Scholarships/FAFSA/HOPE
HOPE Scholarship- 3.0 HOPE GPA plus 4 rigor courses / HOPE Zell Scholarship- 3.7 HOPE GPA, qualifying SAT or ACT, plus 4 rigor courses
Students may check "Your HOPE GPA" on GAFutures.org, which is a GPA calculation of eligible English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Lang courses.
Examples of rigor courses that Etowah HS students may take include: AP English Lit, AP Lang, Advanced Algebra, Statistical Reasoning, College Readiness Math, Precalculus, Computer Science Principles, Human Anatomy, Chemistry, Physics I, Forensic Science, AP US History, AP Macroeconomics, Spanish II, and French II. For full list, click here: Rigor Courses
Students have two options when applying for the HOPE/Zell Scholarship:*
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year for federal aid and HOPE/Zell scholarship or,
Click HERE for tips creating and using the FAFSA ID, which is needed to complete the FAFSA.
Complete the online Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP) one time for HOPE/Zell scholarships and grants (does not include federal aid).
*It is advised that students complete both the FAFSA and GSFAPP. If student believes he/she will not qualify for federal aid, complete GSFAPP only. FAFSA is based upon income and must be completed each year for federal aid. The GSFAPP, is a one-time application for HOPE/Zell.
Click below for Scholarship Cheat Sheet, Scholarship Application Checklist, FAFSA Soft-Launch and Creating and Using the FSA ID (FAFSA)
Scholarship Cheat Sheet (1).pdfScholarship Checklist.pdf2024–25 FAFSA Soft Launch Details and Timelines _ Knowledge Center.pdfHere's a 25 minute YouTube video that walks you through the FAFSA: Completing the FAFSA
Creating and Using FAFSA ID.pdfSCHOLARSHIPS
FAFSA & Georgia HOPE Scholarships & Grants
Students may access scholarship information by visiting the Electronic Scholarship Library, or checking the canvas student services announcements.
Scholarship Search Resources
Looking for money to help pay for college? Search scholarship opportunities based on location, college and etc.
Fastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to college scholarships, trade school scholarships, and financial aid tools.
We are looking for high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, and we do not have absolute criteria or cut-offs for GPA, standardized test scores, income, or other factors.
Going Merry has thousands of national, regional, and local scholarships. There are also opportunities for every grade level, from freshmen to seniors.
Scholarship Search Website by Grade
Scholarship Guidance: Weekly Scholarship Newsletter
Individualized scholarship newsletter and search to help students find scholarship opportunities for the upcoming school year.
HOPE & Zell Miller Scholarship--visit https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/state-aid-applications/state-programs/
After each semester grades are posted, Etowah HS will upload all transcripts to the GSFC. Your student’s college will communicate directly with GSFC to determine how much tuition to charge you.
If you have any further questions, please contact your college/university and/or Mr. Hilliard at GSFC as they are going to be your best source for information on HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships.