Senior Counselor's Corner
Senior News
Seniors 2026 – Quick Reference Sheet
Important Dates
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September 15-16 – Class visits during Government/Economics to review important senior information
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October 7 – College Fair (Auxiliary Gym)
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October 8 – SAT School Day
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October 16 – ASVAB
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November 19 – TSI on campus
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March 4 – SAT School Day
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March 18 – Senior Only TSI
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March 19 – ASVAB
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March 31 – FAFSA completion due to Mrs. Ware
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May 11 – Senior Awards/Scholarship Ceremony @ 6pm
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May 13 – Senior Walkthrough
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May 20 – Senior Sunset
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May 21 – Graduation
Details and sign-up information for the above tests will be sent to your school email and included in announcements closer to the dates.
College Applications
You may begin applying to colleges now! Visit your college/university website and click “Admissions” to apply, or use the following links:
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Texas Public Colleges: www.applytexas.org
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Private or Out-of-State Colleges: sendedu.org, parchment.com, or commonapp.org
College Entrance Exams
PNG High School will not host Saturday SAT exams. You must register online and choose a testing site.
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SAT Registration: sat.collegeboard.org/home
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ACT Registration: www.actstudent.org
You will be required to bring your own testing device. Please carefully read all information from College Board about acceptable devices.
Transcripts
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Request Link: Transcript Request Form
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You receive two free transcripts; additional requests are $1 each. Requests will not be fulfilled until fees are paid.
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Ms. Lopez (Registrar) sends transcripts. Contact her at illalopez@pngisd.org if you have questions.
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Transcripts may be sent electronically (Texas Public Universities), printed, or emailed. Printed copies must be picked up in the Counseling Office before/after school or at lunch.
Scholarships
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Opportunities will be posted on the Senior Webpage and emailed to your school email.
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Also, check college websites for institution-specific scholarships.
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Reminder: You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
Letters of Recommendation
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Complete this form if you need a counselor recommendation letter: Letter of Recommendation Request Form
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Give at least 2 weeks’ notice — last-minute requests cannot be accommodated.
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Email me once your form is submitted.
Financial Aid
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FAFSA opens October 1st and is required for graduation (unless parents sign an opt-out form).
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Representatives from LSCPA will be on campus to help you get started. The rest must be completed at home.
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A Financial Aid Night will be scheduled later this year — date TBD.
NCAA (Student Athletes)
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Students interested in Division I or II athletics must register with NCAA: NCAA Registration
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Cost: approximately $100
Verification of Enrollment (VOE)
Required by DPS to apply for a learner’s permit or driver’s license.
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Request Link: VOE Request Form
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Texas law requires 90% attendance — excessive absences will require review/approval by an Assistant Principal.
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Once approved, you must pick up your VOE from the Counseling Office before/after school or at lunch.
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Scholarship Opportunities
First and foremost, once you have applied to the colleges of your choice (and in some cases been accepted), there will be scholarships available through those institutions (these are typically the bigger ones). Log in to that college's scholarship or future student portal and explore what is available through the university system.
Our Local Scholarship Application is available and posted below with a preferred due date of February 6, 2026. With that form, the sooner it is returned, the more opportunities a student may have to earn a scholarship.
I also recommend GoingMerry. It is a national scholarship search service that is free and seems to be one that doesn't have too many ads or solicitation. Here is the link to register and create a profile. https://app.goingmerry.
Current Local and Other Scholarship Opportunities by Deadline
- September 2025
- October 2025
- November 2025
- December 2025
- January 2026
- February 2026
- March 2026
- April 2026
- May 2026
- June 2026
September 2025
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Inc. Scholarship – Deadline to Apply September 30, 2025 - The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.
October 2025
Chick-fil-A Community Scholars – Deadline to apply 10/28/2025. If selected as a Chick-fil-A Community Scholar, the student will be granted up to a $25,000 award. Recipients will also have the opportunity to participate in a one-year leadership development program facilitated by Chick-fil-A, Inc., which includes mentoring and professional development opportunities.
The Voice of Democracy Scholarship – Open to students in grades 9-12. Deadline October 31, 2025. (essay required)
November 2025
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards – Deadline to apply November 2, 2025
The Youth Awards honor high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Community Service, Engineering, Green Sustainability, and Technology. Eligibility: Be currently enrolled in high school and graduating in the spring of 2026; minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; must enroll at an accredited higher education institution; if selected, attendance to virtual awards ceremony is mandatory.
The Youth Awards honor high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Community Service, Engineering, Green Sustainability, and Technology. Eligibility: Be currently enrolled in high school and graduating in the spring of 2026; minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; must enroll at an accredited higher education institution; if selected, attendance to virtual awards ceremony is mandatory.
Elks National Foundation Scholarship – 2026 Most Valuable Student Scholarship – Deadline: November 12, 2025
The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2022 competition. Open to any high school senior who is a US Citizen. Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks. Male and female students compete separately. Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. https://www.elks.org/
Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship – Application Deadline: November 12, 2025
The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities.Each award is intended to cover a significant share of the student’s educational experience – including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees.
The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities.Each award is intended to cover a significant share of the student’s educational experience – including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees.
December 2025
Ron Brown Scholar Program – Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
To be eligible, students must be seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are Black/African American and demonstrate achievement, exhibit leadership ability, participate in community service activities and have a demonstrated financial need. https://ronbrown.org/ron-
Hagan Scholarship Foundation – Deadline: December 1, 2025
This nation wide need-based merit scholarship provides recipients with the opportunity to graduate college debt-free.
The Bernsen Law Firm Excellence in Education Scholarship – Deadline: December 1, 2025. Winner announced: December 15, 2025. Open to students in any field of study.
Award: $10,000 Scholarship. How to Apply: Fill out the application and write a 5-page essay about your goals, why you are pursuing your chosen field of study, and what you hope to achieve with your degree. Applications for the 2025 scholarship are now open! Apply now at bit.ly/BLF-EIES
TPC Group Mark of Excellence Scholarship Application – Attn Seniors planning to pursue a two or four-year degree in a related STEM field. The TPC Group Mark of Excellence Scholarship Application process is now open. The deadline to apply is December 5, 2025.
NAFEPA Scholarship – Deadline to Apply December 12, 2025. A national scholarship supporting outstanding high school seniors pursuing higher education.
Equitable Excellence Scholarship – Deadline to Apply December 18, 2025
Applicants of the Equitable Excellence Scholarship® must be high school seniors with financial need who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Have a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must also reside in one of the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico, and will be asked to demonstrate ambition and self-drive to give back to their communities by encouraging other students to pursue post-secondary attainment. https://scholarshipamerica.
January 2026
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship – Deadline to Apply is January 5, 2026. High school seniors nationwide who showcase leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship are eligible to apply for a $10,000 renewable scholarship- up to $40,000 total per recipient.
Live Más Scholarship (Taco Bell) – Deadline to apply January 6, 2026
To apply, create a video (a “Video”) between thirty (30) seconds and two (2) minutes in length OR submit a written essay (an “Essay) (250 ≤ 500 words) and photo(s) that answers the following questions:
• What is your passion and how are you pursuing it?
• What impact do you hope to make with your passion or career path?
• How do you embody the spirit of Live Más in your everyday life?
Texas Farm Credit Scholarship – Application Deadline: January 15, 2026.
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Ag Champ – Each of the 18 Texas Farm Credit branches (one in Beaumont) will select one local student who will be awarded a $1,000 academic grant and the title of Ag Champ. In addition, each Ag Champ will also have a $1,000 contribution made in their honor to their FFA chapter or 4-H club.
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Marsha Martin – Texas Farm Credit will present $5,000 postsecondary scholarships to ten future ag leaders. Winners will be announced in May. The annual scholarship program is named in honor of Paris, Texas, native Marsha Pyle Martin, a strong advocate for youths and agriculture who passed away in 2000 following a 30-year Farm Credit career.
Motiva Excellence in Education Scholarship – Deadline to return to the Counselor's Office is January 23, 2026. This scholarship is designed to support students with a passion for STEM who may need a little extra support to help make college a reality.
