Scholarships/Financial Aid

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS!!!
Now that we are past the March 1 due date for most scholarships this is where you can find new scholarships. Below will be information about scholarships as we become aware. Please check back and check Instagram (@HCHS_Counselors) for new information.

David M. McDill Scholarship
 The purpose of this scholarship is to honor Dave McDill, former swimming, and diving coach, for his contribution and dedication to the Harper Creek Swim Program and to assist one swimmer/diver at a post-secondary institution.

Criteria/Process
  1. An applicant must be a senior on either the boys’ or girls’ varsity swimming or diving team at Harper Creek.
  2. He/she must attend an accredited private or public professional school, four-year college or university, or two-year junior/community college.
  3. Applications may be obtained and turned into the athletic office.
  4. The scholarship selection committee will consist of the following persons:

    Head Boy’s Swim Coach
    Head Girl’s Swim Coach
    Athletic Director
    Principal

  5. The committee will select one student/athlete based on their:

    Swimming/Diving career at Harper Creek (years participated, accomplishments)

    Academic Standing

    Citizenship – How they represent themselves and Harper Creek

    Aspirations in College

  6. The recipient of the scholarship will receive $500, a certificate, and recognition at the Senior Awards Banquet.  The check will be presented to the winner upon confirmation of tuition payment.
  7. Unless there are unusual circumstances, the award winner must use the money at an accredited institution in the fall following his/her graduation from Harper Creek.
The application can be found at the bottom of the page in the Document Container. Application is due MAY 7, 2020 to Mr. Greenman in the Athletic Office. You can send the completed application to the high school. 

American 1 Credit Union- 2020 Community Involvement Scholarship Program
American 1  Credit Union is pleased to offer $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors through our annual Community Involvement Scholarship Program. 

American 1's scholarship rewards students for volunteering in their communities. Each student who applies for the scholarship will submit an essay on the benefits of volunteering and what they think is the best use of volunteer time. 

Applications are in the Counseling Office Lobby. Or down below as a PDF. 

DUE DATE APRIL 10, 2020.

Haratio Alger Association Career & Technical Scholarship Program
The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, the strength of character, financial need, commitment to pursue a career or technical certification/degree, and a desire to contribute to society.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be considered eligible for Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship Program, applicants must:
-Have completed high school or earned a high school equivalency degree by Spring 2020
-Will be enrolled in an eligible program in Fall 2020
-Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a career or technical program (up to 2 years) at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States.
-Demonstrated critical financial need (must be eligible to receive the Federal Pell grant as determined by completion of the FAFSA)
-Demonstrated perseverance in overcoming adversity
-Be under the age of 30
-Be a United States citizen. 

Applications are completed online. Please follow this link to fill out your application http://scholars.horatioalger.org/horatio-alger-scholarship-applications/ 

DUE DATE APRIL 15, 2020.

Local Scholarships for Students

Battle Creek Community Foundation (Local)

Consumers Scholarship

Consumers Scholars
Apply now for a chance to be awarded our $20,000 or one of 10, $1,000 scholarships! The Consumers Credit Union Student Scholarship Fund is supported by the generosity of our employees and the revenue from our coin counters. Hurry! Applications are OPEN NOW and will close on March 1, 2020!

Marshall Community Credit Union is once again giving away $8,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors. You can click on the link in the title or you can scroll down to the Document Container to get the application packet. The packet includes all of our scholarship guidelines, including eligibility requirements, and the application itself. 
Applications are due by March 21, 2020

McCurdy Scholarship

Applications can be found in the School Counseling Office or down below in the Document Container.
Eligible Applicants: 

  • Graduating high school seniors of private and public schools who legally reside in Calhoun County and are seeking educational opportunities in undergraduate studies at an accredited trade school, college or university and will be attending classes full time. 
  • Scholarship recipients may not be married during the term of the award or they will forfeit the balance of the scholarship. 
  • Applications are available through the counseling office of the applicant’s high school, even for those students who graduated in the prior year.

 

Selection Criteria:  Character as demonstrated through initiative, leadership, citizenship, work ethic, community service, educational record as indicated by test data and grades received in high school and/or undergraduate college work to date, and financial need.

Selection by:  McCurdy Memorial Scholarship Board of Trustees and Emily Scofield Trust.

