Helping to find solutions for your Post Secondary Planning!

by Counselor James Bostock

Your final year of high school is an exciting time full of decisions to make, classes to pass, activities to attend, and deadlines to meet.  The purpose of this site is to provide information to help you and your parents prepare for the choices and events facing you at this time.

You are going to spend lots of time and energy planning your future, so you will want to be sure that you are making the best choices. The personal goals you set today will have a long-range impact on your future.

There are many opportunities and questions at this turning point in your life.  Take advantage of the information here and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Congratulations! Have a fabulous and successful senior year!!

 

Current News

FAFSA IS FINALLY AVAILABLE TO FILL OUT !

This year, FAFSA applications are to be submitted online. You can request that 3 forms be mailed to you but this process is time consuming so my advice is to fill out the online application ASAP. These funds are available on a first come, first serve basis. Almost every student that applies will be rewarded with a big fat "FREE" government check providing that you attend a college/university and take at least 12 credits worth of classes next fall.

 

To sign your FAFSA electronically, you (and your parent or primary guardian) need a US Department of Education PIN to verify your .) You can get your PIN by visiting www.pin.ed.gov  Your FAFSA will be processed faster if you sign using a PIN than if you mail in a signature page.

So:

1.  Get a PIN (for both you and your parent) from the US Dept. OF Ed at this address www.pin.ed.gov.

2.  Fill out the online FAFSA form (after, but as close to Jan 1st as possible) at www.fafsa.ed.gov 

*Note: Most scholarships require the FAFSA to be filled out in order to qualify. GO TO THE "FINANICAL AID" TAB ABOVE FOR TIPS AND INFORMATION ABOUT FILLING OUT THE FAFSA!

 

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ACT REGISTRATION & SAT REGISTRATION FOR NEXT TESTS!

 

ACT ---- March 7th is the last day to register (without paying a late fee) for the April 12 th test. Got to the ACT & SAT page to see the scheduled times for testing and registration.

Register at: http://actstudent.org

 

SAT ---- Tuesday April 1st is the last day to register (without paying a late fee) for the May 3rd test. Got to the ACT & SAT page to see the scheduled times for testing and registration.

Register at: http://www.collegeboard.com/testing/

 

Castleford High School Code = 130100

 

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SCHOLARSHIPS

 

Check this homepage often to learn of new scholarships that come available. They will be posted here in the very near future. Also, for current and upcoming scholarships, follow the "Scholarships" tab or sidebar menu to see scholarship timeframes, requirements, & links to additional information and/or online applications.

 

Castleford Teacher Organization Scholarship ($500)

The Castleford Teacher Association is offering a scholarship to student's majoring in Education. In order to apply, you must be a "College-Level" sophomore or above, a Castleford High School graduate, and have a 3.0 GPA. Students may reapply for this scholarship each year.

Application Deadline is April 1st.

Download Application by clicking the link below:

Castleford Teacher Organization Scholarship

 

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS :

 

Hispanic Business Association Scholarship ($15,000 - $25,000)

This scholarship is open to all fields of study, but preference will be given to Business Majors.  Good for 2 or 4 year programs of study.  Must have a 2.5 GPA, clear career or business goals.

Due March 1st.

Download Application in PDF (ADOBE READER) format by clicking the link below: http://www.hbaonline.org/documents/hbascholarshipapp.pdf

 

NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium Scholarship ($1,000 renewable)

Scholarships of up to $1000 per academic year, to be used toward tuition or registration fees at an Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) member institution. ISGC members include: Albertson College of Idaho, Boise State University, Brigham Young University - Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, Idaho State University, Lewis Clark State College, North Idaho College, Northwest Nazarene University, and the University of Idaho. Other requirements include U.S. Citizenship and a current cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

Programs of study include: Health and Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Math, Science, Technology, and Society, Electrical Engineering/Electronics, Earth Science, Engineering/Technology, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science/Data Processing, Education, Applied Sciences, Aviation/Aerospace, Biology .

Due March 3rd.