HEB - UIL - Scholarships for Texas Athletic, Music and Academic Participants – Deadline to Apply January 30, 2026
• must be a current Texas high school senior graduating in 2026 with a minimum 3.3 GPA;
• have participated in a UIL competition as a high school student ;
• have been active in community service programs or events
February 2026
Elks National Foundation Scholarship 2026 Legacy Awards – Due online by February 2, 2026
Open to a high school senior who is the child or grandchild of an Elks member. 250 students who exhibit the values of the Elks National Foundation will be awarded a scholarship to support their college.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship – Deadline to apply is February 2, 2026. Students can apply for every scholarship for which they meet the requirements. Students do NOT have to exhibit or participate in any HLSR activity to apply for a scholarship.
PNG Local Scholarship Application – Due date: February 6, 2026
The Society of Petroleum Engineers Gulf Coast Section (SPE-GCS) – Deadline to apply February 15, 2026. Seniors pursuing careers in engineering across the energy industry, including nuclear, hydrogen, oil and gas, geothermal and carbon capture and storage.
Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel Scholarship – Deadline to return to the Counselor's Office is February 27, 2026.
ACET Scholarship – Deadline February 27, 2026. A state-level scholarship for graduating seniors working toward their degrees in education.
The Texas Gas Association (TGA) is pleased to share information about our TGA Scholarship Program, created to support graduating high school students as they pursue their next educational step.
Who: Graduating high school seniors who meet the eligibility requirements.
What: TGA scholarships are awarded annually to students planning to attend a 2- or 4-year university and/or a technical school.
When: The application deadline is listed on our website and is approaching soon - February 27, 2026.
Where / How to Apply: Eligibility requirements, application details, and submission instructions are available online at:
https://www.
https://www.
March 2026
Morgan L. Christian PNG Band Memorial Scholarship – Deadline to Apply March 1, 2026.
Morgan L. Christian PNG NDN Press Memorial Scholarship – Deadline to Apply March 1, 2026.
Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas – Deadline to apply March 1, 2026.
All graduating high school seniors who are Texas residents and who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school to achieve their academic goals, regardless of their financial circumstances, are eligible to apply. They will award 200 scholarships of $2,500 each to be deposited directly into the student’s college account. Masonic affiliation is a positive factor considered during the selection process, but it is not a requirement.
Cosmopolitan Masonic Lodge #872 – Deadline to apply March 1, 2026.
Foundation 649 Scholarship for AAPI Students – Application deadline is March 1, 2026. The Foundation 649 is a 501c3 that discovers and empowers young, talented Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who are actively elevating and serving their communities across the country. https://foundation649.com/
Lamar Institute of Technology – Smith-Hutson Scholarship – Deadline to apply March 1, 2026.
Eber Ephlin - Open to all students planning to attend any Lamar facility. (Lamar University; Lamar State College Port Arthur; LIT; Lamar Orange) The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026. Please use the link to apply. https://lamarpa.
Accessing the Portal:
Dual Enrollment students should have a MyLSCPA account and will need to log in under "LSCPA Admitted Students" using their credentials. Students who are not enrolled at LSCPA will need to click the "Non-Admitted Students" option. From there, they will need to create an account to access the portal. Once logged in, students will start by completing the pre-application questionnaire, which will open the scholarship applications they are eligible to apply for.
Texas Farm Bureau Scholarships – Deadline to Apply March 3rd, 2026.
High school students are eligible to apply for:
District/Memorial/Honorary
- Total of 52 are available (4 per district) (13 @ $5000 and 39 @ $3000)
- Total of 52 are available (4 per district) (13 @ $5000 and 39 @ $3000)
Young Farmer & Rancher (High School)
- Total of 13 are available (1 per district) ($1500 each)
- Must intend to pursue a career in agriculture
- Total of 13 are available (1 per district) ($1500 each)
- Must intend to pursue a career in agriculture
Dick Mitchell Memorial
- Total of 1 scholarship is available ($1000)
- Total of 1 scholarship is available ($1000)
Rave Financial Scholarship Program - The deadline to apply is on or before Friday, March 6, 2026. Rave Financial awards ten scholarships for $2,500 each to members who are graduating high school and seeking higher education. To be considered, all applicants must complete the scholarship application and upload all required documents using the link provided on our scholarship webpage. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. All information and the application can be found on our website at https://bankwithrave.com/
Eligibility Requirements:
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Be in good standing as a member of Rave Financial. Applicant must be the primary account holder of a Rave Financial share account in existence by March 6, 2026. Parents' or legal guardians' accounts are not sufficient.
