Financial Aid/Scholarships

To qualify for these scholarships and grants, a student must complete the FAFSA, be a U.S. citizen, or be an eligible non-citizen (with some exceptions) and be a Tennessee resident one year prior to the application deadline. In Tennessee, to be eligible for the most amount of scholarship money and financial aid, every senior must complete the FAFSA. 

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

The HOPE Scholarship is worth up to $2,250 per semester for freshman and sophomores and $2,850 per semester for juniors and seniors at a four-year institution; and up to $1,600 per semester for two-year institutions. The application is the FAFSA. 

• Requirements: 
  • Minimum 21 ACT composite (or concordant equivalent on the SAT) on a national or state test date OR
  • Final cumulative 3.0 GPA for entering freshman graduating from a eligible school. 

Aspire Award

The Aspire Award provides up to $750 per semester at a four-year institutions and up to $250 per semester at two-year institution as a SUPPLEMENT to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. The application is the FAFSA. 

• Requirements:
  • Meet Tennessee HOPE Scholarship requirements AND
  • Parents' or independent student's (and spouse's) adjusted gross income must be $36,000 or less on tax form
  • Students may receive ASPIRE or GAMS (see below), but not BOTH

General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS)

The award amount is up to $500 per semester as a SUPPLEMENT to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. The application is the FAFSA. 

• Requirements
  • At least a final cumulative 3.75 GPA and 29+ ACT composite (or concordant equivalent on the SAT) on a national test date or state test date. 

Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant

The award amount is up to $2,000 per academic year. The application is the FAFSA

Requirements:

• Available to anyone who enrolls in a certificate or diploma program at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology and meets residency requirements 

Tennessee Promise

The Tennessee Promise is a scholarship and mentoring program that allows students in Tennessee to attend a community or technical college tuition-free. It provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the Pell Grant, the HOPE Scholarship, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award. Students may use the scholarship at any of the state's 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology, or other eligible institutions offering an associate degree program. For a guide on how to apply, please click the TN Promise link located under the Important Links section. 

• Requirements: 
  • Apply for the scholarship   
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Attend mandatory mentor meeting
  • Apply to a community or technical college 
  • Complete and report eight hours of community service

Ensure that all TN Promise requirements are completed before their deadlines. 

Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)

The amount of the award is based on the institution indicated on the student's FAFSA. Award amounts for an academic year are: four-year/two-year private - $4,000; and four-year/two-year public/Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology/career schools - $2,000. 

• Requirements: 
  • Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 5,846 or less on the FAFSA
  • Priority for this award is given to U.S. citizens 

East Tennessee Foundation Scholarships

Horatio Alger Association Scholarships

Award: $10,000 to $52,000 | Deadline: Seniors - Feb. 15, 2026, Juniors - March 1, 2026

Horatio Alger Association scholarships are intended for promising students who have critical financial need, demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity and are determined to succeed. Key criteria for qualification include demonstrated critical financial need (yearly income of less than $100,000) a 2.0 or higher GPA and U.S. citizen status. More info can be found on the association's website.

Ned McWherter Scholars Program

Award: $6,000 per year | Deadline: March 2, 2026

The application period for the Ned McWherter Scholars Program opens January 1. Applications must be submitted through the TSAC Portal, which you used when you applied for TN Promise and/or the Dual Enrollment Grant. Students must submit outstanding application requirements through the TN Cloud secure file drop with the password McWherter2627. To protect the personally identifiable information (PII) for students, THEC policy does not allow received emails to contain PII which includes Social Security Number, date of birth, etc. Therefore, please upload documents through the TN Cloud secure file drop rather than email. The deadline to apply and submit supporting documents is March 2. To be eligible to apply, students must have a minimum ACT score of 32 (not superscore) or 1430 on the SAT, and a minimum GPA of 3.75 (unweighted). More info can be found on the program's website.

Appalachian Fair Scholarship

Award: $1,000 | Deadline: April 10

Students who participated in the Appalachian Fair within the last two years may be eligible for one of two $1,000 scholarships from the Appalachian Fair Scholarship Committee. Scholarships are open to applications in any field of study (including vocational areas) with at least a 2.5 GPA. Applicants will be evaluated based on scholarship, leadership, extra-curricular activities, Fair participation and community leaders. Applications with three letters of reference, required essays and official transcripts should be sent to: Appalachian Fair Scholarship Committee, PO Box 8218, Gray, TN 37615. Applications must be received no later than April 10. For more information and the application form, visit the Appalachian Fair's website.

More scholarship opportunities for the 2025-26 school year will be posted as they become available.

Local scholarships are now available! Each one has different requirements/eligibility criteria, so make sure you read the applications carefully. Deadlines and submission methods differ as well. All scholarship applications are on the scholarship wall right past Mr. Douglas's office at the end of Counselor Row.

