Florida Bright Futures Scholarships

Florida Bright Futures Scholarships
2010-11 Award Amounts per Credit Hour

2010-11 Award Amounts
Semester Hour Award Quarter Hour Award Clock Hour Award

Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)
4 Year $ 125.00 $ 83.33
2 Year $ 77.00 $ 51.33 $ 2.57

Florida Colleges
Baccalaureate Programs
(Public Community Colleges Only)

$ 86.00
Career/Technical Centers
$ 63.00 $ 42.00 $ 2.10

Academic Top Scholars (ATS)
4 Year $ 53.00 $ 35.33
2 Year $ 53.00 $ 35.33 $ 1.77

Florida Colleges
Baccalaureate Programs
(Public Community Colleges Only)

$ 53.00
Career/Technical Centers
$ 53.00 $ 35.33 $ 1.77

Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS)
4 Year $ 94.00 $ 62.67
2 Year $ 58.00 $ 38.67 $ 1.93

Florida Colleges
Associate Degree Programs
(Public Community Colleges Only)

$ 77.00

Florida Colleges
Baccalaureate Programs
(Public Community Colleges Only)

$ 64.00
Career/Technical Centers
$ 47.00 $ 31.33 $ 1.57

Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV)
4 Year $ 94.00 $ 62.67
2 Year $ 58.00 $ 38.67 $ 1.93
Florida Colleges
Baccalaureate Programs
(Public Community Colleges Only)

$ 64.00
Career/Technical Centers $ 47.00 $ 31.33 $ 1.57

Junior Year Checklist

High School Code: 101-004

One of the advantages of starting to plan in your junior year is the extra time you will have to explore your options.

At this point in time, juniors should:

 Keep in mind that colleges look for:
o A strong GPA
o Challenging high school curriculum
o Involvement in extracurricular activities (school and community)
 Identify the institutions you would like to apply to and request information
 Take challenging classes
 Keep grades up…JUNIOR year is very important
 Register for the spring SAT and ACT (www.sat.collegeboard.com/register and www.actstudent.org )
 Register for the spring SAT Subject test if necessary (www.sat.collegeboard.com/register)
 Get involved in extracurricular activities
 Plan to attend local college presentations and college fairs
 Plan to visit college campuses during spring and summer
 Learn about financial aid and scholarships available from each institution planning to apply to
 Be familiar with scholarship opportunities. Obtain monthly Scholarship Bulletin available at www.varelahs.dadeschools.net. Register at www.fastweb.com for more available scholarships.

March Scholarship Bulletin

2011 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Winning essayists will receive awards up to $13,500.00. 1st place winner receives an all-expenses paid trip to Boston to receive their award. The nominating teacher of the 1st place winner will receive a $500.00 grant.
• US high school students
• Past winners and finalists are not eligible
• Employees of Fidelity Investments and members of their families are not eligible
• Write an original and creative essay no less than 1,000 words that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage
• Essays can be submitted on-line (preferred) or via regular mail
• For deadlines and to register online go to: www.jfklibrary.org

Keiser University
Match dollar for dollar from Bright Futures received
• Senior planning to attend Keiser University
• Bright Futures recipient
• Keiser will match Bright Futures Scholarship amount received by the student to attend Keiser
• For more information visit www.KeiserUnviersity.edu

University of South Florida St Petersburg Honors College
$4000 ($500.00 per semester)
• Senior
• 3.7 GPA or higher
• Planning to attend the Honors College at USF
• 1250 (math/verbal) SAT/29 ACT or higher
• Students who do not meet the requirements but have extraordinary life experiences might be admitted to the program at the discretion of the program director. You can contact the director to discuss options
• For more information and application go to www.stpt.usf.edu/coas/honors
• Students who do not meet the requirements but have extraordinary life experiences might be admitted to the program at the discretion of the program director. You can contact the director to discuss options
• For more information and application go to www.stpt.usf.edu/coas/honors

Saint La Haitian Neighborhood Center
• Scholarship opportunity for earthquake survivors and temporary protective status (TPS) recipients.
• Contact Sant La at 305-573-4871 for details and more information.


