AHS Talent Development
Opportunities to Grow
Embedded Files
**The enrichment opportunities listed are provided for informational purposes only and are not sponsored nor supervised by Albemarle High School nor Albemarle County Public Schools. These programs may take place after school, on weekends, or during the summer. AHS/ACPS does not monitor or oversee students’ participation in these programs and is not responsible for the programs, their providers, or any related activities. Parents/guardians are responsible for determining whether an opportunity is appropriate for their student and are strongly encouraged to accompany or chaperone their student at these program. Families should independently review each opportunity, including its safety policies, supervision arrangements, and requirements, before participating.**
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2026 IADWW Poster.pdfLocal & Virginia Opportunities to Grow (for Students) Fall 2026
Local & Virginia Opportunities to Grow (for Students) Fall 2026
Virginia National Bank Finance Career and Leadership Academy
Virginia National Bank Finance Career and Leadership Academy
Virginia National Bank (VNB) is proud to announce that it is currently taking applications for its 2027 Finance Career and Leadership Academy (FCLA, Academy)!
The FCLA is an in-depth and challenging educational program that offers students in high school the training and skills necessary to understand and manage one’s personal finances, obtain employment and excel as a professional, AND potentially lay the groundwork for a promising career in the banking and finance industry. The Academy is open to high school juniors and seniors and is free to those that are accepted into the program.
The FCLA will be taught in-person with evening classes running from January 11 through June 4, 2027 (first class on Tuesday, January 12th), at Virginia National Bank’s Pantops office. The FCLA application deadline is Friday, November 20, 2026. Up to ten students will be accepted into the program. Upon completion of the Academy, high performing FCLA participants become candidates for VNB’s College Program.
We will be holding two free informational presentations for interested parents and students. The location, dates, and times for the presentations are listed below.
October 20th (T) or November 5th (Th) 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Virginia National Bank 404 People Place, Basement Level Charlottesville, VA 22911
Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited; therefore, an RSVP sent to events@vnb.com www.vnb.com/fcla
Library of Virginia--Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Student Contest
High school students in Virginia are invited to honor outstanding African Americans by participating in Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia’s Strong Men & Women in Virginia History student contest. This year’s contest is built around the inquiry process of project-based learning and is designed to hit grade-specific standards through a multidisciplinary approach. Students will use and develop creative and critical thinking skills as they clearly communicate contemporary issues that concern them. Finalists will receive an Apple MacBook Air and $1,000 for their schools. This year's deadline is November 15, 2026.
https://www.lva.virginia.gov/services/education/smw/contest
Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School Applications Now OPEN
Summer Residential Governor's School is a three week pre-college program for juniors and sophomores. ACPS pays the tuition (families are responsible for fees, low $$$) Students can attend programs in the following fields:
Academic: Humanities, Math Science & Technology, Agriculture
Mentorship: Health and Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Marine Science
Visual and Performing Arts: Visual Art, Instrumental, Voice, Dance, Theater
For students interested in pursuing the Governor's World Language Academy, the languages are:
Spanish
French
German
Latin
Introduction to Japanese
Please visit the Governor's School TAB at the top of this Page for information on how to apply.
Writer’s Eye Writing Contest—Fralin Gallery (at UVA)
Are you a writer who is INSPIRED by art? UVA's Fralin Gallery invites you to participate in Writer’s Eye, a literary competition organized by The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia. This ekphrastic writing competition challenges writers of all ages to create original poetry and prose inspired by works of art.
https://uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu/program/writers-eye
Lighthouse Studio: Learn the Art of Filmmaking
During summer and throughout the year, LightHouse studio holds workshops, camps and community events that give young people opportunities to build new and lasting skills in filmmaking. In addition to filmmaking and technical abilities our students learn soft skills: collaboration, communication, planning, citizenship, creativity, and empathy. Local--right here in Charlottesville! Adrenaline Film Project apply to compete by Oct 6!
Charlottesville/Albemarle 4H
https://sites.google.com/view/albemarlecharlottesville-4-h/home
Agriculture, Natural Resources, Leadership, Science/Technology/Engineering, Communication/Expressive Arts and so much more!
Be a high school DJ: WTJU Radio in Charlottesville
https://www.wtju.net/highschooldj/
Be a Page in the Virginia General Assembly
This long-running (since 1847) and popular program for Virginia youth (ages 13- and 14-years old) is held each winter at the historic Virginia State Capitol and General Assembly Building in Richmond, Virginia. The House Page Program equips students for actively engaged citizenship, focuses on the lawmaking process, and benefits participants (and our democracy) by strengthening leadership traits and developing workplace skills. A successful candidate possesses drive and self-initiative, is committed to listening to and working with others, and clearly demonstrates a positive attitude in all activities
On a typical workday (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM) each week, Page work assignments include delivering documents to officials throughout the Capitol, General Assembly Building and around Capitol Square; performing office errands on behalf of House Members and the Clerk’s Office; working in various staff sections within the Clerk’s Office; and completing an array of needed tasks to ensure the smooth running of daily House committee meetings and Floor sessions in the House Chamber in the Capitol. Pages are trained for these duties and responsibilities during their employment before Session starts.
Following the workday, Pages have two hours of “free time” (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) reserved for eating dinner at nearby restaurants or ordering from delivery services. A mandatory evening Study Hall is held at the hotel Monday through Thursday from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. During this time, certified teachers supervise the Pages and assist them, as needed, but these educators do not provide classroom instruction and do not administer or proctor testing. Prior to starting as a House Page and during its duration (7 weeks in odd-numbered years; 9 weeks in even-numbered years), Pages and their parents are responsible for arranging with their schools and teachers the preferred method of submitting completed school assignments and exams during this extended / excused absence. While at their daily work assignments, Pages remain under the supervision of the Page Program Coordinators and monitored by the Page Program Chaperones during evening hotel stays.
Apply by October 16.
https://publications.virginiageneralassembly.gov/display_publication/197
Strong Men and Women in Virginia History Student Contest
High school students have the opportunity to celebrate Black Americans throughout Virginia, and reflect on how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have impacted their educational journey, in Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia’s Men & Women in Virginia History student contest. This year’s contest is built around the inquiry process of project-based learning through a multidisciplinary approach. Finalists will receive an Apple MacBook Air and $1,000 for their schools. The deadline to enter is November 15. For additional details, visit the Library of Virginia's webpage.
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Student Poetry Contest
In coordination with Virginia Humanities, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia announces the launch of the Inaugural Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Student Poetry Contest. The competition invites elementary, middle, and high school students from across the Commonwealth to showcase their creativity, celebrate Virginia’s rich identity, and share their unique voices through poetry. Entries will be accepted through the submission portal through November 16.
Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences (Mentored Research Project)
Open to grades 7-12--students do mentored original research and present it at the symposium
Plant the Moon Challenge
The Plant the Moon Challenge, offered by the Institute of Competition Sciences through the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, invites middle- and high school students to explore what plants might be grown on the Moon through an engaging eight-week experiment beginning in February. Educator-led teams receive a challenge kit, stipend, virtual professional development, mentoring, enrichment activities, and resources. Apply by November 6.
Music Resource Center
As a nonprofit after-school program, the Music Resource Center provides unlimited voice, instrument, and dance lessons, practice space, mentorship, access to instruments and equipment, performance opportunities, summer camps, and recording studio time to 6th – 12th grade students.
https://musicresourcecenter.org/
Imagine a Day without Water Contest (Youth Art Contest)
design a poster for this contest sponsored by Charlottesville Soil and Water, VA
Grades 9-12, Due October 26
https://charlottesville.gov/500/Imagine-a-Day-without-Water
Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest sponsored by Hollins College
Sponsored by Hollins University, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest provides scholarships, prizes, and recognition for the best poems submitted by young women in their sophomore or junior year of high school.
https://www.hollins.edu/academics/pre-college-experiences-camps/nancy-thorp-poetry-contest/
Virginia Space Grant Programming
VESSS Virginia Earth System Science Scholars
Are you interested in science or engineering or NASA? The VESSS program begins with an online course—a free, 4 credit dual enrollment course through Virginia Peninsula Community College (potentially transferable to other colleges). If you complete and excel in the course, selected students will be invited to participate in a free 7-day SUMMER Academy at NASA-Langley Research Center. Open to Virginia high school Juniors and Seniors with a 2.7 GPA or higher.
Due: October 25
Virginia Space Coast Scholars
Attention 10th graders interested science, engineering, technology and NASA:
NASA/Virginia Space Coast Scholars has 2 parts–an online program (five modules) about current NASA missions by NASA Wallops Flight Facility (in Virginia) and…
Upon completion of the on-line program, top students may be invited to attend a FREE seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore (selection process is competitive).
https://vsgc.odu.edu/spacecoast/
Application DUE: October 25
Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
Attention 11th and 12th graders interested in science, engineering, technology, and NASA-
VASTS is a free program that allows high school juniors and seniors to:
1. take an online NASA-developed course. First, students learn about a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills
2. based on course performance, scholars may be selected to participate in an all-expense paid seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center (selection process is competitive)
Application DUE: October 25
Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is the most prestigious prize in student computer science (we are in the 5th Congressional district). Do you have an idea for an APP? Challenge is open to middle and high school students who code.
*We’ve had a former AHS student WIN, so get coding today!
Register Today! Competition Due: October 26
https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/
Albemarle High School STEAM Fair
Sign up here
National History Day/Virginia History Day Contest
Grades 9-12
Are you a historian? Do you love history class or the study of history? AHS has a NATIONALLY award-winning National History Day team and club. You can enter the contest as an individual entry by creating a documentary, exhibit, performance, website (individual or group) or paper (individual only). You can also enter as a team--groups may include two to five students.
Have an IDEA? Want to get started with your research?
Join the AHS National History Day Club on Fridays in Room 97H in the library or email Ms. H Newman TODAY. Hnewman@k12albemarle.org
Teen Leaders Club with Piedmont YMCA
The YMCA Teen Leaders Club is a program giving middle- and high-school-age teens opportunities to develop leadership skills, give back to their community through volunteer work, and have fun. Teens will strengthen skills centering on body, mind, and spirit. The year-long program includes volunteering, team-building, fitness, devotions, academic enrichment, and social events.
Once they have earned enough volunteer hours to qualify, participants also get to attend the Blue Ridge Leaders' School experience at the end of the year! Teens can be in Leader's Club for as many years as they'd like.
WHO: Teens in grades 6-12
WHEN: Weekly on Tuesdays 6:30pm-7:30pm, Starting September 8
WHERE: Brooks Family YMCA
https://piedmontymca.org/teen-leaders-club
c4K Clubhouse Charlottesville
Our members can take part either individually or as a group in a wide variety of STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Math activities in our makerspace in the Clubhouse, from virtual reality to audio and visual production. C4K does 1:1 mentoring, group events, and field trips. Check their website for eligibility.
Jefferson Madison Regional Library for Teens/Literary Magazine (Inkling) Submissions Open
Calling all writers and artists ages 11-18!
"inkling teen arts magazine"JMRL’s Teen Creative Arts Magazine (Teen Zine) gives all teens in the library’s service area the opportunity to share their talents and work together on a project showcasing a range of artistry. Meetings will occur monthly in a hybrid format.
Submission Guidelines:
Accepting Writing and 2D art
Open to ages 11-18
Author/artist must reside within JMRL service area
Submissions must be original in their entirety (please no AI)
Submit your own work only (no submitting on someone else’s behalf)
ONE submission per format (art & writing) per teen
Writing limit is 750 words or less and may receive light editing
Submitted electronically as a file type (PDF, PNG or JPEG)
Will not accept original art pieces (must be photo or scan)
Will not accept paper submissions
Join JMRL Teens! College professors at top tier universities are worried--because very few high school graduates are reading books independently (outside of school). They find themselves overwhelmed by the reading lists assigned by colleges and unprepared to keep up with the pace of learning. And these are at the top tier institutions of learning!
Did you know that reading can improve your writing as well as expand your vocabulary? WIN. Reading builds empathy and the ability to appreciate others' points of view. Heck, a great read, it can change your worldview.
Reading grows your brain. It can destress you and reduce anxiety. It can improve your focus and attention. Reading groups (like the ones at your local Jefferson Madison Regional public library) can connect you with other teens. If I could choose one thing that my students do to expand their minds--it would be reading. A lot. Daily. Be a reader.
Includes Book Clubs, Teen Advisory Board, Inkling Literary Magazine and more! What's your reading goal this year? Get to know your local library system--Jefferson Madison Regional Library. They are FREE and OPEN to the public. Ms. Newman is a reader--I am ALWAYS reading!
Opportunities to Grow
Opportunities to Grow
BEYOND the Classroom
BEYOND the Classroom
Even More Opportunities
Even More Opportunities
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Regeneron Science Talent Search
https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/
winner: $250,000
due November 5
WikiCommons Photos of Historical Places
Love photography and history? WikiCommons invites you to submit your photos of historical places. It comes with a $500 prize.
due Oct 31
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Monuments_2026_in_the_United_States
The New York Times Annual Student Contests
Ten challenges that invite teenagers to engage, experiment, reflect and create — via writing, photography, audio, video and more.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/30/learning/our-2026-27-student-contest-calendar.html
https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/d1d1bfebfceb6aee/fb746684-full.pdf
CSpan Student Cam Short Documentary Competition
StudentCam is C-SPAN's annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation. 2027 THEME: “Mr. Speaker, I Rise To…” Envision yourself as a newly-elected member of Congress and produce a documentary about the issue you would address in your first House floor speech. Grand Prize winners win $5000
The submission deadline is Jan 20
NaNoWriMo --National Novel Writing Month
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, empowering approach to creative writing. The challenge: draft an entire novel in just one month. Why do it? For 30 wild, exciting, surprising days, you get to silence your inner critic, let your imagination take over, and just create!
https://nanowrimo.org/national-novel-writing-month
Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award
The ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award (the “Award”) is granted annually to encourage talented young jazz composers during the earliest stages of their careers.
https://www.ascapfoundation.org/programs/awards/herb-alpert-composer
Classical Musicians…Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award X NPR From the Top Grant
The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is a one-time, need-based grant of up to $10,000 for classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers ages 8-18 who are full-time high school students and have not yet entered college. Due November
https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/
Critical Language Scholarship
The CLS Program provides opportunities for American college and university students to study languages and cultures essential to America's engagement with the world.
Each summer, American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities across the country, spend eight to ten weeks learning one of thirteen languages at an intensive study abroad institute. The CLS Program is run by the US State Department and is designed to promote rapid language gains and essential intercultural fluency in regions that are critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.
Applications will open soon and are due in November.
Concerto Competition sponsored by the Marines
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, in conjunction with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, is pleased to announce its Concerto Competition for High School Musicians is now open. All application materials are due by Nov. 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Late submissions will not be accepted. The winner will appear as a guest soloist with the Marine Band during the 2027 Spring concert season and receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Second and third-place winners will receive $1,000 and $500 scholarships respectively.
https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Educational/Concerto-Competition/
Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarship and Essay Contest
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student, the national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. The theme is: "What a Veteran Taught Me about America" Read the contest rules before writing your essay!
Due: October 31
https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships
Bennington College Young Writers Awards
The Young Writers Awards promotes excellence in writing at the high school level. Our goal with this competition is to recognize outstanding writing achievement by high school students.
Each year, students in the 9th-12th grades are invited to enter this fall. Prompt will open in September. They are also holding an August writing prompt each week to get you thinking!
https://www.bennington.edu/events/young-writers-awards
Ballotpedia Fellows Program
Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is recruiting students to join the Fall 2026 Ballotpedia Fellows Program editing team.
Fellows volunteer to contribute 5 to 10 hours of research per week, helping expand Ballotpedia’s coverage by researching candidates and adding key information, including endorsements, campaign themes, and contact details that will populate candidate profiles on Ballotpedia.org.
https://apply.workable.com/ballotpedia/j/0860BD77C5
Citizen Science--Projects and Ways to Get Involved from NASA
Join the scientific community by collecting data, analyzing results, and helping scientists solve real-world problems.
https://www.nasa.gov/get-involved/
Subscribe to the NASA Express Newsletter and never miss a Challenge (delivered every Thursday)
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-express
US Naval Academy Essay and Photography Contests
https://www.usni.org/essay-contests
Virginia Aviation Art Contest
The Virginia Department of Aviation offers the Virginia Aviation Art contest for students. The contest has a different aviation theme each year and is open to young people ages 6-17.
https://doav.virginia.gov/va-art-contest/
Virginia Aviation Photo Contest
The annual Virginia Aviation Photo contest takes place each year and offer photographers and pilots the opportunity to show off their best aircraft pictures. Aerial photos highlighting Virginia’s lovely scenic areas as seen from the sky may be entered. Photos taken with drones will also be accepted. Winning entries may be featured in DOAV’s annual aviation calendar and social media. Point of Contact: David Halstead david.halstead@doav.virginia.gov
https://doav.virginia.gov/va-photo-contest/
From the Top Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist (Musician) Award and Fellowship Program
https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/
The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is a one-time, non-renewable, need-based award of up to $10,000 given in conjunction with full participation in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship.
Each year, From the Top chooses approximately 20 pre-collegiate musicians ages 8-18 to receive the Award. The Award is given to driven and committed pre-collegiate musicians with financial need to help offset the often prohibitively expensive costs of studying classical music at a high level.
An application for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is also an application to From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship program. You do not need to complete two separate applications. See the “How To Apply” section below for more instructions.
Application is due mid-November for 2027 graduates.
VCU Pre-College Programs in Music
The VCUarts Department of Music regularly hosts workshops, camps and other programs for middle- and high-school students and their families. Programs happen year-round and include offerings for winds, brass, percussion, voice, piano, strings and more!
https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/music/pre-college-programs/
Smithsonian Magazine
https://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/categories/
Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards Grades 9-12
The nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in 28 different categories. Receive scholarships, cash awards, or tuition assistance by participating in the Awards!
Earth Science Week Contests sponsored by American Geosciences Institute
Categories include: photography, film, visual art, writing
The Conrad (Team) Challenge
A STEM-based challenge in one-of-five areas: water, health and nutrition, energy and environment, cyber technology/security and aerospace/aviation.
The Challenge - Conrad Challenge
Do you know multiple languages? Are you bilingual?
*You may be eligible to take the STAMP test for the seal of biliteracy and can even earn credit (1-2 years) by exam for achieving a high STAMP test score in a language. The STAMP test given at AHS is FAST approaching--talk to your counselor right away if you think you'd like to take the STAMP test this Spring. The STAMP test is offered in many (but not all) languages...even ones that we do not teach here at AHS. Contact your Counselor to sign up.
QUESTBRIDGE--Apply to College
National College Match
Dream big and apply for full four-year scholarships to 55 top colleges through QuestBridge.
Eligibility:
High school seniors currently attending high school in the U.S. and planning to attend college the fall after graduation, and U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents living abroad
Earning primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered
Demonstrating strong writing skills and intellectual curiosity, plus resilience, integrity, and motivation to succeed
Typically from a household earning less than $65,000 annually with minimal assets (for a household of four members).
https://www.questbridge.org/apply-to-college
Looking to Improve Your SAT score? Schoolhouse/Khan Academy SAT Bootcamp
SAT Bootcamps: 4-week programs in the month leading up to each official SAT date. Run by certified peer tutors who scored 700+. Average score improvement: 40-55 points
Classes at PVCC
Virginia residents have access to an excellent community college system. There are all kinds of classes you can take. PVCC classes are reasonably priced for Virginians. You may even earn college credit. Plus they offer financial aid if cost is an issue. What a cool way to explore an interest you can't explore in our school!
You can start a college transcript.
Note that courses taken at PVCC in the summer do NOT go on an ACPS transcript. But you CAN request a transcript from PVCC to upload and show to colleges/universities! Check with PVCC transfer specialist to see if your credits transfer to college. https://www.pvcc.edu/summer-pvcc
Students interested in attending PVCC after high school or learning more about this option can complete this interest form to be sure they receive information throughout the year. PVCC Admissions representative Ms. Ratliff visits AHS on Mondays (in the counseling office) or on other days by appointment. Ms. Ratliff can help students with exploring PVCC programs and transfer options, applying to PVCC, applying for financial aid, requesting academic accommodations, registering for classes, and more. Email cratliff@pvcc.edu to request an appointment or ask questions!
Scholarships
Scholarships
QUESTBRIDGE Program
https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/college-prep-scholars
Applying to college can seem daunting, and the prospect of paying for it can seem even more overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. The College Prep Scholars Program equips high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges. Application opens Feb 1, due in March (more info on the COLLEGE page)
The Cooke College Scholarship Program
is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's top four-year colleges and universities.
Jefferson, Walentas, Emily Couric, Pamplin, & Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Scholarships
There are several prestigious, competitive scholarships that allow high schools to nominate only one applicant to represent their school. For your convenience, AHS will use one application for all of the nomination-based scholarships (Jefferson, Walentas, Emily Couric, Pamplin, & Harry F. Byrd, Jr.). You can apply to be the nominee for multiple scholarships; the application form will allow you to indicate which scholarship(s) you are seeking the nomination for. Click here to APPLY to be selected as the AHS nominee for the Jefferson, Walentas, Emily Couric, Pamplin, and/or Harry F. Byrd, Jr. scholarships
AHS Nomination-Based Scholarship Application
Deadline: 3:00 pm, Friday, October 23rd, 2026
"Am I eligible to apply? Which scholarships would be a potential fit for me?"
Please review the information below and click on the links for more information on the nomination-based scholarships
1) The Jefferson Scholarship: UVA only. Extremely competitive merit-based scholarship with a focus on leadership, scholarship, and engaged citizenship. The Jefferson Scholarship program covers the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia and also provides funding for supplemental experiences. AHS applicants for this nomination should have an academic record the reflects highly demanding course selection and excellent grades, along with significant leadership experience and demonstrated impact in extracurricular endeavors.
2) The Walentas Scholarship: UVA only. Extremely competitive merit-based scholarship based on leadership, scholarship, and engaged citizenship for first-generation college students. The Walentas Scholarship covers the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia and also provides funding for supplemental experiences. AHS applicants for this nomination should have an academic record the reflects highly demanding course selection and excellent grades, along with significant leadership experience and demonstrated impact in extracurricular endeavors and must be a first generation college-bound student. (First generation = neither parent/guardian completed a four year bachelor's degree or its international equivalent. Reach out to your counselor if you are uncertain about your eligibility.)
3) The Pamplin Leadership Award: Virginia Tech only. The Pamplin Leadership Award is a $5,000 one-time merit based scholarship at Virginia Tech. Only recipients of the Pamplin Leadership Award are eligible to apply for the Pamplin Scholar Award, which provides full tuition and fees through graduation, during their freshman year at Virginia Tech. The Pamplin Leadership Award seeks students who demonstrate superior intellectual promise and performance, interest and success in physical fitness and health, and dedication to their communities. Applicants for this nomination should be students who plan to apply to the Honors College in the Virginia Tech application process and should have a minimum 3.8 weighted GPA.
4) The Emily Couric Scholarship: The Emily Couric Leadership Forum awards scholarships to "young women nominated due to their leadership abilities and positive impacts on their schools and communities." This organization awards scholarships only to female students. Nine substantial scholarships are awarded through this program, and two additional larger scholarships are also awarded from among the nominees. Successful applicants have an exceptional record of community engagement and leadership, along with outstanding academics.
5) The Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award: A prestigious merit based scholarship for students who demonstrate potential for civic leadership and public contribution. Academic excellence is a consideration. The selection committee emphasizes leadership and public service. You can learn more about the profile of a successful applicant here. Eleven recipients are chosen annually, one from each of Virginia's congressional districts, for this $40,000 award. There are no restrictions on the use of the award funds.
The Coolidge Scholarship
The Coolidge Scholarship is an annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. The Coolidge may be used by recipients at any accredited college or university in the United States. Anyone of any background, pursuing any academic discipline of study, may apply to this non-partisan, need-blind, program.
Students apply for the Coolidge Scholarship during their junior year of high school. Finalists are flown in for a finalist weekend at the Coolidge Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, Vermont where they interview with the Coolidge Scholars Finalist Jury. Recipients of the Coolidge Scholarship are notified of their award late in their junior year, before college application (note: current high school seniors are not eligible to apply). Finalists who are not named Coolidge Scholars are eligible to receive a smaller, one-time, college scholarship.
Calvin Coolidge worked hard in academics; the young New Englander’s only sport was public speaking, often on public policy. The main criterion that distinguishes Coolidge Scholars therefore is academic excellence. Secondary criteria include: demonstrated interest in public policy; an appreciation for the values Coolidge championed; as well as humility and service. Apply December 2026. https://coolidgescholars.org/about/
Military Service
Military Service
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
John McGuire's office's Service Academy Coordinator is Ben Yerdon.
Resources:
Attached is a document titled One Page Service Academy Nomination Packet that lists all required documentation to be considered a complete application for the Service Academy Nomination.
· Contact: ben.yerdon@mail.house.gov
Looking for a Scholarship? Check Schoolinks (finances)!
login using your ACPS account
Other places to look for scholarships: Big Future/College Board
JLV College Counseling
Why should I bother with activities outside the classroom?
Engaging in enrichment activities will show future employers, mentors, and colleges that YOU are a lifelong learner.
It grows your resume by giving you new experiences!
Most importantly, it might just ignite an academic passion and help you discover a future career or field of study that you LOVE.
AHS Revolution: the Official News Source of AHS
AHS Lantern: Literary Magazine
https://ahslantern.wordpress.com/
AHS School Counseling
https://ahs.k12albemarle.org/students/school-counseling
Tutoring at AHS
https://sites.google.com/k12albemarle.org/ahspeertutoring/home?authuser=0
Looking for a Job or local Internship this summer?
login to Schoolinks and Click Careers. search Opportunities, then check the box Opportunities Near Me
or email adinwiddie through Student Square--she is our Career Specialist
new postings weekly!
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