Counselor's Blog
Stay up to date on all the latest news. Check back often for updated College Scholarship Opportunities, Application Deadlines & helpful information.
Spring 2026
The 2026-2027 FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open! This is ahead of the scheduled October 1st opening and is the earliest launch in FAFSA history.
As a reminder, the Indiana state FAFSA deadline is April 15!
The Mitchell Sterling Foundation is proud to award annual scholarships to select Indiana high school seniors who embody Mitchell’s spirit of leadership, kindness, and responsibility behind the wheel. These scholarships recognize students who are committed to promoting safe driving habits and preventing distracted driving among their peers.
This is more than a financial award — it's an invitation to carry Mitchell’s legacy forward as a Safe Driving Ambassador in your school and community.
In 2026, must be an Indiana high school senior.
Must plan to attend a four-year College or University or a two-year Vocational/Trade Program.
Must hold a 3.4 Cumulative GPA or higher, and participate in extracurricular activities.
Must demonstrate character, leadership, and community involvement.
Must complete the application, a personal essay, and provide a letter of recommendation.
Three recipients will receive a $3000 scholarship in May 2026. Winners will be announced on the website on May 1, 2026.
Complete application, including signing the Two Eyes Two Hands pledge
Write your essay using prompt on application
Submit application, essay, and a letter of recommendation to the email below
info@mitchellsterling.org
April 15, 2026
The Indiana Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Academy is a partnership between the Indiana Troopers Youth Services and The American Legion, Dept. of Indiana. The academy provides first-hand experiences and insight into the operations of law enforcement agencies and also affords these highly motivated young people an opportunity to consider law enforcement as a potential career choice.
“If this program changes one life, keeps one at-risk youth off the streets and out of a body bag if it redirects one Hoosier youth life from negative to positive, we believe it’s worth it,” said committee member Mark Gullion.
Registration is open to boys and girls currently in grades 9 thru 12. The cost to attend camp is $400 per Cadet, however, the cadet only has to pay $50, as $350 of this fee is covered by The American Legion, Department of Indiana posts. Participants must have transportation to and from camp, which is held at Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana.
“The American Legion believes that our youth have a strong sense of patriotism and a high regard for Law and Order, said Gullion. “The objective of IYCLEA Camp is to provide a first-hand look at the role of a police officer in today’s society.”
Program takes place on June 21-27, 2026 at Anderson University.
For more registration information contact Sgt. Tumey at 317-951-3882 with the Indiana State Police. For more program information contact Wendy McGinness at 317-630-1301.
Sunday, July 5–Saturday, July 11, 2026
Indiana University Bloomington's Precollege Academy gives rising high school seniors a chance to experience life on a college campus and gives them tools to help with the college search and application process. Preference is given to first-generation and low-income students.
This exclusive event will take place on the IU Bloomington campus where students will stay in a residence hall, meet with faculty members to learn how their interests can match with majors and careers, and connect with other students heading into their senior year. During the program, they'll participate in workshops on identity, campus culture, and college and career readiness, and have a chance to ask all their questions. They'll also leave with a ready-to-submit college application essay.
We have sent out invitations to your student(s) and we hope they will consider this opportunity. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and must be able to attend the entire week-long program. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited.
Applications are due on April 15, and students will be notified via email if a spot is open for them by May 15.
This year’s competition features an OPEN theme, meaning you are free to create and submit artwork in any medium. Whether it’s sculpture, painting, drawing, digital art, ceramics, installation, photography, or mixed media, we want to see your creativity.
Your artwork can express whatever is meaningful to you: rediscovering old passions, reconnecting with loved ones, reclaiming traditions, or even reimagining the future.
Categories include:
• 2D Art (painting, drawing, digital art, mixed media)
• 3D Art (sculpture, installation, ceramics)
• Photography (analog or digital)
Eligibility:
Open to all high school students in Grades 9–12.
Submission Requirements:
• No specific theme required
• Include a 100–200-word artist statement explaining your artistic decisions
• Artwork must be original and created during the competition period, during the last year
• A completed entry form must be submitted
• If accepted, artwork must be ready to hang (wired or with proper hanging system)
Judging Criteria:
Creativity and originality, artistic skill and craftsmanship, and emotional impact.
Prizes:
First Place: $1,000 Scholarship to Ivy Tech Community College
Second Place: $500 Scholarship to Ivy Tech Community College
Third Place: $250 Scholarship to Ivy Tech Community College
The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer your rising seniors (current juniors) the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)—a rigorous five-day, overnight immersion led entirely by current West Point cadets.
SLE offers an authentic look at cadet life and challenges students academically, militarily, physically, and socially. Participants will experience:
Hands-on academic workshops: Choose from 17 sessions taught by West Point faculty.
Physical and military training: Army PT workouts, obstacle courses (indoor and outdoor), the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), and more.
Leadership and character development: Team-building exercises, the Leader Reaction Course, ethics discussions, and cadet-led activities.