Cherokee Elementary PTA

Cherokee Elementary PTA is offering a scholarship in the amount of $500 to a former Cherokee student who exhibits outstanding character, academics, and sportsmanship. Three letters of reference are required, as well as an essay of 300 words or less on the impact Cherokee Elementary had on your life. The deadline is March 27, 2026.    

Junior League Volunteer Scholarship

The Junior League of Johnson City is offering their Volunteer Scholarship for a female high school senior graduating from Johnson City, Elizabethton Washington/Carter/Unicoi school systems who will be attending a four-year local university in Northeast Tennessee (King, ETSU, Milligan, Tusculum, or the Kingsport Higher Education Center). Ideal applicants have outstanding extracurricular involvement and volunteer commitment to Tri-Cities community, as well as a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students must submit the application, a personal statement of 500 words or less, transcript, and a letter of recommendation from a school official, administrator, or teacher. All documents must be uploaded through the Google doc and submitted by March 31, 2026. 

JC Council of PTAs

The Johnson City Council of PTAs is offering a $500 scholarship for a Science Hill senior who has made a difference in their community or school, and the winner will be chosen based upon commitment to community and demonstrated volunteerism. Students must submit an application, resume, and a typed one-page personal statement about the difference your volunteering has made in your community or school.  The deadline to apply is March 27, 2026. 

Mountain View Elementary PTA

Mountain View Elementary PTA is proud to offer their first scholarship valued at $500. This award will go to a former Mountain View student who has made a difference in their community or school. Students must submit an application, resume, letter of recommendation, and a 1-2 page typed personal statement addressing how your volunteer experience had an impact in your community. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2026. 

Aillison-Doak Scholarship

The Jonesborough Civitan Club is sponsoring the Allison-Doak Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. The scholarship is designed for students who are developmentally and/or physically challenged and plan to continue their education after high school. Applicants must complete an application and submit a transcript and 2 letters of recommendation. The deadline is March 31, 2026.

Shelter Insurance Foundation Agents' Scholarship

The Shelter Insurance Foundation Agents’ Scholarship Program is now under way. Applications for this $1,500 scholarship require a resume and several short answer questions regarding future educational plans. The deadline to submit your application is March 31, 2026.

Bristol TN/VA Association of Realtors Scholarships

The Bristol TN/VA Association of Realtors is sponsoring six different scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to a graduating senior from one of our local high schools. Requirements include a completed application and an essay of 500 words on the topic “What Home Ownership Means to Me”. The deadline to submit the application and essay is March 31, 2026.

JC Council of PTAs Trade Scholarship

The Johnson City Council of PTAs is offering a trade scholarship worth $500 to a Science Hill senior who is continuing their career path in a trade school. Students must submit an application, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and an essay explaining how the scholarship would support your career in a trade, and why you’re the best candidate for this scholarship. March 27, 2026 is the deadline.

Life. Made. Better. Scholarship

The Commercial Bank “Life. Made. Better.” Scholarship competition is underway. This $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to one student in the Commercial Bank service area. Ideal applicants should exhibit qualities and behaviors that make life better in their community. Applicants must have a 3.0, be eligible for either free/reduced lunch or the Pell grant, and be involved in at least two extracurricular activities. Students must submit a letter of recommendation and an essay of at least 1,000 words describing the facets of what you believe can make life better for individuals in the community and how you are committed to that goal. Students apply online and the deadline is March 30, 2026.

Paula Dickerson Sportsmanship Award

The Paula Dickerson Sportsmanship Award application is available to a female athlete who participated on a girls’ athletic team during the 2025/2026 school year. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, plan to attend college or trade school, and have demonstrated good sportsmanship. Two letters of reference, along with a one-page essay describing what sportsmanship means to you, are required as part of the application for this $1,000 scholarship. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2026.

Progress Together Club Incentive Scholarship

The Progress Together Club is offering their Incentive Scholarship. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate cultural diversity, community volunteer work, and financial need. Three letters of recommendation are required, along with transcript/test scores and an essay. The deadline to apply is March 30, 2026.

Langston Legacy Scholarship

The Langston Education and Arts Development (LEAD) is sponsoring the Langston Legacy Scholarship. Eligibility requirements include graduating from Johnson City or Washington County high schools, a 2.75 GPA, and plans to attend a two- or four-year college, technical or trade school, or beauty school. They will be giving five scholarships valued at $1,000 each. The deadline to apply is April 13, 2026.

Woodland Elementary School Scholarship

Woodland Elementary School is offering a $500 scholarship to a senior who attended Woodland and is planning to pursue higher education at an accredited institution. They’re using a Google form to accept applications, and the deadline is March 25, 2026.

