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College Application Process
Scholarships
Updated: 1/20/2021
Scholarships are updated as they are received, emailed to students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of record, posted to Family Access and Student Access on Skyward, and posted outside of the Big Rapids High School Guidance Office.
GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES:
- Imagine America Foundation
- Scholarships - Fast Web
- Scholarships - Studentscholarships.org
- Scholarships - ScholarshipBuddy Michigan
- SallieMae Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIPS SPECIFIC TO BIG RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL:
PB&J Scholarship - Deadline: May 31, 2022
This is a scholarship up to $1,000 for a high school senior who plans to attend a 2 or 4 year college next school year. This annual scholarship is for students who have experienced personal challenges that may not have allowed them to perform well academically, but who still have the drive to succeed. There is NO GPA requirement. Students are encouraged to apply as this scholarship is meant to be inclusive. A flyer with the QR code and link to the PB&J Scholarship is here: PB&J Scholarship Flyer
Use this link to apply: https://scholarsapp.com/scholarship/pbj-scholarship
We the Student’s Essay Contest - Deadline: April 15, 2022
This scholarship is open to students who are US Citizens or legal residents between the ages of 14 and 19. Prizes range from $500-$7,500. This year's topic is: How does an understanding of natural rights and respect build a free society? For more information and essay guidelines please visit We the Student’s Essay Contest.
Men’s College Scholarship - Deadline: April 1, 2022
The scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities, and community involvement. The scholarship is available to any senior who identifies as male and who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program for the fall of 2022. Apply at Men’s College Scholarship.
Shamrock Invitational Scholarship - Deadline: April 1, 2022
This is a $1,000 award for students who have shown strong community service and academic achievements while participating in athletics. Applicants must have a minimum 3.25 GPA. All application materials must be received by the scholarship committee by April 1, 2022 (not postmarked by this date). Apply using the attached form.
Char Doerr Memorial Scholarships - Deadline: April 1, 2022
This $2,000 scholarship is in memory of Char Doerr. Char Doerr was an integral part of the Shamrock Invitational tournament and worked at St. Michael’s school in Remus, MI. Factors considered for this scholarship are financial need and community service. All application materials must be received by the scholarship committee by April 1, 2022 (not postmarked by this date). Apply using the attached form.
EEqual Scholarship - Due March 1, 2022
The EEqual foundation offers scholarships up to $8,000 for students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity as defined under the McKinney-Vento Act, are in extreme poverty, or their family is currently going through a transition to attain post-secondary education. You can find a more detailed explanation of eligibility and the application at https://eequal.org/scholarships/.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship - Deadline: January 12, 2022 at 5pm EST
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides four-year scholarships and extensive support services, including career guidance and internship placement, to highly motivated African American or other minority students. This scholarship is based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need. Apply on the Jackie Robinson Foundation website.
Army ROTC Scholarships - Deadline: March 4, 2022
Army ROTC provides full tuition scholarships along with funding for books and monthly stipend. Any student with a GPA of 2.5 or above, who plans to attend college full time and then serve in the army after college graduation is eligible to apply. Find out more information and the scholarship application at Army ROTC Scholarship.
Community Foundation Scholarships - Deadline: March 1, 2022
Fourteen scholarship opportunities for students in the community are now posted. You may review the Mecosta County Scholarships to see which ones you are eligible for. Apply at https://facommunityfoundation.org/scholarships/our-scholarships-awards/ by March 1st.
LMCU Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship - Deadline: January 31, 2022
One of twenty $2,000 scholarships will be awarded. Students must write a 750-1000 word essay on the topic: “There’s something special about each and every one of us. Tell us about the you of today, and what we can expect to see in the you of tomorrow.” Apply at LMCU Hutt Scholarship.
Hagan Scholarship - Deadline: December 1, 2021 at 5pm
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, designed to provide each recipient with the opportunity to Graduate College Debt-Free. Hagan Scholarship recipients are high achieving, self-motivated students who will require substantial financial assistance to attend college.
Eligible applicants have a 3.75GPA or above, work at a job at least 240 hours a year before starting college, and have financial need. In order to be eligible for this scholarship you will need to complete your FAFSA by the deadline as well. Hagan Scholarship Application
MMC Laker Distinction Scholarship - Deadline: Reserve Spot by December 1 at 4pm then submit final application by February 18, 2021
Four full tuition scholarships are available to high school seniors with a GPA of 3.25 or above. (Students enrolled in an early college program through the career center are not eligible). Students must reserve their spot in the virtual competition by filling out this online form. Then students must submit a resume by December 4th, attend the Reception Event on December 4th, and submit a project (digital media, visual art, or essay) that responds to the statement, "I have something distinct to contribute to Mid Michigan College” by January 7 at 4:30pm. For more information check out the Laker Distinction Scholarship website.
Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship - Deadline: January 29, 2022
This $5000 scholarship will be awarded to one high school senior who exemplifies the characteristics that Ryan possessed (faith in God, passion for his country, and zeal for life). Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and received two varsity letters in at least two sports, including hockey. Applications may be found at https://www.ryanfischer.org/legacy-scholarship and are due to your athletic director by January 28, 2022.
Calvin and Natural Disasters Essay Contest - Deadline: February 1, 2022
Students who plan to attend Calvin University, Trinity Christian College, Dordt University, Kuyper College, The King’s University or Redeemer College are invited to write an essay on Calvin and Natural Disasters for either a $2,000 or $3,500 scholarship. See Calvin Essay Contest for specifics on the essay prompt and how to apply.
MEA Scholarship - Deadline: February 17, 2022
Students who have a parent/guardian who is a member of MEA (Michigan Education Association) may apply for this scholarship. Criteria is based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and school or community service. Apply at www.mea.org/mea-scholarship.