Collegiate Living Organization at UF
.Low cost room and board
• Senior planning to attending UF
• Living organization designed to help worthy/needy students planning to attend the University of Florida
• It offers dormitory-style room and board similar to that which can be found on campus for about half the price
• Students are required to keep up the facility and govern themselves
• Application is available online at http://www.cloliving.org

Elks National Foundation
Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Up to $11,000 per year
Deadlines vary
• Must be a US citizen
• Applications judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need
• Essay
• Transcripts
• SAT/ACT scores
• Letters of recommendation
http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/ourscholarships.cfm


Miami Dade College- Kendall Summer Scholarship
(Early Start) In-state tuition coverage for up to 5 credits (prep or college credits) plus $50 towards the cost of books and mentoring throughout the summer Not stated. Space is limited, apply soon
• Senior
• Planning to attend Miami-Dade Kendall in the summer term. Participation requires attending classes only two or three mornings per week
• For application please contact Sue Giorgi at dgiorgi@mdc.edu or (305) 237-2582 or (305) 237-0742


Bridges to the Future (Miami Dade College and the University of Miami)
Two years full tuition at Miami Dade Honors (separate application needed) and opportunity to take classes and paid research at UM Very competitive (space is limited)
• Senior from an underrepresented minority group (Hispanic, Black, Pacific Islander, and Native American) planning to continue studies in biomedical science
• U.S. citizen or permanent residency status
• Planning to attend Miami- Dade Honors College the first two years (separate application needed), then planning to transfer to the University of Miami
• Through the Bridge Program you will receive college credit for courses taken at UM while at MDC, be paid for the time you spend conducting research in a UM lab, participate in seminars and present at a national science meeting. Students that successfully complete the Bridge Program and decide to transfer to UM have the opportunity to become an HHMI scholar and/or an Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) scholar. As an HHMI and./or IMSD scholar, students will receive paid research experiences.
• For application and future information please visit http://mdc.edu/honorscollege/enrichment_bridges.asp

2011 Jeanne Bellamy Scholarship
$2,500 04/04/11 by 5:00 p.m.
• Female high school senior from a Miami Dade County public high school who intends to pursue a degree in business
• Weighted GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrate financial need
• 500 word essay
• Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation


Dorothy Strachan Sawyer College Scholarship Application $5,000 annually 04/07/11
• Female senior of African descent graduation from a Miami Dade County High School
• Have at least a 2.75 GPA
• Average academic performance
• Outstanding community service
• Financial need
• Three letters of recommendation with original signatures
• Submit a 4x6 headshot photograph
• Application available at the CAP-Office


2 Up Golf Club of Miami, Inc. Scholarship Award
$1,000 04/15/11
• Senior
• Average GPA of 2.5 or higher (attach an official copy of high school transcript with grades from past 3 years)
• Record of outstanding community service
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a community member or organization knowledgeable about you, and one from a faculty member or school administrator)
• Biographical statement
• Mail application to:
2-Up Golf Club
P.O. Box 552485
Miami, Fl. 33055
• Application available at the CAP-Office

The Florida State Thespian Festival

The Florida State Thespian Festival was held in Tampa last week.Varela thespian troupe received 6 straight superior ratings in all categories of performance and a CRITIC’S CHOICE for Solo Musical meaning the best ranked Solo Musical in the State of Florida out of over 300 participants in that category. (The highest honor that can be bestowed on a performance at State.)

While everyone was off, the Thespians were hard at work from Wednesday to Sunday preparing and performing their District pieces at the State Level. The results were as follows.