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Graduating high school senior from the 2025-2026 school year, seeking advanced education at an accredited higher education institution.
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Submit Scholarship Application.
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Submit a brief biography or resume outlining your personal goals. (save as: LastName_FirstName-Bio)
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Submit a 500 word minimum essay. Essay Question: Reflecting on your personal experiences, discuss how the current economic climate or inflation has impacted your financial planning, saving, or spending habits. Identify key moments that have taught you valuable lessons, altered your perspective, or prompted you to adopt new strategies. Finally, consider how you plan to apply these insights and lessons as you look ahead to 2026. (save as: LastName_FirstName-Essay). All essays will be reviewed for AI-generated content, and such responses will lower your score.
PGA Reach Southern Texas High School Scholarship – Deadline to Apply March 2026 (You do not have to be a junior golfer to apply)
Scholarship recipients are selected based on, but not limited to: Academic performance, extracurricular activities, golf accomplishments, and financial need. We aim to not only inspire the next generation to grow in their golf game, but also to pursue their academic dreams, providing scholarships to graduating high school and current college students. Since 1999, we have awarded over $2,683,500 in scholarships.
Scholarship recipients are selected based on, but not limited to: Academic performance, extracurricular activities, golf accomplishments, and financial need. We aim to not only inspire the next generation to grow in their golf game, but also to pursue their academic dreams, providing scholarships to graduating high school and current college students. Since 1999, we have awarded over $2,683,500 in scholarships.
Better Business Bureau Student of Integrity Scholarship – Deadline to Apply March 15, 2026. - Better Business Bureau Serving Southeast Texas awards scholarships to graduating high school students residing within our service area who have demonstrated character, leadership, and ethical values. Applications are scored by an independent, volunteer panel of judges. Selected students will each receive $2500 scholarships, sent on their behalf to any accredited college or trade school of their choice. Scholarships must be used within three years of receiving the award and will be distributed to the student’s college or trade school upon verification of enrollment provided by recipients
https://www.bbb.org/local/
https://www.bbb.org/local/
Capital Farm Credit – Applications are due by March 16, 2026. Link to our application: Youth Scholarships | Capital Farm Credit
Southeast Texas Women in Industry Scholarship – Application Deadline: March 27, 2026
Scholarship Details - This scholarship is open to high school senior girls who plan to pursue a career in the industry field. Funds may be used toward tuition, books/supplies, and room and board.
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Recommendation Letter: Please attach a recommendation letter to the completed application.
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Submission Options:
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Email: info@setxwii.org
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Mail: Women in Industry, 3749 Hwy 69 N, Beaumont, TX 77705
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For questions, feel free to contact us at (409) 749-9239 or via email at info@setxwii.org.
VFW Art Contest – 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest and Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. Due March 30, 2026. Please contact DeAnn Soderholm at 409-509-1530 to arrange for artwork to be dropped off.
Port Neches-Groves Masonic Lodge #1163 – Deadline to apply March 31, 2026.
April 2026
Jefferson County Go Texan Scholarship – Deadline to Apply April 1, 2026
Texas Department of Transportation Conditional Grant Program – Deadline to Apply April 1, 2026.
The Conditional Grant Program is available to eligible students pursuing a degree in engineering or a TxDOT-approved operational business discipline. The Conditional Grant Program will consider both Texas public and private four-year institutions. Students accepted into the program receive up to $4,000 per semester or $8,000 per academic year, based on financial need.
The Conditional Grant Program is available to eligible students pursuing a degree in engineering or a TxDOT-approved operational business discipline. The Conditional Grant Program will consider both Texas public and private four-year institutions. Students accepted into the program receive up to $4,000 per semester or $8,000 per academic year, based on financial need.
Jonathan Wolfe Memorial Scholarship - Deadline to Apply April 1, 2026
The Leesha Roy Memorial Softball Scholarship - The Deadline to apply is April 24, 2026. Please email all questions to setxusasoftball@yahoo.com. The Leesha Roy Memorial Scholarship given by the Southeast Texas USA Umpire Association will be awarded for the Fall 2026 semester. Recipient will be notified via phone by June 2, 2026
May 2026
June 2026
Texas Scholarship Search
Scholarships by Deadlines - Some of these are for high school students; some are for currently enrolled college students. Keep applying for scholarships to help pay for college expenses.
