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Get Your Career in Gear - Career Cruising
Get Your Career In Gear - October 24, 2019
Click the above link and complete the form for the 10th grade student signup for get your career in gear.
Scholarships
Updated: 10/11/2019
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:
SCHOLARSHIPS SPECIFIC TO BIG RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL:
MHSAA Scholar-Athlete - Deadline December 6, 2019 at 4:00 PM
The MHSAA Scholar-Athlete applications are open. All senior athletes are welcome to apply. To apply students need to go to mhsaa.com/scholarship and create an account. Students will need to enter the code 2020MHSAA 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. The deadline is Dec. 6, at 4:00 p.m.
This scholarship is offered through Ferris State University and specific to students enrolled full-time at a Ferris State University site within one year of graduation (with the exception of Kendall College of Art and Design). Additional information may be obtained from the link or at www.ferris.edu/financialaid
OTHER SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Mid Michigan College – Laker Distinction Award
Mid Michigan College annually seeks out exceptional high school graduates from the state of Michigan to become new members of the Lakers family. Student are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership skills, service activities, and character.
Seats are limited and reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested students should RSVP as early as possible, and must RSVP in order to attend the initial selection event in November.
Applicants complete a resume, project, and participate in a competitive selection process that takes place on Mid Michigan College's Mt. Pleasant Campus. Apply by visiting Mid Michigan College Laker Distinction Award.
Horatio Alger Scholarship – October 25, 2019
Since 1984, the Horatio Alger Association has awarded over $175 million in college scholarships to deserving students. Through nationally recognized educational programs, the Association reaches out directly to our nation's young people with a message of hope, opportunity, responsibility, and perseverance.
In keeping with the mission of the Horatio Alger Association, the scholarship programs provide financial assistance to students throughout the nation who have significant financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. The scholarships are given to deserving students each year and range in award value from $10,000 to $25,000.
Eligibility criteria include: high school graduation in spring/summer, demonstrated critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income), and United States citizenship. Apply online at scholars.horatioalger.org.
IMPORTANT: In order for an application to be considered complete the applicant's counselor must complete a Certification Form online.
HORATIO ALGER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION
The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be considered eligible for Horatio Alger National and State Scholarship Programs, applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time as a high school senior in the United States, progressing normally toward graduation in spring/summer with plans to enter a college in the United States no later than the fall following graduation Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor's degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution) Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required) Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
- Be a United States citizen
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
To apply for the Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs, the following items must be completed by October 25:
• An online application at scholars.horatioalger.org.
One Support Form completed online. This must be completed by an adult over the age of 21 who is not related to the applicant and who is aware of the adversities mentioned in the application. This form must be filled out online. Faxes, emails, or letters will not be accepted. Online Certification Form. A login will be emailed to the applicant's counselor. High school transcript. Applicants should upload a transcript through the application, Transcripts must be submitted online. Income Verification, A copy of the first page of the applicant's parent(s) federal tax return (1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ or 1099 SSA-Social Security form) or tax transcript (request a tax transcript here www.irs.gov/Individuals/Order-a-Transcript) from 2018 is needed in order to verify income stated on the application. If an applicant's parents were not required to file a tax return, include statement copies of any government benefits, such as Public Assistance or Disability payment documents. Income verifications may be uploaded online or sent by mail. Applicants of divorced or legally separated parents need to submit tax forms from both parents. No emails or faxes accepted.
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship – Deadline November 5, 2019 at 11:59PM.
Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. This application is only available online.
Eligibility:
- Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
- Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks.
- High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are signed; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
Awards:
- The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2020 competition.
- Male and female students compete separately.
- Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.
- The Chicago office of the Elks National Foundation will announce the 2020 500 national winners in late April 2020. (Many local Lodges, districts and state Elks associations award their own scholarships through this program. These scholarships are not to be confused with the 500 Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships.)
For questions, please contact:
David Hosking,
17207 Sierra Dr.
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-6627 d_hosking@yahoo.com
Regeneron Science Talent Search - Deadline November 13, 2019 at 8:00PM
The Regeneron Science Talent Search , a program of Society for Science & the Public, awards $3.1million annually, and we want to make sure all eligible students across the country know about this opportunity and put themselves out there as possible. The competition is completely free for students, and is a great indicator of STEM talent—thirteen Nobel prize winners participated in this program as high school students!
