Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

Explanation of Eligibility for HOPE Scholarship

One of the best sources of scholarship and financial aid information is the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office at the college to which you are applying. Be sure to visit each college’s website and follow that individual school’s instructions regarding required forms and deadlines. 

Other helpful information on scholarships and financial aid can be found at  www.fastweb.com and www.collegeboard.com.  Scholarships vary by qualifications and deadlines.

While searching for scholarships, be mindful of scholarship scams. These companies are sometimes difficult to spot and charge fees for their services. To protect yourself, read the valuable information at http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml

Available Scholarships

Printer-Friendly Copy of All Available Scholarships

Printer-Friendly Copy of Most Recently Added Scholarships

(Remember that teachers and counselors will need two weeks' notice
when requesting transcripts and recommendations for scholarship and college applications.)

Washington University in St. Louis – Students interested in being nominated for the Danforth Scholars Program should see their counselor. Candidates should exhibit a capacity for service and leadership, as well as academic excellence.  Maturity, strong moral character, selflessness, and commitment to the community are also important. Nominations must be received by October 15, 2008.

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 Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. – offers scholarship assistance to students who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity.  Eligible students must graduate in Spring or Summer of 2009, plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and have United States citizenship. Awards range from $2,500-$20,000.  Interested students may apply online at www.horatioalger.com/scholarships.  Deadline: October 30, 2008. 

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Boston College – The Presidential Scholars Program is a four year full-tuition scholarship program for students of outstanding talent and character.  Candidates must apply for admission on line at http://www.bc.edu/centers/psp// by the Early Action deadline of November 1, 2008.   

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AES Engineering Services - $500 scholarships are awarded based on character. Essay is required. Deadline is September 21, 2008. For more information and to apply, go to http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm. 

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Senior students interested in being considered for BHS’s nominee for the Morehead-Cain Foundation Scholarship  at UNC-CH should see their counselor or Ms. Lesesne, and then return the Preliminary Application Form no later than September 12. Nominees must demonstrate ability  to lead and to motivate fellow students, show high scholastic ability and extracurricular attainments, moral force of character, and physical vigor.  The selected student must complete all application materials by October 1. 

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Indiana University Bloomington: Wells Scholars Program – awarded on basis of merit, provides full tuition, academic fees, and an annual living-expenses stipend for four years. Check for details, including deadlines, at www.admit.indiana.edu and www.iub.edu. Interested students should see their counselor or Ms. Lesesne by September 11, 2008.   Postmark deadline for schools to send nominations and application materials is October 3, 2008. 

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Davidson College Bryan Scholarship – honors scholar athletes who are strong leaders both in the classroom and in their sport. The scholarship is valued at $30,000 annually.  Visit www.davidson.edu/gotgame for more information.  Interested  students should see their counselor or Ms. Lesesne by September 3 if interested in being nominated for this scholarship. Please bring Student Data Form with you. 

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Emory University – Emory Scholars Program – scholarships award four years of undergraduate study and range from 2/3 tuition to full tuition, room, board, and fees.  Brentwood High School may nominate up to four students.  Nominated students should have outstanding records of academic achievement, and possess extra-ordinary personal qualities, and have made significant contributions to their class, their school, and their community. Students interested in being considered for this nomination should notify their counselor or Ms. Lesesne by October 1.  Please bring Student Data Form with you. BHS nominees will need to complete all application materials before November 1, 2008.

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Emory University’s  Goizueta Scholarship – a new scholarship opportunity for students with a strong interest in business. Nominees should possess superior academic credentials, leadership, community service, demonstrated interest in business, as evidenced by engagement in entrepreneurial activities, membership in business clubs, and/or involvement in business-related conferences, competitions, and similar offerings.  See your counselor if interested before October 1. 

