest, have lunch in a residence hall, meet other prospective students and interact with current students.
Some Red Letter Days are geared specifically toward a certain major. All academic departments are represented during the general Red Letter Days. See below to see which Red Letter Day is the best fit for you. Remember that you must register on line for the All-Day Red Letter Day event. This must be done one week prior to the event.
All-Majors Red Letter Days Mon. Mar 10th
If you want to visit at another time you will need to call 800-742-8800 ext. 4887 to schedule a Half Day visit. Two weeks notice is required.

**Wayne State College: Fridays @ WSC: Mar. 14 & 21, April 18
Wayne State College campus visits can also be scheduled most weekdays at 9:30 or 12:30.

**Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford: If you want to visit one of these campus’s please call ahead of time. Beatrice: 1-800-233-5027, Lincoln: 1-800-642-4075 or Milford: 1-800-933-7223

Creighton University/Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital: Any senior is welcome to apply for a job shadow experience with their professional healthcare staff in Hastings. For easy access the job shadow application is now available on line at www.mlmh.org Allow three weeks from the time the request is submitted before the actual shadow date. Parental consent with immunization verification and counselor recommendation is required. Nice clothes will be worn. No jeans, shorts, etc. can be worn and closed toed shoes are required.

University of NE @ Omaha Open house dates: Apr. 7 www.openhouse.unomaha.edu
They also offer 10 programs per week starting Sept. 17 through Dec. 7 and Jan. 21 through April 27 Monday through Friday 9:30 or 12:30. You must register at least five to seven days in advance. www.BEaMav.com and then click on “Get Started” or you can Call 877-884-MAVS

College of Hair Design – Lincoln Open houses Wednesday, April 2nd Call 1-800-798-4247 To Reserve a spot. Scholarships are also available.

Nebraska Wesleyan University – Lincoln If you apply on-line then you do not have to pay the $20.00 fee. If you do the paper admissions and mail it in then you must pay $20.00. So go to www.newesleyan.edu

**University of Nebraska at Kearney application process: If you are going to apply to UNK they are asking that you apply online. www.unk.edu Select Admissions, then select Undergraduate, and finally click on Apply Online. You can even pay the application fee online using a credit/debt card. They will no longer be mailing out the paper applications. You can however print your own application by going to their website.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:

Oxbow Scholarship Program 03/10/08
Be currently enrolled in a vet school, complete the application found at www.oxbowhay.com , provide a resume showing activities and job history, 2 letters of reference, submit an essay.

Money To Learn Union Bank & Trust/Lincoln Journal Star Now until March 15, 2008
Upper 1/3 of class and at least a 20 ACT, Graduate in 2008
Attendance at post-secondary institution full-time within Nebraska next fall, Complete the on-line application, print application when complete, include a non-returnable photo, Affirmation of class rank and test scores by the guidance counselor. Print application and secure the signatures of parents/legal guardians, follow directions and prompts www.asapubt.com

NELNET $1 MILLION Scholarship Giveaway Now until August 8, 08
No criteria needed. Just complete the application with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, school, date of graduation. You can enter on a daily basis. www.nelnet.com

*American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships: Please note that you can submit ONLY ONE application for ONLY ONE of the State Scholarships and ONLY ONE for the National Scholarships. See the information below.

Am. Legion Auxiliary Student Aid Grant or Voc. Tech. Scholarship (State)           03/15/08
Daughter, son, grand or great grand-daughter or son. Attend a vocational school (Not a 4 year school)

Am. Legion Auxiliary Roberta Marie Stretch Memorial Scholarship (State)             03/15/08
Must be related to a veteran (preference given to Cornhusker Girls State), enroll in a 4 year college or university
Am. Legion Student Aid Grant or Vocational Technical Scholarship(State)            03/15/08
Resident of NE and be a veteran or veteran connection

Am. Legion Auxiliary Averyl Elaine Keriakedes Memorial Scholarship(State)         03/15/08
Must be related to a veteran, preferably, to a female enrolled at UNL who plans to teach junior high school social studies.