Download Application in PDF (ADOBE READER) format by clicking the link below: http://isgc.uidaho.edu/Images/Information/08-09Scholarshipapp.pdf

 

Idaho Power Academic Excellence Scholarship ($1,000 renewable)

Any student wtih a 3.75 GPA intending to attend any accredited Idaho or Oregon two or four year college, university, or vo-tech school. Academic achievement, leadership potential, and School/community involvement are used as selection criteria.

Due March 1st.

Download Application in WORD format by clicking the link below: http://www.idahopower.com/docs/aboutus/scholarshipAcademicExcellence.doc

 

Multicultural Scolars Scholarship (Approx $4,500 renewable)

This scholarship is available for students of diverse cultural background who are majoring in agriculture & life sciences. Those eligible will be Hispanic/Latino American, Pacific Islander, American Indian, African American, Asian American, or an Alaskan Native. Specifically for students attending University of Idaho.

Due March 7th.

See Mr. Bostock for application & essay questions

 

Idaho Association of Counties Scholarship ($1,000)

If a child of a county employee or the child/grandchild of a county elected official... contact Mr. Bostock for an application!!

Must mail & be received at the IAC Boise office no later than 5:30pm, March 7th.

 

Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year Award (SAMMY) ($7,500, weekend at Disney World, chance to be in USA today milk mustache Ad) 25 winners.

This is a great scholarship based on the following criteria: Academic performance, athletic excellence, leadership, community service and what role milk plays in their success. Come on!!! We live in the middle of dairy country!!

Due March 7th

Application & official rules available online : http://sammy.bodybymilk.com

 

Idaho Farm Bureau (Various Amounts )

The Idaho Farm Bureau offers scholarships to students of Farm Bureau Members. Scholarships are awarded for students seeking degrees in both agricultural and non-agricultural areas.

Due March 14th.

Download Application in PDF (ADOBE READER) format by clicking the link below: http://www.idahofb.org/member/pdf/Scholarships.pdf

 

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (NUMEROUS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE)

Hispanic Scholarship Fund has paired up with numerous companies and organizations to offer High School Seniors of Hispanic heritage incredible scholarships for obtaining a bachelors degree. Those still available include FORD, GENERAL MOTORS, & HEWLETT PACKARD. Must be seeking a program in a 4 year accredited school within the US and have a 3.0 GPA.

Application Deadline: March 15th

Apply online for the scholarship : http://www.hsf.net/Scholarships.aspx?id=426

 

Jiffy Lube ($1,000)

This scholarship is available to any student with a GPA of 3.0 who plans to attend either an academic or trade school next year.

Deadline, March 15th.

See Mr. Bostock for an application!!

 

Lowe's Scholarship ($1,000)

The Lowe’s Scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to attend any accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university within the United States. Winners are selected based on leadership qualities, community involvement and academic performance.

Deadline, March 15th.

Information on how to apply is available at the following website:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=Scholarship/lowesfoundation_120606.html

Access Key: LOWES

 

SEMI Scholarship ($2,000)

This scholarship program is developed for students pursuing degrees in high technology fields (Mathmatics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mechanincal Engineering, Chemical Engineering or an Education degree with a focus on teaching Math or Science). Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00.

Due March 15th.

Information on how to apply is available at the following website:

http://wps2a.semi.org/wps/portal/_pagr/113/_pa.113/272?&dFormat=application/msword&docName=P040059

 

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship Awards ($1,000 to $2500)

This premier scholarship opportunity is afforded to Latino students who have a history of performing public service-oriented activities in their communities and who plan to continue contributing in the future. Over 100 scholarships will be awarded. There is no GPA or major requirementStudents with excellent leadership potential are encouraged to apply. ALSO - as a graduating senior, if you are awarded this scholarship, you will receive a FREE DELL NOTEBOOK COMPUTER.

