Seniors, do you need an official transcript or letter of recommendation for your scholarship application? If so, we need a request in writing. Stop by our office with your Blue Sheet OR Fill out this online request: Scholarship Document Request Form
We are very thankful for the support of the Worthington Scholarship Foundation! They provide multiple scholarships each year for eligible seniors attending Maine colleges and universities. To learn more about this generous organization click here. Scholarship applications will be available on the Worthington Foundation website on January 1, 2024.
One of the services that the guidance office staff at Belfast Area High School is pleased to provide is scholarship information and resources for college-bound students. Our goal is to make the scholarship search and application process as user-friendly and streamlined as possible. However, it should be noted that it is the responsibility of each student to obtain the appropriate scholarship application and then submit it by the designated deadline. The guidance staff is more than happy to help students navigate the scholarship application process.
We hope this guide will encourage seniors to apply for scholarships. We also hope that when you finish with this guide, it will be shard with others students who may eventually apply to college. We would like to increase awareness of local, regional, state and national financial aid opportunities.
Finally, we would like to thank the many local organizations and individuals who support our seniors by sponsoring scholarships. It is rewarding to work with the Belfast community and with students to help insure a successful transition to post-secondary education.
APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Students should frequently check the scholarship board in the guidance office to determine which scholarships they are eligible and should apply for. It is also important to be aware that this Guide contains only some of the scholarships that are available to students on a local, state and national level. There are other scholarship reference materials available for students to use in the guidance office.
All students planning on pursuing post-secondary education should complete the BAHS Scholarship Application and the Vera Greenlaw Scholarship Application. Copies of these applications are made available in mid-April and may be obtained in the Guidance Office. Completing one simple application will allow students to be eligible for a number of scholarships comprised from local funds, businesses and trusts.
It is important to attach a copy of the student’s financial aid award letter from their post secondary institution. A copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) showing the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is also required. The SAR will be sent to you after you have submitted your FAFSA
Scholarship money is ‘out there’ but it is fairly competitive to secure. You are competing with your classmates for the same amount of money…so a word of advice…make your applications neat, with legible printing. Submit the application and do not alter it. If the application asks for an essay, do your best work. The application deadline must be followed.
A NOTE ABOUT FINANCIAL AID
If you are applying for financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA’s are available at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
It will be available to fill out in December 2023. It is strongly recommended that the FAFSA be filed no later than early February. You and a parent must sign up for an FSA ID before you can submit the FAFSA.
All colleges require that the FAFSA be filled out in order to be eligible for financial aid. Some colleges also require students to fill out the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. The PROFILE is a supplemental financial aid form that can only be accessed online. Please go to https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp to access the PROFILE. The PROFILE can be accessed after October 1.
Important Dates to Remember
December 2023: Apply for an FSA ID for the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
April/May: Pick up and fill out the Belfast Area High School scholarship application, as well as, many other local scholarships.
Helpful Internet Scholarship Search Tools
Finance Authority of Maine-Scholarship Search. If you are currently a high school senior, select the “High School Only” code from the drop down menu.
http://www.famemaine.com/education/ScholarshipSearch.asp
Here is a link to 175 of the most popular national scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
Maine Community Foundation
The Maine Community Foundation serves thousands of people who share a common mission: improving the quality of life in our state. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds that help Maine meet the challenges of changing times. Today, the foundation’s assets of $200 million are held in stewardship for more than 800 funds. Maine Community Foundation grants cover the full range of nonprofit undertakings, with a special focus in the areas of education, the environment, arts and humanities, and social and community services. Since opening its doors in 1983, the foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants and scholarships.