Grant Amount:  $2000 per year for McCurdy and $1000 per year for Scofield.  However, if a recipient receives aid from another source, based solely on academic achievement, the award may be reduced, so as to assist additional deserving students.

Renewable:  Three additional years, providing terms and conditions are met.  Renewal is subject to the approval of the Trustees of the McCurdy Foundation and Scofield Trust.

Support Materials: Completed Application, Official Transcript of Records, ACT or SAT Score, and Personal Statement.


The deadline is MARCH 1, 2020.

 

Marshall Community Foundation 

Coury and Kesserling Natural Resources Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-Scholarships awarded to Calhoun County residents seeking to further their education in natural resources or a related field at any Michigan college or university. Applicants may enroll at a two-year institution with plans to complete a four-year institution. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Rolland J. and Dorothea R. Face Family Christian Ministry Service College Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below

Fraternal Order of Police Wayne B. Fitch Lodge 138 Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-A scholarship awarded to a graduation senior residing in Calhoun County or graduating from a school within the CISD who is pursuing a career in law enforcement or as a corrections officer. Applicants must demonstrate a financial need, and be accepted to a Michigan college or university with an accredited Law Enforcement Program. GPA is not a determining factor

Karissa "Kari" Hamaker Performing Arts Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-A scholarship awarded to a student in Marshall, Olivet or the surrounding area, during school or upon graduation, seeking a degree in Performing Arts or for additional enrichment opportunities in performing arts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. GPA is not a qualifying factor; however, transcripts and test scores are required. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Michael L. Hamaker Memorial Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior or previous graduate from Marshall, Olivet or the surrounding area seeking a career in engineering, manufacturing or industrial technologies with programs such as but not limited to, architecture, construction, drafting, electronics, welding and/or other related technologies. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. GPA is not a qualifying factor; however, transcripts and test scores are requested. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 


Ann and Anthony LaPietra Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-Scholarships awarded to Marshall-area graduating seniors or previous graduates pursuing majors/careers in community service and/or the arts, or who show signs of continuing these activities in the future in their essays. Recipients are chosen based on their current community activism and creative endeavors, such as, but not limited to, music, dance, theater and art. Applicant's financial need and future plans, including a plan of study and intended careers, will also be a consideration. Conventional academic success is important, but not necessarily a determining factor. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Herold and Retta Reuss Public Safety Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-Scholarships awarded to Marshall-area residents pursuing a career in criminal justice, emergency medical services, or other related fields, such as but not limited to fireman, policeman, legal secretary or dispatcher. Applicants must demonstrate the drive and ability to be successful in pursuing a college education and/or a certification process in the fields aforementioned. Financial information is requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. Students who receive this scholarship may apply for further support in subsequent years. 

George B. Sherman Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-Scholarships awarded to Marshall area graduating seniors, or Marshall area residents 20 years of age or younger who have earned their GED, pursuing a two-or four-year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades. Applicant should show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant's field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested but not necessarily a determining factor. 

Jack L. Sherman Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-Scholarships awarded to Marshall area graduating seniors, or Marshall area residents 20 years of age or younger who have earned their GED, pursuing a two-or four-year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades. The applicant should show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant's field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested but not necessarily a determining factor. 

UAW Local 220 Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-Scholarships awarded to graduating seniors from Barry, Branch, Calhoun and Eaton Counties who will be attending a trade school, community college and/or a four-year institution. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, leadership skills, involvement in the community and extracurricular activities. Preference may be given to applicants related to UAW members and/or retirees. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. Students who receive this scholarship may apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Zink Family Scholarship
-PDF Application and description down below
-A scholarship awarded to residents of Marshall and surrounding townships pursuing an education or advanced training in skilled trades, as defined by the Committee and reflective of current industry needs, including but not limited to, the fields of healthcare, agriculture, information technology, manufacturing, construction or automotive. Applicants must prove admission to a two- or four-year college or an apprenticeship program through a member-college of the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium. Evidence of involvement in co- or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism and financial need may be determining factors. A minimum GPA is not required, however, copies of transcripts or GED requested. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years; however, the scholarship may be awarded for no more than two years to one recipient. 

