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 | NEW! Financial Aid Workshop Events |
    General Scholarship Resources | Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Resources |
    Scholarship Application Links | Financial Aid Resources     (incl. new resources for the 2024-2025 school year) | MCPS High Schools Shared Scholarship Resource |

     

    This just in... 

    | Post 9 April 2025 |

     

    Class of 2025 Naviance Senior Exit Survey - Deadline to complete May 23

    Student Instructions - Deadline to complete May 23

    | Post 28 March 2025 |

     

    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. 

    NEW Follow Federal Student Aid for FAFSA tips, resources, and announcements.

    Communication from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) regarding the Maryland Student Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) for undocumented students that are unable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The MSFAA is now available on the MHEC OneApp for the 2025-2026 award year.  The MHEC One-App is a dual purpose application.  Click HERE to view the communication in its entirety.  | Post 10 DEC 2024 |

    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):

    Information regarding the State of Maryland Financial Aid process for the coming school year will be published on the  Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) website as it becomes available.  

    Communication from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) regarding the Maryland Student Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) for undocumented students that are unable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The MSFAA is now available on the MHEC OneApp for the 2025-2026 award year.  The MHEC One-App is a dual purpose application.  Click HERE to view the communication in its entirety.  | Post 10 DEC 2024 |

    MHEC ONE-APP:  Through the MHEC One-App, undocumented students who are eligible for in-state tuition and plan to a attend a Maryland college, university, or a career/trade school may now apply for all of the financial aid programs offered by the state using one platform.  This includes the Maryland Student Financial Aid Application (MSFAA).

    To apply for state scholarships and state aid, students must create an MD CAPS account.  To get started, students create their account.   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!  View this video for step by step instructions on creating the MDCAPS account. 

    NEW Follow the Maryland Higher Education Commission on social media for information on state financial aid opportunities and updates.

    Other Resources:

    Subscribe to updates from Maryland Higher Education Commission

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    Northwest Scholarship Resources:

    Workshop:  Scholarships Presentation Recording | Presentation PDF

    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.  | end of week publication for 11 APRIL 2025 | 

    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 DEADLINES | MAY & Beyond DEADLINES |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Inc. Kappa Gamma Chapter Scholarship.  Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority located in Prince George’s County, Maryland would like to award two $1000 scholarships to two graduating high school FEMALE SENIORS who can meet the eligibility requirements listed:

    • Must be an African American female high school senior.
    • Submit documentation reflecting acceptance as a student for fall enrollment at an institution of higher learning.
    • Have a GPA minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
    • Submit an official High School transcript through the fall semester of senior year.
    • Submit two letters of recommendation.
      • One recommendation letter from the high school you are presently attending may be from a Department Chair, Professor, or Advisor.
      • One recommendation letter from community/volunteer service experience (on their letterhead) from a manager or supervisor who can verify student’s volunteer activities.
      • Submit proof of at least 60 hours of community or volunteer service.
      • Submit an essay of no less than 500 words (addressing applicant’s career goals).

    DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JUNE 1 2025; 11:59 PM | Post 3 APR 2024 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  Northwest  SGA LEADERSHIP. 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 2025 Northwest Senior Awards Ceremony.

    REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS. In order to qualify for the NWHS SGA Leadership Scholarship you must meet the requirements listed below:  

    • Have received a letter of acceptance and plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school
    • Have completed a minimum of 100 SSL Hours
    • Submit a 250 to 400 word essay based on prompt listed below

    DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 22 2025 | Post 10 MARCH 2025 |

    NEW SCHOLARSHIP:  GERMANTOWN ELEMENTARY ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP.  Established by recently retired principal Amy Bryan.  Applicants must have graduated from Germantown Elementary and be a current high school SENIOR. To apply, click HERE.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 30 2025 | Post 3 APR 2025 |

     

