Postsecondary Web Sites

• XELLO | located in you SIS student portal

• Postsecondary Readiness -School District of Philadelphia

• Get Schooled | Get Schooled 

• BigFuture | Find the Best College for You 

• Step Up to College | Philadelphia Futures 

• PhillyGoes2College.org: Home 

Post-Secondary Planning Resources

• Click HERE for the post-secondary planning powerpoint presented by the counseling department.

• Review the Step Up to College Guide for a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the college application process HERE 

• Post-Secondary Planning Checklists for each grade:

  1. 9th and 10th Grade Checklist 

  2. 11th Grade Checklist 

  3. 12th Grade Checklist  

  4. Family Checklist 

• The Pennsylvania State System Universities (PASSHE) offer an affordable higher education option. Click HERE for more information.

• Articles about how to pay for college

What is the Common App?

The Common App is a general application that 1000’s of schools use as a one stop shop for students to apply to public and private colleges and universities across all 50 U.S. states and 18 countries.

• It is easy. Click HERE to create your common app account.

• Within common app, it is imperative that you sign to request an application fee waiver in the profile section AND that you sign the FERPA waiver of consent located within the tab of one the colleges to which you are applying. See below for slides to do so.

• Once you have colleges in your common app list, you MUST "Connect" your Common App account with your Xello account in order for your counselor and teacher(s) to send your transcript and letters of recommendation to schools. Click HERE for Common App information slides to learn more.

What is XELLO AND how does it help me with college?

• "Xello is An education software company powered by passionate people who are committed to helping every student become future ready."

"[Its] engaging, fun-to-use software bridges the gap between young people and the working world. It shows every student their future possibilities and equips them with the knowledge, skills, and insights to make informed decisions and build actionable plans. It helps every student take control of who they’ll be and what they’ll become, giving them the confidence to take that next step towards their successful future."  Xello History and People. (2024). Hello! We're Xello. https://xello.world/en/about/

• Xello will allow students to do the following:

1. "complete interactive career, personality, and learning style assessments to help them better understand their unique interests, skills, and strengths

2. creating a shareable, online portfolio that showcases their interests, skills, and abilities 

3. explore hundreds of career and college options that align with their assessment results

4. translate their newfound knowledge into an actionable roadmap by piecing together their saved career and academic options to create a personalized plan" Prepare Students for a Successful Future. (2024). Xello for Middle & High School. https://xello.world/en/middle-and-high-school/

• During the college application process, your school counselor will electronically send your transcript and other educational materials via Xello while your teacher(s) recommenders will submit letters of recommendation on your behalf via Xello as well. 

How to Match Common App and Xello Accounts  

Requesting your Documents in Xello for Common App Colleges

Letters of Recommendation

• Some schools require a specific number of teacher recommendations. Other schools do not require letters, but allow for a specific amount. 

• Typically, you should select teachers from your junior year to ask for letters of rec. You can email them or ask them in person. Please ask them at least three weeks in advance of your application deadline. 

• After your teacher recommenders have agreed to write you a letter, you must officially request the teacher evaluation in Xello. 

• Some schools also require a counselor letter of recommendation. Each counselor has their own process for obtaining the information needed to write a letter. If you are unfamiliar with your counselor's process, please email your counselor. 

1. Sonia Tummala, is an essay coach with over 22 years of writing and editing experience. Through her business, Writing With Sonia, she helps students gain confidence and find their authentic voice in their writing—whether they’re crafting middle school essays or college application essays.

Many students find writing overwhelming—unsure how to start, structure their ideas, or express their unique perspective. Her coaching is designed to make the process simple, structured, and supportive, while helping students grow as writers.

For middle and high school students, she offers:

• Guidance in writing clear, well-structured essays for school assignments or competitions

• Tips and strategies to build strong writing foundations for future academic success

For college-bound students, I specialize in:

• Brainstorming authentic and memorable essay topics

• Structuring and refining personal statements and supplemental essays

• Aligning essays with students’ unique strengths, experiences, and goals

• Maintaining the student’s voice while ensuring essays are polished and impactful

See this flyer for more information.  

2. College Essay Writing Support, Mighty Writers: Do your students have a complicated college essay draft they'd like reviewed by a fresh pair of eyes? Students can work with Mighty Writers in one-on-one coaching sessions to receive essay support. Students should fill out this form to be contacted by a Mighty Writers coach. 

3. Ron Brown Guided Pathway Support Program: The Ron Brown Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program is a free virtual college and scholarship application advising program for African American high school juniors and seniors. GPS provides essay and resume writing, a community of college bound peers, college fit advising, scholarship resources, and more. Please reach out to Ms. Barbara Ellis bellis@ronbrown.org if you are interested in learning more. Students can complete an application HERE. 

• Attend college rep events and college fairs as often as possible. 

• Seek leadership positions in extracurriculars and if you aren’t in any clubs or sports, try one. 

• See the junior college planning checklist HERE.

• Look for summer internships related to field of interest. 

• Visit colleges or take virtual tours. Register on the schools’ websites. Check out the area to see if you can picture yourself there, you’ll be living there for four years 

• Start thinking about which teachers to ask for your recommendation letters: it’s best to ask a teacher from your junior year, so build those relationships now! 

• Decide if you should take the SAT or the ACT and register for a spring test. Study!

• Start talking to your counselor so they can get to know you. 

• Start your personal essay. There are tons of resources about college essay writing online.

• Talk to your family about how you’ll pay for college. 

• Start looking for scholarships. Resources are below. 

1. On Saturday, October 10, the Philadelphia National College Fair becomes one of the best places in the region to explore what comes after high school.

The Philadelphia National College Fair is FREE and open to the public, bringing together, on average, more than 300 colleges and universities from across the country and beyond — all under one roof.

Saturday, October 10, 2026
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Exhibition Hall C
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

For students who already have a college list, this is a chance to dig deeper.

For students who have absolutely no idea where they want to go, even better.

You can walk the fair, discover colleges you’ve never heard of, talk directly with admissions representatives, ask real questions, compare options, explore majors, learn about campus life, and find out what schools are looking for in applicants.

And now, NACAC has a new mobile app, making the college fair experience more engaging, interactive, and accessible. Attendees can use the app to navigate the fair, find participating colleges, and access important event information!

And families can get answers too — including information and resources related to college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and navigating the college process.

A student could walk into the fair thinking they have three college options and leave with ten.

They could discover a major they hadn’t considered.

They could meet a college representative who puts a school on their radar.

They could find the college they didn’t know they were looking for.

That’s what makes the National College Fair worth experiencing.

2. 2026 HBCU Fair

The School District of Philadelphia's Office of Postsecondary Readiness is proud to announce the 28th Annual Malcolm Bernard Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 3:30 to 7:00 PM at Martin Luther King High School, 6100 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Exploring college options face-to-face with HBCU admissions professionals

• Scholarships, application fee waivers, and instant admissions

• Expert workshops and panels

Many colleges and universities will be offering on-site acceptances, so you are encouraged to bring copies of your unofficial transcript—you could walk in as an applicant and walk out as an admitted student.

Registration is REQUIRED at tinyurl.com/hbcufair26 or by scanning the QR code on the flyers around the building.

3. Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) College Fair.

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The School District of Philadelphia Building

440 N. Broad Street (in the Atrium), Philadelphia, PA 19130

Universities you'll meet at the fair:

• Cheyney University

• Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield)

• East Stroudsburg University

• Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• Kutztown University

• Millersville University

• PennWest University (California, Clarion, and Edinboro)

• Shippensburg University

• Slippery Rock University

• West Chester University

No registration required! Just show up ready to explore. You can learn more at www.passhe.edu/collegefair.

One tip that makes a big difference: students should bring several copies of their unofficial transcript. It's the key to those on-site decisions.