Am. Legion Auxiliary Nurse’s Gift Tuition Scholarship (State)                            03/15/08
Must be related to a veteran, enroll in a school of nursing.

Am. Legion Auxiliary Licensed Practical Nursing Scholarship (State)                  03/15/08
Must be related to a veteran, and enroll in a Licensed Practical Nursing program

Am. Legion Auxiliary Ruby Lorraine Paul Scholarship Fund (State)                    03/15/08
Must be related to an American Legion or Auxiliary member who has held Nebraska membership for 2 years prior to application, be a NE resident for the three previous years, excludes those enrolled in the school of nursing, must have a “B” average last two semesters of high school.

Am. Legion Auxiliary Ruby Paul Campaign Fund Scholarship (State)                  03/15/08
Must be related to an American Legion or Auxiliary member who has held Nebraska membership for 2 years prior to application, be a NE resident for the three previous years, must have a “B” average last two semesters of high school.

Monsanto Company                                                                                           03/15/08
Applications are available on line at www.monsanto.com or www.ffa.org Pursue a career in ag.

Scholarship America AXA Achievement                                                            03/15/08
2008 Community Volunteer Service Awards Program
Open to all seniors who have strong academic records and considerable volunteer community service experience and who are going to pursue a post-secondary education as an undergraduate. 2 page form requiring information regarding the volunteer services preformed the last four years.

Gus Swanson Memorial Communications Scholarship                                      03/15/08
Must major in one of the following areas: Advertising, Marketing, Communication Studies, Mass Communications (print or broadcast), Public Relations, Journalism, or Graphic Design/Desktop Publishing. Must have a 3.25 Grade Point Average Applicants must write a three to five page marketing essay based on any current international, national, regional, or local advertisement or advertising campaign (print, tv or radio)

South Central Cattlemen Association                                                               03/15/08
Applicants must be a senior and be completing their high school education in a school in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls or Webster counties, or be a resident in one of the counties, or be a child of a South Central Cattlemen member. Pursue a degree in Ag at a 2 or 4 year institution, preferably in animal science but all majors will be considered. No formal application is required. The application consists of your name, address, phone number, parent/parent’s name; high school transcript; school activities and what role you have played in them; community involvement and what role you have played in them; explanation of why you deserve this scholarship; description of future plans in the field of agriculture and 2 letters of recommendation from non-family members. Applications need to be sent to:
Brian Shaw, 30331 Road D, Fairfield, NE 68938

James M Cox Foundation                                                                                     03/15/08
Complete the College Estimator form and results from www.educationquest.org submit a copy of your SAR issued by the Federal FAFSA Program. Complete an essay relating to the impact of a higher education on your permanent career objectives.

Marilyn Spiker Memorial Scholarship                                                                  03/15/08
Any woman who will begin first or second year college studies taking an agricultural course may apply. Related fields of study such as Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Extension Education or a related field. Special consideration will be given to an applicant who is a member, or the daughter, granddaughter, sister, or niece of a FAED member and/or WIFE provided her grades and qualifications are equal to or exceed other applicants. See Mrs. Zoucha for application

Husker Harvest Days Scholarship                                                                      03/20/08
Must have at least a “B” average and be enrolled in a 2-4 year college or university or technical school in Nebraska that offers a program/career in agriculture or agribusiness. See Mrs. Zoucha for an application.