Application Deadline: March 16th

Apply online for the scholarship : http://chci.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=StandardApplication

 

(LOCAL) West End Men's Association ($500 - can reapply yearly)

The West End Men's Association has made this scholarship availabe to students intending to attend a college, university, or trade school in Idaho. All students are eligible, however some scholarship money is specifically ear-marked for students seeking a degree in an Agriculture or Agriculture related progam.

Due April 1st. (note: Application & transcripts should be returned to Vince Hamilton at the Buhl Farmers National Bank).

See Mr. Bostock for application.

 

A. P. and Louise Rouch Boys Foundation  ($1550 renewable)

Open to underprivileged boys and girls 18 years old or younger, who are residents of Twin Falls or immediate vicinity. 35 applied in a recent year. Selection based on financial need, scholastic ability, resume.

Deadline (approx) May 1st.

Contact:   Rouch Foundation
               c/o Wells Fargo Bank
               P.O. Box 7
               Twin Falls, ID 83303

Contact person: Janice Stover, Assistant Trust Officer

 

Treacy Company  ($400 renewable)

Open to high school seniors or students who are residents of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota or South Dakota and enrolled in an undergraduate program not beyond the sophomore level. Selection based on personal motivation, financial need.. Deadline June 15th.

Write to Treacy Company for application

Contact:  Treacy Company
              Box 1479
              Helena, MT 59624

 

TMC - Technology & Maintenance Council (Unknown)

The scholarship is part of an ongoing effort by TMC's Professional Technician Development Committee to promote and enhance the professionalism of commercial vehicle technicians. The scholarship is for 1500 clock hours (nine months) attendance to WyoTech's Laramie, Wyo., or Blairsville, Pa., campus. Mr. Lingro will attend at the Blairsville campus.

Due June 1st.

Download Application in PDF (ADOBE READER) format by clicking the link below: http://www.truckline.com/NR/rdonlyres/35D1DDDF-AE79-4E52-897F-F7E202706F89/0/PTDC_SCHOL07.pdf

 

Adolph Van Pelt Scholarship  ($500 to $800 renewable)

Applicants must be Native American students interested in undergraduate or graduate education. Applications include an essay (1-2 pages) describing educational goals, a budget of educational costs and resources, a copy of a certificate of at least one-quarter Indian blood or of registration with a federally-recognized Indian tribe, and the most recent transcript. Scholarship amounts are $500 for the first year, $600 for the second, $700 for the third, and $800 for the fourth. Monies are paid directly to accredited educational instiutions to be used for tuition, books, and other academic-related expenses.

To request an application or for more information please contact:
Association of American Indian Affairs, Inc.
Scholarship Coordinator
P.O. Box 268
Sisseton, SD 57262
(605) 698-3998
Fax: 605.698.3316
E-mail: aaia@sbtc.net
http://www.indian-affairs.org

 

MINORITY AT RISK ($3,000 renewable)

This is a fantastic scholarship for those who are of hispanic or decent other than caucasion! Although unable to find an actual close date, I would encourage those who meet the criteria to apply immediately through the college you intend to enroll. Almost every college/university in Idaho has this scholarship available.

Minority and "At-Risk" Scholarship Eligibility:

To qualify for the scholarship, a student must meet the following criteria:

You must also meet three of the following five criteria:

For more information, contact the financial aid office of the participating Idaho college or university you plan to attend, or Dana Kelly, (208) 332-1574.

 

Eligible Idaho colleges and universities are:

Albertson College of Idaho

Boise State University

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Eastern Idaho Technical College

Idaho State University

Lewis-Clark State College

University of Idaho

College of Southern Idaho

North Idaho College

Northwest Nazarene University

 

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Closed Scholarships:

Hispanic Scholarship Fund -- Final Day OCT 16th

http://www.hsf.net/scholarship/programs/college.php

Coca-Cola - $4,000 to $20,000 -- Final Day OCT 31st

http://www.coca-colascholars.org

Prudential Spirit of Community-- Final Day OCT 31st

See Mr. Bostock for this application

United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship ($1,000)

Grades and community involvement are considered for this scholarship. Postmarked by January 10th.

