8th Grade Scholar Information

Supporting Your Seedling Scholar's Postsecondary Journey

If your mentee was awarded the Seedling 8th Grade Scholarship, here's some general information and how you can help.

These scholars made an early commitment to pursuing college, trade school, or another career pathway after high school. Your encouragement and conversations can help keep those dreams moving forward.

How Mentors Can Help

• Get to know your campus College & Career Counselor. Every high school has one, and they are an excellent resource for graduation requirements, college planning, financial aid, and career pathways.

• Ask about graduation plans. Many freshmen don't yet understand what courses and credits are needed to graduate.

• Talk about the future often. Ask what careers interest them, what they enjoy learning, and what they imagine after high school.

• Encourage them to take advantage of school opportunities like career fairs, college visits, internships, certifications, and dual-credit classes when appropriate.

Seedling Will Continue the Support

Throughout high school, Seedling Mentor Directors regularly check in with scholarship recipients to:

• Monitor progress toward graduation.

• Discuss college, trade school, or career goals.

• Help scholars stay on track for using their scholarship after graduation.

• Connect them with resources and support along the way.

Your conversations matter. By asking about graduation, future plans, and career interests, you can play an important role in helping your mentee stay focused on life after high school. 

Important Notes

📌 Scholarship Status: If your Seedling scholar chooses not to continue in the mentoring program, they DO NOT lose their 8th Grade Seedling Scholarship.

📌 Another Opportunity: If your Seedling mentee did not receive an 8th Grade Scholarship but remains actively involved in the Seedling Mentor Program throughout high school, they will have the opportunity to apply for the Seedling Senior Scholarship, which awards up to $10,000 toward postsecondary education or career training.