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    | Scholarships with APRIL+ Deadlines posted in deadline order |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  Charles B. Walker Culture Club Scholarship.  SENIORS.  Two scholarships awarded.  $1,500 Academic Achievement award consideration for those who are members of the Zion Baptist Church.  $1,500 Outreach Scholarship consideration for those who are not members of the Zion Baptist Church.  Applicants must have been accepted to an accredited college or university.  Letter of acceptance, official high school transcript and essay required.  Letter of recommendation required.  Applications must be emailed to recipients noted on the application. Questions should be directed to Mrs. Judy C. Jordan, 301-520-9462 or jordanjc@verizon.net.   DEADLINE TO APPLY:  11:59 PM on APRIL 10 2025 | Post 11 MARCH 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  The Marjay D. Anderson Trailblazer Scholarship (MDATS) was established by the Blue Horizon Foundation in 2021.  The MDATS is awarded annually to a graduating FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR entering an accredited U.S. college or university full-time for training in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) career in the fall of the year.  The applicant must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA), and be a permanent resident of the Washington, District of Columbia area (including neighboring Maryland and Virginia). The student must attend a college or university in the United States. The award will be paid directly to the institution. Awards may only be used for undergraduate study and are limited to those seeking a first bachelor’s degree. DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 15 2025 | Post 4 MARCH 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  Dunkin Scholarship.  SENIORS.  Available to students who plan to enroll in a part-time or full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university-technical school in Fall 2025.  Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of “well-rounded” character: positive academic record, demonstrated leadership, commitment to school and community activities, and experience in a work environment.  Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 15 2025 | Post 3 MARCH 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  The Alfred Street Baptist Church Foundation is offering need-based scholarships for graduating SENIORS who will enroll in a four-year college or university in the fall of 2025. This year, scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $30,000 will be awarded to students who are U.S. Citizens, accepted to and committed to attend a four-year college or university in the fall of 2025, and have financial need. The Foundation’s Scholarship Committee will review applications in April, interview finalists in May, and select winners and award scholarships early June 2025.  Students may apply online at: https://webportalapp.com/sp/asbc_foundation_application. Please note:  If the link is blocked you may need to use a non-MCPS computer to access the scholarship application.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 15 2025 | Post 19 FEB 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  2025 Taiwanese-American Community Scholarship Award Program. SENIORS.  This award is open to all ethnic backgrounds.  $1,000.  Applicants are judged based on Leadership (30%), Academic Achievement (30%), Community Activities and Services (30%), Essay (10%).  Questions should be directed to tacsa@taiwanculturectr.org.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 15 2025 | Post 16 JAN 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  KAPPA YOUTH & COMMUNITY FOUNDATION of Gaithersburg-Rockville SCHOLARSHIP. Available to African American MALE SENIORS of color. Minimum 2.5 GPA.  Applicants should be active in extracurricular activities or work-related activities.  High school transcript, essay, two letters of recommendation, and college acceptance letter required.  Apply online only.  Click on ‘scholarship’ on the left side of the Kappa Alpha home page using the link embedded above.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 20 2025 | Post 31 OCT 2024 |

    Northwest SCHOLARSHIP(S): 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 2025
    • 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.

    If you meet all of the requirements above, your essays, with name redacted for anonymity, will be forwarded to the parent panel who will score all essays. The highest-scoring essays will be awarded the scholarships. The scholarships are awarded independently. Winning one does not qualify or eliminate you from the other. Feel free to apply for both!  Scholarship winners will be announced and presented at the 2025 Senior Awards Ceremony on May 22, 2025.  You will need an MCPS email to access the application: CLICK HERE TO APPLY.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 22 2025 | Post 10 MARCH 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  The "Officer Noah Leotta Act Responsibly Scholarship", is awarded to local high school students committed to pursuing a career that serves the 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, future goals serving the community in the future, as well as academic performance. Strong consideration will be given to essays demonstrating their belief in, and commitment to, the ideals embodied by Officer Leotta.  Scholarship application.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 25 2025 | Post 10 MARCH 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  The Alex Popeck Never Back Down Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that awards Difference Makers Post-Secondary Scholarships to Montgomery County, MD high school graduating SENIORS in loving memory of Alex Popeck (please visit www.APNBD.org to learn more about Alex). $2,500 award.  The application, two letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and written personal statement/essay required.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 28 2025 | Post 13 JAN 2025 |

    NOW AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIP:  High Bridge Foundation Scholarships.  SENIORS.  For 2025, High Bridge Foundation, Inc. is pleased to offer two (2) $4,000.00 Impact Awards; five (5) $2,000.00 Scholarship Awards, and seven (7) $1,000.00 Book Awards to deserving high school seniors from the District of Columbia, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Charles County, Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County in Maryland, and Alexandria City, Arlington County, and Fairfax County in Virginia

    The scholarships may be used to help defray the cost of the recipients’ attendance at a trade school, community college, college, or university of their choice. The Foundation’s awards are intended to support the educational aspirations of young people from underserved populations, especially those who make substantial and noteworthy academic progress despite hardship conditions. Examples of hardship may include poverty, immigration, or adversity such as a disability or loss of a parent.