Scholarships by Major – Accounting, Agriculture, Architecture, Aviation, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Education, Engineering, Law, Math, Medical, Nursing, Performing Arts, Science, Social Sciences, Trade, Veterinary Science, Visual Arts, Other Majors
College Scholarships
Baylor University – https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/costs-aid/scholarships-aid
Blinn College – https://www.blinn.edu/scholarships/index.html
East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) – https://www.etbu.edu/admissions/affordability/scholarships
Kilgore College – https://www.kilgore.edu/cost-financial-aid/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/
Lamar Institute of Technology – https://lit.edu/foundation/scholarships
Lamar State College-Orange – https://www.lsco.edu/
Lamar State College Port Arthur – https://www.lamarpa.edu/
Blinn College – https://www.blinn.edu/scholarships/index.html
East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) – https://www.etbu.edu/admissions/affordability/scholarships
Kilgore College – https://www.kilgore.edu/cost-financial-aid/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/
Lamar Institute of Technology – https://lit.edu/foundation/scholarships
Lamar State College-Orange – https://www.lsco.edu/
Lamar State College Port Arthur – https://www.lamarpa.edu/
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Eber Ephlin Scholarship – The application is open from January 10 to March 1. Students will need to complete the Pre-Application Questionnaire first to verify eligibility.
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Captain William Sanders DAR Scholarship – Application is open from January 10 to April 1. Students need to complete the Pre-Application Questionnaire first to verify eligibility.
Lamar University-Beaumont – https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/index.html
Louisiana State University – LSU – https://www.lsu.edu/financialaid/types_of_scholarships/
McNeese State University – http://www.mcneese.edu/student-central/scholarships
Louisiana State University – LSU – https://www.lsu.edu/financialaid/types_of_scholarships/
McNeese State University – http://www.mcneese.edu/student-central/scholarships
Rice University – https://admission.rice.edu/
Sam Houston State University – http://www.shsu.edu/dept/financial-aid/aid/scholarships
Stephen F. Austin State University – https://www.sfasu.edu/45.asp
Sam Houston State University – http://www.shsu.edu/dept/financial-aid/aid/scholarships
Stephen F. Austin State University – https://www.sfasu.edu/45.asp
Tarleton State University – https://www.tarleton.edu/
Texas A&M University – https://financialaid.tamu.edu
Texas Christian University – http://www.admissions.tcu.edu
Texas Christian University – http://www.admissions.tcu.edu
Texas State University – http://www.finaid.txstate.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
Texas Tech University – https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incFreshman.php#
Texas Tech University – https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incFreshman.php#
The University of Arkansas – https://admissions.uark.edu/
The University of Mississippi – https://olemiss.edu/
The University of Oklahoma – https://www.ou.edu/
The University of Texas at Austin – https://admissions.utexas.edu/afford/undergrad-scholarships
The University of Texas at San Antonio/UTSA – https://www.utsa.edu/
University of Alabama – https://www.ua.edu/
University of Houston – http://www.uh.edu/financial/undergraduate/types-aid/scholarships/
Military Scholarships
The Hazelwood Act – https://tvc.texas.gov/
The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does not induce living expenses, books, or supply fees.
Scholarships for Veterans and Dependents –
https://collegerecon.com/
U.S. Air Force - Scholarship – https://www.afrotc.com/
U. S. Army - Scholarships – https://www.goarmy.com/
Coast Guard - Scholarships – https://
U.S. Navy-Marine Corps - Scholarships – https://www.nmcrs.org/our-
Career & Personality Interest Profilers
Need help figuring out your plans after high school?
If you’re unsure about what you want to do after graduation, you’re not alone—and I’d love to help! Below are some free Career and Personality Interest Profilers that can give you insight into your strengths, interests, and potential career paths you might not have considered before.
If you’re unsure about what you want to do after graduation, you’re not alone—and I’d love to help! Below are some free Career and Personality Interest Profilers that can give you insight into your strengths, interests, and potential career paths you might not have considered before.
A few of these sites may ask for an email address to send your results. Please remember to use a personal email, not your school email, when signing up.
Career Interest Profilers
Personality Interest Profilers