Inside Financial Aid & Scholarships at Northwest High School

    Quick Link to: Scholarship Resources and a link to the latest publication of the Jag Scholarship 'Apply Now Bulletin for Northwest HS Students |
    General Scholarship Resources | Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Resources |
    Scholarship Application Links | Financial Aid Resources     (incl. new videos to help with FAFSA completion) |

     

    SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER:  The NORTHWEST PTSA and BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP.  The Northwest PTSA and Booster Club will each award ONE $1000 grant and TWO $500 grants for graduating SENIORS attending a two- or 4-year college or university or other post-secondary program.  The deadline for application is April 21, 2024.

    | Post 26 February 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER:  Northwest SGA LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP.  SENIOR. Each year, the Northwest High School SGA awards scholarship funds to Northwest seniors that demonstrate a deep understanding of leadership and service through their time at Northwest and beyond. This year, we will be awarding one $1000 scholarship. All seniors are encouraged to apply. Winners will be announced and recognized at the 2024 Northwest Senior Awards Ceremony. The deadline for application is April 21; 11:59 PM. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
    -  Have received a letter of acceptance and plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school and have completed a minimum of 100 SSL hours;
     -  Submit a 250 to 400 word essay based on prompt

    | Post 18 March 2024 |

    REMINDER: FINANCIAL AID Workshops Outreach offered by the Montgomery College Office of Student Financial Aid and the Educational Opportunity Center.  Registration is required. Details on the events listed below are available via the registration link.| Posted 20 October 2023 |

    REMINDER: EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER SERVICES include assistance with financial aid applications.  The Educational Opportunity Center program is sponsored by a TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Post-secondary Education and Montgomery College.  Visit their website to schedule an appointment (virtual, in-person and by email).

     

    Financial Aid (FAFSA) - The CSS Profile  - MHEC OneApp & Dates To Remember:

    Updates on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Click on the link to learn more. 

     

    The CSS Profile:

    The CSS Profile may need to be completed for institutional aid consideration. The CSS Profile is a College Board financial aid application and is not required by all colleges.  There is a cost to complete the CSS Profile.  Deadlines may vary.

    RESOURCES FOR COMPLETING THE CSS PROFILE:

     

    The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC):

    NEW The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has extended the priority deadline to submit the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the MHEC One-App for undocumented students from March 15 to May 15, 2024.  Students who complete and submit their FAFSA or MHEC One-App by the priority deadline are included in the initial round of awards in June of 2024.

    NEED MONEY TO GO TO COLLEGE?  USE THE NEW MHEC ONE-APP: The Maryland Higher Education Commission has announced a new financial aid application to help streamline the financial aid process to apply for Maryland scholarships and grants.  Through the new MHEC One-App, students who attend a college, university, or a career/trade school between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 may now apply for all of the financial aid programs offered by the state using one platform.

    To get started, students are encouraged to log into or create their Maryland College Aid Processing System account, known as their MDCAPS account.  A current and frequently used email is required to ensure successful communication between the student and the agency - all notifications go through email!  

    This includes undocumented students who are eligible for in-state tuition and replaces the Maryland State Financial Aid Application, known as MSFAA, with the new application, also located in the Maryland College Aid Processing System. | Post 31 January 2024 |

     

    Northwest Scholarship Resources:

    Northwest High School Scholarship Resource (PDF format)

    The JAG Scholarships 'Apply Now' Bulletin:  This bulletin includes financial aid resources and will be updated as scholarship opportunities become available.  | Publication date:  19 April 2024 | 

    Published weekly, this bulletin summarizes scholarship opportunities that are currently available to Northwest High School students.  The 'Apply Now' Bulletin is available to download using the link provided above.  Included in this publication are the links to the scholarship application, eligibility criteria and deadlines to apply.  The scholarship opportunities are listed by the scholarship application deadline to apply date.

    The JAG Scholarships 'Apply Later' Forecast Bulletin:  Published one-time only at the beginning of each school year.  The Forecast Bulletin lists all scholarships available to students at Northwest High School based on the prior year.  Included in this publication will be the criteria for applying, links to scholarship funder web sites and the general time line for availability and application.  The Forecast Bulletin is available to  download using the link provided above.  The Forecast Bulletin lists the scholarship alphabetically by the scholarship name.

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    Scholarship Application Links:

    If the JAG Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin directs you to this web page for the application, download the application using the link provided below.

    Scholarship Transcript Requests: Scholarship Transcript Request Processing Form 

    The list below is reflects only NEW scholarships posted and REMINDERS for deadlines approaching. A complete list of ALL scholarship opportunities that have been made available to Northwest students can be found in the JAG Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin, including criteria, ONLINE links to applications, and eligibility.  New scholarship information is posted in the order it is received.  Reminder post dates refer to the original post date in the JAG Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin.

