Winter/Spring

FDHS/CGWA Scholarship Guide

Best Practice

Tools of the Trade

FAQ/Resources

Getting Started

Checklist

Why should you apply for scholarships?

• Affordable post-secondary education
• Start saving for your future
• Reduce Stress
• Scholarships for all grades (9th - 12th)

CCR Coach Greeting:

Best Practice

FAQ/Resources

Getting Started

Checklist

Tools of the Trade

We are delighted to welcome you to the FDHS/CGWA Winter 2024 Scholarship Guide. We understand that the cost of postsecondary education is a significant concern for many families and students. In fact, past years’ senior transition status survey results have consistently shown that the cost of postsecondary education is the number one concern for seniors who complete the survey.

​

We are committed to addressing this concern and are intentional about sharing scholarship and financial aid information and resources with our 9th - 12th grade families. You can access this valuable information on our FDHS CCR Site at bit.ly/FDHSFinancialAidResources, which is accessible on FDHS Student Dashboards and included in FDHS/CGWA College, Career & Counseling Canvas Courses. Additionally, you’ll find regular updates provided via newsletters, announcements, and TalkingPoints.

​

This guide includes information that may be used to begin or incorporate into your existing scholarship search. Our goal is to empower you with the tools you need to make informed decisions about your future. Register for upcoming Scholarship Deep Dive Workshops and FAFSA Frenzy Help Sessions at bit.ly/CCREvents or request individual advising at bit.ly/fdhsrequestcounselor.

​

Monica Jones, SHRM-CP

FDHS College and Career Coach

​

Best Practice

Understand the Basics: Financial Aid vs. Scholarships

• Financial Aid: Assistance to help pay for college
• Scholarships: Financial aid that does not need to be repaid

Types of Financial Aid:

• Grants: Do not need to be repaid.
• Scholarships: Do not need to be repaid.
• Loans: Must be repaid with interest
• Work-study: Part-time jobs on campus.
• Click here to learn about Federal Student Aid.

Scholarships for All: Scholarships are available for all high school students, regardless of background and academic interest. The key to accessing these opportunities lies in understanding the scholarship process and getting started early.

Best practices to maximize scholarship eligibility.

​

• Focus on Academic Excellence
• Get Involved: Engage in sports, extracurricular activities, and clubs. Scholarship committees often look for well-rounded individuals.
• Seek Leadership Roles/Embrace Community Service
• Understand Financial Aid: This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
• Begin your scholarship search as early as possible.
• Use National Scholarship Sites to be matched with scholarships
• Visit bit.ly/FDHSScholarships to access our school scholarship list.
• Ensure that your Social Security Number is on file in Infinite Campus for your KHEAA account. This is where families can track Kentucky Education Excellence Scholarship (KEES) awards.
• Complete the FAFSA your senior year.

​

Remember, the scholarship application process can be competitive, but with dedication and strategic planning, you can increase your chances of securing financial support for your educational journey.

​

Best Practice

FAQ/Resources

Getting Started

Checklist

Tools of the Trade

FAFSA Frenzy

Best Practice

FAQ/Resources

Getting Started

Checklist

Tools of the Trade

Best Practice

FAQ/Resources

Getting Started

Checklist

Tools of the Trade

Financial Aid Tools & Resources

Federal Student Aid

Visit studentaid.gov for a comprehensive review of federal student aid. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to federal and state aid. Several colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to award need based scholarships and grants. There are two steps to completing the FAFSA.

