For the class of 2024, college is rapidly approaching. It tends to be a stressful time for soon-to-be graduates since they may not know where to begin. However, the Prosper ISD provides a number of opportunities that can assist these students to better prepare themselves for their future. 

From the start of junior year, it is recommended to research scholarships offered in the area. These may include local businesses, organizations, or school-related activities. Deadlines for scholarships are typically between October through March of a student’s senior year of high school. 

“Finding a scholarship requires research, networking, and proactive efforts.” Counselor Julius Booth said.

In the summer and fall, senior students will tend to begin filling out the college applications. By winter, they will continue to apply and track their emails for college submissions. 

“It’s never too early to start researching and creating a list,” Booth said.

Even while in college, new scholarships can be earned at any point. Students are encouraged to continue to research and apply.

“Pay attention to deadlines! Apply for scholarships as early as possible. Some scholarships will be available before the school year begins,” College and Career Coach J’Quavia Carr said. “Make sure you’re continuously on the lookout for scholarships opportunities.”

There are a few resources provided that can help students find scholarships. There is a scholarship list provided by Rock Hill, as well as several online resources on their home page.

“Online scholarship databases like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex are great tools,” Booth said.

College Chat:

The College Chat Series is a series of meetings held at RHHS throughout the year. Each meeting covers a different topic to help prepare students for college. Pictured below is the College Chat Series meeting dates posted by Carr.

These meetings are guided by Coach Carr. The monthly sessions will be held during SOAR time on the respective dates. To join the Google Chat sessions, fill out this form. 

“[To get in touch] students may email my Collin College email or my Prosper email with questions about college,” Carr said. “Students may also reach out to schedule an in-person or Zoom meeting.”

Scholarships:

To help pay for college, scholarships can be a big help. The two main types offered to students are private and institutional scholarships. Private scholarships are awarded and presented by businesses and foundations in the community, while institutional scholarships are awarded by the students chosen college.

“The ‘best’ scholarships are those that align with a student’s strengths, interests, and experiences,” Booth said.

One main category of eligibility are Need-Based Scholarships, these are institutional scholarships given based on financial need. It is determined by the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if the scholarship can be given. The FAFSA looks at the family as well as the personal income. What is awarded is based off what FAFSA estimates the student needs.

Two more categories are the academic and merit scholarships. These two types of scholarships are given by a college based on academic performance or extracurricular involvement of a student 

In order to earn an academic scholarship, a student must meet or exceed specific standards appointed by the scholarship-giver. A 3.5 grade point average (GPA) is the minimum.

“Apply to as many scholarships that you can,” Carr said. “The best scholarships to apply to would be the ones that you meet the requirements for.”

Merit scholarships are not only academically based, you can receive them from sports, arts, and community involvement. They are presented to both juniors and seniors.

“Merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic achievements, talents, or leadership experiences.” Booth said. 

Although it depends on the scholarships wanted, a CSS (College Scholarships Service) profile as well as the FAFSA may need to be completed. A CSS profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to give students non-federal aid. 

“One of our primary roles is to guide students as they navigate their post-secondary planning,” Booth said. “Whether it’s questions about college applications, scholarship opportunities, or general college and career readiness advice, we’re here to help.”

Prosper Career Independent Study (PCIS) Program:

The PCIS organization is an application-based program offered to juniors and seniors. It allows students to explore their desired career and gives them a chance to learn about professional skills. 

“They learn about things such as small talk, cold calling, and conducting interviews,” said junior PCIS member Mia Klein. 

To join an application containing an essay and a video must be completed. The video must include the students schedule, the career they are interested in, some of their skills, and how they believe the program will help them.

“You only get out of it what you put into it,” Klein said. “I would highly recommend PCIS to anyone.”