Career Center At Newtown High School Lists Available Scholarships

The 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 that he or she first check its authenticity through the FTC Consumer Response Center, www.ftc.gov, 877-FTC-HELP; the National Fraud Information Center, www.fraud.org, 1-800-876-7060; or the Better Business Bureau, www.bbg.org or 703-276-0100.

Best Buy Scholarships — The 2008 Best Buy Scholarship Program will award scholarships to graduating high school seniors based on solid academic performance, and an outstanding commitment to and involvement in community service. High school seniors planning to study full-time in a two- or four-year undergraduate program or vocational technical program are eligible. Two scholarships of $1,500 will be awarded from each local Best Buy store. Up to 16 scholarships of $10,000 will also be awarded. Apply online at www.bestbuy.com/scholarships by February 15.

Bill Lauf Memorial Scholarship — The Danbury Fish and Game Club will award a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior from Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Immaculate, Joel Barlow, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, or Ridgefield High School planning a career in journalism or environmentalism. The award will be sent directly to the recipient’s college to help pay tuition. The successful applicant will exemplify the qualities possessed by the late sportsman and journalist Bill Lauf. These qualities include, but are not limited to, sportsmanship, integrity, humor, curiosity, love of his fellow man, and of writing. Applications available in the Career Center. Application and essay due April 1.

George Coleman Scholarship — Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to three high school graduates who enroll in a New England Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (NEACRAO) member institution in the fall 2008. A list of NEACRAO member schools, along with applications, are available on at www.neacrao.org. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a recommendation from a guidance counselor. The deadline is March 15. If no applications are received for the scholarship this year, the award will be distributed in the following year.

Hartford Whalers Booster Club Scholarship — A hockey scholarship is available to any graduating senior from Connecticut who plans on playing college hockey at a four-year college. The scholarship is open to graduating seniors who have excelled in both the classroom and the hockey arena. Applications available at the Career Center and at www.whalerwatch.com. The deadline is March 20.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund — This national scholarship program awards funds to graduating high school seniors of Hispanic heritage who will be enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university during the 2008-09 academic year. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic record, financial need (for educational purposes), community service, and personal qualities. Applications are available at www.hsf.net; the deadline is March 15.

Hord Foundation Scholarships — The Hord Foundation awards scholarships for up to four years of baccalaureate level study to black high school graduates residing in greater Danbury. Students must submit a completed application along with transcripts and two letters of recommendation. Financial need will be considered in the awarding of the scholarship. Applicants must graduate high school in good academic standing, and must have received a letter of acceptance to an undergraduate program or other continuing education program. Community service and a personal interview complete the application criteria. Applications are available at the Career Center and at www.hordfoudation.org. The deadline is February 15.

Nutmeg Statewide PTA Scholarship — This statewide program awards scholarships to high school seniors accepted into four-year undergraduate programs who want to pursue a career in child services other than teaching. Previous recipients have become pediatric plastic surgeons, attorneys, and social workers. Applicants must write a one-page essay beginning, “I expect to be serving children ten years after college graduation by...” Class rank, and community and school service will also factor into scholarship selection. Newtown High School may only nominate only one applicant. Applications are available in the Career Center, and must be returned to Mrs Latowicki by April 3.

Orphan Foundation of America/Casey Family - The Orphan Foundation of America in conjunction with the Casey Family Program are offering scholarships for orphaned college-bound young people, and for those transitioning out of foster care. Requirements and applications are available at www.orphan.org/scholarships. The online portion of the application must be completed by March 31. The second part must be printed from the website and postmarked no later than April 15.