*Spend a couple of minutes learning about my529, Utah’s official 529 college savings plan*.

*Dedique un par de minutos a conocer my529, el plan de ahorro universitario 529 oficial de Utah.*

My529 funds help families prepare for future education expenses. They can be used for tuition and fees and may also help cover the costs of qualified education expenses like housing, textbooks, computers, and other supplies required to enroll in or attend an eligible educational institution. They can be used at any institution of higher learning in the United States or abroad that is eligible to receive federal student aid. Advantages:

Tax Advantages: The earnings in a 529 account grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when applied towards qualified education expenses. Traditional savings accounts do not offer the same potential return that an investment account has, and most other investment vehicles are taxed in some way.
Compound growth: The earnings on your investment can generate additional returns. As those returns are reinvested, it creates a snowball effect that can help you meet future financial goals.
A dedicated goal: A 2013 study found that low-to moderate-income students with even $500 set aside for higher education expenses were more than three times more likely to enroll in college and four times more likely to graduate from college than a student with no savings. By creating a dedicated place to save for upcoming qualified education expenses, parents and students are less likely to access the money and use it in other ways.
Simple to use: With a my529 account, contributions are quick and easy and can even be automated. Withdrawals are just as easy.

No matter how small the contribution, saving regularly with a my529 account can make a big difference toward educational goals. Learn more at my529.org.

Scholarships

Top Sources to look for Scholarships:

* The school counselor will announce many wonderful scholarships for you to consider. Be proactive in following up on these announcements and in your own research. Keep a scholarship notebook and calendar where you can record the scholarships you are interested in as well as the requirements and deadlines for each. If assistance is needed, Mrs. Bliss will be happy to help!!

* El consejero escolar anunciará muchas becas maravillosas para que las consideres. Sea proactivo en el seguimiento de estos anuncios y en su propia investigación. Mantenga un cuaderno de becas y un calendario donde pueda registrar las becas que le interesan, así como los requisitos y los plazos para cada una. ¡Si se necesita ayuda, la Sra. Bliss estará encantada de ayudar!

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS specifically for MHS will be posted on canvas around February. When those come out, submit your applications and come to the Senior Awards Night in May to see if you were chosen for the scholarships you applied for and to be honored for the other scholarships you have received. *See Scholarship Declaration form below. (See Janell Stephenson for assistance with local scholarships.)
COLLGE SCHOLARSHIP WEB PAGES for the colleges you have applied to – there are many other scholarships beyond the academic tuition waivers colleges automatically offer. There are departmental (within your major), need based, diversity, alumni, private donor, and many other scholarships available through the colleges themselves.
Utah System of Higher Education STATE FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS such as:
- The Opportunity Scholarship based on academic achievement for taking college level English, Math and Science. Requires the completion of the FAFSA. This scholarship is not competitive. All students who meet the requirements and apply on time do receive the scholarship, as long as they are attending a college or tech school in Utah.
- The need-based Utah Promise Scholarship. Requires completion of the FAFSA
- The CTE Scholarship. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships and Tuition Awards are for outstanding CTE students in Utah. The scholarships/awards are sponsored by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) with funds provided by participating higher education institutions. The award amount varies by institution.
- The T.H. Bell Scholarship for 1st generation college students going into teaching
- And others
CompleteScholarships.org – Lists local, state, and regional scholarship opportunities for Utah students
Majorclarity.com (log in with google) – Check out the “Financial Resources” tab.
Keys to Success website – ktsutah.org – Log in with the username and password you created during college application week or create your account if you haven’t already. (Always use a personal and not a school email address when working with post high school planning and institutions.) Click on “Scholarships” at the bottom of the page.
SCHOLARSHIP RESEARCH ENGINES can be very helpful, such as: fastweb.com, scholarshipowl.com, goingmerry.com, scholarships.com, etc.
Use the GOOGLE SEARCH ENGINE to find scholarships having to do with anything and everything about yourself. There are scholarships for having red hair, being the middle child or for your ethnicity or for having overcome obstacles or for your involvements, interests and talents, etc. Just search and see what comes up.
Millard High School Counseling Facebook page, mhs.counseling Instagram page, the COUNSELING WEB PAGE (see the BIG scholarships and opportunities listed at the bottom of this page), or you can find the same information on the SCHOLASRHIP BULLETIN BOARD by the MHS counseling office.
STERLING SCHOLAR SCHOLARSHIPS – Students must apply their Junior year to be one of Millard High School’s Sterling Scholars. Sterling scholars pursue excellence within the area for which they are chosen, as well as in scholarship, leadership and service. They compete within the region by presenting an all-encompassing portfolio of their work and accomplishments and by participating in an interview process. For more information, talk to Mrs. Fullmer, Mrs. Keel, or Mrs. Rasmussen.