PB & J Scholarship
We are looking for students who have experienced challenges in their life and who have the drive to succeed. For the first time, we are opening this scholarship to Harper Creek High School. 
Eligibility
-Open to all college-bound seniors at Harper Creek High School
-Attending an accredited 2-year or 4-year college in fall 2020

Rotary Club of Battle Creek- Rose Bud Award
The Rotary Club of Battle Creek wishes to honor a graduating senior for volunteer service that demonstrates "Service Above Self." Award recipients will receive a scholarship toward future education
Eligibility 
-Be actively involved or demonstrate personal interest in bettering the community through meaningful service.
-Be able to show how volunteer efforts should derive from a sincere commitment to the community.
-Demonstrate good citizenship and leadership.
-Be enrolled as a high school senior at a Battle Creek area high school.
-Be present at the award ceremony, to be held on the evening of Thursday, May 21, 2020 (recipient will be notified with time and location)

Application due by MARCH 20,2020 
Below in the Document Container box there is a fillable PDF application. The file name is "Rose Bud Application Form 2020 (Fillable)".  You can also come to the Counseling Office to get a copy. 

Skilled Trade Scholarship
The SET SEG Foundation believes in supporting Michigan public school students in the pursuit of enrichment opportunities that advance learning and create opportunities. With the shortage of skilled trade workers in Michigan, we want to help revitalize these career paths and support students in their professional pursuits. 
Eligibility
-Must be a Michigan resident
-Must be a high school senior attending a Michigan public school 
-Must have been enrolled in a Career and Technical Education Program (and provide transcript)
-Must be enrolled in or plan to enroll in an accredited two-year college, technical school or another accredited technical institute in the next 12 months. 

Application due MARCH 29, 2020. Applications are in the School Counseling office lobby and there is a PDF at the bottom of the page.

Michigan Financial Aid Programs
Michigan Competitive Scholarship
The Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS) is based on both financial need and merit. MCS funds may be used at Michigan public and independent, nonprofit, degree-granting postsecondary institutions. To be considered, a student must take the ACT prior to entering college and achieve a qualifying score (23 composite or 90 scaled). When filling out the FAFSA, the first institution listed under your college choice will be considered your priority school, and that is where the award will be delivered. Students are responsible for notifying Students Scholarships and Grants office (SSG) of a change in their college choice.
Michigan Tuition Grant
The Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG) is based on financial need for use at private, nonprofit, degree-granting colleges and universities in Michigan. The first institution listed under your college choice will be considered your priority school, and that is where the award will be delivered. Students are responsible for notifying the Student Scholarships and Grants office of a change in their college choice.
Raise.me
Micro Scholarship site- Students get scholarships for the grades they have already earned, and do earn until they Graduate. Harper Creek RaiseMe Link
Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Act
The Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Act program (STG) provides for the waiver of tuition at public community colleges and state universities for the surviving spouse and children of Michigan police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.

Criminal Justice Scholarship
The Michigan Sheriffs' Association Criminal Justice Scholarship was created to provide support to young adults who aspire to further their education and develop a knowledge in Criminal Justice at a College or University in Michigan. The Michigan Sheriffs' Association will offer a $1,000 scholarship to five graduating seniors. One student from each of the five Districts will be chosen. 
Nominations can only be made by a member of the Michigan Sheriffs' Association. Each member may make up to two nominations. 
The Scholarship Committee will take into consideration each applicant's GPA, Extracurricular Activities, Awards & Honors, Essay Question answers, and any Letters of Recommendation submitted. 
Requirements:
-High School Senior accepted to a Community College, Four-Year College or University in Michigan
-Copy of High School Transcript
-Letter of Acceptance from College or University
All applicants will be notified of the scholarship recipients on or before May 1, 2020
Awards will be presented in the county where the award recipient resides.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MARCH 31, 2020
Tuition Incentive Program
The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) encourages eligible students to complete high school by providing tuition assistance for the first two years of college and beyond. To be eligible, a student must have received Medical coverage for 24 months within a 36-month period between the ages of 9 and high school graduation. The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) determines which students are Medicaid eligible and transmits this information to the Michigan Department of Treasury. An application must be submitted by August 31 of the student's senior year. TIP must be initiated within four years from high school graduation and eligibility ends after ten years from the date of high school graduation. The award is limited to tuition and mandatory fees.
Children of Veteran Tuition Grant
The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG) is designed to provide undergraduate tuition assistance to certain children older than 16 and less than 26 years of age who are the natural or adopted child of a Michigan veteran. The veteran must have died or become totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service. You must take your letter of eligibility to the college financial aid office.
GEAR UP Michigan Scholarship/GEAR UP College Day Scholarship
GEAR UP recipients must have successfully completed the GEAR UP Scholarship six-year program and be nominated. They must also possess a high school diploma, be less than 22 years old, be a resident of Michigan, and must use the scholarship within five years of high school graduation.l
Michigan Colleges Alliance
From November to May, Michigan Colleges Alliance will award four “We Are The Independents” scholarships of $2,000 each month to high school juniors and seniors (on top of the numerous financial aid opportunities you’ll already receive from Michigan’s top 15 independent colleges and universities).