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP POSTS | APRIL SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  Delegate Acevero Scholarship for high school graduates residing in Maryland District 39.  SENIORS.  Applicants should complete the FAFSA.  Online application includes a short essay of 250 words or less (topic specific).  Scholarships are reviewed on a rolling basis by a committee beginning April 10.  Funds will begin disbursement by Mary 1.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  OCTOBER 1 2024 | Post 18 April 2024 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE:  Senator Nancy J. King SENATORIAL SCHOLARSHIP for High School SENIORS.  $2,000 award.  Applicants must reside in the 39th Legislative District, and be planning to attend a Maryland school.  Two SENIORS will be selected for this award from Northwest High School.  Award is renewable for up to four years.  Application requires completion of the FAFSA or MHEC One-App by March 1.  Check the legislative district HERE.  DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  Extended to APRIL 22 | Updated post 16 April 2024 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  THE BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (BPC) STUDENT OUTREACH SCHOLARSHIP.  $1,000.  SENIORS.  ONE Northwest High School senior will be selected to receive this award.  Recipients will be honored at the BPC Community Day on May 18 at 11 AM.  Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.  Financial need is considered.  Applicants must complete the .PDF application along with submission of the following documents:

    • Copy of SAT and/or ACT Test Scores (if available)
    • Financial Need Statement
    • Copy of College/University acceptance letter
    • Resume or paragraph statement speaking to the applicants school and community activities, intended field of study, talents, interests, or hobbies.

    Return all documents to the College Career Information Center or submit by email in .PDF format to Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org.  DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  APRIL 26 | Post 17 April 2024 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  Rural Women’s Republican Club (RWRC) Scholarship.  SENIORS currently attending Poolesville HS, Damascus HS, Clarksburg HS, Quince Orchard HS, Seneca Valley HS or Northwest HS.  Applicants must plan to pursue a vocational, trade school, or certification program, including certification from a community college during the 2024-2025 academic year.  Essay required.  $3,500 scholarship.   DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 17.  | Post 16 April 2024 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association (MVMA) $1,000 Scholarship.  SENIORS.  Applicants must be Vietnamese American and residing in Maryland.  Scholarship recipients will be required to participate in at least one MVMA community activity or outreach event in the upcoming academic year.  Application includes official transcript, personal essay and letters of recommendation.  Questions should be directed to hoan.dang@vietnameseassociation.org.  DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  MAY 6; 5:00 PM EST | Posted 16 April 2024 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  The Primary Care Coalition (PCC) Education Scholarship for SENIORS planning to attend Montgomery College and receive certification in the Nursing fields (Certified Nursing Assistant, Geriatric Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician).  Spaces are limited for this opportunity.  PCC will pay your tuition and fees with your agreement to work in the field in Montgomery County.  The application process begins with completing the May/June Scholarship Interest Form.  Click HERE to download more information about the certification options.  Questions can be directed to Liza_Greenberg@primarycarecoalition.org. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  APRIL 22 | Post 10 April 2024 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  The “Officer Noah Leotta Act Responsibility Scholarship”.  High school SENIORS committed to pursuing a career that serves a community and the public. There are many ways in which a person can have a meaningful impact on the people around them. Applicants will be evaluated on leadership, civic and volunteer activities, as well as academic performance. Strong consideration will be given to applicants demonstrating their belief in, and commitment to, the ideals embodied by Officer Leotta. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  APRIL 26 | Post 11 April 2024 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) Education Scholarships.  SENIORS.  Multiple scholarships available with varying criteria.  A few select scholarships are available only to members of the Jewish community.  Awards based on financial need.  DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  MAY 20 | Post 11 April 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  Leslie A. Ebert Legacy of Life Scholarship.  SENIORS.  Essay and Video Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000.  Write a persuasive essay and/or produce a video that educates, then motivates, an audience to become registered organ, eye and tissue donors. DEADLINE FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS:  APRIL 15 | DEADLINE FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS:  MAY 31 | Post 22 March 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAPTER BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. SCHOLARSHIP. Offered to Montgomery County graduating SENIORS.  The candidate must: 1. be a person of good character and standing in the community (an interview may be required). 2. have applied for admission to Bowie State University for the upcoming Fall semester. 3. provide a sealed copy of their most recent official transcript with the scholarship application. 4. have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  MAY 15 | Post 19 March 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  Acquiring Knowledge for Transcendence SAMUEL KWARTENG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP.  SENIORS. $2,000. Scholarship awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, contribution to school and community and acceptance to an accredited two or four-year college or university. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  MAY 3 | Post 6 March 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  THE LILLIE SCOTT GROOMS FUND FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE SCIENCES BLACK PHYSICIANS AND HEALTHCARE NETWORK (BPHN) SCHOLARSHIP.  Applicants must be African American/ Black High School SENIORS and residents of Montgomery County who have been accepted to a college, university, or vocational school.  Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree or a certification in a healthcare related field. High School seniors who will be the first in their family to pursue a degree or certification in a healthcare related field are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  MAY 15 | Post 1 March 2024 |