4. It’s that time again! The Hampton University Alumni – Philadelphia is excited to announce our 25th Annual Overnight HBCU College Tour for students.

5. The Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Alpha Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter will be hosting our annual H.E.R. (Higher Education Resources) College Fair on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at:

Tacony Academy Charter High School
6201 Keystone Street
Philadelphia, PA 19135

This free event is designed to connect high school students and parents with:

• Representatives from a variety of colleges, universities, and career programs
  
  

• Informative workshops on navigating the college experience and preparing for post-secondary success
  
  

Tentative Schedule:

• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | College Fair
  
  

• 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Workshops
  
  

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/aaozher2026

6. The annual Philadelphia Architecture and Design College Fair will be on Sunday, 10/25/26 at Temple University, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, from 10-2pm. 

1. School District of Philadelphia Dual Enrollment Programs

Dual enrollment is when a student takes a college course while enrolled in both high school and an Institution of Higher Education. Dual enrollment provides students with an opportunity to complete college-level coursework and earn college credits which saves students time and money.

The School District of Philadelphia will cover the costs of books and tuition for eligible high school juniors and seniors at participating colleges and universities. Each college/university has its own admission requirements so please review them before submitting your application.

If you have any questions regarding the Dual Enrollment program, please email dualenrollment@philasd.org or speak with your High School Counselor.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment

• Students get a jump start on a college degree.

• Helps ease the transition to college academics and builds confidence.

• Students can explore college life and the opportunities it offers.

• Earn college credit while in high school which can help decrease the cost of earning a college degree.

Dual Enrollment Models

DUAL CREDIT – ON COLLEGE CAMPUS
Students earn both high school and college credits for the same course on a college campus.

DUAL CREDIT – COLLEGE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL
Students earn both high school and college credit for the same course, taught by a college professor at the high school (typically after-school).

CONCURRENT MODEL
Students earn both high school and college credits and take college-credit-bearing courses taught by college-approved high school teachers.

Student Eligibility

• Enrolled in a School District of Philadelphia high school

• A current junior or senior for the upcoming spring semester

• Earning a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 *

• Completing the application by the due date**

• Adhering to the code of conduct by not having any disciplinary records of violence on their official school record

* Additional criteria may apply depending on the college/university.
** Students must complete the application required by the college/university. (please go to the colleges website for this information)**

City of Philadelphia Mandate:

All students participating in dual enrollment courses at colleges and universities in the city will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a religious or medical exemption.

Participating Colleges and Universities

• Arcadia University

• Community College of Philadelphia

• Esperanza College

• Gratz College

• Harrisburg University

• LaSalle University

• National Education Equity Lab

• St. Joe’s University

• Temple University

• West Chester University

Attached here is a list with application hyperlinks for all the partner colleges to which students can apply for dual enrollment opportunities.

2. The University of Pennsylvania's Young Scholars Program is open to high school students attending the 11th grade during the 2026–27 academic year.

Young Scholars Program courses are undergraduate-level classes taught by Penn faculty, staff, and visiting scholars, and are offered through the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. Students can choose from a variety of subjects, with most classes meeting two to three evenings a week, Monday through Friday. Coursework typically includes homework, research papers, exams, and required readings. Enrollment is based on admissions and eligibility guidelines and is subject to the approval of the program director.

Young Scholars Program students are evaluated by the same academic standards and procedures as Penn undergraduates. Students earn one course unit (1 c.u., the equivalent of 4 college credit hours) for each course taken. Upon successful completion of the program and coursework, students may request official transcripts from Penn’s Registrar (fee-based).

Applications for the spring 2027 Young Scholars Program are now open. The deadline to apply for the spring term is December 1, 2026.

Students currently in 10th grade will be eligible to apply for the fall 2027 Young Scholars Program, with applications expected to open in April 2027.