Check out the SLE 2025 VIDEO to learn more about the experience.
Students can choose between three SLE sessions:
Session 1: May 30 – June 3
Session 2: June 5 – June 9
Session 3: June 11 – June 15
Applications for SLE open on February 15, and selections will be made on a rolling basis starting March 15. When high school students submit this application, it also completes the first part of the West Point application process. Ideal candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, leadership within their community, and a readiness to take on physical challenges.
West Point provides scholarships to cover the $495 SLE fee and travel expenses for students with documented financial need.
Learn more here: West Point Summer Leaders Experience
Apply to SLE: SLE Application
Deadline is April 1st, 2026! Eligible applicants must be graduating from high school or have graduated from high school within the last five years, and they must have plans to complete higher education in a hospital, medical or healthcare-related field.
Applicants can be residents of Harrison and Crawford counties in Indiana or Meade County, Ky. Applicants must include a letter of intent, a copy of their high school transcript, a letter of recommendation and verification of acceptance from their chosen college or university.
$1,500 Scholarship available to graduating seniors who are members of Harrison REMC. Scholarship recipients will be selected by a committee made up of Harrison REMC employees and directors. Selection will be based on SAT or ACT scores, essay and overall scholastic achievement. Winners will be notified by the REMC.
Every summer, Lipscomb University offers an early admission, on-campus program for rising seniors called Summer Scholars. Students have the opportunity to choose a college course that interests them, explore Nashville through Lipscomb’s local connections, and earn three hours of college credit in just eight days!
To be eligible, students must have a 3.0 GPA and one of the following official test scores. If applying as test-optional, students must have a 3.5 GPA.
24+ ACT
1160+ SAT
79+ CLT
Participating students will earn three transferable college credit hours and guaranteed admission to Lipscomb.
Deadline to apply is April 15th!
Hockensmith Scholarship
IUS Scholarship
Ivy Tech Scholarship
Purdue Scholarship
Senior students can apply right now for the Army ROTC National Scholarship. It's a great way for students to attend college, pay for it, and grow as a leader.
There's still time for them to apply for the scholarship. Students have until March 4th to create an account and March 16th to finish the application. Attached is a flyer with more information on how to apply.
The scholarship covers 100% tuition and fees for 3 or 4 years. In addition to the tuition scholarship, at WKU, they can also receive the room and board incentive (that's another $9,000+ per year).
Here is a little more information about our program. WKU has one of the top ROTC programs in the nation with a tradition of building great leaders and Army officers. Our program takes pride in helping students reach their full potential. We provide outstanding cadre support, mentorship, and excellent physical and mental training both inside and outside the classroom. Our goal in ROTC is to develop leaders and commission Officers in the United States Army. Students take 1 ROTC leadership class per semester while perusing any degree at WKU.
Why WKU Army ROTC?
$9,000+ Room & Meal Incentive for ROTC scholarship recipients
Chinese Flagship Program — federally funded pathway to advanced language proficiency & global career opportunities
#1 in Kentucky for Cadet Summer Training (CST) Advanced Camp performance
1st Place Winners at the Mogadishu Mile competition out of 55 teams
100+ Years of training Army leaders
Personalized Cadre Support & Mentorship
100 Cadets / 40+ Majors — one of the most academically diverse battalions in the region
Military Friendly Campus — ranked #1 Best for Vets
Even if they're not selected for a national scholarship, students can still join WKU ROTC by enrolling in MIL 101, and they remain eligible to compete for campus-based scholarships once they're here.
Check out our program here:
Eligibility requirements:
Must be currently enrolled as a high school senior and graduating in 2026.
Must be pursing an undergraduate degree or certification at an accredited college, university, or technical/trade school during the 2026 academic year.
Enrolled in full or part-time classes at an accredited college, university, or technical/trade school for the fall 2026 semester.
Applicant or the applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be a Member of Centra Credit Union with an active Centra account in good standing, as evidenced in recent transactions shown in account.
This spring open house is designed to introduce your students to the college search and application process while also giving them a firsthand look at life at Centre. Visitors will hear from current Centre students about their experiences, learn from our Admission staff about the application process, scholarships, and financial aid, and enjoy a tour of our academic and athletic facilities.
Students have the opportunity to eat, sleep, and learn on campus, just like Hanover College students. Students may choose from 10 different institutes, taught by College faculty. Topics include healthcare, teaching, engineering, and more.
The Tony Bennett Memorial Foundation Scholarship will be given to a CAI graduating senior who has overcome an adversity, (such as the loss of a loved one) while achieving at a level necessary to pursue a post-secondary opportunity. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to one student. Applications can be found below and are also available at https://www.tonybennettmemorialfoundation.org/scholarship.html
Please submit your applications to Kevin Wilson by April 2, 2026
In 2018, alumnus Michael Bloomberg's landmark $1.8 billion gift to Johns Hopkins University established one of the most competitive undergraduate financial aid programs in the country, enabling us to eliminate student loans from our financial aid offers and meet 100% of demonstrated need for all students.