    REMINDERS for upcoming APRIL deadlines (in deadline date order):

    SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER:  The Links, Incorporated, Silver Spring Chapter Scholarship Program.  SENIORS.  High school senior criteria includes a minimum 3.5 GPA by the end of junior year.  Applicants must plan to enroll as a full-time student in a four-year college or university and be a Montgomery County resident. History of The Links and Contact Information | DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  APRIL 20; 11:55 PM EST | Post 22 March 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER:  The NORTHWEST PTSA and BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP.  The Northwest PTSA and Booster Club will each award ONE $1000 grant and TWO $500 grants for graduating SENIORS attending a two- or 4-year college or university or other post-secondary program.  In order to qualify for the NWHS PTSA and/or NWHS Booster Club Scholarships you must meet the requirements listed below:

    • Be a graduating Senior from Northwest High School, Class of 2024
    • Have received a letter of acceptance and plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university or other post-secondary program/training
    • Have completed a minimum of 100 SSL hours for PTSA scholarship; a minimum of 75 SSL hours for Booster Club scholarship
    • Submit a 300- to 500-word essay based on the prompts in the application. If you are applying to both the PTSA and the Booster Club Scholarship, two essays are required.

    DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  APRIL 21 | Post 8 December 2023 |

    SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER:  Northwest SGA LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP. SENIOR. Each year, the Northwest High School SGA awards scholarship funds to Northwest seniors that demonstrate a deep understanding of leadership and service through their time at Northwest and beyond. This year, we will be awarding one $1000 scholarship. All seniors are encouraged to apply. Winners will be announced and recognized at the 2024 Northwest Senior Awards Ceremony. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
    -  Have received a letter of acceptance and plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school and have completed a minimum of 100 SSL hours;
    -  Submit a 250 to 400 word essay based on prompt listed below
    DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  APRIL 21; 11:59 PM | Post 18 March 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER:  The DC METRO HBCU ALUMNI ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIP.  SENIORS planning to attend a Historically Black College or University in the fall of 2024.  $2,000 awards.  Applicants must have exemplary leadership in school and/or community.  Application includes a 2-3 minute video clip addressing the following prompts:

    • why you will choose to attend an HBCU
    • why you choose to major in _______ or what excites you about majoring in _______ (Please make sure your video is a video file and not an audio only file. You should double check that your file is a video file and not a picture or audio file before submitting the file.) Be sure to check out a video with some pointers here: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRw75Y3V/

    DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  APRIL 24 | Post 4 March 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER:  The HIGH BRIDGE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP.  SENIORS.  Awards range from $500 to $2,000. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.0 at the conclusion of the first semester (or second quarter) of the 2023-2024 school year.  (An applicant whose GPA falls short of the minimum requirement will be considered, provided the applicant is able to demonstrate substantial and notable academic progress given hardship conditions.  Examples of hardship may include poverty, immigration, or adversity such as a disability, tragedy, or trauma.)  Applicants must be admitted to a trade school, community college, college, or university and will attend such institution full time.  DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:  APRIL 30 | Post 5 March 2024 |

    REMEMBER:  A complete list of ALL scholarship opportunities that have been made available to Northwest students, including criteria, ONLINE links to applications, and eligibility, can be found in the JAG Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin. 

     

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    General Scholarship Resources:

    Scholarship Resource:  HBCU College & Scholarship Resource Guide sponsored by Mt. Calvary Baptist Church

    Scholarship Resource:  Know the names of your elected officials and legislative district when applying for state scholarships.  Find your district and the names of your elected officials at mdelect.net.

    Scholarship Resource:  Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) website.

    Scholarship Resource: United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships presentation.

    Scholarship Resource:  United Negro College Fund (UNCF) web site.  Scholarship opportunities for all high school students, including for those planning to attend a Historically Black College or University.

    Scholarship Resource:  Montgomery College  Raptor Scholarship Series continues.  A conversation about Maryland State Programs.

    Scholarship Resource:  Maryland State Scholarship webinar hosted by Mount St. Mary's University.  Click HERE to access the webinar on YouTube.

