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. 

PRIVATE SCHOALRSHIPS

DELTA TECH

• $1,000
• Community service, transcript, photo, letters of rec
• Essay: Outline career goals
• Course options: paralegal, dental assistant, medical assistant, business management, accounting, information technology, computer application specialist, administrative assistant
• Deadline: apply early—limited number awarded each year

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

COURAGE TO GROW SCHOLARSHIP

• $500
• Special requirements: can apply each month
• Essay topic: Please explain in 250 words or less why you believe that you should be awarded this scholarship
• Contact Information: P.O. Box 2507 Chelan, WA 98816 United States, Phone: (509) 293-1978 
• How to submit: https://couragetogrowscholarship.com/
• Deadline: the end of every month

IMAGINE AMERICA FOUNDATION

• $1,000
• Only for certain career and technical colleges (list on website)
• Submit through their mobile app
• https://www.imagine-america.org/applyforscholarships/
• Apply early

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

NAFEPA SCHOLARSHIP

• $2,500
• Special requirements: 3 letters of rec, extracurricular activities, transcript
• Essay topic: 350 words or less narrative. (See application for details)
• Contact Information: 318-283-3427 or jwinston@mpsb.us
• How to submit: mail to Jesse Winston, Jr, 4099 Naff Avenue, Bastrop, LA 71220
• Additional info: 2 scholarships for students pursuing degree in education and 2 scholarships for any major
• Deadline is January 22, 2019

CATHOLIC YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD

• up to $500 - $4,000
• Special requirements: must be a Practical Catholic, Nomination form must be signed by the nominee’s Principal or High School Counselor, Pastor and the Grand Knight of the Council submitting the nomination
• Contact Information: 337-278-7695 or email at knightyandle@gmail.com 
• How to submit: complete application form at http://www.louisianakc.org/programs/cyla/ ,obtain necessary signatures, then submit to local Knights of Columbus Council
• Deadline is January 25, 2019

UNIGO DREAM SCHOLARSHIP

• $1,500
• Essay topic: "We want to know... what do you dream about? Whether it's some bizarre dream you had last week, or your hopes for the future, share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college." (250 words or less)
• Contact Information: Unigo, 220 NW Eighth Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
• How to submit: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/i-have-a-dream-scholarship
• Deadline is January 31, 2019

LASAFAP SCHOLARSHIP

• $1,000
• Special requirements: transcript, extracurricular activities, 3 letters of rec, essay, financial need
• Essay topic: A one page essay outlining the candidate’s future goals and ambitions
• Contact Information: Peggy Marcel at peggymarcel@tpsd.org
• How to submit: mail to: LASAFAP Scholarship Committee, ATTN: Peggy Marcel, Chairperson, Terrebonne Parish School System, 7573 Park Avenue, Houma, Louisiana  70364
• Additional info: come by counselor’s office for application
• Deadline is February 8, 2019

WACE NATIONAL CO-OP MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

• $6,000 - $30,000
• Special requirements: 3.5 minimum GPA, attending one of the Scholarship Partner Institutions
• Essay topic: why have you chosen to pursue a college cooperative education program (200 words)
• Contact Information: michelleHansford@waceinc.org
• How to submit: WACE, 600 Suffolk St, Suite 503, Lowell, MA 01854 or online at waceinc.org
• Additional info: go to waceinc.org for rules and requirements, emphasis on female and minority students or students interested in STEM
• Deadline is February 15, 2018

OPTIMIST CLUB OF SOUTH LAKE CHARLES ESSAY CONTEST SCHOLARSHIP

• $2500
• Special requirements: under age 19, application form
• Essay topic: (700-800 words) “When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?”
• Contact Information: Janice Parkerson (337) 478-4370 or jparkerson@suddenlink.net
• How to submit: mail to Janice Parkerson, 127 Greenway St, Lake Charles, LA 70605
• Additional info: Pay close attention to essay rules as they are very specific
• Deadline is February 15, 2019

FLAVORABLE FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP

• $5,000
• Special requirements: 2.5 GPA, must not be a relative or dependent child of an employee of Talking Rain or any of its retail customers, US citizen
• Essay topic: (How will you use your education to support your flavorful future? What inspires you to have confidence in yourself? Create an original video that shows us who you are in 3 minutes or less.
• Contact Information: 800.278.8762
• How to submit: https://app.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarship/flavorfulfutures
• Additional info: process will be evaluated based on academic achievement and the creativity of their application, which should showcase what makes them who they are and how they want to contribute their gifts through education.
• Deadline is February 15, 2019

UNIGO SWEET AND SIMPLE SCHOLARSHIP

• $1,500
• Essay topic: "Not every gift has to be expensive or extravagant. In fact, sometimes it's the sweet and simple things that make a real difference in our lives. Think back and tell us about something you received as a gift and why it meant so much to you." (250 words or less)
• Contact Information: Unigo, 220 NW Eighth Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
• How to submit: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/sweet-and-simple-scholarship
• Deadline is February 28, 2019

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA

• $1000
• Special requirements: application, transcript, letters of rec, ACT scores, must reside in LA at least one year prior to graduation
• Essay topic: autobiography on your academic accomplishments, religious involvement and community service
• Contact Information: Lara Guidroz @ lstorer@hotmail.com,   (337) 485-1781
• How to submit: return application to counselor’s office to be picked up by a member of Catholic Daughters of America
• Deadline is March 1, 2019