LARGE GROUP MUSICAL Straight SUPERIORS
Zack Lopez
Sasha Mangarre
Bianca Arrese
Keiter Liriano
Eddie Monez
Kris Sanchez
Adriana Vergara
Reshad Lee
Anna Rodriguez
Daniel Perez
Delilah Smith
Jocelyn Oliva
Edwin Segovia
Alexander Zenoz
Daniela Campos
Nicole Visent
Ricardo Silva

SMALL GROUP MUSICAL Straight SUPERIORS
Zack Lopez
Bianca Arrese
Sasha Mangarre

SOLO MUSICAL- Straight SUPERIORS
Raul Hernandez

PANTOMIME- Straight SUPERIORS
Raul Hernandez
Ricardo Silva
Jocelyn Oliva
Maribel Cabrera
Kris Sanchez
Kelbi Carrig
Eduardo Monez
Daniela Campos

SOLO MUSICAL- Straight SUPERIORS
Summer Carbuccia

SOLO MUSCIAL Straight SUPERIORS CRITIC’S CHOICE (Best in State)
Sasha Mangarre


CONGRATULATIONS to these students and their teachers Mr. rey Bode and Ozzie Quintana. They have had an incredible year so far, but as always, its not over yet.


COMING SOON..........

the LARAMIE PROJECT and the original adaptation of I KILL GIANTS later this spring.

Dorothy Strachan Sawyer Scholarship

Dorothy Strachan Sawyer was a dedicated educator in the Miami-Dade County Public School System. She served in all major offices in local Delta chapters and served a full term as an officer at the National level. She was a Charter Member of Dade County Alumnae Chapter and it is to her honor that this scholarship is dedicated. The Dorothy Strachan Sawyer Scholarship has been established to enhance higher learning of African American graduating high school females in the Miami-Dade County community. The scholarship targets average academic performance. It is specifically designed for the C-8 student who has performed or provided service to the community while performing at a maximum effort level during her high school years, but because of average academic performance, most likely will not receive scholarship assistance.

The scholarship shall be in the amount of $5,000 annually.
The funds shall be used for scholarships only.
One recipient shall receive the scholarship for four years providing she continues to matriculate and maintains at least a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale or a 1.75 GPA on a 3.0 grading scale.
The recipient must submit an official, sealed copy of her transcript to Dade County Alumnae at the end of each of the first 3 years in order to establish eligibility for the succeeding year.
The scholarship cycle for each recipient ends at the end of the four (4) year period.

The Dorothy Strachan Sawyer Scholarship shall not take the place of the sorority's annual scholarships already in existence and shall be given in addition to these scholarships.

Recipients of the Dorothy Strachan Sawyer Scholarship shall not be family members of sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Should extenuating circumstances arise with a scholarship reCipient that causes a break in her matriculation; the Dorothy Strachan Sawyer Scholarship Committee will make a recommendation to the chapter for the continuation or termination of the scholarship.

The Dorothy Strachan Sawyer Scholarship shall be given in her honor as long as funds are available.

Tau Kappa Epsilon Scholarship - male students attending UF

Tau Kappa Epsilon, founded in 1899, is the largest and most successful International social fraternity. The Gamma Theta Chapter began at the University of Florida in 1953 and has since been an active member on campus and in the greek community. The Gamma Theta Chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon is proud to announce its first annual Triangle Achievement Awards.

There will be four scholarships awarded to male high school seniors who are attending the University of Florida in either the summer or fall terms of2011. Applicants must submit a photograph and high school transcript, and the awards are as follows:

First place: $750 Second place: $500 Third place: $250 Fourth place: $100
Tau Kappa Epsilon will judge applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, or national origin. The Triangle Achievement candidates will be evaluated upon three criterions: academic success, extracurricular involvement, and involvement in their local community. These areas make up the foundation of the traditions of our fraternity.

Our chapter will hold the Triangle Achievement Banquet on June 12th, 2011 for the finalists. Finalists will be notified via email at the end of May and award winners will be notified by mid-August. In addition, the winners will incur no obligation to our organization.

The application can be found on our website, www.gatortke.com/scholarship. and students may either complete it online or mail a hard copy to:

Triangle Achievement Award 1002 W. University Ave Gainesville, FL 32601
If you have any questions regarding this scholarship, please contact Seth Mahl at
(954) 907-4880 or Matt Gerstman at (561) 289-5777. Applications are due no later than May 16th, 2011.

American Dream Scholarship

An American Dream come true...