* Make sure to take the ACT by your Junior year and fill out the FAFSA (online Federal financial aid form) in October of your Senior year. You should fill out the FAFSA even if you do not think you will receive aid or plan to use it if you do. The FAFSA is required by some colleges and scholarships (such as the Opportunity scholarship listed above), so it is a good idea to fill it out to be sure you are eligible for all scholarship opportunities.

* Asegúrese de tomar el ACT antes de su tercer año y complete la FAFSA (formulario de ayuda financiera federal en línea) en octubre de su último año. Debe completar la FAFSA incluso si no cree que recibirá ayuda o planea usarla si la recibe. Algunas universidades y becas requieren la FAFSA (como la beca de Oportunidad mencionada anteriormente), por lo que es una buena idea completarla para asegurarse de que es elegible para todas las oportunidades de becas.

Scholarship Essay Tips

Scholarship Declaration Form for Seniors

This scholarship declaration form will be available for seniors to fill out to let us know all the scholarships they were awarded (even if they were not able to accept them all) so that we can recognize them for these at the Senior Awards Night in May. All declared scholarship monies offered to our Senior class will be totaled and the grand sum will be shared that night. It’s a pretty impressive amount of $ each year. Our students are amazing!

Este formulario de declaración de beca estará disponible para que lo llenen los estudiantes de último año para informarnos todas las becas que se les otorgaron (incluso si no pudieron aceptarlas todas) para que podamos reconocerlas en la Noche de premios para estudiantes de último año en mayo. Todos los fondos de becas declarados ofrecidos a nuestra clase Senior se totalizarán y la gran suma se compartirá esa noche. Es una cantidad bastante impresionante de $ cada año. ¡Nuestros estudiantes son increíbles!

Big Scholarships…

Here are some examples of some of the bigger scholarships that are out there. But, stacking up smaller scholarships is an effective way of funding your education as well. Apply for anything that you feel you are eligible for. Even if you are not a perfect fit for a scholarship, you can still apply and explain your reasoning in your scholarship essay, if there is one required. For example, if you do not quite meet the GPA requirement, you can explain why you feel that you are a good candidate for the scholarship in spite of being a little low on that one requirement. For the most part, you will want to apply for scholarships you feel somewhat confident in winning.

Estos son algunos ejemplos de algunas de las becas más grandes que existen. Pero acumular becas más pequeñas también es una forma efectiva de financiar su educación. Solicite cualquier cosa para la que crea que es elegible. Incluso si no es perfecto para una beca, aún puede presentar una solicitud y explicar su razonamiento en su ensayo de beca, si es necesario. Por ejemplo, si no cumple con el requisito de GPA, puede explicar por qué cree que es un buen candidato para la beca a pesar de estar un poco bajo en ese requisito. En su mayor parte, querrá solicitar becas en las que se sienta seguro de ganar.

APIA (Asian and Pacific Islander American) Scholarship Program

Scholarship awards range from one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $20,000 awards. APIA Scholars provides scholarships to underserved APIA students with a special focus on those who:

Live at or below the poverty level, or are otherwise of low socioeconomic status;
Are the first in their families to attend college;
Are representative of the APIA community’s diversity, (geographically and ethnically}, especially those ethnicities that have been underrepresented on college campuses due to limited access and opportunity; and
Have placed a strong emphasis on community service and leadership as well as solid academic achievement.

Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship

A $2500 CASH scholarship you can use for any educational purpose, from books to summer camp. In just two steps, you’re in! Apply by signing-up for a Cirkled In account and then complete your portfolio.

Daniels Fund Scholarship

Daniels Scholars® demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities. The scholarship provides a four-year college scholarship that is unique to each student and varies depending on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and their choice of school and degree program. The scholarship pays up to $25,000 per year toward the student’s unmet need, after applying their EFC, earnings assessment, other scholarships, grants, and financial aid. The Daniels Scholarship may be used to attend any accredited college or university in the United States.

DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Scholarships

Each year the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education in diverse areas of study including history, economics, law, political science, medicine, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science and English.

Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program

This scholarship specifically targets underserved students who self-identify as Black/African American; Hispanic or Latino; America Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.20 awards of $5,000 will be granted to students pursuing 2-year programs and 40 awards of $10,000 will be granted to students pursuing 4-year degrees. Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first.

Epprecht Family Foundation Scholarship

Awards scholarships to high school seniors in eight school districts where Great Lakes Cheese plants are located. The foundation currently awards scholarships to four schools a year, on an every other year schedule. This scholarship is awarded for up to $15,000 per year for up to 4 years for undergraduate education.

Hagan Scholarship

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship designed to help rural students graduate college debt-free. The scholarship provides up to $48,000 over four years to attend college and other benefits.

Heisman High School Scholarship

Honors our nation’s most esteemed male and female high school seniors by recognizing and rewarding outstanding scholar-athletes who understand that the most important victories not only happen on the field, but in their schools and communities. These remarkable young leaders set the example and make a game-changing difference every day, paving the way to greatness for everyone around them.