Illinois Tech Admission Scholarship - Deadline: November 15, 2021
Illinois Tech is offering a minimum $25,000 per year scholarship for anyone who applies by November 15, 2021. If you are admitted you will receive at least this minimum scholarship. Apply online at https://www.iit.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admission/first-year-students.
MSHAA Scholar-Athlete Award - Deadline: December 3, 2021 at 4pm
All senior athletes are eligible. To apply students need to go to mhsaa.com/scholarship and create an account. Students will need to enter the code scholar2022 to gain access to the application. You don’t have to complete the application all at one time, your work will be saved. Students also need to provide two letters of recommendation. Students can upload PDFs or Word docs themselves, or they can use the system to have recommenders upload recommendations. For more information please go to the MHSAA website.
Elks ENF Legacy Award Scholarship - Deadline: February 7, 2022
Legacy Awards are $4,000 scholarships available to children and grandchildren of Elks members. SAT/ACT test scores have been waived for this year's applicants. Apply at enf.elks.org/leg.
Sun Tec Auto Glass Scholarship - Deadline: December 15, 2021at 5:00pm
This $1500 scholarship is for any college bound student with a GPA of 2.5 or above. Applicants must write a 1000 word essay on “Why you think it is important to support local small businesses.” Winners will be announced no later than December 31, 2021. Apply by 5pm on Dec 15, 2021 at http://www.suntecautoglass.com/scholarship.html.
Cooke College Scholarship Program - Deadline: November 18, 2021
An undergraduate scholarship program for high school seniors with a 3.5 or above GPA and financial need. Applications will be evaluated based on academic merit, financial need, leadership and persistence in character. Apply through the common app.
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship - Deadline: Nov 15, 2021
Seniors with strong academics and who are pursuing a 4 year college degree may apply. Applications will be judged based on academics, leadership, and financial need (you do NOT need to be related to an Elks member to apply). Up to 500 scholarships will be awarded with amounts ranging from $1,000-$12,500/yr for four years. Apply at enf.elks.org/mvs. You must enter Big Rapids Elks Lodge #974 as your sponsoring lodge on the application.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation - Deadline: October 31, 2021 at 5pm EST
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation believes that investing in students who are leaders, both academically and in service to others, will result in positive, lasting change and sustainable communities. Apply by October 31st at 5pm EST for a chance at 150 scholarships ranging from $1,000-$1,500. Applicants must have a 3.0 minimum GPA. Apply at: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/.
Heisman Scholarship - Deadline: October 19, 2021 at 6:00pm EST
Seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or above, participation in at least one sport, and demonstrated leadership are invited to apply. Scholarships range from $1,000-$10.000. Apply by 6:00pm on October 19, 2021 at heismanscholarship.com.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships - Deadlines: Varies according to the scholarship task.
College board has a number of scholarships available to seniors simply for doing the work necessary to apply to colleges (i.e. making a college list, practicing on Khan Academy, updating your college list, improving your test score, completing the FAFSA, and applying to colleges. Go to collegeboard.com for more information and to start your scholarship task list.
**Two of the opportunity scholarships are no longer available after the end of October (Strengthening Your College List and Practice for the SAT).
SCHOLARSHIPS FEATURED ON WWW.STUDENTSCHOLARSHIPS.ORG and WWW.SCHOLARSHIPBUDDYMICHIGAN.COM
Dual Enrollment
Big Rapids High School currently offers dual/concurrent enrollment opportunities through Ferris State University, Mid Michigan College, and Lake Superior State University. This is an opportunity for current high school students to get started on their college coursework before graduating high school.
Helpful Links:
- Dual Enrollment Qualifying Scores 201920
- BRHS MTA Requirements
- Michigan Transfer Agreement Signatory Institutions
- BRHS Dual Enrollment Information Packet
Ferris State University
Mid Michigan College
*COLLEGE DATES/DEADLINES*
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
| First Day of Class | Jan 11 |
| Drop/Add Final Date | Jan 14 at 5 pm |
| Midterm | Mar 8 |
| Withdraw Date - Family responsible for full cost of class. | Mar 25 |
| Classes End | Apr 30 |
MID MICHIGAN COLLEGE
| First Day of Class | Jan 11 |
| Drop/Add Final Date | Jan 15 |
| Classes End | May 7 |
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY
| First Day of Class | Jan 19 |
| Drop/Add Final Date | Apr 30 |
*Check dates with each college*
College Athletics
Testing
School Profile
Mecosta-Osceola Career Center
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Mental Health Counseling Resources
Community Mental Health for Central Michigan (CMH) – (231) 796-5825
Crisis Hotline: (800) 317-0708
Mecosta County Location:
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
500 South Third Avenue
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Youth Attention Center (YAC) - (231) 592-0129
Youth Attention Center offers different programs to help fit the needs of runaway and homeless youth, and those deemed to be at-risk. Qualified and compassionate case workers meet with youth to identify challenges in their lives, and assist in building basic life management skills to deal with those issues. Youth may receive guidance in attaining communication skills and building peer and family relationships. There is also assistance with academic/truancy problems and mentoring to foster skills in anger management and coping with difficult life situations.
Office Location:
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
126 Maple Street, Suite F
Big Rapids, MI 49307
**Phones are forwarded to on-call/crisis line after 5:00pm**
OK2SAY
Call: 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729)
Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
Email: OK2SAY@mi.gov
OK2SAY is the student safety program which allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at school students, school employees, and schools. It uses a comprehensive communication system to facilitate tip sharing among students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and law enforcement officials about harmful behaviors that threaten to disrupt the learning environment.
CALL 2-1-1
Dialing 2-1-1 is a simple way for people to connect with important health, human, and community services in their community. 2-1-1 is free, confidential and our Call Specialists are available 24 hours a day...7 days a week.