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.bbb.org or 703-276-0100.

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

Newtown Babe Ruth Girls Softball Scholarship — A $1,000 scholarship is being offered by the Newtown Babe Ruth Softball League to a 2010 Newtown High School graduating senior who has participated in the league program. The scholarship is to be used for educational training beyond high school in any university, college, technical, or nursing school. Applications may be downloaded from Naviance. The requirements also include an essay describing how softball has enriched her life. All applications must be submitted to Mrs Latowicki in the Career Center by April 16. All applications will be reviewed by the scholarship committee and, if necessary, they will conduct personal interviews. The award will be presented to the recipient at the High School Awards Ceremony.

Working Women’s Forum Scholarship — This $500 scholarship will be awarded to the senior girl from Newtown High School who can best demonstrate her interest in a business career through one or more of the following: a business or business-related college major, active participation in a business-related club such as FBLA, a job or business internship, or other extra-curricular activities related to business or entrepreneurship. The applicant must provide proof of enrollment at an institute of higher learning or in a postsecondary program of study. Applications are available to download through Naviance. All applicants must submit completed applications to Mrs Latowicki in the Career Center by April 12. The award recipient will be notified on Senior Awards Night, Wednesday, June 2.

Save and Make the Grade Scholarships — Family Dollar Stores provides 20 scholarships of $2,500 as the sponsor for the Save and Make the Grade Scholarships. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who plan to enroll in a higher education program or students who are already enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. Family Dollar employees and their dependents are not eligible. Applicants should apply at www.familydollar.com by February 28.

Jo-Ann Own Your Look Prom Contest — Students age 14 through 19 who create their own prom outfit may be eligible to win cash for college as well as other prizes. The cash prizes range from $1,000 to the $50,000 grand prize. The outfit must include an accessory and be made with fabric and other products from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. Winning entries will be judged on originality, workmanship, and level of detail. Complete contest rules and online registration are available at www.joann.com/prompeople. All entries must be postmarked by June 15.

Better Business Bureau Business Ethics Awards — The BBB Student Ethics Award program recognizes Connecticut high school juniors who personify high ethics demonstrated through leadership, community service and overall personal integrity and academic history. The criteria for the award include: leadership 20 percent, community service 20 percent, academic 30 percent, essay 30 percent (500 words minimum). Three letters of recommendation are also required. A student will be selected by an independent panel of judges to receive a scholarship for $2,500 to an accredited college or university of his or her choice. The funds will be distributed directly to the school upon verification of the student’s college enrollment. Applications may be downloaded from www.ct.bbb.org/studentethicsaward.

Connecticut Blue Star Mothers Scholarships — The Middlesex County Blue Star Mothers — CT Chapter 3, will award two scholarships (for one male and one female) to graduating high school seniors in 2010. The seniors must be going to attend a four-year college. Applicants must have a parent actively serving in the military or a parent who is an honorably discharged veteran. Military service includes the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves. The application deadline is April 1. Scholarship applications may be downloaded from Naviance. The awards will be decided by May 1 and notifications made to schools immediately thereafter.

Dolores Ann Ventura Memorial Scholarship Fund — A $750 scholarship will be awarded to one graduating senior from Newtown High School. Students must have a physical disability or learning disability or both to apply for this scholarship. An essay of no more than 500 words on the topic, “How College will Impact My Life” is also required. All applicants must have plans to attend a two- or four- year college, university, or technical school. Applications may be downloaded from Naviance. All essays must be submitted to Mrs Latowicki in the Career Center by March 3,. The award will be presented on Senior Awards night, June 2.