Horatio Alger Scholarship

As one of the nation’s largest need-based college scholarship programs, the Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs specifically assist high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. While many programs are directed primarily to recognizing academic achievement or leadership potential, the Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as have critical financial need.

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Offers scholarships to minorities of up to $30,000 over four years. Students are financially sponsored to attend JRF‘s annual, four-day “Mentoring and Leadership Conference“ in New York City and other events throughout the year. Aside from generous financial support, Scholars benefit from a comprehensive, four-year program that includes career guidance, internship and permanent job placement, travel abroad, and leadership and practical life skills training.

JFK Library Essay Contest

This annual essay contest encourages high school students across the country to share inspiring stories of elected leaders past and present, while providing a scholarship and educational opportunity to learn about President Kennedy’s lessons of political courage.

Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarship

This unique scholarship supports students with dyslexia (or any other reading disability) who plan to pursue a degree in a STEM field.

Latino Medical Student Association – West Region Scholarships

Must be committed to pursuing a career in medicine and dedicated to serving the Latino and underserved communities.

Utah Energy Pathways Scholarship

Together with Chevron, we’re helping advance Utah’s future energy workforce with scholarships for high school seniors and first year college students who are pursuing STEM courses at universities, colleges and trade schools in Utah. Five $4,000 scholarships and five $2,000 scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a STEM degree at a Utah-based college or university.

Utah Farm Worker’s Scholarship Program

The National Farmworker Jobs Program is available to farmworkers and their dependents and offers FREE Education, Career Development Training, Career Advancement Training, and Support Services for participants.

Our Case Managers work with participants to prepare them for career advancement including job readiness training, resume and cover letter preparation, interview skills, and job searching skills.

Education support can range from basic skills tutoring, ESL classes, and GED classes, to assist with college tuition, books, and supplies. If formal education is not what they are currently pursuing, we also support training to attain skills and credentials in areas such as Commercial Truck Driving, Manufacturing skills, Construction skills, Medical Assistance credentials, and other vocational skills.

To qualify for the program, a participant must be an agriculture worker or a dependent, be low income, have the legal right to work in the United States, and have worked in agriculture within the last two years.

Utah Jazz Scholarship

For every Jazz win during the season, the Utah Jazz provides a full, four-year scholarship to students from an underrepresented group.

Big Opportunities…

Here are some examples of some big opportunities that are out there for students. Talk to the school counselor if you are interested in any of these opportunities. Also, look around for other opportunities that suit your interest and needs. In some cases, town councils and other local organizations are willing to pay for students to participate in these type of enrichment opportunities.

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs

Provides students the opportunity to study abroad. Exchange students develop leadership skills, self-confidence and a greater understanding of the complexities of the world around them.

Boy’s State

Provides an educational summer workshop of civics and government instruction for U.S. high school students, where students become part of the leadership and operation of city, county, and state government, and learn the functional aspects of citizenship. Students earn 3 college credits, scholarship opportunities, a great addition to their scholarship applications, lots of fun and lifelong friendships. For Junior students, the summer after their Junior year. Held at Weber State University.

Girl’s State

The country’s premiere summer youth program designed to teach young women responsible citizenship and instill a deep appreciation for our great nation. One week in the summer earns 3 college credits, scholarship opportunities, a great addition to any scholarship application, lots of fun and lifelong friendships. For Junior students, the summer after their Junior year. Held at Weber State University.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award

Award chosen yearly by faculty and students. Given to a student displaying outstanding qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism at home, school and in the community.

Freedom’s Foundations

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge – located near historic Philadelphia, Birthplace of the Nation – provides a wide range of educational programs that cultivate engaged, responsible citizens knowledgeable in American history and democracy, who understand their constitutional rights, are familiar with the free enterprise system and entrepreneurship, and who will serve as leaders in their community.

Using experiential learning as a means to develop critical thinking skills, Freedoms Foundation’s educational programs are an investment in a student that lasts a lifetime.

HOBY Youth Leadership Seminar

Sophomores from across the country participate in one of HOBY’s Leadership Seminars to develop their leadership skills and learn how to apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace, and community. Students submit an essay to the counseling office to be chosen for this exceptional experience.

Humanitarian XP

If you are looking for humanitarian opportunities inside or outside the country, this is a great program. It is faith-based (open to youth of all faiths).

National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) – Medicine

Future doctors and health care practitioners will enjoy an extraordinary opportunity to discover their passions through hands-on medical experience at NYLF Medicine. Over nine amazing days on the campus location of your choice, you will experience the collegiate lifestyle firsthand, learn from doctors, participate in an interactive curriculum led by advisors, visit an accredited medical school, test your medical knowledge during clinical skills rotations, and explore professional opportunities in the ever-expanding fields of medicine and health care among fellow high school students.

Scholarships and Opportunities

School Report Card

Counseling Resources

Parent Guidance.org

Eagle Times: School Newspaper

Schoolbinder