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 |

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

    RESOURCE: Financial Aid 101 for the Class of 2025.  Presented by Rob Maddox.  November 6, 2024.  Click the embedded link to download the PowerPoint presentation.  | Post 7 NOV 2024 |

     

    A complete list of ALL Montgomery County High School Financial Aid Workshops is available in the latest publication of the Northwest College Career e-NEWS Bulletin.

     

    NEW  Financial Aid Completion Saturday: Get Your Financial Aid Applications Done on January 11, 2025! Hey, future college superstars! We know you’ve got a lot going on right now— college applications and maybe even a part-time job to save up for all those late-night study snacks. But here’s something important you don’t want to forget: Financial Aid! 

    Montgomery College is hosting:  Financial Aid Completion Saturday | January 11, 2025, from 11 am to 2 pm | Rockville Campus Student Services building or online |

    We’re here to help every step of the way, and we promise it’s not as intimidating as it seems. With our guidance, you’ll get through it in no time.

    And remember, getting your FAFSA submitted early gives you the best shot at securing as much aid as possible—so you can focus on your studies, not on how you’re going to pay for them!

    Whether you’re planning to attend a four-year college, community college, or a trade school, there’s a good chance you qualify for some kind of aid.

    Ready to get started? Register HERE.

    | Post 19 DEC 2024 |

    NEW 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 |

    NEW INFORMATION:  Financial Aid Information Session presented by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.  Presented on 21 NOV 2024. Click HERE for the session presentation (PDF format).  | 25 NOV 2024 |

    Financial Aid EVENT: Montgomery College Office of Student Financial Aid.  For more event details and registration, visit https://bit.ly/FA_Help.

    | Updated Post 13 NOV 2024 |

    Financial Aid EVENT! Bilingual Financial Aid Workshops - Two opportunities remaining - Register here!

    | Updated Post 10 DEC 2024 |

     

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    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.

     

    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.  

    NEW December 2024: 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 20 DEC 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.

    SCHOLARSHIP POSTS 

    NEW: SCHOLARSHIP:  The Project Management Institute (PMI) Montgomery County Chapter Scholarship.  SENIORS.  $1,500 award.  2.75 minimum GPA.  Applicants must take a pass the PMI quiz.  All fields of study eligible.  Click HERE to download the quiz and apply.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  MARCH 31 2025 (RECEIVED BY) | Post 10 DEC 2024 |

    NEW: SCHOLARSHIP:  MC MONTGOMERY SCHOLARS – open to SENIORS planning to attend MC; in order to be competitive, applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA; official transcript required; college test scores not required but recommended; two letters of recommendation required; resume and essay required; full scholarship with summer experience included in the award. *** Please NOTE:  Northwest High School seniors should use the Scholarship Transcript Request Form to request a transcript for this program.  Once the request is processed in our Registrar’s Office, an unofficial transcript will be sent to your mcpsmd.net email address for you to upload in the Montgomery Scholars application platform.*** DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JANUARY 31 2025 | Post 4 DEC 2024 | 

    NEW: SCHOLARSHIP:    MC MACKLIN BUSINESS INSTITUTE SCHOLARS (2-year program) – open to SENIORS planning to attend MC with a focus in business; official transcript and official test scores required; two letters of recommendation required; resume and essay required; apply to MC by December 15.  *** Please NOTE:  Northwest High School seniors should use the Scholarship Transcript Request Form to request a transcript for this program.  Once the request is processed in our Registrar’s Office, an unofficial transcript will be sent to your mcpsmd.net email address for you to upload in the Montgomery Scholars application platform.*** DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JANUARY 31 2025 | Post 4 DEC 2024 |

    NEW: SCHOLARSHIP:  WJZ Black History Oratory Competition.  ALL GRADES 9-12.  Students write an original essay (500 words or less) based on one of these quotations: 

    “Service to your people is the rent you pay for living on this earth.”  Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson

    “We are all bound up together in one great bundle of humanity, and society cannot trample on the weakest and feeblest of its members without receiving the curse on its own soul.”  Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

    "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."  Jackie Robinson 

    The Top 20 Students with the highest-scoring essays will be invited to perform their Speeches in person, in front of an audience of family, friends and judges, to compete for scholarship prize money. The Speech Event will be streamed LIVE on CBS News Baltimore at WJZ.com.  WJZ will announce the Winners on the air, during the WJZ Black History Oratory Competition Awards Special, where the Top Speeches will be broadcast on TV!

    All essays and signed application forms must be emailed to Oratory@wjz.com by 11:59 pm on Monday, January 20th. Note, essays are due early this year!  Awards range from $250 to $1000.