During the fall and spring semesters, students attending City of Philadelphia public and charter schools are eligible for tuition-free participation in the program. Once admitted to the program, students take one course in the fall and spring semesters tuition-free. Students outside of the School District of Philadelphia pay full tuition rates for courses. All students (regardless of the semester or school district) are responsible for any other fees associated with attending courses, which may include textbooks, laboratory fees, course materials, etc.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 2025-2026 school year will be available on October 1, 2025. 

• You can find the FAFSA HERE. The information for the FAFSA will be obtained from your parent/guardian's 2024 tax return. 

• Prior to the FAFSA opening, you and your FAFSA Form Contributors should create a StudentAid.gov account HERE.

• After submission of the FAFSA application, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). Review your SAR carefully, and make any necessary corrections or updates immediately.

Your SAR will be sent to the colleges you have applied to. Check the websites of each college to see if there is supplementary material you must submit, a process called FAFSA Verification. Work with your high school counselor or college financial aid office to work through the verification process.

Being selected for FAFSA Verification does not mean you did anything wrong. It just means you may need to supply additional materials to confirm the information you included on the FAFSA.

Upon review of your SAR, each college will send you a financial aid award letter. You can compare all the aid packages you are offered, and use this as a basis for making your final choice.

• Click HERE for a powerpoint about changes to the FAFSA. Click HERE for a video explaining changes to the new FAFSA. 

College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile)

• What Is The CSS Profile & How Do I Complete It?

The College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) is an online application for non-federal student financial aid such as institutional (and, in some cases, state) scholarships and grants. Over 400 colleges, universities, professional schools, and scholarship programs in the U.S. use the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. While completing the FAFSA sets you up to receive all the federal aid you’re eligible for, the CSS Profile will help you receive any institutional aid you may be eligible for. Here's what you need to know about completing the CSS Profile!

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

• Who needs to complete the CSS Profile?

If you’re applying to one of the over 400 colleges that use the CSS Profile, you will likely need to complete it in addition to the FAFSA. Some of these colleges require CSS Profile completion, while others just recommend it. If you're applying to a college that uses it, even if it's not required, we recommend filling it out anyways to have a higher chance of receiving the institutional aid you're eligible for. 

• Where do I start the CSS Profile? What information will I need?

You can start the CSS Profile here. You and your parents/guardians (if you’re a dependent student) will need the following documents and information to complete it:

1. Federal tax returns

2. W-2 forms and other records of current year income

3. Records of untaxed income and benefits for the current and previous tax years

4. Current bank statements

5. Records of investments, if applicable (savings, stocks, bonds, trusts, etc.)

• When is the CSS Profile due?

The CSS Profile opens every year on October 1. Deadlines are typically specific to the college you’re applying to, but the majority tend to fall between January 1 and March 31, annually. Also, like the FAFSA, you’ll need to renew your CSS Profile every year you attend college.

• How much does the CSS Profile cost?

The CSS Profile costs $25 to complete. The first report you send is included in this initial fee, but each additional report you request will cost $16. However, fee waivers are available to students whose adjusted gross family income is less than $100,000, annually.

• How will the CSS Profile help me receive money for college?

Once your CSS Profile is complete, you are able to send it to as many schools and scholarship programs as you want for a fee. Each report you receive will highlight the amount of private aid you qualify for at an institution. The CSS Profile asks additional questions about your family finances to really help you get the maximum amount of aid possible. If a school you are applying to requires a CSS Profile, you can expect there to be additional funding options available to you.

• Here is a copy of a CSS Profile Powerpoint that will walk you through how to complete the profile in its entirety.

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) 

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1963 to provide affordable access to higher education for PA students and families. The FAFSA is used for the PA State Grant application process, as well as several additional programs we administer.

Once you submit the FAFSA, PHEAA will trigger the next step in the PA State Grant process. First-time applicants must complete the PA State Grant Form (SGF). Check out our PA State Grant System resources if you need help.

• Prepare
  Before you apply for a PA State Grant, find out whether you meet the eligibility requirements and how much money you can expect to receive.

