Student Services

Important note:  You will notice that the deadlines for some scholarships listed below are still for 2010.  This is because the PCHS Counseling Office has not yet received updated scholarship information with the deadlines for this year.  If you see a particular scholarship that you are interested in, yet the information is for last year, we would encourage you to check the scholarships’ website for updated information.  And as soon as we get updated information, the list below will be updated accordingly.   Any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office at 323-5282.

2011-2012 SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

 

Seniors---be sure to look closely at the scholarships that are offered at the schools you are applying to---there are many, many scholarships offered at colleges, too numerous to mention---visit their websites, and go to their scholarships link for more information.  Many of the Michigan schools have scholarships that we get literature on all the time….Oakland, Eastern Mich, Saginaw Valley State, Michigan Tech, Central Michigan, and more.

 

 

DEADLINE

NAME OF SCHOLARSHIP

April

Hispanic College Fund: Major site for Hispanic students majoring in business-related areas, A to Z (accounting, human resources, communications, and more. The award amount varies. Over 140 awards granted.  Deadline: April.  http://www.hispanicfund.org/scholarships

April

Jackie Robinson Foundation: The award is $6,000 per year. Number of winners: about 100.  It's renewable. Academic merit, leadership, community service, all fields. Deadline is usually in April. http://www.JackieRobinson.org.

December

United Negro College Fund: The UNCF is one of our major scholarship gateways.  The awards are of varying amounts, and there are a great many under different names and requirements (Grandmet, Duracell, for example). The deadline is usually December.  http://uncf.org/.

January

American Legion Scholarships:  several different scholarships offered:  student trooper, boys state, legion baseball.  Deadlines are in January.  For an application and more information visit www.michiganlegion.org.

January

Ron Brown: The award: leadership, community service, all fields.  The deadline is usually in January. This is one of the most prestigious scholarships and it's very, very competitive. http://www.RonBrown.org.

July

 

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants: For undergraduates studying accounting at a U.S. college with at least 30 credits completed. Awards up to $5,000, with about 300 winners annually. Deadline is in July. Go to website for GPA requirements and details. http://www.aicpa.org/members/div/career/mini/smas.htm.

June

 

Arts Recognition and Talent Search Awards: These awards are granted to high school or college students (17-19 years of age) who show talent in dance, voice, music, art, photography, jazz, visual arts, writing, or other creative areas. You must audition or submit a portfolio or tape. The award is to be used for freshman year in college. Award amounts: from $100 to $3,000.  Deadline is June 1 (for registration in specific regions).  http://artsawards.org

Various

 

Joyce Ivy Foundation Scholarships:  Are you a high-achieving female sophomore or junior who would benefit from a scholarship to attend a summer academic program at an Ivy League or equivalent college?  The Joyce Ivy Foundation provides scholarships to help young women from Michigan, Ohio and Nebraska in their pursuit of higher education opportunities at leading academic institutions.  Please visit http://www.joyceivyfoundation.org for more information.

Various

 

Search for scholarships at cappex.com/scholarships.  An easy, comprehensive tool to search for the best national and local scholarships.

Various

 

National Achievement Scholarship Program for outstanding Black American students:  you may enter this competition only by taking the PSAT in your junior year of high school, and selecting this entry on your test answer sheet.

Various

Another popular scholarship search is www.fastweb.com.  

Various

 

National Association of Black Journalists: Students should be attending a four-year university. A grade point average of 3.0 is desirable. Eligible students must be majoring in journalism-print, photography, radio, or television.  http://www.nabj.org/programs/scholarships

Various

 

National Alliance for Excellence: Students can be seniors already in college. They must submit an application that can includes recommendations (academic, art slides), dance (tapes), photographs, and/or other materials that point to talent and achievement in all areas. Awards are for a minimum of one year, and over 100 are granted.  Applications can be submitted at any time. The selection process is ongoing.  http://www.excellence.org .

various

Intel Science-Talent Search: The award is from $5,000 to $100,000. There are approx. 40 awards in this prestigious competition. You must present a scientific research projecthttp://sciserv.org/sts.

various

Kodak Scholarships: The award: varying amounts to $5,000. Number of awards: Varies for those studying in film/cinematography at U.S. colleges. http://motion.kodak.com/US/en/motion/Education/Discounts_And_Scholarships/index.htm.