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Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program – For eligibility requirements and award details, visit www.CollegePaysTN.com

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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – required by colleges for need-based financial aid, for applications for any Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship, and for many other scholarship applications.  For application and more details, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov  

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Gates Millennium Scholars – program provides scholarships for students with significant financial need and demonstrated leadership skills and community service. Eligible students must be African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American.  G.P.A. of 3.3 is also required.  For more details on eligibility and process for applications, visit www.gmsp.org or see your counselor.  Deadline: January 12, 2009. 

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Juniors and Seniors: The State of Tennessee, Department of Education is accepting applications for the United States Senate Youth Program for 2008-2009.  Selected Juniors and Seniors will participate in activities in Washington, D.C. during the week of March 7-14, 2009, including visiting Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Pentagon. In addition, $5,000 scholarship certificates will be presented to the delegates during their visit.  BHS must select one student to advance to the next level of competition. Interested students must take a current events test. Eligible students need to be currently serving in an elected or selected capacity in any one of the following student government, civic or educational organizations:

·         Student body president, vice president, secretary or treasurer

·         Class president, vice present, secretary or treasurer

·         Student council representative

·         Student representative elected or selected (selected by a panel, commission or board) to district, regional or state level civic or educational organizations.

If interested, notify your counselor or Ms. Lesesne before September 16, 2008. Please bring a Student Data Form with you.  

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Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation offers scholarships ranging from $10,000-$20,000.  The scholarship program rewards leadership and excellence as exemplified through academic achievement and extra-curricular activities, including commitment to community service.  G.P.A. of 3.0 is required. Applications and more information can be found  at www.coca-colascholars.org.   Deadline is October 31, 2008.

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The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards offers a scholarship for a student in grades 9-12 who participated in a volunteer activity during the past 12 months. More information and applications are available at www.prudential.com/spirit.

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 University of Tennessee at Knoxville – Go to www.utk.edu for scholarship application, deadlines and procedures for a variety of competitive and guaranteed scholarships.  The Priority Application Deadline of November 1 is intended for freshmen who wish to be considered for UT's Chancellor's Scholarships* and the Haslam and the McClanahan Scholarships. Applicants who complete the admission application process and submit the Entering Freshmen Academic Scholarship Application, with all supporting documentation, including the essay, by November 1, will be considered for the Chancellor's Scholarships.

Applicants who complete the admission application process and submit the Entering Freshmen Academic Scholarship Application by the Regular Application Deadline of December 1 will be considered for all other General University and Alumni Scholarships (except Chancellor's Scholarships*), and College and Departmental Scholarships (except Haslam and McClanahan Scholars). Refer to website for more info.

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University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Seniors wanting to be considered for scholarships at UTC must submit their UTC admission application and all other required documents by the February 1, 2009 deadline.  For more information, see www.utc.edu 

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First Freedom Center is sponsoring a national essay competition for 9^th-12^th graders.  For eligibility  and application requirements visit www.firstfreedom.org, and then click on the red button labeled “First Freedom Student Competition.  Online registration deadline is November 24, 2008. Postmark entry deadline is November 29, 2008.

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 Tennessee Tech University Scholarships – visit www.tntech.edu/scholarships for details on many  school and department scholarships.  December 15, 2008 is the deadline for most scholarships at TTU.   

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The Ned McWherter Scholars Program is offering a scholarship program for high school seniors that plan to attend a post-secondary institution in the state of Tennessee.  Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 unweighted G.P.A. and 29 on the ACT (or 1280 on the SAT, Math + Critical Reading).  More information and applications are available at www.collegepaystn.com  (then, click on Scholarships link.)   Deadline is February 15, 2009. 

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Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program – high school seniors are eligible to apply for this scholarship if they have a 3.5 G.P.A.    Students with a 3.0 G.P.A. may also apply IF they have scored a 24 on the ACT (or the SAT equivalent).  Students are randomly selected for this scholarship. More information and applications are available at www.collegepaystn.com  (then, click on Scholarships link.)   Deadline is March 1, 2009. 