• Apply or Renew
  To be considered for a PA State Grant, you must fill out the FAFSA. If you are a first-time applicant, you must also complete the PA State Grant Form and High School Form. Most renewal students will not have to complete the PA State Grant Form and High School Form.

• After You Apply or Renew
  Sign in to your PA State Grant System account to view your PA State Grant status or to make changes to your school or program information. If you are a renewal applicant, make sure your information is up to date.

• PA Summer State Grant Program
  The PA Summer State Grant Program allows eligible students attending summer courses to apply for a PA State Grant award for the summer term. The deadline is August 15.

• PA State Grant Program FAQ
  Find answers to some common questions about the PA State Grant Program.

• PA State Grant Documents and Forms
  Need to make changes to your PA State Grant data? Choose the document or form that best fits your situation.

Did You Know?

• The PA State Grant deadlines are different for first-time applicants, renewal applicants, and summer-term applicants.

• If you miss the PA State Grant deadline for the academic year, apply anyway. Late applications (for terms other than summer) may qualify for awards if funding permits

1.  FAFSA Kickoff

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 14

• Time: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM

• Location: The Constance Clayton Education Center (440 N. Broad St.)

• Who: All Philadelphia 12th graders and their families

Perks of Attending:

• $25 Gift Card when you complete your FAFSA on-site!

• Free food and refreshments

• Music, resources, and fun while you finish your paperwork

[CLICK HERE TO REGISTER] (Flyer coming soon)

• If you are interested in enlisting in the military, click HERE for enlistment options.

• Click HERE to explore trade schools in Philadelphia.

• Home Depot, Path to Pro Skills Program: Students interested in the trades should check out the FREE, on-demand training program run by Home Depot! The coursework is designed to teach transferable skills, and will build knowledge for a successful career in the skilled trades. Check out the training opportunities HERE. 

PHLConnectED: Connecting K-12 students to the internet | Office of Innovation and Technology 

• Log into Xello (through SDP SIS login). Click on the 'Plans tab' and then click on 'scholarships.' 

• Applying for Low Competition Scholarships

• Big Future

• Cappex.com: Compare Colleges & Research College Information 

• Door of Opportunity Scholarships

• Drexel Liberty Scholars 

• FastWeb Scholarships 

• Get Schooled

• Goingmerry.com

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund 

• Philadelphia Foundation 

• PhillyGoes2College.org: Home

• PhillyGoes2College.org: Scholarships

• PSECU Scholarship 

• Raise.me

• Scholarship Bank – College & Career Readiness

• Scholarships.com Search Free College Scholarships Financial Aid Grants

• Scholly App 

• studentscholarships.org 

• Unigo is your source for FREE college scholarships

• USDA Scholars Program 

________________________________________________________

SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS

September Deadline

1. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

by Breakthrough Prize Foundation

Award: Up to $250,000

Deadline: September 15, 2026

2. The Gates Scholarship
   by The Gates Foundation

Award: Full Tuition

Deadline: September 15, 2026

3. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
   by Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Award: $20,000

Deadline: September 30, 2026

4. "Get Inspired" TikTok Scholarship
   by Scholarships360

Award: $500

Deadline: September 30, 2026

5. $1,500 (1 Award)

Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship

Deadline: September 15, 2026

6. Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships

by Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Award: Up to $10,000

Deadline: Varies

7. $7,500 (80 Awards)

Lithuanian Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: October 1, 2026

8. $1,000 (4 Awards)

Building Bridges Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2026

9. $1,000 (1 Award)

Mediation & Conversations Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2026

10. Home Depot Path to Pro Scholarship

• Focuses on training skilled trade leaders

• Open to high school seniors, high school graduates, and GED equivalent holders

View Scholarship 

Deadline: September 30, 2026

October Deadline

1. 1. 1.  National College Match
         by QuestBridge

Award: Full Tuition

Deadline: October 1, 2026

1. 1. 2. $1,500 (3 Awards)

CouponBirds Help To Save Scholarship

Deadline: October 10, 2026

1. 1. 3. $1,000 (4 Awards)