    Essay Prompt, Application Form, and Official Rules are Available for Download Online: https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/wjz-black-history-oratory-competition-2025/

    For More Info, Visit: wjz.com/oratory | Questions? Email: Oratory@wjz.com DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 20; 2025  11:59 PM | Post 4 DEC 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  MCPS Educational Foundation’s Student Scholarships & Awards Application Launch.  SENIORS.  The primary goal for our scholarships and awards is to fund students who are passionate about pursuing educational goals, and face opportunity gaps in achieving those goals.To be eligible for any of our student scholarships and awards, you must:

    • Be an MCPS senior
    • Graduate with class of 2025
    • Plan to pursue education after high school

    Each opportunity has additional preferences and eligibility criteria. Visit our website to see if one of our student scholarships or awards is right for you!  Apply today at www.MCPSFoundation.org/Scholarships. Students can apply November 15, 2024 through January 24, 2025. Please email (Ed_Foundation@MCPSMD.org) or call us (240-740-3216) with questions. DEADLINE TO APPLY:  JANUARY 24 2025 | Post 18 NOV 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION. Graduating minority high school SENIOR.  Providing generous four-year scholarships and support services to highly motivated college students with financial need.  Applicants must be a US citizen and be able to present evidence of financial need.  Applicants must be able to demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential with a dedication to community service.  Applicants must plan to attend a 4-year college or university within the United States and not have accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college.  Application includes one recommendation and a high school transcript; four essays and completion of the CSS profile.  Have questions about your scholarship application? Good news– Foundation staff will be on hand for a drop-in Q & A session to help answer those questions! The next session is Tuesday, November 21, 2024, 7pm – 8pm. Click here to join.  DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 9, 2025 | Post 6 NOV 2024 |

    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 |

    SCHOLARSHIP: TEAM DC Scholars program.  SENIORS. Team DC is a charitable organization established to educate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community on the benefits of individual and team sports participation. Team DC works within the broader community to dispel discrimination against LGBTQ people participating in sports; endows and confers scholarships upon LGBTQ student-athletes; provides a network of sporting outlets for the LGBTQ community of the Washington Metropolitan area; and promotes participation in local, regional, national, and international amateur sports competitions.   Eligibility:  Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarships are awarded to self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) student-athletes who have contributed to the sport in which they participate and enhanced the perception of the LGBTQ+ community as a result of their contributions and involvement. Candidates must demonstrate dedication to both academic and athletic excellence as well as show promise as an LGBTQ+ role model. $2,500 award.  Questions should be directed to scholarship@teamdc.org. DEADLINE TO APPLY:  FEBRUARY 15, 2025 | Post 30 OCT 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  Calvin Coolidge Presidential Fund, Inc. Scholarship.  JUNIORS.  Applicants must plan to enroll in college in the fall of 2026.  Applicants must be an American citizen or legal permanent resident.  Academic excellence is the primary criteria.  The Coolidge Scholarship is an annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study.  Alert:  the application requires that candidates read President Coolidge’s Autobiography and a few other readings and then write three essays.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  DECEMBER 11, 2024; 5:00 PM Pacific Time  | Post 17 OCT 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP:  Anthony Richard Tilghman Memorial Scholarship Trust. Available to any graduate student in furthering a career in the education and care of the mentally challenged or to aid the career development of a mentally challenged student.  Application requires an official transcript and two letters of recommendation. 500 words (or less) essay requirement.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  MARCH 1 2025 | Post 24 SEPT 2024 |

    SCHOLARSHIP: From the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)

    2024-2025 Teaching Fellows of Maryland Scholarship Application is Now Open

    The 2024-2025 Teaching Fellows of Maryland Scholarship application is now open, presenting a significant opportunity for aspiring teachers. We will be reviewing and awarding students on a weekly basis, and with the recent legislation updates, we anticipate an abundance of qualified candidates. Below, we've outlined the current qualifications:

    • Applicants who are enrolled or plan to enroll at an eligible institution in an undergraduate or graduate program.

    • Applicants seeking to change careers to pursue a course of study or program in an academic discipline leading to a Maryland professional teacher's certificate.

    • Applicants must agree to work as public school or public prekindergarten teachers in the State upon completion of their studies at elementary and secondary schools, with at least 50% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals (FRPM).

    • Enroll full-time or part-time at an eligible institution pursuing a course of study or program leading to a Maryland professional teacher's certificate.

    Applicants are no longer required to be Maryland state residents or provide a GPA, GRE, or SAT score.

    Applicants must submit a 600-word essay detailing how they have demonstrated an exceptional dedication to, or aptitude, for teaching.

    Should you have any questions about this information, please contact MHEC's Office of Student Financial Assistance at osfamail.mhec@maryland.gov.

    Applicants for the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship must submit the online application through their​ MDCAPS account. DEADLINE FOR ALL DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED:  DECEMBER 31 | Post 18 June 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:  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:

    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:  FAFSA Resources from Collegiate Directions, Inc., (CDI).  

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

    Financial Aid Resources:  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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