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Robertson Scholars Program at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University – provides full scholarships to students to attend either university (with one semester at the sister university). Program seeks students who recognize the importance of service and desire to participate in service activities as well as demonstrating the ability and curiosity to thrive in an academically rigorous environment.  To apply, or for more information,  visit www.robertsonscholars.org.  Application Deadline is December 1, 2008. 

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Thomas Wolfe Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill – provides a full scholarship to a student writer. More information and applications are available at http://english.unc.edu/creative/tws  Deadline is November 2, 2008.

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Ron Brown Scholar Program – awards scholarships to academically talented, highly motivated African American students for undergraduate work.  There are several scholarships with 2 application deadlines: November 1 and January 9.  Applications and more information can be found at www.ronbrown.org.

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SAE Engineering Scholarships – offers scholarships to students interested in the study of engineering and related sciences.  For requirements and applications visit  www.sae.org/students/engschlr.htm   Deadline is December 1, 2008.

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The Tennessee Economic Council on Women – offers scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership and community service.  Information and applications can be found at www.tnwomensummit.org.  Deadline is September 22, 2008.

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John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Essay Contest – students are invited to write an original essay on the political courage of a U.S. elected official.  For contest information, registration, and to submit your essay online, visit www.jfklibrary.org   Deadline is January 10, 2009.

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 Haslam Scholarship at UT-Knoxville – Students interested in applying for this very competitive scholarship must complete the Scholarship  Application and Admissions Application by November 1. Students should also request an interview by calling or emailing  the Honors Office at honors@utk.edu, or 865-974-7875. You are advised to call soon, as interview spots may fill up before the November 1 deadline.

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Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student Scholarships – awards 500 scholarships nationally to seniors who demonstrate scholarship, leadership and financial need.  For more information and applications, go to www.elks.org/enf/scholars.  Note that scholarships must be returned to the local Elks Lodge (See website: http://elks72.org.)  Deadline is January 9, 2009.

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Tennessee Manufactured Housing Association’s Stan and Thelma Plumlee Scholarship – a scholarship awarded to a student associated with the manufactured housing industry, either by living in a manufactured home, working in the industry, or by having a relative who works in the manufactured housing industry. The student must attend a Tennessee college or trade school.  For more information and applications, visit www.tnmha.net.  Deadline is March 16, 2009.

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The Art Institutes Passion For Fashion Competition – a scholarship opportunity for a student interested in the Arts Institutes program in 1)Fashion Design or 2)Fashion Marketing and Merchandising and Retail Management. For more information and competition guidelines, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/passionforfashion.  Deadline is November 21, 2008.

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The International Culinary Schools at the Art Institutes is joining with the Food Network to offer a competition to select The Best Teen Chef.  Top winner earns a full tuition scholarship to one of the more than 30 Art Institutes offering culinary programs.  Other scholarships are also offered for finalists.  For more information, visit www.artInstitutes.edu/BTC.  The first deadline is February 6, 2009.

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Art Poster Design Competition at the Art Institutes – earn a tuition scholarship to one of the Arts Institutes programs to study graphic design. Interested students design a poster incorporating the theme, “Life is Better with Art in It.”  For more information, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/poster.  Deadline is February 6, 2009.

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UT-Chattanooga – Students interested in being considered for scholarships at UT-C must submit their UTC admission applications, application fees, official transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores by the February 1 deadline.  Initial awarding of scholarships will begin in December so students are encouraged to apply early.  Visit www.utc.edu/financialaid for more information on scholarships available.

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Tennessee Tech University – Students interested in applying for scholarships must complete their admissions application, then use their newly created user name and PIN number to apply for scholarships on ScholarWeb at www.tntech.edu/scholarships.  This online application allows students to complete only one application for the many scholarships that TTU offers.  Some departments require additional supporting documentation for scholarship consideration. These departmental checklists are located at http://www.tntech.edu/scholarships/checklists/index.html. The deadline to apply for scholarships is December 15, 2008.