Various

 

Wright Beauty Academy: is offering scholarships for upcoming high school graduates.  More information in the Counseling office, or check out www.WrightBeautyAcademy.com.

various

Kalamazoo Community Foundation:  many different scholarships with different deadlines and criteria.  Open to students who live in Kalamazoo County.  Visit www.kalfound.org to apply.  In addition, complete and submit your application online using eGRANT, the Foundation’s Web-based scholarship application system.  For more information, visit www.kalfound.org/egrant.

various

Hope College:  partnering with the University of Michigan Medical School to offer full-tuition scholarships to seniors of racial ethnic groups.  More information is in the Counseling Office.

Jan 1

National Wild Turkey Federation: is offering one $500 scholarship to qualified seniors who have a current hunting license and current NWTF membership card.  More information and applications in the Counseling Office.  Application deadline is January 1. 

Jan 10

Gates Millennium Scholars Program:  for outstanding students who have significant financial need and demonstrated leadership skills.  Eligible students must be minority, GPA of at least a 3.3, enrolling in an accredited college, and other criteria.  Application deadline is January 10. Visit www.gmsp.org for additional information.

Jan 10

Burger King Scholars Program:  $1,000, $5,000 and $25,000 scholarships are now available to all eligible high school seniors and Burger King employees.  Details and how to apply are at www.haveityourwayfoundation.org.  Deadline is Jan 10.

Jan 15

NALS of Michigan: is announcing their 2010-2011 Scholarship Award, which will be awarded to a student pursuing higher education in the legal field.  Application deadline is January 15.  Please see the Counseling Office for more information.

Jan 28

Ronald McDonald House Charities U.S. Scholarship Program:  this program seeks to invest in students who are exemplary role models in their communities and have the initiative to fulfill their educational goals.  Application deadline is January 28.  Visit www.rmhc.org for complete program details and eligibility requirements.

Jan 31

Lake Michigan Credit Union’s Hutt Scholarship Contest:  must be a member or dependent child of a LMCU member.  8 winners will be awarded $2000 each.  Not based on gpa, but on a 750-1500 word essay.  Applications are in the Counseling Office or can be found at www.LMCU.org.  Deadline is January 31.

Feb 8

KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program: looking for high school seniors with financial need and an entrepreneurial spirit to qualify for the KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program.  The online scholarship application is found at www.kfcscholars.org.  Deadline is Feb 8.

Feb 10

Michigan Education Association (MEA) Scholarship: available to students who will be attending a Michigan public community/junior college, four-year degree-granting institution, or a vocational training institution.  A few private institutions will also be eligible.  Criteria of selection are based on academic achievement, school/community service, and extracurricular activities.  All other criteria being equal, first consideration will be given to children of MEA members and students from lower income households.  Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 10.  Forms in the Counseling Office.

Feb 15

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! College Scholarship Program:  Earn a $5,000 scholarship award for the college of your choice.  This scholarship recognizes a high school senior who understands and values the limitless possibilities that education can offer.  Deadline is February 15.  Forms online at www.ohtheplaces.org.

Feb 15

National Co-op Scholarship Program: sponsored by the National Commission for Cooperative Educations, which will award 155 merit scholarships of $6,000 each to seniors who plan to attend one of their partner colleges and universities.  Application deadline is February 15, and you can apply online at www.co-op.edu.

Feb 15

AXA Achievement Community Scholarship:  Winners share these characteristics:  ambition, drive, determination to set and reach goals, respect for others, and ability to succeed in college.  Download an app at www.axa-achievement.com, and apply by February 15.