A college education is crucial to the futures of thousands of students, but many wonder how they can ever afford to pay for it. Through the American Dream Scholarship, Miami Dade College can make the dream of higher education a reality.
Through this program, the College covers in-state tuition for two years of courses (60 college-level credits) for all Miami-Dade high school graduates who qualify. The American Dream Scholarship is a vital safety net that picks up where other aid and scholarships leave off, ensuring that bright, qualified students have the means to continue their education.

How it works:

Simply meet the requirements, and you will be awarded an American Dream Scholarship (ADS), which will pay for 60 college-level credits at Miami Dade College. No separate application is required. The scholarship covers all tuition and class fees remaining after all other scholarships and financial aid have been applied. It pays only tuition and class fees, and is not disbursable in cash.

To receive the American Dream Scholarship, you must:
• Submit all materials by the Aug. 1, 2011 deadline
• Currently reside in Miami-Dade County
• Have earned a standard high school diploma or equivalent in Miami Dade County
• Have a cumulative high school weighted GPA of 3.00 or above
• Be ready for college-level courses (must meet the minimum course placement scores)
• Be eligible for in-state fees
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If you have any questions, contact us at mdcinfo@mdc.edu or 305-237-8888.

FIU Mock Trail Finals

FIU Mock Trial Finals were held on March 18th. The Felix Varela Senior High School students recieved First Place in the competition. The students (eight in total) and Dr. Vichot, the law teacher at Varela spent Spring Break at FIU. They worked on the case Monday and Tuesday, and competed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The FIU Third Year Law Students worked with them on the case.

The picture is of the participants with the presiding judge, Judge Howard, FIU Law faculty and the Law students.

Congratulations to the Varela Mock Trial Team

College planning resources, scholarships and internships for students and parents

1) Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), National Directory of Scholarships, Internships, and Fellowships for Latino Students. This represents the 6th edition of this valuable resource. It’s the only publication of its kind to provide a comprehensive list of scholarships, internships, and fellowships targeting Latino students and all young professionals:
http://www.chci.org/education_center/page/6th-edition-national-directory-of-scholarships-internships-and-fellowships-for-latino-youth

2) Financial Aid Resources. A detailed listing of resources for all students and families. Learn how to pay for your college education, additional scholarship opportunities and very useful financial literacy tools: http://www.chci.org/education_center/page/financial-aid-resources

3) College Planning Resources. A valuable link of websites for information about college course requirements, choosing a college, majors, careers, applying to college and much more! http://www.chci.org/education_center/page/college-planning-resources

4) National Directory of Scholarships, Internships, and Fellowships for Asian American and Pacific Islander Students. The Directory provides 140-pages of criteria’s, award amounts, period, application deadlines, and contact information of each scholarship, internship, and fellowship for Asian American and Pacific Islander students. http://www.aast.umd.edu/scholarshipdirectory.html PDF version: http://www.aast.umd.edu/APIA-ScholarshipDirectory.pdf

5) CHCI College Preparatory Kit for High School Students. Find the key to your success! Prepare, select and apply. PDF version:http://www.chci.org/doclib/201033163362442-College_PreperatoryKit.pdf?trail=20107614142

6) CHCI Pre-College Planning Checklist for Parents & Middle School Students. This checklist outlines the various practices students and parents should take on the road to being better prepared for college. Ideal for grades 6 -8. PDF version: http://www.chci.org/doclib/201033164142443-Checklists.pdf?trail=20107614134

7) State Farm es Para Mi website with new online naturalization and citizenship guides in English and Spanish. This site includes links to all CHCI college resources: http://www.statefarm.com/aboutus/community/programs/para_mi.asp

NACOPRW Scholarship Award

The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW) is honored to present the NACOPRW Scholarship Award to students who have demonstrated academic achievement. The annual scholarship will be awarded to qualified students in the amount of approximately one thousand dollars ($1,000) each in May of 2011.

Recipients for this award will be selected from applicants who meet the following criteria:

1. Puerto Rican female, by birth or descent.
2. Student admitted for fall term of 2011 at an accredited College or University of her choice.
3. Grade point average of a 3.0 or higher.
4. Completed Scholarship Application
5. Proof of financial need.