• Students and at least one parent/ must create FSA IDs and the proceed to fafsa.gov to complete the FAFSA.
• FSA ID Instructions
• FAFSA Completion Guide
• KHEAA FAFSA Walkthrough Video

​

Exploring Scholarship Options

• Dedicate time each week to your scholarship search and be persistent.
• Streamline your search: Use the FDHS/CGWA Scholarship List and a National Scholarship Account
• Check the FDHS/CGWA Scholarship List at least twice a month.
• This list includes local scholarships.
• Utilize National Scholarship Sites to create your own custom scholarship dashboard and be matched with scholarships.
• Appily
• Big Future Scholarship Search and Program
• College Raptor
• Fast Web
• Going Merry
• Hispanic College Fund
• Scholarships.com
• Scholarships360
• ScholarshipOwl
• Scholly
• TheDream.us

​

College/University Scholarships

Colleges offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid. Most colleges automatically consider first-time freshmen for merit/competitive scholarships with their admission application. However, there are some colleges that have separate scholarship applications.

​

In addition to merit scholarships, look for diversity, department, foundation, need based, and other scholarships. Be sure to do your research in order to maximize institutional scholarships and financial aid.

​

Deadlines vary for scholarships, so track the deadlines and don't miss out.

​

​

FAQ/Resources

Getting Started

Checklist

FAQ

Who should complete the FAFSA?

All students who plans to attend college should complete the FAFSA. If you don't apply, you may miss out on the opportunity for additional financial aid. Remember some colleges require FAFSA completion to access your financial aid awards. Don’t miss out!

Are public colleges and universities more affordable than private colleges?

Tuition, fees, room and board are typically less expensive at public colleges and universities. This is especially true for in-state students. However, many are surprised to find that private institutions may be more affordable due to generous financial aid packages. Be sure to explore your options!

Are scholarships only available for U.S. Citizens?

Although undocumented students, including DACA students are ineligible for federal student aid, students may be eligible for state or college financial aid, in addition to private scholarships. Be sure to check with the college of your choice for additional scholarship/financial aid resources.

Scholarship Resources for Undocumented, Refugee & Immigrant Students

• Appily Scholarships for Hispanic Students
• Golden Door Scholars
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• Immigrants Rising
• McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship
• Saber es Poder
• Sallie Mae Scholarships for Undocumented Students
• TheDream.us
• United We Dream

​

Foster/Adopted Student Waivers

Did you know that tuition and mandatory student fees for any undergraduate or graduate program of any Kentucky public postsecondary institution may be waived for Kentucky foster or adopted children? Review the following links to see if you’re eligible for a waiver.

• Tuition Waiver Application
• Tuition Waiver Schools

Getting Started

Checklist

Notes:

Getting Started

Organization Tips:

• Start Early & Apply Consistently: The scholarship search is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Be Organized: Create a professional email address, use a custom scholarship dashboard (provided within national scholarship sites) or tracker.
• Quality over Quantity: Focus on scholarships that are a good fit.
• Read Application Requirements Carefully: Ensure eligibility and complete applications by deadlines.
• Proofread & Revise: Avoid typos and errors.

Reflection Questions for Families:

• What are your student’s strengths and interests? How can you leverage these to find scholarships that are a good fit?
• What are your financial needs? How can you prioritize scholarships that can help reduce the cost of college?
• What resources are available to you at school and in your community? How can you take advantage of these to get help with your scholarship applications?

​

Checklist

Scholarship Recap

• Devote time each week to your scholarship search.
• Streamline your search: Use the FDHS/CGWA Scholarship List and a National Scholarship Account.
• Check the FDHS List twice a month: Always includes local scholarships.
• Utilize National Scholarship Sites (i.e. Going Merry, Scholly, College Raptor) to simplify your scholarship search and receive a custom scholarship dashboard.
• These sites will match you with scholarships and bundle scholarships.

Scholarship Checklist

• Transcript
• Resume
• Scholarship Account/Tracker
• Weekly Scholarship Planning Time
• Check School Scholarship List
• Preferred National Scholarship Sites
• Recommenders
• Review and apply for local scholarships
• Seniors: Complete the FAFSA!

Remember to dedicate time each week to your scholarship search and be persistent! Visit bit.ly/fdhsrequestcounselor if you have any questions or need individual assistance.

Monica Jones

FDHS College and Career Coach