Feb 16

Best Buy Children’s Foundation:  is awarding up to $1.2 million in scholarships for students in grades 9-12!  Students need solid grades plus community service or work experience.  Apply online at www.at15.com or www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com.  Deadline is February 16.

Feb 18

Portage Education Foundation Scholarships:  offers several scholarships for graduating seniors such as:

             Sue Nelmes for PCHS females interested in studying History,

             Amy Bousfield for a PCHS senior planning to study musical theatre or theatre,

             Ken Draayer for a senior planning to pursue an automotive career

            Board of Education Endowed Scholarship in honor of Dr. Kevin Hollenbeck, for a senior planning to pursue a career in Education, Public Policy, or a related field,

            Dwight Hodgin for a graduating PC senior          

            Scott Hammond EFE Endowed Scholarship for a PPS senior who participated in the EFE program and plans to pursue a technology-related field. 

Deadline for all PEF Scholarships is Feb 18.  For more information on each scholarship, visit the PEF link at www.portageps.org. 

Feb 18

Michigan Scottish Rite Scholarship:  The Valley of Grand Rapids, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite is currently accepting applications for the Michigan Scottish Rite Scholarship.  Scholarships are awarded based on academics and financial need.  The deadline is February 18.  Contact the Grand Rapids office at 1-800-340-4060 for more information.

Feb 21

Michigan Society of Professional Engineers:   offers engineering scholarships to students who earn their degrees at a Michigan college or university.  All scholarships are awarded based on merit and are to be used towards tuition only.  Only students with an ACT score of 26 or above need apply.  Applications are available at www.michiganspe.org, and deadline is February 21.

March 1

Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation: offers a $2,000 non-renewable scholarship to graduating seniors.  Winners are selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, financial need, and dedication to the civil rights principles of Rosa L. Parks.  Application deadline is March 1.  For more information please visit www.rosaparksscholarshipfoundation.org.

March 1

Ladies Library Association Scholarship:  for high school seniors seeking higher education in the state of Michigan that will enable them to renew or acquire marketable skills.  Must be a resident of Kalamazoo County and a U.S. citizen.  Scholarship application can be found at www.ladieslibraryassociation.com and deadline is March 1.

March 4

Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year Award Program may be for you if you are a star both in the classroom and on the field.  Scholarships of $7,500 await 25 outstanding scholar athletes in grade 12 nationwide.  To find out more, go to www.bodybymilk.com.  Application deadline is March 4.

March 4

Portage Rotary Club Scholarships:  Several scholarships will be awarded this spring to students residing in the City of Portage or the Portage Public School District.  Applicants must demonstrate:  achievement, dedication, and financial need.  Applications are available in the Counseling Office and online at www.portagerotary.org.  Deadline is March 4.

March 14

Detroit News/CATCH Outstanding Grads Scholarship Program:  24 students will be selected from various academic categories to each receive a $1,000 scholarship.  Criteria includes grades, test scores, honors, community involvement, and demonstrated ability in athletics, health, journalism, language arts, performing arts, science, math, visual arts, and more.  Applications can be obtained at http://detnews.com/schools/catch.  Deadline is March 14.

March 15

Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program:  recognize and reward young volunteers who have helped make their communities a better place.  Numerous gift cards and scholarships will be awarded.  If you are a stand-up kid doing work to benefit the community, have one of your teachers or a community leader nominate you!  Deadline is March 15.  Visit www.kohlskids.com for official rules and to nominate a deserving young volunteer.

March 15

First Community Federal Credit Union Scholarship:  $1,000 scholarship open to any senior.  Criteria:  credit union member, accepted for enrollment in a college, community involvement, and an essay is required.  Deadline is March 15.  Applications are in the Counseling Office, or can be found at www.1stcomm.org.

March 29

QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship program:  providing more than 1000 awards that equip outstanding low-income high school juniors with the knowledge to compete for admission to leading colleges.  Online scholarship application is free of charge and is due March 29.  Visit www.questbridge.org.