See Cap Counselor, Ms. Gonzalez for application.

Congressional Nominations

The application process is now open for students interested in obtaining a Congressional nomination to one of the United States Service Academies for the class entering in the summer of 2012. The academies include the Military Academy at West Point, NY, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs CO, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY.

The Coast Guard Academy at New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Academy application packets from U.S. Senator Bill Nelson can be accessed online at http://billnelson.senate.gov now through September 20, 2011.

If you have any questions regarding the nomination or appointment process, please contact the Service Academy Coordinator at (407) 872-7161 or (888) 671-4091.

Mas Family Scholarship Program

Mas Family Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 15th, 2011

OBJECTIVES OF THE MAS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

To further the education of talented young men and women with leadership potential who, as future leaders in their professional fields, will advance the cause of a free society of responsible individuals, based on the principles and ideals of a democratic, free enterprise society.

The Mas Family, and The Jorge Mas Canosa Freedom Foundation - which manages the funds - are committed to these principles; they are eloquent examples of what citizens can achieve in a free society both as individuals and as members of voluntary associations. Through the Mas Family Scholarships, the members of the Mas Family are passing on to others some of the blessings which they received as the fruits of their labors in a free society.

The Mas Family Scholarship program, which is funded by the interest generated from a multi-million dollar donation by the Mas family in 1997, is currently the largest scholarship program for Cuban-American students in the country.

TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Undergraduate and Graduate scholarships are available in the fields of Engineering, Business, International Relations, Economics, Communications, and Journalism. Due to a growing number of students pursuing other majors than those listed above, the Mas Family Scholarship program WILL accept applications from all students of Cuban descent regardless of what field of study they choose.

SELECTION PROCESS

Awards are based on the recipient's academic performance, leadership qualities, potential to contribute to the advancement of a free society, and likelihood of succeeding in the student's chosen career. Each applicant will be evaluated through a two step selection process consisting of: 1.) a preliminary screening committee will analyze and confirm the student's credential (academic standing, grades, financial needs, etc.) and will select a pool of finalists; 2.) a selection committee will make the final determination based on written essays and on character evaluations.

AMOUNT OF AWARD

The amount of the award will depend on the cost of tuition at the recipient's institution, on his or her family's financial situation, as well as on the amount of funds received by the recipient from other sources. Full scholarships cannot be awarded to students who will be receiving full-tuition scholarships and/or stipendiary support from other sources, although such students are still eligible for partial awards. The Mas Family Scholarships are awarded for one year and all students are eligible to reapply in subsequent years. Those who have already received awards and have maintained a high level of performance will be given preference over new applicants.

For more information, visit the Mas Family Scholarship Page

Send Applications to
1312 SW 27th Ave
MIami, Florida 33145
or dlafuente@canf.org

Exxon Mobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship

The Council of the Great City Schools is pleased to announce the second year of the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarships. This scholarship is funded by ExxonMobil and is for 2011 graduating high school seniors in school districts represented by the Council of the Great City Schools. Please distribute the information to students at your school. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2011.

Four scholarships for two males and two females --$5,000 each - - will be awarded to two African American and two Hispanic students on behalf of the former NASA astronaut, physician and businessman.

Any questions regarding the scholarship program should be directed to Henry Duvall, Council director of communications, at (202) 393-2427 or via-email at hduvall@cgcs.org.

Scholarship application has been attached for your convenience or it can be downloaded using the following link: http://www.cgcs.org/Awards/ExxonMobil2011.pdf.

Congressional Nominations to the US Service Academies

JUNIORS:

The application process is now open for students interested in obtaining a Congressional nomination to one of the United States Service Academies for the class entering in the summer of 2012. The academies include the Military Academy at West Point, NY, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs CO, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY.

The Coast Guard Academy at New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Academy application packets from U.S. Senator Bill Nelson can be accessed online at http://billnelson.senate.gov now through September 20, 2011.
If you have any questions regarding the nomination or appointment process, please contact the Service Academy Coordinator at (407) 872-7161 or (888) 671-4091.