Scholarships Available

The Newtown High School Career Center publicizes all scholarships of which it is notified.

A few of the scholarships, typically national ones, request that money be enclosed with the application. The Career Center believes that students should not have to pay to apply for scholarships. If a student chooses to apply for a scholarship that charges a fee, however, the Career Center strongly advises parents and students to check its authenticity through the FTC Consumer Response Center, www.ftc.gov or 877-FTC-HELP; the National Fraud Information Center, www.fraud.org or 800-876-7060; or the Better Business Bureau, www.bbg.org or 703-276-0100.

Full details on all scholarships are available at the high school Career Center.

Best Buy @15 Scholarship Program — The 2009 Best Buy @15 Scholarship Program will award 1,000 one-time $1,500 scholarships to students based on their outstanding commitment and involvement in community service, along with a solid academic performance. High school students in grades 9 through 12 who are currently enrolled in an accredited US high school or a school in Puerto Rico with plans to enter a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational technical school are eligible to apply. Complete details are provided at www.bestbuy.com/scholarships. All interested students must register and apply online by February 15.

Newtown Youth Lacrosse Scholarship — The Newtown Youth Lacrosse Scholarship provides financial assistance to two (one male and one female) high school seniors who will be continuing their education after graduation. To be eligible for this award an applicant must: be a 2009 NHS graduating senior who is continuing education at a college, university, technical and/or professional school; former participant in the Newtown Youth Lacrosse program and; be or have been a significant contributor to the Newtown High School lacrosse program. All applicants must complete the application form and return it to The Newtown Youth Lacrosse Scholarship, c/o Mrs Latowicki at the NHS Career Center by April 27. The NLA Board of Directors will review all applications and may request personal interviews. Applications are available in the Career Center.

Meserve Memorial Fund Scholarship Program — Local high school seniors and high school graduates pursuing a college degree in the environmental sciences or a medically related field are encouraged to apply for Meserve Memorial Fund Scholarships. Students living the greater Danbury area are eligible to apply. A course of environmental studies includes, but is not limited to, agriculture, animal husbandry, ecological studies, forestry, or marine studies. Medically related programs can include, but not be limited to, premedicine, nursing, or medical research. Applications are available at www.fccfoundation.org and are due by March 1.

Latino Scholarship Fund — Scholarships provided by the Latino Scholarship Fund are available to college-bound Latino high school seniors from the greater Danbury area. Applicants must be of Latino heritage and US citizens. Selections will be based on character and integrity, academic standing and/or potential, involvement in and commitment to community, and financial need. The amount of awards shall be determined based upon relative need and availability of funds. Information, applications, and interview information are available at www.danburylatinofund.com. The deadline is March 15.

Connecticut Nurserymen’s Foundation — A $5,000 renewable scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Connecticut high school senior who is accepted in a two- or four-year course of study beneficial to the horticulture industry. This includes, but is not limited to, ornamental horticulture, landscaping design, nursery management, and greenhouse management. Students may attend an in-state or out-of-state institution. Scholarship finalists will be interviewed during the process. Applications are available in the Career Center. The deadline is March 16.

Howard Jennings Scholarship — A one-time $500 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who will attend the University of Connecticut in either the two- or four-year horticulture program will be awarded. Applicants should complete the same application as the Connecticut Nurserymen’s Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship will be based upon academics and financial need, with emphasis on nonschool work related to horticulture. The deadline is March 16.

Schubmehl-Prein Prize — A national essay contest open to high school juniors in the top 20 percent of the class for the best analysis of the social impact of a particular aspect of computing technology. The first place award is $1,000, with the second and third place awards equal to $500 and $250, respectively. The topic for 2009 is, “What are the potential social and ethical implications of the ‘$100 laptop’?” All contest requirements are available from www.cse.nd.edu/EssayContest/. The submission deadline is May 31.

Arrive Alive Scholarships — Carter Mario Injury Lawyers is committed to supporting higher education opportunities as well as promoting programs that deal with the prevention of drunk driving. This scholarship is a combination effort to provide financial assistance in enabling students to pursue their educational goals as well as stressing the dangers of driving while intoxicated. The current program for 2009 is ten $1,000 scholarships for Connecticut high school seniors who will be attending a four-year college or university in the fall of 2009. A 500-word essay is required in the application. Full details are available from www.getcarter.com. Completed applications must be postmarked by March 16.