Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

Eligibility for the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program.

There are two popular HOPE Lottery Scholarship programs available to eligible Williamson County students  (1)  The Tennessee Hope Scholarship and (2) the General Assembly Merit Scholarship..

To become eligible for both the Tennessee Hope Scholarship and General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS), a student’s GPA will be configured using the Tennessee Uniform Grading Policy (TN UGPA), as mandated by the Tennessee Board of Education. The TN UGPA will be different than the WCS GPA and will frequently be lower than the WCS GPA.  The TN UGPA does not appear on the WCS transcript.  Students using the TN UGPA to qualify for the TN Lottery scholarship should contact their school counselor.

To read the exact eligibility requirements, click here.

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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 (Listed by Deadlines)

Click here to see a list of All Available Scholarships

Click here to see the most Recently Added Scholarships

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

Discouraged? Don’t see your colleges of interest listed here? Most colleges DO have scholarships.  Be sure to visit the colleges’ websites, go to their scholarships and/or financial aid page, and determine eligibility requirements, deadlines and application procedures.  This is the most important thing that you can do in researching scholarships.  DON’T DELAY, as deadlines for scholarships are sometimes earlier than the admission application deadlines. 

Juniors and Seniors: The TN Department of Education is accepting applications for the United States Senate Youth Program for 2009-2010. Two selected Juniors or Seniors from Tennessee will participate in activities in Washington, D.C. during the week of March 6-13, 2010. 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  complete an application, write essays and 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.

See Ms. Lesesne if you have questions about your eligibility. If interested in being considered, applications are available online at http://tn.gov/education/ci/senate_youth/doc/sen_youth_app.pdf. Applications should be returned to Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office by Wednesday, September 23, 2009.  The current events test will be administered to applicants on September 30, 2009 in the high school guidance office.

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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 Ms. Lesesne or their counselor by September 9^th if interested in being nominated for this scholarship. Students must return a Senior Data Sheet and an Interest Form to Ms. Lesesne by this date as well.  BHS may nominate three students for this scholarship.

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Senior students interested in being considered for BHS’s nomination for the Morehead-Cain Foundation Scholarship  at UNC-CH should see their counselor or Ms. Lesesne immediately to pick up the Preliminary Application Form, then return the form no later than Wednesday, September 9 to Ms. Lesesne. 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. For more information about the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program, visit www.moreheadcain.org.

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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 September 30, (return interest form and Senior Data Sheet).   BHS nominees will need to complete all application materials before November 1, 2009.

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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 or Ms. Lesesne if interested before September 30.

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Wendy’s High School Heisman – student-athletes from the class of 2010 who work hard, are dedicated, and have become role models for younger students are encouraged to enter the competition for the 2009 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.  More information and applications are available at www.wendysheisman.com. Eligible students must have a “B” average and participate in at least one school-sponsored sport.  Deadline is October 1, 2009 at 5pm, Central Time.

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Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program – For eligibility requirements and award details for several scholarship programs, visit www.CollegePaysTN.com.  For Lottery Scholarship Eligibility Requirement Sheet (at a glance) , go to http://www.tn.gov/CollegePays/mon_college/sch_app_pdfs/ScholarshipData2009.pdf

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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 by the Early Action deadline of November 1, 2009. 

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The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards offers a $1,000 scholarship for a student in grades 9-12 who participated in a volunteer activity during the past 12 months.  Students who have taken part in community service activities over the past year are encouraged to fill out an online application form at http://spirit.prudential.com (access key: spirit).  Once the form has been completed online, it must be printed out, signed and submitted to Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office before October 28, 2009.  BHS must select one applicant to compete for state and national honors.

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The Tennessee Economic Council on Women – offers $1,000 scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership and community service.  Information and applications can be found at  http://www.womenseconomicfoundation.org/.  Deadline is September 14, 2009.

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AES Engineering Services - $500 scholarships are awarded based on character. Essay is required. Deadline is October 6, 2009. For more information and to apply, go to http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm.

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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – required by colleges for need-based 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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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, 2009.

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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.  To be considered a priority applicant for all University of Tennessee scholarships, including the Chancellor's 4-year scholarships, all entering freshman must submit both the Entering Freshman Scholarship Application and the UT Admissions Application with all supporting documentation, postmarked by no later than November 1 the senior year in high school. All applications received by no later than December 1 will be reviewed for all university scholarships (general, college & departmental), excluding the Chancellor's and the McClanahan Scholarships.

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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, 2010 deadline.  For more information on scholarship opportunities, see www.utc.edu.

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Tennessee Tech University Scholarships – visit www.tntech.edu/scholarships for details on many  school and department scholarships.  December 15, 2009 is the deadline for applying for scholarships at TTU. 

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Haslam Scholarship at UT-Knoxville – Students interested in applying for this competitive scholarship must complete the Scholarship  Application and Admissions Application by November 1. Students must also schedule a personal interview with Steven Dandaneau prior to November 1, by calling or emailing:  honors@utk.edu, or 865-974-7875.  Haslam Scholars are guaranteed a UT scholarship valued at $15,000 per year. For more information, visit the Haslam Scholars web site – http://honors.utk.edu/haslam.html.