    The Scholarship Guidelines and the Application Form will be posted on the Foundation’s website www.highbridgefoundation.org on March 1st. All applications must be received on or before April 30, 2025. For further inquiries or additional information, please contact scholarship@highbridgefoundation.org or (240) 355-4930.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  APRIL 30 2025 | Post 18 FEB 2025 |

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    | Scholarships with MAY+ DEADLINES posted in deadline order |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  2025 Rudolph W. Snowden Memorial Scholarship.  AFR. AMR. MALE MCPS GRADUATING SENIORS.  Applicants must be seeking a bachelor’s degree from an accredited Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.  Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.  Application includes photo submission.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  MAY 1 2025 | Post 3 MARCH 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAPTER BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. SCHOLARSHIP.  SENIORS who have applied and/or been accepted to BOWIE STATE. $1,000 to $3,000.  Eligibility: 1. good standing in the community. 2. have applied for upcoming Fall semester admission to Bowie State University. 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 TO APPLY:  MAY 15 2025 | Post 21 FEB 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  THE HERB BLOCK FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP.  SENIORS.  No required GPA or age to apply.  The scholarship is last dollar and covers tuition, school fees, books, and transportation and one can attend full-time or part-time (at least six credits per semester). For more information and the online application please go to our website at www.herbblockfoundation.org.  Please note that this is for the 4 area community colleges listed below.  There is no age cut off, DACA, MD Dreamers, Virginia Dreamers, and Approved Asylum/Refugee status are eligible and there is no GPA cut off.  One needs to have a high school diploma or a GED to apply.

    1.   Northern Virginia Community College
    2.   Montgomery College
    3.   Prince George’s Community College
    4.   Community College of the District of Columbia

    See the link for a video that explains The Herb Block Scholarship in more detail at https://www.herbblockfoundation.org/scholarships.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JUNE 1 2025 | Post 10 MARCH 2025 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  AES Engineers is once again offering an annual scholarship for 2025.  SENIORS.  Application Process:  Students will submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of our web site https://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.php.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  OCT 8 2025 | Post 13 JAN 2025 |

    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:  MCPS High Schools Scholarship Resources List

    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. 

    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:

    Financial Aid Resource:  FAFSA Guide from Collegiate Directions, Inc., (CDI) for current high school seniors entering college or career school in the fall of 2025. | Post 2 JAN 2025 |

    Financial Aid Resource:  Collegiate Directions, Inc., (CDI) Events Calendar.  Includes post-secondary financial aid events and general information.  | Post 5 DEC 2024 |

    2024-2024 Financial Aid Resource: How to Create the FAFSA FSA ID

    2024-2024 Financial Aid Resource: Financial Aid Basics, presented by Collegiate Directions, Inc. | English Slideshow| Spanish Slideshow | Post 10 October 2024 |

    2024-2025 Financial Aid Resource:  The Financial Aid Process Webinar, presented by Rob Maddox, Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid, St. Mary's College of Maryland | Post 10 October 2024 |

    Financial Aid Resource:  Reasons to File the FAFSA

    Financial Aid Resource:  Federal Student Aid Better FAFSA Better Future Resources | How to Submit the FAFSA Webinar Recording in Spanish | Update on Submitting FAFSA without a Social Security Number | Upcoming Webinar on Understanding Financial Aid Offers and Special or Unusual Circumstances | Post 10 May 2024 |

    Financial Aid Resource:  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:  A one-page document with links to resources for assistance completing the FAFSA/  Click the image to view the document in PDF format with embedded links.

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

    Financial Aid Resource:  Video tutorials!  

    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.  Click HERE for the State of Maryland deadlines for scholarships and grants. 

    Financial Aid Resource:  Maryland Higher Education Commission:  FAFSA Simplification

    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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