Neuroscience Research Prize

Deadline: October 20, 2026

1. 1. 4. $500 (300 Awards)

NCWIT Award For Aspirations in Computing

Deadline: October 27, 2026

1. 1. 5.  $3,000 (1 Award)

Empowering Women in Tech Scholarship

Deadline: November 15, 2026

1. 1. 6. $5,000 (12 Awards)

ConnectHER Film Festival Scholarship Awards

Deadline: October 1, 2026

1. 1. 7. $2,500 (3 Awards)

Byte into STEM Scholarship

Deadline: October 7, 2026

1. 1. 8. $2,500 (1 Award)

Red Egg Marketing Scholarship

Deadline: October 31, 2026

1. 1. 9. This is an exciting scholarship opportunity made possible through funding from the Neubauer Family Foundation. Students who are children of Philadelphia first responders—including police officers, firefighters, and SEPTA police officers—are eligible to receive a $10,000 scholarship to attend Temple University.

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please contact Julie Wertheimer, NFF’s Public Safety Senior Program Officer, at julie@neubauerfamilyfoundation.org.

1. 1. 10. $50,000 (7 Awards)

Sphinx Scholarship Competition

Deadline: October 20, 2026

1. 1. 11. $2,500 (2 Awards)

AmericanMuscle Student Scholarship Program

Deadline: October 15, 2026

1. 1. 12. $7,500 (80 Awards)

Lithuanian Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: October 1, 2026

1. 1. 13. The Office of Information Technology is excited to announce the American Heart Association is offering multiple $5,000 Scholarships! The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and Somasundarum Family developed the Somasundarum Family STEM Scholarship with the goal of bridging the gap between student interests in pursuing a career in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and achieving their goals.

In 2026, the Philadelphia STEM Goes Red Scholarship Committee will award four (4) scholarships of $5,000 each to qualifying applicants.

Deadline: October 16, 2026

Please use this link for the application requirements and details: https://heart.jotform.com/2625066991500

1. 1. 14. $10,000 (46 Awards)

Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship

Deadline: October 2, 2026

1. 1. 15. $2,000 (2 Awards)

Craig Huffman Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: October 10, 2026

1. 1. 16. Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships--Full scholarship opportunities to the University of Virginia: Interested students please reach out to your counselor by Friday, October 30th! Please see below to determine if you meet the criteria. One student will be nominated for each scholarship. 

• Successful nominees demonstrate exceptional leadership talents, an understanding of the broader community around them, and uncommon academic abilities.
  Walentas Scholarship nominees must also be the first or among the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.

1. 1. 17. $20,000 (325 Awards)

U.S. Bank Student Scholarship

Deadline: October 30, 2026

November Deadline

1. $500 (1 Award)

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship

Deadline: November 15, 2026

2. $500 (1 Award)

Helmer, Conley and Kasselman Annual College Scholarship

Deadline: November 15, 2026

3. $1,000 (1 Award)

Overcoming the Impossible Scholarship

Deadline: November 30, 2026

4. $1,000 (2 Awards)

Acker Warren Fresh Start Scholarship

Deadline: November 2, 2026

5. $1,000 (5 Awards)

Stand Up to Distracted Driving Scholarship

Deadline: November 9, 2026

6. $2,500 (3 Awards)

Conerto High School Musicians Scholarship

Deadline: November 15, 2026

7. $1,000 (1 Award)

Allen Tittle's Medical Malpractice Scholarship

Deadline: November 27, 2026

8. $1,000 (1 Award)

AvaCare Medical Scholarship

Deadline: December 15, 2026

9. $500 (1 Award)

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship

Deadline: November 15, 2026

10. $30,000 (500 Awards)

Elks Most Valuable Student Competition

Deadline: November 12, 2026

11. $2,500 (178 Awards)

Mensa US Scholarship

Deadline: November 15, 2026

12. $1,000 (1 Award)