The Regeneron Science Talent Search 2020 application is now open! High school seniors across the United States are invited to share their original research projects and apply to the nation’s oldest and most prestigious STEM competition, where they could win up to $250,000.
- The Regeneron Science Talent Search 2020 application is now open! High school seniors across the United States are invited to share their original research projects and apply to the nation’s oldest and most prestigious STEM competition, where they could win up to $250,000.
- The top 300 scholars receive $2,000 each, AND their schools receive $2,000, too—that’s funding for STEM education in your community. Forty finalists will be invited to compete in the finals week competition in Washington, DC, all expenses paid. Every finalist receives at least $25,000 and if named in the top 10, could win between $40,000 and $250,000. Check out last year’s highlights video, learn more about some of the finalists’ projects in this video by Veritasium, read this blog post from a former finalist, and check out our finalists’ intros from the awards gala, hosted by comedian Adam Conover.
- The application will close on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 8pm ET, but interested students are encouraged to open applications early in order to receive tips and reminders. There are no limits to the number of students who can enter from any school, region or state, and students may submit research from any year of high school. The program is free. Please email sts@societyforscience.org with any questions you may have about the application process.
Michigan Elks Association Gold Key Scholarship – Deadline December 1, 2019
- This scholarship is for Special Needs students who are physically or mentally challenged and currently eligible for special education services under the Federal guidelines. It is intended for qualifying students to continue their education or training beyond high school, either at an accredited college, university, or licensed trade or vocational school. This award is for $2,000 a year for up to four years. The Big Rapids Elks Lodge has had several recipients of this scholarship. Any students interested in this scholarship should contact the Elks Scholarship Chairperson directly at the phone number in order to apply for the scholarship. There is a pre-application checklist and website they will be given in order to apply for the scholarship.
For questions, please contact:
David Hosking,
17207 Sierra Dr.
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-6627 d_hosking@yahoo.com
Hagan Scholarship – Deadline November 15, 2019
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship for high achieving, self-motivated students. The scholarship provides up to $6,000 each semester, for up to eight consecutive semesters, to help recipients graduate college debt free.
Recipients must graduate from a public high school located in a county having fewer than 50,000 residents and enroll at a four-year not-for-profit college or university the first semester following high school graduation. Scholarship benefits include Free Workshops, Schwab Accounts, and Study Abroad; providing recipients with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically taught as a part of the school curriculum.
For more information and to access the Hagan Scholarship Application please visit https://www.haganscholarships.org.
Norwich University Take The Lead Scholarship – Deadline December 15, 2019
Norwich University is located in Norwich, VT. They are looking for students that are motivated, driven, and excited by the idea of new challenges. Does this sound like anyone you know? They want to support the initiative of the future leaders in your classrooms by offering them a $2,000 Take the Lead Scholarship.
To qualify, students must:
- Complete the online application (it's free!)
- Send in supplemental materials (i.e transcripts, etc.)
- Complete the FAFSA and list Norwich as one of their schools
That's it! If students complete that by December 15th, 2019 they get an additional $2,000 for their 4 years at Norwich- which is an additional $8,000 toward their Norwich education!
Eisenhower Scholarship - Deadline January 15, 2020
Starting with next year's incoming class, students will be able to apply for the Eisenhower Scholarship–designed to recognize outstanding applicants who are positively transforming their communities. The College has a long history of civic engagement with students and alumni making a difference in their communities and around the world.
The Eisenhower Scholarship is Gettysburg College's most selective scholarship–$160,000 for four years of full-time study ($40,000 per year). It is awarded to top-performing applicants within a most challenging curriculum who have demonstrated a high level of civic engagement locally, nationally, and/or internationally. More information about the Eisenhower Scholarship including application requirements and process is on their website.
Additionally, Gettysburg College recognizes students' academic achievement in high school by awarding four categories of academic merit scholarships under Early Decision and Regular Decision.
- Abraham Lincoln Scholarship–$32,000 per year
- Presidential Scholarship–$27,000 per year
- David Wills Scholarship –$24,000 per year
- 1832 Founders Scholarship–$15,000 per year
Decisions on merit scholarship recipients are made as part of the admissions process. A separate application is not required. All students, including those who apply test optional, are considered. Gettysburg College accepts self-reported SAT and ACT scores. Please visit their webpage for more information about applying test optional or with self-reported scores
Profile in Courage Essay Contest – Deadline January 17, 2020
The Profile in Courage Essay Contest opens for submissions on September 1, 2019. The contest deadline is January 17, 2020. The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; US students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program; and US citizens attending schools overseas.