BECI SCHOLARSHIP

• $1,500
• Special requirements: Applicant must be a legal ward of a BECi member who has been a member in good standing for at least 12 consecutive months as of March 1, 2019. Only one scholarship will be awarded per membership per family per year, must be attending a Louisiana accredited institution of higher learning, minimum 2.0 GPA
• Contact Information: 975 North Perkins Ferry Road, P.O. Box 12783, Lake Charles, LA 70611, Ph: 337.855.6684, Fax: 337.855.0073
• How to submit: http://www.beci.org/content/scholarship-program or mail to BECi Scholarship Program, PO Drawer 970, DeRidder, LA 70634
• Additional information: RECIPIENT IS RANDOMLY CHOSEN
• Deadline is March 1, 2019

KYLE BROUSSARD FCA SCHOLARSHIP

• $1,000
• Special requirements: committed Christian, involved in FCA, plays a sport, minimum 3.0 GPA, letter of rec, proof of FCA membership
• Essay topic: 500-1000 word essay describing: How the student came to know Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior; The role that Christianity plays in his/her daily life; The positive and profound impact that FCA has had on him/her.
• Contact Information: email ssanford@fca.org or dsanford@fca.org 
• How to submit: Mail to: SWLA FCA, RE: Scholarship Application, 4933 Fernwood Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70605
• Additional info: Come by counselor’s office for an application packet
• Deadline is March 22, 2019

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LAKE CHARLES SCHOLARSHIP

• $500
• Special requirements: minimum 3.0 GPA, female, voluntarism, not an immediate relative of a member, transcript, letter of rec
• Essay topic: In narrative form, tell why you should receive our scholarship by answering the following: Using two of the organizations, tell how the volunteer experience(s) impacted you and your community. Tell about your most challenging volunteer experience.   What do you think is the most critical volunteer need or issue in your community? How will you continue to make a long term impact in your community? 
• Contact Information: Caroline Hennigan, 337.526.5406 or grants_scholarships@jllc.net
• How to submit: sent to or delivered to: Grants & Scholarships Committee Chair, Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc., 1019 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
• Deadline is March 1, 2019

FIDM SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

• $31,500
• Special requirements: register and then requirements will be emailed in October
• Contact Information: 800.262.3436 or 818.990.2241
• How to submit: http://fidm.edu/en/admissions/financial+aid/scholarships/national+scholarship+competition
• Additional info: Need to be majoring in Merchandising & Marketing, Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Social Media, Visual Communications, Merchandise Product Development, Apparel Industry Management
• Deadline is March 29, 2019

MOSS BLUFF WOMEN’S LEAGUE

• $1,000
• Special requirements: 20 volunteer hours, female, zip code of 70611 for 50% or more of the school year, min 2.75 GPA, endorsement by a faculty member, admin or counselor
• Essay topic: Describe how volunteer or community service has shaped who you are today. Please include details on how this has impacted your community
• Contact Information: mbwomensleague@gmail.com
• How to submit: mail to Moss Bluff Women’s League, C/O Scholarship Program, 2757 Tioga Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70611; or email to mbwomensleague@gmail.com
• Additional info: you will turn in a transcript, an application, essay and signed endorsement
• Deadline is March 29, 2019

UNIGO SUPERHERO SCHOLARSHIP

• $2,500
• Essay topic: "Which superhero or villain would you want to change places with for a day and why?" (250 words or less)
• Contact Information: Unigo, 220 NW Eighth Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
• How to submit: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/superpower-scholarship
• Deadline is March 31, 2019

AFSA SCHOLARSHIP

• $2,000
• Special requirements: submit basic personal information online to enter
• Contact Information: American Fire Sprinkler Assn., 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, TX 75251
• How to submit: https://www.afsascholarship.org/high-school-contest/
• Additional information: randomly selected by computer-generated drawing
• Deadline is April 1, 2019

STUCK AT PROM SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

• $10,000
• Special requirements: make the best promwear out of Duck® brand duct tape
• Contact Information:  ShurTech Brands, LLC, 32150 Just Imagine Drive, Avon, OH 44011
• How to submit: http://stuckatprom.com/
• Deadline is May 31, 2019

ROCKEFELLER LA WILDLIFE SCHOLARSHIP

• $2,000 annually (awards 29 LA students)
• Special requirements: 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
• Contact Information: E-mail: custserv@la.gov, Telephone: 1-800-259-5626, Write LOSFA at:, P.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70820-9202
• How to submit: Complete FAFSA, complete application http://www.osfa.la.gov/MainSitePDFs/ROCKEFELLER.pdf
• Deadline is July 1, 2019

AARON MINC

• $1,500
• Essay topic: Should there be federal laws that protect victims of cyberbulling, online harassment, revenge porn, and online defamation? Explain why or why not, and if yes, what should those laws be.  Explain the pros and cons that could result if federal legislation were passed by Congress to attempt to address these issues? (essay up to 1000 words answering the qualifying question or create a 3-5-minute video response)
• How to submit: https://www.minclaw.com/scholarship/
• Deadline is July 31, 2019