It’s really easy. Simply provide some basic information in the form on the website and you’re enrolled in a chance for a scholarship. There’s a drawing every month, so you’ll have dozens of opportunities to win.
Up your chances. Tour our campuses. Go on a tour of one of our awesome campuses, take a selfie and post it to Twitter along with the hashtag #wearetheindependents and you’ll receive another entry into the We Are The Independents scholarship drawing. It’s about time your smile and social media smarts started paying dividends. Your parents will be so proud.
To Apply:wearetheindependents.com/win-a-scholarship/
Federal Financial Aid Programs

THESE PROGRAMS ARE AWARDED BY THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE OF THE COLLEGE YOU ATTEND AFTER COMPLETING THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student aid in the nation. Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward getting federal aid for college, career school, or graduate school. Pay attention to deadlines. There are federal and state deadlines, and your colleges may also have deadlines. The state of Michigan's deadline is March 1st by midnight, Central Time. Federal Deadline for online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30th.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a grant for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and have not yet completed a bachelor's or professional degree. Amounts change yearly.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG provides funds to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority consideration is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. Students could receive between $100 and $4000 a year depending on need when you apply, and funds available at your school.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment for undergraduate students with financial need to assist with paying educational expenses.
Federal Perkins Loan
The Federal Perkins Loan is available to undergraduate and graduate students at a low-interest rate. The principal and interest of the loan must be repaid to the school that disbursed the loan.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and High Education Grant (TEACH)
For undergraduates who are completing or plan to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families. Students must work in the field; otherwise, the grant turns into a loan.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
For students who are not eligible for a Pell Grant due to not meeting the program's need requirement and whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2011. The award is equal to the maximum Federal Pell Grant for the award year.

Scholarships for Students

​

Tuition Funding

Zip Recruiter Scholarship

Fastweb
Online scholarship search site. 

Rosa Parks Scholarship

The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation offers a $2,000, non-renewable scholarship to Michigan high school graduating seniors. Winners are selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, financial need and dedication to the civil rights principles of Rosa L. Parks, whose historic stand against racial prejudice in 1955 brought her national recognition.  The Foundation was established in 1980 to provide equal-opportunity scholarships to Michigan high school seniors.
Eligibility Requirements

​

  •  Be a senior attending a public or private  Michigan High School

  •  Graduate by August of the application year.

  •  Have GPA of 2.5 or above

  •  Complete an application form and essay

  •  Furnish official copies of high school transcript and ACT or SAT results

  •  And, meet additional requirements as noted in the application package


The deadline is MARCH 1, 2020.
President Gerald R. Ford Student Essay Challenge
Each year the theme for the President Gerald R. Ford Scholarship Writing Challenge reflects on an important part of Gerald R. Ford’s character. High school students from public, private, city, suburban, rural and home schools participate in the contest. Finalists are chosen and recognized at a special awards program at the Museum.

Write 500-750 words sharing your thoughts on the topic of determination.

Some ideas include: How do YOU define determination, grit, perseverance?
Tell about a time that your own determination was tested and you prevailed.
Is there someone in your life, or in history, that you admire for their determination?

Submit your 2020 Essay online or in the mail by MARCH 13, 2020!

Financial Aid Information

Michigan Student Aid
When you create a login for the MI Student Aid site you can apply to 3 scholarships if you qualify
-Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
-Police and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Grant 
-Fostering Futures Scholarship

FAFSA

The CSS Profile

​7 Easy Steps To Filling Out FAFSA

​Financial Aid Planning 101 

​Student Scholarship Search

​Michigan Tuition Grant For Police and Fire Fighters

​FAFSA Common Mistakes
​
​Michigan Tuition Grant
​
​Tuition Incentive Program Flyer
​
​Children of Veterans Tuition Grant

3 Ways to Paying Off Student Loans/Reducing Costs


​
Loading...
Documents Loading