Nebraska Insurance Federation and Nebraska Actuaries Club                             03/28/08
Major in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Economics, with an interest in pursuing an actuarial career. Demonstrate mathematical ability. To secure an application go to www.n-a-c.org

Golden Apple Award Teacher Recognition Channels 10 & 11                                03/28/08
Graduating seniors can nominate a teacher who has meant the most to them through out their school years. Elementary – High School. Nominating letter of 250 words or less naming the teacher and how they inspired, challenged, or helped you to excel in other ways. The letter must include your name and high school, school address and phone number, nominated teacher’s name, teacher’s current school or place of employment (they can be retired teachers), nominated teacher’s current address (not the school address). Send the information to:
10/11 Golden Apple Award
KOLN/KGIN TV
PO Box 30350
Lincoln, NE 68503

ACACIA Chapter No. 39 Order of the Eastern Star                                              03/28/08
Complete the application & two letters of recommendation. All Acacia Chapter members, their children or grandchildren are encouraged to apply. See Mrs. Zoucha for application.

Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation                                                                     04/01/08
Must be a resident of Nebraska and have a current e-mail address. Must be in need of financial assistance. Students who receive a tuition scholarship from another source may not qualify for this scholarship. Must have an 82% GPA or better. Must have applied for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and have received back the official printed Information Summary of Student Aid Report (SAR) prior to sending in this scholarship application. You must send a copy of your SAR which indicated the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) amount. Must include an official high school transcript, two letters of reference from non-family members verifying your character, need, merit, and circumstances. Must include a handwritten response to question 30 of the scholarship application. This scholarship is for tuition and fees for up to $3200.00 per semester and books up to $400.00 per semester for undergraduate students attending universities or colleges in the Nebraska state public school system (UNL, UNO, UNK, Wayne State, Chadron State, & Peru State) and community colleges and trade schools within the Public System (Private Colleges – Doane, Wesleyan, etc, or out of state schools do not qualify for this scholarship) You can access the scholarship application by going to www.buffettscholarships.org College scholarships, scholarship application. The application is a PDF file. If you are unable to download this let me know, I have the hard copy.

Nebraska Coaches Association – Farm Bureau Scholar Athlete Award                 04/01/08
Upper 25% of class, at least a 2 year participant in 2 sports, earned a varsity letter in 2 sports, letter of recommendation from a high school coach and have an ACT score of at least 24 See Mrs. Zoucha for application

High Plains Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS)                    04/01/08
And the National Weather Association (NWA) Jim Johnson Scholarship
Must major in Physical Science, write an essay stating what you plan on dong in the physical sciences once you have your degree and how it will contribute to your discipline. See Mrs. Zoucha for more info.

Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (I-NEDA) Matching Funds Scholarship 04/01/08
Potential employee must be approved by the dealer principal for training, re-training, or professional advancement; must be enrolled full time or be accepted in a higher education curriculum; dealer principal must be willing to provide matching scholarship funds. See Mrs. Zoucha for application

Lincoln Builders Bureau                                                                                     04/01/08
Member company employees and their children can apply for a $750.00 scholarship. Applicants must be an employee of a Lincoln Builders Bureau member company or the child of an employee. For company member eligibility, go to www.buildersbureau.com Click on the buyers guide tab, then membership directory to confirm a member company.

Carriage House Foundation                                                                              04/03/08
Attend a NE community college, enroll in one of the automotive related courses of study, submit at letter of recommendation from at least one teacher describing your aptitude and attitude, send current transcript, submit a cover letter indicating your interest in the automotive field and your plan for technical training. See Mrs. Zoucha for application and more info.

Nebraska Cooperative Council Education Foundation                                         04/13/08
You must be a so/ daughter of a parent/legal guardian who has been an active member, director or employee for at least the prior three years of a cooperative which as been a member in good standing of the Nebraska Cooperative for at least 5 years. Recipients will attend UNL, Curtis, or Chadron. See Mrs. Zoucha for an application or go to www.nebr.coop

Central Community College Three for Free Scholarship Available on CCC web-site 04/16/08This scholarship is designed for current juniors and seniors that will be taking summer courses at CCC. This award is worth three credits of Tuition. Applications will be available via CCC’s web-site on April 16, 2008. Appropriate ACT or COMPASS scores will be required for the scholarship.
www.cccneb.edu Deadline for the scholarship will be May 2, 2008

Alpha Gamma Nu                                                                                               05/31/08
Alpha Gamma Nu Fraternity on the UNL Campus offers scholarships in the amount of $500.00. This scholarship recognizes young men who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, unparalleled leadership, and unmatched community involvement. If interested let me know and I can send you this application as an attachment as I have it on word.