March 30

First Year Southeast Asian Language Scholarships---Univ of Michigan:  $1000 scholarships for students who have been accepted at U of M and registering in first-year language study in Filipino, Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese.  Deadline to apply is March 30.  More info at www.ii.umich.edu/cseas.

April 1

Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund: is proud to offer financial assistance to the graduating class, to those students who are actively involved in extra-curricular activities, community service, and jobs that make them productive members of their communities.  Application deadline is April 1.  More info in the Counseling Office.

April 1

Michigan Oil & Gas Producers Education Foundation Scholarship:  Qualified applicants must have been accepted for enrollment at a MI university or community college, have a minimum 3.0 gpa, demonstrate financial need, and be pursuing a degree in a field of study, which will allow them to obtain full time employment in the crude oil and natural gas industry.  Applications are available at www.mogpef.org, and deadline is April 1.

April 1

MACAC Scholarship:  a professional organization whose purpose is bringing together high school guidance counselors and college admissions officers, is offering a $500 scholarship.  Each high school may select only one application, so if you are interested, and meet their criteria, let your counselor know.  Deadline is April 1.  More info in the Counseling Office.

April 1

Michigan Retailers Assoc: scholarship competition for this school year, which is open to students whose parent must be employed at a business that is a member of the MRA.  Applications must be requested by March 15, and submitted by April 1.  Applications are found online at www.retailers.com.

April 1

7-Eleven Ron Fountain Scholarship: Applicants must be seniors, GPA of at least 2.75, already admitted to a college/university, and represent the highest ideals of leadership, citizenship and community involvement.  Applications are in the Counseling Office, and deadline is April 1.

April 1

Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship:  The Kalamazoo Graduate chapter is awarding two $500 scholarships to two senior females students.  Criteria includes that you must be an African-American female student, GPA of 3.0 or better, and accepted to a two or four-year college.  Applications are available in the Counseling Office.  Deadline is April 1.

April 1

NALS of Greater Kalamazoo Scholarship:  will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing higher education in the legal field.  Rules and application are in the counseling office.  Deadline is April 1.

April 10

National Scholarship Program:  offering regional and national scholarships presented by Group Photographers Assoc and Legends Sports Photography, for seniors who have benefited from participating in youth sports leagues.  Must be a graduating senior, and must write a 400-word essay as to why having participated in youth sports has enhanced you as a person and student.  For further info, visit www.groupphotographers.com.  Deadline is April 10.

April 11

Phi Delta Kappa Scholarship:  awards one $200 scholarship to seniors interested in a career in education.  Application is online at www.pdkintl.org and deadline is April 11.

April 13

AAA School Safety Patrol Scholarship Program:  will award two (2) Michigan seniors $1,000 scholarships.  The students must show documented proof of AAA Michigan School Safety Patrol participation, good academic standing, and a strong record of involvement in the community and/or extra curricular activities.  AAA will accept only one applicant per school.  Completed applications must be submitted to the Counseling Office no later than April 13.  Applications in Counseling Office.

April 15

Kalamazoo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority: is awarding $500 scholarships to senior female African American students that have a minimum GPA of 2.75, and have been accepted to a college.  Applications are available at www.dstkzoo.org, with a deadline of April 15.

April 20

Carrols Community Scholarship Fund—sponsored by Burger King.  You do not need to be a Burger King employee to be eligible for this scholarship.  Deadline is April 20 and applications are in the Counseling Office.

April 22

Student Insights: sponsoring a scholarship contest for high school seniors, with up to $10,000 worth of scholarships being offered.  Simply log on to www.student-view.com and complete a 15-20 minute application survey about colleges in your area.  The scholarship deadline is April 22.