The first-place winner receives $10,000. Second-place receives $3,000. Five finalists receive $1,000 each. Eight semifinalists receive $100 each. Ten students receive honorable mention.
Submissions are evaluated on content (demonstrated understanding of political courage, originality, supporting evidence, source material) and presentation (quality of writing, organization, conventions.) Includes information about disqualifications.
Resources to help you prepare an excellent essay: Elements of a Strong Essay, Helpful Tips for Writing, Guidelines for Citations and Bibliography, and Criteria for Judging.
For questions and any additional information, please visit https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest.
ENF Legacy Award Scholarship – Deadline January 31, 2020 at 11:59 PM
Eligibility:
- For the 2020 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the order on or before April 1, 2017, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2017, is eligible to apply. The Elk must also be a paid-up member through March 31, 2020. Great-grandchildren are not eligible.
- The applicant must be a high school senior.
- The applicant must apply online only. The 2020 Legacy Awards application deadline is January 31, 2020 at 11:59 a.m. Central Time.
- If the applicant's parent and grandparent are both Elk members, the applicant must apply through the parent's Elks Lodge.
- Applicants must take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) in time to received their scores before the application deadline by December 31, 2019.
- Students may apply for more than one ENF scholarship; however, they may win only one. In cases where the student qualifies for more than one, we will award the scholarship with the greater value. Students can accept local and state scholarships, which are separate from the awards at the national level.
- Legacy Awards may only be applied to accredited US American schools, colleges or universities. (Note: Applicants from Guam, Panama, Puerto Rico and the Philippines may apply Legacy Awards toward schools, colleges or universities in their respective homes.)
- If you are selected as a 2020 Legacy Awards recipient, you will be required to perform service once a year with an Elks Lodge during the four years you are receiving the scholarship. Click here for more information about serving with the Elks.
Eligible students should apply in the following manner:
- The student must complete and submit the ONLINE application. The 2020 Legacy Awards application deadline is January 31, 2020 at 11:59 a.m. Central Time.
- The Elk sponsor’s membership will be verified through the BPOE Grand Lodge headquarters.
- When a student registers to complete the online application, both the applicant and Lodge Secretary will be notified by email.
- If you have questions about your online Legacy Awards application, contact the ENF Scholarship Office via email at scholarship@elks.org. Visit our Legacy Awards FAQ page.
- Upon receipt of the application, the applicant will receive a notification that the application was received. Winners will be announced in late April 2020.
For questions, please contact:
David Hosking
17207 Sierra Dr.
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-6627 d_hosking@yahoo.com
Fremont Area Community Foundation Scholarship - Deadline March 1, 2020
The common online scholarship application for the Lake County Community Foundation, Mecosta County Community Foundation and Osceola County Community Foundation opens on October 1, 2019 and closes on March 1, 2020. Students may access the online scholarship application on Fremont Area Community Foundation website at https://facommunityfoundation.org/scholarships/how-to-apply/.
If students would like to view the scholarships available:
Lake County Community Foundation - https://facommunityfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/LCCF_scholarships.pdf
Mecosta County Community Foundation - https://facommunityfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Mecosta_scholarships-1.pdf
Osceola County Community Foundation - https://facommunityfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Osceola_scholarships.pdf
Please don't hesitate to contact Robin Cowles (rcowles@facommunityfoundation.org), Maria Gonzalez (mgonzalez@facommunityfoundation.org) or Casey Houston (chouston@facommunityfoundation.org) with questions or concerns you may have.
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
Ferris State University
Mid Michigan College
Lake Superior
*IMPORTANT DATES*
BRHS DATES/DEADLINES
| MMC Registration | June 5 |
| Ferris Registration | June 6 |
| LSSU Registration | June 7 |
| Contract Due | June 14 |
*COLLEGE DATES/DEADLINES*
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
| First Day of Class | Aug 26 |
| Drop/Add Final Date | Aug 29 |
| Withdraw Date | Oct 31 |
MID MICHIGAN COLLEGE
| First Day of Class | Aug 26 |
| Drop/Add Final Date | Sep 3 |
| Withdraw Date | Oct 11 |
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY
| First Day of Class | Aug 27 |
| Drop/Add Final Date | Aug 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.