FAFSA and SCHOLARSHIPS +
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Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Learn about FAFSA here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
If you have questions about the application, FAFSA on the Web, or federal financial aid for students in general, call:
Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC)
800-4-FED-AID (433-3243) / TTY 800-730-8913
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time
Note: More financial aid links and an EFC calculator can be found on the "Applying to College" tab.
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Missouri's 529 Education Plan
A 529 savings plan is an investment account you can use for education savings.
Parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends can open a 529 savings plan. As the account owner, you will pick the investments, assign a beneficiary, and determine how the money is used. You can benefit from the state tax deduction if you are a Missouri resident. Learn more here: https://www.missourimost.org/
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Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
MSEP offers a discounted tuition rate with an average annual tuition savings of $7,000.
The program is volunteer-based with eight states and over 70 institutions in the Midwest choosing to participate.
Current states in the MSEP are Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
To learn basic information about MSEP visit: https://msep.mhec.org/
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MODHEWD: Journey to College
Journey to College helps students and parents in the state of Missouri plan and pay for college. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, Journey to College provides information about the college through publications, social media, and events. To learn more click here.
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Private Scholarship Opportunities for Juniors
KC Scholars Traditional Scholarship: https://kcscholars.org/traditional
Applications open from January 1 through February 26 of the junior year. You will need your tax information to apply and you will need to calculate your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) using the College Board EFC: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/paying-your-share/expected-family-contribution-calculator#.
Also, note the resources KC Scholars provides for job-seeking young adults. Go to the KC Scholars website and click on Great Jobs KC for more information.
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MO Bright Flight Scholarship
High-achieving students who meet eligibility based on ACT composite score can receive the MO Bright Flight Scholarship.
Click here to learn more.
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MO A+ Scholarship
Learn about the MO A+ Scholarship:
https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants/aplusscholarship.php.
Although this scholarship is awarded upon high school graduation, it is important to plan ahead. Students need to document their tutoring hours as well as stay on top of their GPA, and attendance, and take the ACT, earning a qualifying score in Math to secure this scholarship.
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My Scholarship Central
Learn about My Scholarship Central here: https://myscholarshipcentral.org/
One program is for families of freshmen who meet eligibility criteria can apply for scholarships to assist with college planning. Applications open on October 1 of the freshmen year.
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Going Merry Scholarship Tool
Create an account with Going Merry for tips on searching for local, state, and national college scholarships as well as suggestions for writing essays. Watch this YouTube to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFlhUMPcXEo
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College Board Opportunity Scholarships
College Board Opportunity Scholarships: https://pages.collegeboard.org/scholarship-opportunities-from-collegeboard The College Board offers scholarships to juniors and seniors for completing a series of college planning steps without requiring a minimum GPA, application, or essays.
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Elk's Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Look for information about the annual Elk's Scholarship (local and national) each fall.
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Heisman Scholar-Athlete Scholarship for Seniors
Student-athletes can apply at heismanscholarship.com.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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The Midwest Christian College Expo
The Midwest Christian College Expo is a free event held in February at the Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Road, KCMO 64114.
Over 60 Christian colleges across 15 states are typically represented. For more info call 816-524-4522.
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Christian Colleges
Follow these links to research a variety of Christian Colleges:
https://christianconnector.com/Christian-colleges-form-SS.cfm.
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Discover Grand Canyon University
Would you like to visit Grand Canyon University? Grand Canyon University offers the "fly-in" two-night program to discover GCU. The goal of the "fly-in" program is to be able to leave GCU with confidence in the direction you want your future to go in. The tour will include the opportunity to learn about your college of interest; identify what degree program you would like to pursue; gain in-depth program information; participate in hands-on activities; tour the campus, and meet current students in your college of interest.
For more information, please click here to visit the Grand Canyon University website.
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Historically Black Colleges and Universities
HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African-American community as well as the entire nation. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”
For more information, follow this link https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/
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Research-Based Evidence on the Importance of Sleep
How many hours of sleep is recommended for high school students? What happens to students when they pull an all-nighter? How does consistent good sleep affect mood and physical attributes such as reaction time and thinking skills? To read the research-based information on these questions, click here.