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Thomas Wolfe Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill – provides a full scholarship to a student writer. More information on procedures and specific requirements for application, visit  http://english.unc.edu/creative/tws  Deadline is November 2, 2009.

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QuestBridge – helps  high-achieving, low-income students  to access top-ranked colleges and universities.  Qualified students may earn up to $40,000 per year in tuition and $15,000 for room and board.  For more information, visit www.questbridge.org.  The National College Match application is due on September 30, 2009.

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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.  Students interested in being considered for BHS’s one nominee for this scholarship should return a  Senior Data Sheet and Interest Form to Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office by September 23.  More information on this scholarship program can be found at www.jeffersonscholars.org.

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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.  Students interested in being nominated should email Ms. Lesesne immediately (before 9/18)  as the deadline is VERY soon. 

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Boston University: Trustee Scholarships and others – 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.  Some of their scholarships require that students submit their BU application and additional materials by December 1, 2009.

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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 (To find your local Lodge #72, go to www.elks.org/lodges). Applicants may also mail application to: 485 Oak Meadow Drive, Franklin, TN 37064)  Note that in addition to the national program, the local lodge gives six $2,000 scholarships to 3 male students and 3 female students.   Deadline is November 2, 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 for a minimum of 10 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 more information and application procedures, visit http://e2ma.net/go/2382453344/2165293/81255320/21322/goto:http://files.e2ma.net/21322/assets/docs/bks_flyer.pdf. Deadline is February 2, 2009.

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Davidson College’s John Montgomery Belk Scholarship – Davidson College offers up to five Belk scholarships to students who have “demonstrated outstanding intellectual and 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, return a Senior Data Sheet and interest form to Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office by October 21.  Davidson College Office of Admission may also nominate candidates based on the strength of the student’s application for admission.

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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, 2009.

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Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program – BHS may nominate one student to apply for this $1,000 scholarship.  Students wishing to be considered should return a scholarship interest form (available in the Guidance Office) and Senior Data Sheet to Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office before October 28, 2009.  Qualifications for the scholarship include  leadership abilities, a strong commitment to and involvement in community service, and a GPA of 2.8.

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Randolph College – students interested in being nominated for their Presidential Scholars Program should see their counselor or Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office.  For more information on the college and scholarship details visit www.randolphcollege.edu. Deadline for nominations is November 1, 2009.

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National Commission for Cooperative Education sponsors 170 $6,000 merit scholarships for students who plan to participate in college cooperative education at one of their Partner Colleges and Universities. (Drexel, Johnson and Wales, Kettering,  Pace, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.)  Applications and additional information are available at www.co-op.edu. Deadline is  February 15, 2010. Students may learn more about the value and benefits of college cooperative education by coming to the guidance office to read from the 2009-2010 Edition of The Best of Co-op: A Guide to the Best Co-Op Colleges and Employers.  If interested, see Ms. Lesesne.

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Ball State University: Theatre and Dance Auditions – Fine arts scholarships of $4,000-$30,000 over four years are available on a talent basis in all areas of theatre, musical theatre, and dance.  Auditions held November 14, February 13, and February 27.  For information on audition guidelines, program details, deadlines and application procedures visit www.bsu.edu/theatre/auditions. 

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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.  Applicants must be US citizens on the day that the application is signed. It is not necessary to be related to a member of the Elks.  For more information and applications, go to www.elks.org.   Note that scholarships must be returned to the local Elks Lodge (See website: http://elks72.org)  by  November 2, 2009. Last year four Williamson County students received Elks scholarships.

Mensa Education and Research Foundation Essay Contest – several scholarship opportunities for students interested in a wide variety of career fields.   Awards range from $300-$1,000.  Applications and guidelines available at www.mensafoundation.org/scholarships/.  Awards are made on the basis of an essay of no more than 550 words that describes the applicant’s career, vocational, or academic goals.  It is NOT necessary that the applicant be a member of Mensa.  Essays and applications must be submitted by January 15, 2010.  There is a separate application (with essay) to be considered for an American Mensa Member Award, which does require membership in Mensa.  Applications are available on the same website.

University of Miami’s George W. Jenkins Scholarship Program – scholarship valued at over $200,000 over four years.  Nominated students should demonstrate that they have overcome significant adversity, as well as achieving academic excellence in spite of this adversity.  Nominated students should also demonstrate high financial need through the FAFSA.  Students interested in being nominated for this scholarship should see Ms. Lesesne in the guidance office by November 15.

UT Dallas’s Eugene McDermott Scholars Program – will select 16-20 students on the basis of  their academic, service, and leadership achievements.  Applicants should have SAT/ACT scores at or above the 97^th percentile and be in the top 5% of their class.  Award is valued at more than $130,000.   For more information about the opportunities available and the application materials visit www.utdallas.edu/mcdermott.   The first deadline is November 1, 2009.

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 15, 2010.