Building on what was already a premier financial aid program, we are providing students from low- and middle-income families with a new tuition promise program. As a part of this change, we are simplifying our approach to make it easier for students and families to understand exactly what they’ll pay to attend Hopkins.
New Financial Aid Structure
Starting this spring, our undergraduate financial aid program will offer:
Free tuition for families earning up to $200,000.
Free tuition + living expenses for families earning up to $100,000, allowing students from these families to attend Hopkins with a $0 parent contribution.
Families earning above $200,000 continue to qualify for substantial financial aid. Even those with annual incomes exceeding $250,000 may qualify, especially when there are multiple children in college at the same time. The financial aid website includes FAQs and detailed information on the new program.
Our Continued Commitment
We remain steadfast in our belief that finances shouldn’t be a barrier to attending Hopkins and fully participating in the experience. For all students, we continue to meet 100% of demonstrated need, debt-free.
Here’s what that means for your students:
100% need met: We work with families to determine what they can reasonably contribute toward college costs. Whatever they can’t cover, we cover debt-free.
Debt-free: We don’t expect families to take out student loans when they attend Hopkins. Instead, their financial aid offer is designed to cover their college costs with Hopkins scholarships—money they don’t have to pay back.
We’re also need-blind for domestic students, meaning their need for financial aid isn’t considered in our admissions process. Our decisions are based solely on their achievements and potential.
Financial Aid Resources
We encourage all students to apply for financial aid, even if they think they might not qualify. As you support your students through the college search process, here are a few financial aid resources that may help:
Estimate Your Costs: for a breakdown of typical costs by income band.
MyinTuition Quick Cost Estimator: for a personalized ballpark estimate of costs.
Net Price Calculator: for a more precise estimate of what a family might pay.
Cost Comparison Worksheet: for help comparing estimates across universities.
If you have questions or want to know more, I encourage you to connect with your regional admissions counselor. Your students can also contact their dedicated financial aid adviser.
Interested students should email WORKFORCEDEVELOPMENT@NORTONHEALTHCARE.ORG or call 502.446.5835
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is currently accepting applications for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, which provides up to $40,000 in financial aid to aspiring teachers.
“Many of us have a story about a great teacher who changed their lives for the better, and Indiana is eager to have more of these inspirational leaders in our classrooms,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship supports aspiring teachers by making college more affordable, so students can focus on their education and gain the knowledge and skills they need to make a lasting difference for Hoosier students.”
High-achieving high school and college students who plan to teach in Indiana for at least five years can receive up to $10,000 per year of college (up to $40,000 total) from the scholarship. Students must apply by February 28, 2026, via ScholarTrack.IN.gov.
To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet one of the following academic requirements:
Rank in the top 20% of their high school graduating class OR
Have a top 20th percentile score on the ACT (25) or SAT (1120) OR
Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Now in its tenth year, the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship aims to strengthen Indiana’s teacher pipeline. Nearly 90 percent of scholarship recipients from the inaugural cohort are still actively teaching in an Indiana classroom or continuing their education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, a record-breaking 1,091 students applied for the scholarship last year, a 15-percentage point increase from the previous year’s record-breaking number of 945 applicants.
To continue earning the scholarship while in college, students must annually file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), earn at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and complete at least 30 credit hours. Additionally, current college students who apply must be able to use the scholarship for at least two full academic years.
The Commission will notify applicants of their scholarship status via email in April 2026. Visit Learn More Indiana for more information and follow #NextTeacher on social media to stay updated on scholarship announcements.
Questions can be directed to NextTeacher@che.in.gov.
Save the Date for Equine Preview Day! On Friday, April 17, 2026 we will host a special, on-campus visit opportunity for high school students who are interested in further exploring the University of Louisville's College of Business Equine Industry Program! During the day, your students will attend a program information session and learn more about the admissions process, followed by a complimentary lunch and a student-led tour of campus. Students will also have the opportunity to visit historic Churchill Downs.
Equine Preview Day
Friday, April 17, 2026
9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.
Ivy Tech Army Enlisted Training Corps
Starting Oct. 27, the Army is slated to offer the Foundation of Military and Public Service course at no cost to Ivy Tech students enrolled at the Sellersburg and Columbus campuses. This three-credit-hour course, taught by accredited Army instructors, will cover five critical areas:
Benefits of military and public service
Military history
Military customs and courtesies
Physical fitness requirements
Ethical behavior and decision-making
Benefits for Dual Credit Students:
Students who successfully complete the Army’s ETC program and earn an associate degree from Ivy Tech Community College will be eligible to enlist in the U.S. Army at the advanced rank of specialist (or pay grade of E4). In addition to this potential enlistment benefit, participants will cultivate essential leadership, critical thinking, and management skills – equipping them for success in both military and civilian professional environments.
Also, this course can substitute for the mandatory foundation course, Ivy T Why, that many students require to complete their associates.
Below are some additional links for more information: