Welcome! You have found the Blacksburg High School (Virginia) Scholarships site! This site is where the counseling office will post scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships will be posted frequently, so make it a part of your routine to check the site often.
Scholarships are categorized by the month of their deadline; click on a month in the navigation bar above to browse scholarships due that month.
Some applications require you to download and print a paper copy - if you do not have access to a printer please stop by the Counseling Office and ask Mrs. Noble for help - we are happy to print an application for you!
These are just the tip of the iceburg! Check out the Scholarship Search Sites page for more a list of legitimate scholarship sites.
Reach out to your counselor with any questions.
Please review the Scholarship Tips below!
Scholarship Tips
Where is the best source of scholarship money?
While submitting scholarship applications is absolutely worth your time, the best source of money typically comes from the colleges where you apply. Be sure to:
-Check each college's financial aid page to find scholarships specific to the institution - some have a separate application and other schools automatically consider you for scholarships after submitting the admissions application.
-Make sure to follow the required steps at each institution and MEET ALL DEADLINES - merit based scholarships may have an EARLIER ADMISSIONS APPLICATION DEADLINE!
Timing.....
Make YOUR deadline for completing the scholarship application at least a week before it is due. This way you may avoid the stress of rushing to get everything done at the last minute.
Organization.....
You may want to establish a separate email for scholarship applications. After signing up on scholarship websites, you will start to receiving A LOT of emails and don't want to overlook something important.
Check out this Scholarship Application Tracker from ECMC.org to help you stay organized.
Set a weekly or monthly goal for the number of applications you plan to submit.
After receiving all financial aid award letters and scholarship offers, use this worksheet to help you make your final decision.
Recommendations.....
If the scholarship needs a recommendation be sure to give your recommenders plenty of time (if possible 2 or 3 weeks) to complete the recommendation form.
Follow up with those recommenders to thank them for their help!
It will be helpful to give your recommenders information on you so they can write the best letter possible .
Consider providing them with a completed Recommendation Information Form found on Google Classroom, or print off the form and complete.
Essays.....
If a scholarship requires an essay, don’t let that prevent you from applying! You have been working with your English teachers on college essays, these may be a great place to start for a scholarship essay. Many people will not apply for a scholarship simply because it requires an essay, if you are willing to do the work you have a chance of winning the scholarship. Follow these essay tips:
-learn who your audience is - go to the organization's website and read their mission statement and organizational goals/objectives
-read previous winning essays
-pay close attention to details and meet all essay requirements (if they say to use 11 pt. font, use 11 pt. font)
-if you reuse an essay, be sure to CHANGE THE SCHOARSHIP name prior to submitting to another organization
Avoid Scholarships Scams.....
Look for these warning signs to avoid scholarship scams:
-The scholarship is "guaranteed or you get your money back" - no service can guarantee that you will get a grant or scholarship.
-The scholarship costs money to apply - NEVER PAY FOR SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION OR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS!!!
-The service will do all the work - no one else can complete personal information, write essays, and supply the references that many scholarships require.
-"You can't get this information anywhere else" - Scholarship information is readily available through many sources.
-You are a finalist in a contest you never entered or have been selected by a foundation to receive a scholarship - most legitimate scholarship programs don't seek particular applicants and will most likely only contact you in response to an inquiry.
Should I apply?
YES! If you meet the general qualifications, you should apply. There are scholarships out there for most everybody. Don’t think you have to be the TOP student or TOP athlete to be eligible for a scholarship. If you are willing to do the work, write the essay, and put together an impressive application for the scholarships that you qualify for – you have a chance of winning!
Have you submitted your FAFSA?
Even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid, most merit-based scholarship applications and colleges require that you submit a FAFSA. Learn more about the FAFSA below:
-BHS Financial Aid & Scholarship Information
-Visit Mrs. Webster's website
NRCC ACCE Scholarship
Montgomery County students have a unique opportunity to attend NRCC for free to learn a skill/trade or transfer to a four year school. Students can choose their program of study at NRCC and the length of their program. To learn more about the ACCE Scholarship, visit Mrs. Webster's website!
Two Year Transfer Grant
Students who complete an Associate degree at one of Virginia's Community Colleges may be eligible for a $1,000 transfer grant. An additional $1.000 is available to students who major in: science, teaching, engineering, mathematics, or nursing. An additional $1.000 is also available for students who attend certain Virginia institutions.