April 22

 

American Legion Post 207 Offers Scholarship: American Legion post 207 is offering a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior or graduate of Portage Schools. The deadline for application is April 22. Last year’s recipient was Portage Northern student Emily Piper. Piper graduated with an International Baccalaureate diploma and currently attends Miami University. The scholarship is for a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a veteran or for an actual veteran. The recipient will be announced May 20 and the scholarship will be paid directly to the college for tuition costs and fees. Applicants need to provide a copy of a parent’s, grand-parent’s, or his or her own honorable discharge (DD form 214); a signed copy of a high school transcript showing a 3.5 GPA or higher, and a cover letter with contact info and a short personal statement of not more than 100 words on education goals. Applications should be post-marked no later than April 22 to the American Legion Post 207, 10011 Liszt St., Portage, MI 49002.

April 30

Charles River  Scholarship:  awarding a $1,500 scholarship to a graduating senior at PCHS or PNHS.  If you are interested in pursuing an advanced education in the biological sciences, applications can be picked up in the Counseling Office.  Deadline is April 30.

May 1

Allegis Credit Union Scholarship Program:  awards three $1000 scholarships to exceptional young students in Southwest Michigan.  Applications in the Counseling Office.  Deadline is May 1.

May 1

Kellogg Community Credit Union Scholarship:  offering a $1000 scholarship to 3 local graduates.  Must be a credit union member, and complete application at www.kelloggcfcu.org.  Deadline May 1.

May 1

Association of Equipment Management Professionals Foundation:  is offering scholarships to students interested in a career as a heavy equipment technician.  Must have a gpa of 2.0 to qualify.  Application deadline is May 1.  For more info, please visit www.aemp.org.

May 1

Islamic Society of North America Scholarship Program:  available to graduating Muslim students.  Ten $1000 scholarships will be awarded based on merit and academic achievement (3.0 gpa or higher).  Application deadline is May 1, and are available at www.isna.net/scholarship.

May 7

Polish – American Scholarship Fund of Greater Kalamazoo:  one $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a senior outstanding Polish-American student.  Selection will be based upon academic performance, involvement in school and community, and a brief essay.  Deadline is May 7, and applications are in the Counseling Office.

May 13

The University of Michigan chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon: announcing the  Balanced Man Scholarship.  This $1,000 and $750 scholarship is available to any male attending U of M in the fall, and recognizes outstanding individuals in the areas of academics, athletics and community service.  Application deadline is May 13, and can be found at www.uofmsigep.com/balanced-man-scholarships.

May 26

Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship :  The Kalamazoo Chapter is awarding $500 to two senior African American female students.  Must have a 3.0 or better GPA and accepted to a college or university.  Applications are in the Counseling Office if interested.  Deadline is May 26.

June 1

OMNI Community Credit Union Scholarship:  offering five $1,000 scholarships to local graduating seniors.  Scholarships will be judged based on a written essay and achievements documented on the application.  Deadline is June 1.  Applications are in the Counseling Office or can be found at

www.omnigivesback.org.

June 10

Michigan Undergraduate Scholarship: Attention senior males who will be attending U of M this fall---announcing two $500 scholarships sponsored by Delta Upsilon fraternity.  Deadline to apply is June 10.  Information and application are in the Counseling Office.

June 15

Univ of Michigan Garnet & Gold Scholarship:  two scholarships of $500, awarded to two exceptional incoming male freshmen at the Univ of MI, sponsored by the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.  Applying for or receiving this scholarship does not imply your commitment to fraternity membership or any other campus organization.  If you have demonstrated devotion to academic achievement as well as a commitment to make your community a better place to live, visit www.uofmpikes.com and click the Scholarship tab to complete the application online.  Deadline is June 15.

June 15

Pfizer, Inc. 15th Annual Epilepsy Scholarship Award:  a $2,000 scholarship to each of 40 high school seniors who have epilepsy, and are recognized for success both in and out of school.  Applications are in the Counseling Office, or visit www.epilepsy-scholarship.com, and deadline is June 15.

June 17

Balanced Man Scholarship---WMU Sigma Phi Epsilon:  Attention senior males who will be attending WMU this fall---announcing over $2,000 in scholarships to those who achieved balance and succeeded in the areas of scholarship, leadership, athletics and community service during their high school careers.  Deadline to apply is June 17.  Information and application are in the Counseling Office and at www.WMUSigep.com.

