Scholarships

GRANTS, LOANS, AND STATE SCHOLARSHIPS

The federal financial aid application is used to apply for grants, loans, and the work-study program at colleges.  On-line applications are available October 1^st for the 2017-18 college year and require the parent to use their income tax return for the 2015 tax year in order to complete portions of the application, Application must be made by July 1^st.

The state of Louisiana also uses the federal financial aid application form to apply for the following TOPS scholarships (Application deadline for these programs is July 1^st):

TOPS-OPPORTUNITY:  MINIMUM 2.5 Core Curriculum GPA, MINIMUM 20 ACT COMPOSITE, and 19 CORE UNITS.  PAYS LOUISIANA PUBLIC TUITION.

TOPS-PERFORMANCE: MINIMUM 3.0 Core Curriculum GPA, MINIMUM 23 ACT COMPOSITE, and 19 CORE UNITS.  PAYS LOUISIANA PUBLIC TUITION PLUS $400 per year.

TOPS-HONORS:  MINIMUM 3.0 Core Curriculum GPA, MINIMUM 27 ACT COMPOSITE, and 19 CORE UNITS.  PAYS LOUISIANA PUBLIC TUITION PLUS $800 per year.

TOPS-TECHNICAL: MINIMUM 2.5 Core Curriculum GPA, MINIMUM 20 ACT COMPOSITE, and 17 CORE UNITS (OPTION I) or 19 CORE UNITS (OPTION II).  PAYS LOUISIANA PUBLIC TUITION ONLY.

COLLEGE SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Most of our state supported universities choose their recipients from outstanding high school graduates who file an application with the individual university, complete ACT testing by October or December of their senior year with a minimum composite score of 25, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.  Students should have ACT scores sent directly to colleges.  Application forms can be obtained from the university’s scholarship and testing office.

Grambling University Ray D. Molo Alumni Chapter Book Stipend* Awarded to a graduating Calcasieu Parish senior who has a 2.5 GPA or better and plans to attend Grambling.  An essay is required.  Amount: $1,000        

Lady of the Lake Franciscan Scholars  Awarded each year to five incoming freshmen who demonstrate service and leadership abilities as well as competitiveness.  Must have a 3.5 GPA or better and a 22 ACT score.  An essay is required.   

Louisiana College Scholarships:  Seniors having an ACT composite of at least 25 or SAT total of 1150 and who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in academic subjects are eligible to apply.  Persons meeting the criteria will be competing for the following scholarships:  Louisiana College Top 20 Scholars and Presidential Scholars

LSU Alumni Scholarship:  100 students are selected on the basis of grades plus ACT and/or National Merit Selection Index scores.  ACT scores should be 31 or better.  To apply, students must complete scholarship and admissions applications, an essay, and a list of activities and awards.

LSU Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship Each year LSU awards the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship to approximately 100 entering freshmen.  Applicants must demonstrate excellent leadership skills and possess a commendable high school academic record.

LSU-Delta Chi Tiger Leaders Scholarship Awarded to a graduating high school male who plans to attend LSU.  Amount:  $1,000               

LSU Honor Scholarships:  Awarded to 500 students who are either a finalist or semifinalist in National Merit Scholarship Program or have an ACT composite of at least 26 with an “A” average in English and Math.  To apply, students must complete applications, an essay, and a list of activities and awards.

LSU Jared Rachel Memorial Scholarship-Phi Kappa Psi Awarded to a high school male that who will  attend LSU in the fall following high school graduation.  Selection based on GPA, community involvement and leadership.  Amount:  $500          

LSU LA-STEM Research Scholars Program This program was developed to increase the number of under-represented students seeking (Ph.D.) degrees in the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).  Students must have a 3.5 – 4.0 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 24.  Applicant must be nominated by their high school based on academic excellence and extraordinary potential for scholarship success.  Interested students should see the senior counselor to be considered for this award.  Amount:  Valued at over $2,000/year.

LSU Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship * Male high school student entering college.  The criteria considered for this award is academics, leadership, athletics, and community service.  The amount of the award is $1,000. 

LSU Valedictorian Scholarship:  Students who are certified as valedictorian by their high school. Student must have a 4.0 or higher GPA.

Louisiana Tech:  Scholarships are offered through the General Scholarship program as well as scholarships in each of the five colleges:  Administration and Business, Applied and Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering and Science, and Liberal Arts.  

MSU Board of Supervisors Academic Scholarships:  Awarded to outstanding LA high school graduates based on a combination of high school grades and ACT/SAT scores.  Scholarships are $2,800(subject to change) per academic year.

McNeese Com-STEM Scholarship Eligibility requirements for this award include achieving a high score on the ACT/SAT, earning an excellent high school grade point average and pursuing the associate or bachelor’s degree in STEM disciplines at McNeese.

MSU Distinguished Achievement Award:  Available to incoming freshmen who have achieved academic and leadership success.  The award is typically $500-$1,500 per year (subject to change).

MSU Enrollment Management Scholarship:  Available to first-time McNeese attendees.  Selection is based on GPA, ACT, class rank, and/or other qualities which demonstrate the potential for success at the college level.

MSU H.C. Drew Foundation Scholarships:  Awarded to students who major in one of the following disciplines:  Accounting, Ag Sciences, Chemistry, Clinical Lab Science, Computer Information Technology, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Finance, Teacher Education, Engineering, Nursing, Nutrition and Family Studies, Paralegal Studies, Biological Sciences with a Premedicine Concentration, and Special Education.  Selection is made based on a combination of high school grades and ACT/SAT scores (subject to funding).

McNeese Honors College Scholarship:  Applicants must have at least a 3.4 GPA and 27 on ACT.  The award value:  Up to $34,784.