    Scholarship Resource:  BigFuture Scholarship with CollegeBoard for the Class of 2023.  Become eligible by taking steps to plan for college.  Open to application until February 28, 2023.  Find out more...

    Scholarship Resource:  ARMY ROTC Scholarships

    Scholarship Resource:  The Howard P. Rawlings Program of Excellence Awards (Maryland Higher Education Commission):

    • Educational Assistance Grant (EA)
    • Guaranteed Access Grant (GA)
    • Maryland Community College Promise SCHOLARSHIP.  Are you planning to attend a community college in the state of Maryland? Do you plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) by March 1?  Learn more about the Promise Scholarship and important next steps.  Download the one-page Information Sheet here.

    Scholarship Resource:  C. D. Motes, Jr. Incentive Awards Program (IAP) with the University of Maryland College Park and MCPS UMD Accepted Students.  If you are applying to UMD College Park and demonstrate qualities like leadership, being service oriented, committed to striving to be best and perseverance, you may want to learn more about IAP.  Learn more on the IAP website.  Click here to learn more about Becoming A Scholar. 

    INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM UPDATE: 1/31/2024.  Due to the late changes to the FAFSA, the UMD priority deadline has been extended until March 1 for FAFSA submission. This later deadline directly impacts us as we rely on FAFSA information (for fall admitted students only) to know who to invite to apply to IAP. We are concerned that many students will wait to submit the FAFSA and create an even narrower window in which to review applications and interview students. We are already working with a compressed timeline!

     

    To get a jump start on the process, we invite your students to apply to the Incentive Awards Program now! Candidates who have already submitted the FAFSA should know whether or not they are Pell eligible. These students should definitely be directed to the application. It is "live" and can be accessed here using the password Cohort24, which is case sensitive. 

     

    In order for students to move through the application, they must first enter the name and contact information of their recommender. For this year only, we will allow recommenders to use the same letter they submitted to UMD for admission. Please know that we would prefer a letter tailored to IAP as they are a key part of the application.

     

    We will still formally invite students to apply as FAFSA information is shared with the Office of Student Financial Aid. There will be rolling due dates according to when they are invited. Interviews will take place in mid-late March and may overlap with your district's spring break. Award notifications will be made on April 1. | End of Update 1/31/2024 |

     

    Scholarship Resource:  StudentScholarships.org.  Newsletter includes multiple scholarship opportunities with deadlines through the end of the school year.  Click on the link for a list of current scholarships and links to applications. 

    Scholarship Resource:  Scholarships for International Students.  A resource from BestColleges.com.

    Scholarship Resource:  Immigrants Rising (undocumented) for Scholarships.  A National scholarship search engine.  

    Scholarship Resource:  MCPS College Career Information Center Scholarship Updates for Students

     

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    Financial Aid Information & Resources:

    NEW! Maryland Higher Education Commission:  FAFSA Simplification

    Financial Aid Resources:  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

    NEW! Financial Aid Resources:  Video tutorials!  

    Financial Aid Resource: NORTHWEST FINANCIAL AID WEBINAR for the Class of 2024. | Updated Post 10 October 2023 |

    Financial Aid Resource: MyinTuition Cost Calculation.   A college cost estimator for specific colleges and universities. @ https://myintuition.org/quick-college-cost-estimator/. Posted 14 August 2023 |

    Financial Aid Resource:  The CSS Profile may need to be completed for institutional aid consideration. The CSS Profile is a College Board financial aid application and is not required by all colleges.  There is a cost to complete the CSS Profile.  Deadlines may vary.  Use the link provided to access a list of colleges that require the CSS Profile.

    Financial Aid Resource:  Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) website and the websites for the colleges you are applying to for financial aid updates and deadlines.

    Financial Aid Resource:  Help with FAFSA & MSFAA. TheTRiO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) provides Financial Aid assistance, online and in-person EOC can also provide financial aid award package(s) review.  To schedule an appointment or sign up for a workshop:

    Financial Aid Resource:  StudentAid.gov Financial Aid Webinars for parents and students looking for assistance with the financial aid process.

    Financial Aid Resource:  Resources and Toolkit supported by StudentAid.gov.  Select your resource platform and topic.

    Financial Aid Resource:  Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Financial Aid Questions Answered!  FAFSA workshop/webinar on YouTube.  The workshop was facilitated by Ed Prep PLUS and Outreach Specialist, Mr. Isaiah Ellis, with the MHEC Office of Student Financial Aid.Questions around finances, as well as various family circumstances including citizenship, divorce/separation, and much more are covered.  Additionally, how to search for scholarships and additional (federal) grants is also discussed.

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