Buy-Rite's Annual Beauty School Scholarship

Deadline: November 1, 2026

December Deadline

1. Interstellar Research Group Scholarships
   by Interstellar Research Group

Award: $2,500

Deadline: December 14, 2026

2. $1,000 (1 Award)

Kelly Law Autism Scholarship

Deadline: December 18, 2026

3. $1,000 (1 Award)

Perseverance Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2026

4.  $2,500 (3 Awards)

Interstellar Research Group Scholarships

Deadline: December 31, 2026

5. $1,000 (1 Award)

Rise Above Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2026

6. $500 (3 Awards)

Wyland National Art Challenge

Deadline: December 1, 2026

7. $3,000 (6 Awards)

Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers

Deadline: December 1, 2026

January Deadline

1. The abele scholars program at ursinus

Greetings from Ursinus College, a small liberal arts school located 30 miles outside of Philadelphia! As the college application season is right around the corner, I am writing to let you know of an incredibly exciting scholarship opportunity for your students.

The Abele Scholars Program at Ursinus is a great fit for higher achieving students in and out of the classroom with demonstrated financial need. To be eligible, a student will need to be a U.S. citizen residing in any of the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C., have a high school GPA of 3.0+, and have a SAI of $40,000 or less.

Throughout their time at Ursinus, Abele Scholars will receive support with special programming such as mentorship and workshops. They will also receive: 

• $40,000 - Annual and renewable $10,000/year scholarship 

• $3,000 - Enrichment funds for study abroad, internships, etc. 

• $2,000 - Startup costs (like a laptop, books, dorm supplies) 

• $8,000 - Maximum payment toward student's federal direct loans upon completion of the program 

...For a total of $53,000 per student! 

More information about our Abele Scholars Program is available on our website. 

Students should apply to the college by December 31 and complete the required supplemental Abele Scholars application by January 15. 

February Deadline

1. Legacy Awards – The Legacy Awards contest opens on September 1, 2026. Legacy Awards provide $6,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members. The ENF offers a total of 400 national awards. The application deadline is February 1, 2027. Please visit enf.elks.org/Leg for more details and the application link.

An Elks scholarship is more than financial aid; it’s an invitation to a network of service-minded peers and a promise that an Elks Lodge is always there with open arms.

For any questions, please contact me at 215-813-8086 or mbastian33@verizon.net.

2. Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia hosts a prestigious scholarship and leadership development program that was established to address the dearth of women in leadership roles across STEM fields, from R&D and academia to healthcare and technology.  The John P. McNulty Program for Leadership in Science and Mathematics prepares women to become changemakers in the fields of natural sciences, computer science and mathematics. We are hoping that you will share this unique and exciting opportunity with your most talented high school seniors.

Every year, the McNulty Program awards six 4-year, full-tuition scholarships to women in the incoming first-year class who plan to major in one of the following courses of study:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Undecided Natural Science

• Biochemistry

• Biomedical Science

• Chemical Biology

• Data Science

• Environmental Science

• Information Technology

• Neuroscience

What sets this program apart from STEM-focused scholarships at other colleges and universities?

• Through weekly seminars and weekend retreats, we have grown an exclusive, cohesive and supportive community of women committed to academic excellence and a robust leadership development curriculum that equips them to assume leadership roles in their future STEM careers.

• We provide McNulty Scholars additional funds to underwrite on-campus research experiences and travel to academic conferences to present their findings.

• We match each McNulty Scholar with a faculty mentor and a small group of peer mentors to support them throughout their time at Saint Joseph’s University. 

• We offer McNulty Scholars access to a growing network of program alumnae across the country, who are eager to help with career exploration,  job searches and general advice.