McNeese Orthopedic Disabilities Scholarship* Applicant must have a physician verified orthopedic disability, acceptable academic credentials, and applied for McNeese admissions.  Standardized test scores, grade point average, courses completed, extracurricular activities/participation and leadership positions/potential.

Nicholls University Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors Education Foundation Scholarship  Awarded to a high school senior residing in Louisiana who is planning to pursue a career in surveying through the “Geomatics” program at Nicholls University.  Amount:  $4,000

Southeastern Louisiana University Leadership Scholarship  Graduating high school students planning to attend Southeastern Louisiana University, has a 2.5 GPA or above, has demonstrated strong leadership in their high school career, and plans to join a student organization at the college level and become an active member are eligible to apply for this scholarship.  Amount:  $500 for the first four semesters with an option for continued scholarships in later semesters.

Southern University Alumni Federation Lake Charles Chapter Book Stipend Award  The Lake Charles Chapter of the Southern University Alumni Federation awards a book stipend of $500 annually to a graduating high school senior.  Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or above, an ACT score of at least 20, and plan to attend Southern University in the fall following high school graduation. 

Sowela Technical Community College Scholarships:  High school seniors that plan to attend Sowela Technical Community College after graduating from high school should contact the Financial Aid Director in the Financial Aid office.  The number is 491-2688.  Students may also visit this office before graduation and apply for a scholarship and financial aid.

Tulane Legislative Scholarship* Each Louisiana state senator and representative nominates one scholarship recipient each year who meets or exceeds the following criteria:  permanent resident of Louisiana and graduate of a Louisiana high school, 27 or higher composite ACT, ranked in top 25% of the graduating class, and admitted to a full-time undergraduate division of Tulane University.  To learn more about each legislator’s process for awarding his/her scholarship, contact your state legislature and provide a copy of your resume along with a cover letter expressing your interest in the scholarship.  You may access legislator contact information at http://www.legis.state.la.us/.  The value of the scholarship changes with tuition each year.  Receipt of the scholarship one year does not guarantee receipt of the scholarship in subsequent years.

Tulane Valedictorian Scholarship:  Students who are certified as a valedictorian by their high school.  The applicant must have a 4.0 GPA or higher.

INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIPS

Listed below are the scholarships that are available to children of employees of these companies. 

Citgo Scholarship:  Seniors who are children of Citgo employees or retirees may apply.  Applicant must have a minimum 3.2 GPA.  Scholarship Value is $8,000.  Application must be obtained from Citgo.

Conoco/Phillips Scholarship:  Seniors who are children of Conoco employees and retirees may apply.  Application must be obtained from Conoco/Phillips.

Dyn-McDermott Scholarship:  Senior whose parent is an employee may apply.  Application must be obtained from Dyn-McDermott.

Firestone Tire and Rubber Scholarships:  Students whose parent is an employee of Firestone may apply.  Application must be obtained from the Firestone personnel office.

Pinnacle Scholarship:  Senior whose parent is an employee of Pinnacle may apply.  Applications must be obtained from Pinnacle.

Sasol Scholarship:  Senior whose parent is an employee of Sasol.  Applications must be obtained from Sasol.

Westlake Chemical Scholarship:  Senior whose parent is an employee may apply.  Applications must be obtained from Westlake Chemical. 

FFA SCHOLARSHIP

• $500 for FFA members or $1,000 for FFA state champion
• Must be in good standing with FFA and must be attending a Louisiana Community and Technical College
• Contact smart@cpsb.org for any questions or information
• Apply by checking the box on your college registration packet that asks if you were an FFA member
• Apply while registering for college any time

WORKFORCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

• For those who want to pursue careers in support of industry in Southwest Louisiana
• Depending on individual needs, could cover tuition, training costs and other support services
• Apply year-round online at foundationswla.org

PRIME MEDICAL ALERT SCHOLARSHIP

• $1,000
• Need letter of rec, acceptance into a university, must be majoring in nursing
• Essay topic: Answer each of the following in 500 words or less.
  • Please describe what influenced your decision to go into a career in healthcare and nursing?
  • Tell us what you view as the most important single characteristic for a practicing nurse, and how you will embody that characteristic in your professional work.
  • Why do you feel you are a strong candidate for this award and what sets you apart from other candidates in your field?
• Mail to: Prime Medical Alert Scholarship, Attn: Joy Couffer, 3411 N 5th Ave, Ste 207, Phoenix AZ 85013
• Deadline is July 31, 2018

ZIPRECRUITER SCHOLARSHIP

• $3,000
• Essay topic: 500-800 words that addresses both
  prompts; 1. Describe a job you previously held - or hold 2. Describe your ideal post-graduate job
• Contact Information: Rachel Essenfeld, rachel@ziprecruiter.com
• How to submit: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/scholarship
• Deadline is June 30, 2018

ROCKEFELLER STATE WILDLIFE SCHOLARSHIP

• $2,000 annually
• Must be a Louisiana resident for at least one year prior to July 1st of the scholarship award year, Complete and submit such documentary evidence as required by LASFAC, Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in a Louisiana Public College or University majoring in forestry, wildlife or marine science with the intent of obtaining a degree in that field. Undergraduate students must have earned at least 60 hours of college credit and have at least a 2.50 cumulative college GPA
• Submit application to LOSFA, Attn: Bonnie Lavergne, P.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9202 or e-mail to Lavergne@la.gov.
• Application available at https://www.osfa.la.gov/MainSitePDFs/ROCKEFELLER.pdf
• Deadline is July 1, 2018

AARON MINC SCHOLARSHIP

• $1,500
• Essay topic: Can an opinion be defamatory? (500 word max)
• Submit at http://aaronmincscholarship.com/
• Deadline is July 31, 2018