Website: http://www.usjcisenate.org/id

Idaho State Board of Education Scholarships (5) (Various Amounts... but GOOD!)

Requirements vary, but defininitely should check these out. Scholarships available are: Robert R. Lee, Promise Category A Academi & Professional Technical Scholarship, Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship, Idaho Governor's Cup Academic & Professional Technical Scholarships. Application deadline is January 15th.

(They have fewer student applicants this year for these scholarships, so apply now!)

Website: http://www.boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/index.asp.

Micron Science & Technology Scholars Program ($6,250 renewable)

SAT of 1350 or ACT of 30, 3.5gpa, leadership, & major in Physics, Chemistry or Engineering (Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Material Sciences). Postmarked by January 19th.

Website: http://www.sms.scholarshipamerica.org/micron

United States Institute of Peace Essay Contest ($1,000 - $10,000)

Write a 1500-word essay stating what you believe arethe necessary elements for the development of fair, peaceful, or effective use of natural resources after conflict. Students grades 9-12 are eligible!! Due February 1st.

Contest information: http://www.usip.org/ed/npec/topic.html

To enter Contest, go here: http://www.usip.org/ed/npec/enter.html

Mercedes- Benze Drive Your Future Scholarship ($2,500 renewable)

3.0 gpa, parents or grandparents with no more than High School education. Due February 10th.

Website: http://www.MBUSA.com/drivefuture

Best Buy ($1,500 - $10,000)

Best Buy Scholarship winners not only hit the books - they help their communities.

Best Buy wants to help students prepare for a brighter future, which starts with a college education. That’s why since 1999 Best Buy has awarded over $10 million in scholarships to more than 9,000 students. This year 1,500 students will be selected to receive awards of $1,500 each. An additional 51 students will receive awards of $10,000 each. At Best Buy, we believe what students learn inside and outside of the classroom are equally important, which is why the Best Buy Scholarship Program rewards students for their volunteer efforts and work experience in addition to academic achievements.

Qualified applicants must:

Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm ET on February 15, 2008.

Online Application: https://bestbuy.scholarshipamerica.org/

Idaho School Board Association Scholarship ($250 - $500)

Parent or grandparent that has served 3 or more years on an Idaho School board? If yes... please contact Mr. Bostock for application!! Due February 15th.

USA Funds - Access to Eduation Scholarship ($1,500 renewable)

$3.2 million dollars available for these scholarships. 50% of the scholarships will go to students demonstrating financial need and are members of an ethnic minority, or are disabled. Due February 15th.

Website: http://www.usafunds.org/scholarship

Idaho Attorney General Scholarship ($750)

4H and FFA students who have 3 years involvement in either club are eligible for this scholarship. It is reserved for students who will be attending any of Idaho's 7 state colleges. Demonstration of financial need is another criteria for this scholarship. Due February 15th.

Download Application in PDF (ADOBE READER) format by clicking the link below:

http://www.isu.edu/scholar/forms/AttGenApp.pdf

Zions Bank Founders Scholarship (Full-Tuition renewable!!)

This is a wonderful scholarship which will pay out to 6 Idaho students, 4 years of full university tuition. Students must be attending one of the following schools: University of Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, or Brigham Young University-Idaho. Due February 1st for BYU & Feb 15th for UofI & BSU.

See Mr. Bostock for contact information.

(BSU) John and Joan H. Carley Scholarship ($3,000 renewable)

This is an exciting scholarship opportunity for graduation seniors who are considering pursuing higher education in a business-related field at BSU. Students wishing to be considered must apply for admission to BSU prior to applying for this scholarship. Due February 15th.

Download Application in PDF (ADOBE READER) format by clicking the link below:

http://cobe.boisestate.edu/scholarships/JJ_CARLEYschlApp(07-08).pdf

Far West Agribusiness Association (Various)

This scholarship is available to students majoring or planning to major in an agricultural life sciences or related field. It is available for students that attend the University of Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, or Brigham Young University-Idaho. Due February 22nd.

See Mr. Bostock for information.