This opportunity is highly selective.  Roughly 4% of all applicants receive an invitation to join the McNulty Program.  If you know of a student in the Class of 2027 with an exceptional academic record who has demonstrated a strong interest and capacity for leadership development, and is interested in pursuing a degree in one of the fields listed above, please share the attached brochure with her and encourage her to apply to Saint Joseph’s and the McNulty Program. Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• Saint Joseph’s University Application: Early Decision I and Early Action Deadline: November 15

• Saint Joseph’s University Application: Early Decision II Deadline: January 15

• Saint Joseph’s University Application: Regular Decision Deadline: February 1

• McNulty Program Application Deadline: February 1

You will find more details in our program brochure, attached below.  If you or your students have any questions about Saint Joseph’s University or the McNulty Program, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission by calling 610-660-1300 or emailing your question to McNultyScholars@sju.edu.

March Deadline

April Deadline

May Deadline

June Deadline

• Register for the SAT by visiting college board HERE.

• Register for the ACT by clicking HERE.

• The school based SAT will occur at Central on 4/26.  The school based PSAT will occur on 10/14/25. This test is free. Both the PSAT (9th-11th) and the SAT (11th grade) will be digital.

~SAT scores must be submitted to colleges through collegeboard.org.

• Many colleges/universities are now test optional, which means you have the choice to submit your test scores or not. If you need support in making this decision, please see your school counselor.

• ACT vs. SAT: What's the Difference?

1.  Let’s Get Ready is offering FREE college going support to high school juniors!  Applications are open NOW and are accepted as rolling admissions with a deadline of January 8, 2025.  If you are interested, you are encouraged to apply early as our program has filled early in our last two semesters.  

As a member of Let’s Get Ready, you'll have a trained college student mentor who you can reach out to for advice on building your college list, creating your college applications, and starting your college essay.  This mentorship is entirely text based, which means it’s convenient, flexible, and there for you whenever you need it!  Students who work with us find that they are more organized as they prepare to apply to college and feel supported when they are completing their applications.  

Also, students can sign-up for our SAT Prep program that will help you increase your SAT scores!  This program will run from January 27- March 28, meeting twice a week Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 5-7 PM EST.  Students are not required to participate in the SAT Prep course to join Let’s Get Ready; it is simply an option that we provide.. This program is FREE, too!

Our coaches are fun, knowledgeable, and relatable.  They recently have been high school students themselves and understand how scary it can be to apply to college. They are also great people to bounce ideas for college essays off of and to talk through what the college experience is like now.  

If you would like to join Let’s Get Ready or learn more about it, please visit our website at www.letsgetready.org. 

If you have questions, please reach out to enrollment@letsgetready.org. 

1. States that Offer Financial Aid for Undocumented/DACA Students

2. Applying to College as an Undocumented Student

3. Scholarships for DACA Recipients and Undocumented Students

4. Job Resources for Undocumented and DACA Protected Youth

• • City Year Philadelphia - (Full time) (Education & Schools) (Ages 18 - 25)

• • AmeriCorps NCCC (Full-time team-based, residential service program for young adults ages 18-24)

• • PowerCorps PHL - (Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Philadelphia Water Department) (Ages 18 - 28)

• • Temple Youth Employment Program (YEP) - Career Training Opportunities (Ages 17-24)

• • Year Up Greater Philadelphia - IT & Finance (Business) (Ages 18-24)

• • The GO Foundation is an AmeriCorps sponsored non-profit in education equality. We believe all students should have access to a quality education, regardless of socioeconomic status. With that being said, we are looking for bright individuals who are interested in tutoring and mentoring k-12 students. The fellowship is paid, provides housing, and an education award upon completion. This is a great opportunity for high schoolers who are interested in continuing their education, but may want to take a gap year first. The program runs from August 2024 to June 2025. 

• Central's High School Profile will be received by each of the colleges you apply to. It contains information about Central's demographics. Please click HERE to view the profile. 

• Students are able to access an unofficial copy of their transcript via their SIS account.  Please log in and navigate to the documents tab to access your copy.  Please note that colleges require official copies of your transcript and those copies are sent by your school counselor upon your request.

• Central High School Graduates will be able to demonstrate the characteristics listed in this profile of a Central High School graduate upon graduation, through the guidance of faculty, staff and administration.