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AXA Foundation – offers $10,000 and $15,000 scholarships to students who set and reach ambitious goals, demonstrate drive, determination and ability to succeed in college and who have respect for self, family and community.  To download an application, go to www.axa-achievement.com.

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Sewanee: The University of the South – students interested in being considered for merit scholarships should submit their application for admission and their application for merit scholarships by December 9, 2008.  More information can be found at http://admission.sewanee.edu/finaid.

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NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation – scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 offered to students who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and initiative by starting his/her own business or participating in organizations such as DECA, Junior Achievement, FBLA, FFA, NFTE, etc.  Students may apply from October 15-December 15, 2008. Additional information and applications are found at www.NFIB.com/YEA. Students may also contact the scholarship manager at yef@nfib.org or 1-800-552-6342.  Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office also has additional information about the application process.

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Wendy’s High School Heisman – student-athletes from the class of 2009 who work hard, are dedicated, and have become role models for younger students are encouraged to enter the competition for the 2008 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. More information and applications are available at www.wendysheisman.com. Eligible students must have a 3.0 G.P.A. and participate in at least one of the 32 school-sponsored sports.  Deadline is October 1, 2008.

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Vanderbilt University – awards 300 merit-based scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment and intellectual promise. These students represent the top 2% of all freshman applicants to Vanderbilt.  For more information on the various scholarships visit www.vanderbilt.edu/scholarships/  The first deadline for these competitive scholarships is December 1, 2008.

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University of Virginia – Jefferson Scholars Foundation seeks high school seniors who possess exceptional ability in leadership and scholarship and who show promise of making a significant contribution to the University community and to society at large.  This scholarship opportunity will cover the full cost of attending UVA.  Interested students should notify their counselor or Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office as well as return a Senior Data Sheet before October 6.  More information can be found at www.jeffersonscholars.org.

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Southern Methodist University – Hunt Leadership Scholars: an award for full  tuition and fees at SMU recognizes students with profound leadership gifts who are interested in developing their leadership skills further and enriching the SMU community and beyond. Eligibility criteria include demonstrated leadership, completion of an application for admission, submission of an essay, rank in top 25% of high school class, and 1230 SAT (CR&M) or ACT 28.  For more information, visit www.smu.edu/hunt   Deadline is January 15, 2009.

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Burger King Scholars - $1,000 Scholarships offered to eligible seniors.  Applicants must have maintained a 2.5 G.P.A., work part-time an average of 15 hours per week or 40 weeks per year, be actively involved in community service activities, demonstrate financial need, and plan to enroll in an accredited two/or four-year college, university, or vocational/technical school by Fall of the application year.  For applications and more information, visit www.bk.com/scholars.   Deadline is February 2, 2009.

 University of South Carolina – several scholarships available for students with excellent high school grades and approximately 1250 SAT/28ACT.  Students interested in applying for the South Carolina Honors College or the Top Scholars awards, must complete the entire application for admission, including the green Honors/Scholar section by November 15, 2008.  For more information and to apply, visit www.sc.edu/admissions.  

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Middle Tennessee State University – Buchanan Fellows Program:  The Honors College’s most prestigious scholarship, which provides full tuition and benefits, does require a separate application and an essay. Interested students should go to http://honors.web.mtsu.edu/buchanan_fellows.htm. December 1 deadline. 

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Middle Tennessee State University - For information about a wide range of scholarships offered at MTSU, visit the Scholarship Office website at http://scholarships.web.mtsu.edu/incomingfreshman.htm. Priority consideration for many scholarships offered will be given to students who apply for admission and submit test scores and transcripts by December 1, 2008.

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Davidson College’s John Montgomery Belk Scholarship – Davidson College offers up to ten scholarships to students of “demonstrated outstanding intellectual, personal achievement and significant leadership ability.”  BHS may nominate one student.  More information can be found at belkscholarship@davidson.edu. If you want to be considered for BHS’s nomination, see your counselor by October 27 and bring a Senior Data Sheet.  Students may also be considered for the Belk Scholarship by applying for admission by January 2, 2009.