Nebraska Wesleyan University has several scholarships available to students. If you are at all interested in Wesleyan please let me know and I will get you a list of the scholarships. Some scholarships are awarded on the basis of class rank and standardized test scores. Most will require at least a 20 ACT or above and you need to be in the top half of your class in rank. Again, please see me for a detailed list of scholarships available to NE Wesleyan students.

Grading Conversion Chart for Sutton Public Schools
Use this chart to determine your GPA
A = 93% – 100% = 4.0
B = 86% - 92% 90% - 92% = 3.75 88% - 89% = 3.5 86% - 87% = 3.0
C = 78% - 85% 83% - 85% = 2.75 80% - 82% = 2.5 78% - 79% = 2.0
D = 70% - 77% 76% - 77% = 1.75 73% - 75% = 1.5 70% - 72% = 1.0
F = 69% and below

Here are some excellent websites..........

Electronic FAFSA(Federal Aid) www.fafsa.ed.gov/fill.htm

Scholarships www.fastweb.com/

Federal Site www.ed.gov/studentaid/


Below you will find an excellent high school web site.

Millard South Web Site is updated daily and is a great resource for scholarships and financial aid.
http://www.esu3.k12.ne.us/districts/millard/south/guid/msguid.html

EducationQuest Foundation
College Planning Bulletin
A monthly college planning guide for Nebraska high school students
March 2008

College Fairs coming up in March and April

Omaha College Affaire
Thursday, March 27
6-8 p.m.
Millard North High School
144th & Pacific Streets

Lincoln College Affaire
Thursday, April 3
6-8 p.m.
Lincoln Southwest High School
7001 S. 14th Street

Each event will feature representatives from Midwest colleges and financial aid sessions.

Seniors: What happens after you submit the FAFSA?
By now, you have probably submitted your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here’s what happens next.

Expect your SAR and Award Letter
You’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) after you submit the FAFSA. This acknowledges that your form was processed and can be used to make corrections to your FAFSA. You’ll need the PIN you used to file the FAFSA to make electronic corrections.

The colleges you listed on the FAFSA will send you a financial aid award letter detailing the assistance they’re offering. They may offer a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans.

Compare Award Letters
Compare award letters from the colleges. Some may offer more in scholarships and grants, while others rely on student loans. Calculate your out-of-pocket expenses for each school to get the whole financial picture. Use our Award Letter Comparison Calculator to determine which school offers the best deal. Sign and return the award letters.

Keep looking for scholarships!
Many local, state and national scholarships have deadlines in March, April and May. Talk to your guidance counselor about scholarships that meet your criteria. For local and state scholarships, visit ScholarshipQuest at www.educationquest.org.

March “To Do” List
Seniors
___ Expect your Student Aid Report – use it to make corrections to the FAFSA.
___ Expect college acceptance letters during March and April.
___ Continue applying for scholarships.

For free help with college planning, contact EducationQuest Foundation:

Kearney Lincoln Omaha
308-234-6310 402-475-5222 402-391-4033
800-666-3721 800-303-3745 888-357-6300
www.educationquest.org

EducationQuest Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska.
Tips for getting letters of recommendations for scholarships:
1. Ask the person if they can give you a good recommendation.
2. Give the person information about the scholarship – Name of scholarship, criteria, date due
3. If they have to mail it directly to the scholarship committee – then you provide the envelope and have it addressed with a stamp on it.
4. Make sure that the person has enough time to write the recommendation. I would recommend at least one week, but preferably two weeks.
5. Most people writing recommendations will be o-k with writing more than one letter. Usually they will revise the letters to fit the requirements/criteria., so don’t be afraid to ask for more than one letter.
6. If you have questions please come and see me.