Scholarships Available For Local High School Students

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.

VNA of Newtown Scholarships — The Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Newtown is offering three scholarships for graduating high school seniors from Newtown who have been accepted into an accredited school of nursing. The $4,000 scholarship in honor of Anna E. Clow and the $4,000 Newtown VNA Scholarship are both available to students entering a program leading to a RN or BSN degree. The $2,500 scholarship in honor of Janice B. Van Syckle will be awarded to a student entering a nursing program leading to a BSN degree. The scholarships will be given to the recipient when he or she has entered the clinical portion of the nursing program, at least into the second year of his or her nursing education. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of interest in nursing, financial need, personality, and recommendation of a guidance counselor or the principal. Applications are available in the Career Center and must be turned in to Mrs Latowicki by April 26. Interviews will be held at NHS on May 5. Sign up for an interview time with Mrs Latowicki after April 26.

Janet and Alan Hertzmark College Scholarship — This scholarship is available to Jewish undergraduate students accepted or attending an accredited undergraduate college/university. The recipient must be a Connecticut resident and possess a strong academic record. One scholarship per academic year will be awarded up to $1,000. Online applications are available via Naviance and at www.jfed.net. Complete application packages must be received no later than April 15. Be sure to include eight copies of your signed application, one official transcript, your EFC report and two letters of recommendation.

Older Americans: Connecting the Community Essay — The North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA) is sponsoring its second annual essay contest to celebrate Older Americans Month 2011. This year’s essay theme is “Older Americans: Connecting the Community.” Essay limit is 500 words and must be submitted by Wednesday, April 27. For complete details the Career Center has copies of the essay rules, judging and deadline.

Hartford Gay and Lesbian Scholarship — The Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective will offer a $1,000 scholarship for state students enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college. The scholarship guidelines and application are available in the Career Center. The application including a transcript, two references and an essay must be postmarked no later than April 30. Applicants will be notified in writing by May 29 and will receive their scholarships at a public awards program.

National Organization of Professional Hispanic Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees (NOPHNRCSE) — The National Organization of Professional Hispanic Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees provides scholarships to deserving Hispanic students that wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in natural resources and conservation-related field of study at an accredited four-year institution. Apply online via Naviance or at www.nophnrcse.org. Applications may also be mailed and must be postmarked by April 7. To receive the scholarship the selected candidates are required to participate in the 2011 National Organization of Professional Hispanic Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June; travel cost and lodging will be covered. Three additional travel-only opportunities are also available to qualified students.