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 Erskine College Presidential Scholarship – covers tuition, room, board and fees, minus any state, federal and outside scholarships or grants.  More information and applications are available in the guidance office. Deadline is November 1, 2008.

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Jim Varney Scholarship – students interested in attending UCLA to study theatre or drama may apply for this scholarship.  Application for admission must be completed by October 31, 2008.  For more information, visit www.UCLA.edu and search “Varney Scholarship.”    Scholarship deadline is March 1, 2009.

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Tennessee Concrete Association – Essay contest is open to students ages 16-18.  There are various essay topics on the benefits of concrete. Winners may win awards of $100-$5000.  For more details see the poster on the guidance office bulletin board or see Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office.  Deadline is December 1, 2008.

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Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program – BHS may nominate one student for this scholarship.  Students wishing to be considered should notify his/her counselor before November 1, 2008 and return a Senior Data Sheet.  Qualifications for the scholarship include  leadership skills, a strong commitment to and involvement in community service, and a GPA of 2.8.

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McKelvey Foundation – up to $10,000 scholarship offered to high school seniors who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating their own business while in high school.  Apply online at www.mckelveyfoundation.org and click on the Entrepreneurial Scholarship section. Deadline is January 25, 2009. Check out the scholarship criteria online before applying.

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Covenant College’s Middle Tennessee Wilberforce Scholarship – offered to a Middle Tennessee student with a 3.0 GPA, New SAT of 1650 (or 1120 with CR and Math only), or 24 ACT.  Applicants should show leadership in athletics, student government, church or civic organization, and demonstrate Christian character and commitment in dealing with an obstacle or injustice.  Deadline is December 1. Application can be found at www.covenant.edu/scholarships.

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American Legion Oratorical Scholarship – aims to help junior high or high school students develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States while developing leadership qualities and the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently.  For more information on the scholarship program, look at www.legion.org or contact the Local American Legion post.

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American Legion’s “Need a Lift?” – guidance office has a copy of the 152-page book which contains extensive information on scholarships for veteran’s dependents.  See Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office.

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The University of Memphis – scholarships are awarded based on information submitted on the admissions application.  A separate scholarship application is not required for most scholarships.  Visit www.enrollment.memphis.edu/scholarships for more information.  The priority deadline for scholarship consideration is March 1. A few scholarships have earlier deadlines.  Early application is strongly encouraged as awards are limited.

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Boston University – offers several merit scholarships for students with strong academic and  leadership ability. Visit www.bu.edu/admissions/scholarships for specific information on application procedures, recommendation forms, essay materials, and deadlines.  Three of their scholarships require that students submit their BU application and additional materials by December 1, 2008.

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Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel (for Juniors) – The purpose of the fellowships is to increase understanding and tolerance among the different Jewish denominations. Fully endowed fellowship program will take place in Israel from June 29 through August 5, 2009. Visit www.bronfman.org for more information.  Deadline is January 20, 2009.

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Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship – offers scholarships to Middle Tennessee students who are pursuing a career in business or have demonstrated entrepreneurial interests or leadership.  Awards range in amount based on applicants’ need and merit.  Students may apply at www.applyists.net.  The access key is SFFS and the deadline is December 15, 2008.

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Army ROTC Scholarship at MTSU – eligibility requirements include: 2.5 G.P.A., 19 on ACT, meet physical requirements and agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on active duty OR in a reserve component. For more information, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/arotc1/  Apply online at www.armyrotc.com.  For more information contact cgiles@mtsu.edu. It is best to apply during the summer prior to senior year, but students may apply until January.

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Deep Springs College – this very small two-year honors college offers a unique education to fifty male students interested in a program that blends traditional academics with labor and self-governance. The school was founded to “train young men for lives of service to humanity.”  One of the most selective colleges in the country, the average SAT score of the students is 2300.  Accepted students will receive full tuition, room and board.  For more information, visit www.deepsrpings.edu. Application deadline is November 15, 2008.

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