June 19

Abbott and Fenner Business Consultants:  $1000 annual scholarship.  Scholarship deadline is June 19.  Visit www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships for more information and to apply.

June 24

BigSun Organization:  $500 2010 scholarship for high school athletes that will be involved in some sport at the college they will be attending.  Deadline for application is June 24.  Visit www.bigsunathletics.com for more information and to apply.

Sept 15

Guildscholar: a scholarship program for visually impaired high school students who are college-bound.  Applications will be accepted from students at the beginning of their senior year.  Deadline to apply is Sept 15.  More info can be found at www.jgb.org/guildscholar.asp.

Sept 30

QuestBridge National College Match Program:  pairs outstanding low-income high school seniors with admission full 4-year scholarships to some of the nation’s leading colleges.  If you have demonstrated academic excellence in the face of economic obstacles, apply at www.QuestBridge.org.  Deadline September 30.

Oct 3

The Wendy’s High School Heisman application is now available at www.wendysheisman.com.  Eligibility for the application is limited exclusively to students who will be in their senior year of high school during the academic year.  They must have at least a “B” grade average and participate in at least one of the 28 school-sponsored sports listed in the application.  Deadline is October 3.

Oct 30

Horatio Alger Assoc of Distinguished Americans:  scholarship programs that provide financial assistance to students who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity.  To apply, visit www.horatioalger.com/scholarships.  Deadline is October 30.

Oct 31

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation:  if you are a truly motivated, dedicated, involved high school senior, Coca-Cola is awarding $3 million a year in scholarships to 250 deserving students just like you.  Apply online at www.coca-colascholars.org by October 31.

Nov 22

MHSAA-Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award:  32 $1,000 scholarships will be given to high school seniors who meet the following eligibility requirements:  must have won a varsity letter in a prior year in a sport which the MHSAA sponsors a post-season tournament, and must have a minimum gpa of 3.5.  Essay, letters of recommendation, and completion of an application are required.  For more info, visit www.mhsaa.com.  Deadline is Nov 22.

Nov 30

PEO Star Scholarship:  PEO International (Philanthropic Educational Organization) is announcing their Star Scholarship.  This is a $2,500 non-renewable award for graduating high school women excelling in academics, leadership, community service, and more.  Must be recommended by a PEO chapter.  More information at http://www.peointernational.org/sites/www.peointernational.org/files/star-fact-sheet_0.pdf

Dec 1

RARE Foundation High School Senior Scholarship Competition: for seniors who are attending a Michigan college in the fall after graduation.  Deadline for application is December 1.  Visit www.RAREfoundation.org for more information.

Dec 1

Clarence L. Remynse Scholarship:  info is available in the Counseling Office; however, no paper applications will be accepted beginning this year.  Applications must be pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree leading to a career in business, science (including math & engineering), elementary or secondary education (all subjects), law or medicine, can demonstrate good citizenship qualities, high moral character and potential for leadership and academic success, and be able to demonstrate financial need.  Visit www.kalfound.org/remynse to apply.  Completed applications must be postmarked no later then December 1.

Dec 4

Western Michigan Annual Medallion Scholarship Competition: an on-campus event held in mid-January, and which is open to outstanding seniors with a GPA of 3.7 and an ACT of 26 or higher.  Students who meet these criteria must have their application and transcripts submitted by Dec 1 in order to be invited to compete.  Please see your counselor for more information.

Dec 15

NFIB Young Entrepreneur Scholarships:  recognizes young people who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit/initiative.  For deadlines and application information, visit www.NFIB.com/YEA.  Deadline is Dec 15.

Dec 31

Books That Inspire:  James Patterson, the best selling author, is giving away 230 gift certificates for college books to high school seniors as part of his second annual College Book Bucks program.  Deadline is Dec 31, and please visit www.jamespatterson.com for more information.