Roanoke College Scholars Program – several generous scholarships are available for students excelling in academic and leadership ability.  Go to www.roanoke.edu/scholars for more information and for application procedures.  Scholarship application deadline is January 8, 2010 for the spring competitions.

Princeton Prize in Race Relations – seeks to honor students in grades 9-12 who are doing outstanding work in their schools or communities to advance the cause of race relations.  Students may apply for a $1000 cash award as well as an all-expense paid trip to Princeton University to attend the Princeton Prize Symposium on Race in the Spring of 2010.  Applications may be downloaded from www.princeton.edu/PrincetonPrize.  Deadline is January 31, 2010.

Hays Memorial Scholarship, Hendrix College – a prestigious scholarship offered to exceptionally well-rounded student leaders. To be eligible students must have a 3.6 GPA and score a minimum of 32 on ACT or 1410 on SAT.   Interested students should see their counselor to nominate them before the deadline of November 13, 2009.

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 November 30, 2009.

The Bootstraps Foundation – offers an award to students who demonstrate effort and will to succeed in the face of adversity.  BHS is able to nominate one student for this award.  Students interested in receiving this nomination should return the following to Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance office by January 17, 2010:  Senior Data Sheet and a paragraph stating why you feel that you qualify for this award. 

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; must be a citizen/legal permanent resident or national of U.S.;  required G.P.A. of 3.3.  For more details on eligibility and process for applications, visit www.gmsp.org or see your counselor.  Deadline: January 11, 2010.

KFC Colonel’s Scholars  Program – a program dedicated to assisting students with financial need who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a public institution within their legal state of residence.  GPA of 2.75 is required.  Students may complete their application online at www.kfcscholars.org.  Applications will be available from December 1, 2009 through February 10, 2010. 

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 20, 2009.

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 5, 2010.

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 March 1, 2010.

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 are encouraged to mention any endeavors or work experiences offered as community service.  Students may apply from October 31 - December 31, 20089. Additional information and applications are found at www.NFIB.com/YEA. Students may also email questions to contactus@applyists.com.  

Gamma Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity -  offers two $2,000 scholarships to students in the Nashville Metropolitan Area.  See Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office for an application.  Students are required to write a 250 word essay on the topic, “How has President Obama influenced your career goals and aspirations?”   Deadline February 1, 2010.

University of Michigan’s Geisinger Scholarships – offered to out of state students from selected geographic areas enrolled in the College of Engineering.  For scholarship applications or more info, visit http://www.engin.umich.edu/students/scholarships/New_Students.html.   Deadline is January 15, 2010 at 5pm.

Elks Legacy Award scholarships are available for students who are  children or grandchildren of an active Elk member.  Applications are available at http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/legacy.cfm.

Predators Foundation – Jack Diller Education Award:  BHS may nominate two female and two male students to compete for four $2,500 awards, given to Middle Tennessee students. Student applicants must “display leadership qualities in the classroom and/or inspirational qualities on the athletic field, have a 3.0 average (grades 10-12), and demonstrate the value of education, good work ethic and community outreach.” If interested in being BHS’s nominee, please write a statement  explaining why you believe you are a deserving candidate. Take into consideration academic achievement, athletic success and community involvement when writing your statement.   Turn in statement and your Senior Data Sheet to Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office by January 6, 2010.

ETSU Scholarships – students may find a variety of scholarships at www.etsu.edu/scholarships. The scholarship application should be submitted on line.  Scholarship deadlines vary (from December – March), but some guaranteed scholarships require application for admission to be completed by December 15^th.  Students will find more information on Honors Scholars Program, Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program, General Scholarships, and Competitive Scholarships at this same website.

Nashville Sports Council Foundation – scholarship award of $2,500 will be offered to one male and one female student at the 12^th Annual O’Charley’s Dinner of Champions.  Criteria for selection includes athletic achievement, academic achievement (3.0 GPA), and community involvement. Nominations must come from the Principal, counselor, and/or athletic director.  Students wishing to be nominated should pick up an application and instructions from Ms. Lesesne in the Guidance Office immediately as the deadline is December 4, 2009.

Washington Crossing Foundation – students interested in a career in government service  may apply to win  $500 to $5,000 scholarships .  Interested students will find application instructions at www.gwcf.org. Students will be asked to write an essay stating “why he or she plans a career in government service including any inspiration to be derived from the leadership of George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware”. Applications must be received by January 15, 2010.

BigSun Scholarship – a $500 scholarship is given to a deserving scholar athlete.  Go to http://www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply.  Deadline is June 24, 2010.

The Ned McWherter Scholars Program is offering a scholarship program for high school seniors who 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.)  Awards are very competitive and are based on limited funding. TSAC must receive the completed application and required attachments by the February 15, 2010 deadline.

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 a 1090 on the SAT’s Critical Reading and Math score).  Students are randomly selected for this scholarship. More information and applications are available at www.collegepaystn.com  (then, click on Scholarships link.)   Students attending in-state or out-of-state colleges are eligible to receive this award.  TSAC must receive the completed application by the March 1, 2010 deadline.