Lorenzo Wyatt Scholarship

North Side Elementary School is offering the Lorenzo Wyatt Scholarship for a student who attended North Side. This $500 scholarship requires an application and essay of 500 words or less on how North Side made a positive impact on your life. The deadline is April 3, 2026.

Topper 4 Life Scholarships

The Topper 4 Life Organization is offering two scholarships, valued at $500 each, for two deserving student-athletes. These scholarships will go to a male and a female athlete at Science Hill High School. To apply, students must complete the application, provide the name and contact information for an academic reference and a personal reference, and submit a 250-500 word essay on what life lessons you learned in your time as a Science Hill athlete. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026.

Dr. Debra Bentley Scholarship

Local scholarship opportunities for the 2025-26 school year will be posted as they become available.

If you have the time, we'd like you to do 3 things. All of which are optional. If you chose to do these exercises, they should take about 5-10 minutes and can really help maximize your time. 

Short on time? No problem! These are optional and you can skip 'em! 

1. Money Goals

Grab a sheet of paper and answer this question as authentically as you can: "What does successfully paying for college look like for you?"

This question can look different for everyone. For example: 

• When I graduate from college...
• To make college affordable, I need...
• To me, an affordable college education would mean...

Take a few minutes to think it over, then keep reading. 

So, what did you come up with? 

• Graduating from college debt free? That is a goal for many students. 
• Making life easier on your folks? That one is up there too.

Did you think about....

• Earning a full-ride scholarship? 
• Graduating with an acceptable amount of debt? Not so fun, but real life fact: The national average is $37,853 per borrower. 
• What about being the envy of your peers because you earned "all the scholarships"? (Love the ambition, btw)  

Setting up a very specific goal up front will help you keep track of how close you are and keep you motivated and disciplined. 

2. College Affordability Team...Assemble! 

Think of at least one person--hopefully more like three to four people you feel should be included in your "how am I going to pay for college" conversation. 

Top Draft Picks: 

• Your parents/guardians
• Your grandparents
• Your high school counselor/college access advisor
• Another trusted and knowledgeable adult
  • A favorite teacher
  • A coach 
  • Your employer
  • Older sibling who has gone through the college process

3. Decide what is most important to you as of right now 

Look at the timeline and see where you are

1. I'm in no rush. Tell me about scholarships."
   • Terrific! Let's talk other people's money! Schedule an appointment with your counselor. 
2. "I'm a junior/senior trying to figure out what colleges are affordable so I can make a final college list"
   • This is perhaps the most important step. Schedule an appointment with you counselor.
     • Ideal timing: junior; spring- senior; fall. Although, the earlier the better!
3. "I'm a senior and I am trying to figure out the total cost of the places I'm getting into...Help? 
   • This is the easiest part. No problem at all. Again...schedule an appointment with your counselor. 
     • Ideal timing: August/September of senior year. 

FAFSA Night

Thank you all who came out to our FAFSA night. We will plan on having another one next year! 

Hey kids, remember when you were told by your folks not to take candy from a stranger? Your folks, were mostly right, except when it comes to strangers looking to help you pay for college. That is candy you should not only take, but you should learn how to look for more. This kind of candy doesn't ruin your teeth and require you to go to the dentist...unless that is what you want to be. 

As mentioned above, scholarships are free money awarded to you because someone, some company, a non-profit, a college sees something in you and wants to be a tool in your toolbox to help you succeed. 

There are 3 types of scholarships: private, local, and institutional. Each one has their own pros and cons and specific time frame when you can apply and prime season when the most $$$$ will be available. You can cut down the amount of time you spend searching for them by being strategic about when and where you look. 

Here are the very basics so you can decide which to focus on first:

• Private scholarships are available year-round. Prime season is September through April of your senior year. 
  • Please note that these tend to be the hardest to find and hardest to win. Getting enough of these to "cover college" is a bad plan.  
• 95% of local scholarships are made available only January-April of your senior year. 
• Institutional scholarships' timelines are different for every college, but to have the best chance to qualify you ideally should apply to the college by November 1st, check the colleges deadline to be sure.  

What do people who win scholarships generally have going for them? 

• Great academics (grades, test scores, etc.)
• Connected to their school in some capacity (athletics, artistic, clubs)
• A unique set of qualities
• Lots of hard work and determination

Ready to find some scholarships? Awesome. Get going!

Well hold up, before you go, lets make sure you have 5 things ready to help you do scholarship shopping a little differently.

1. Recycle essays and letters of recommendation
   • Scholarships applications usually require one or both of these items. That does not mean you need to start over from scratch every time. In fact it would be foolish if you did. Reuse the LOR's and essays over and over again.
2. Have a Resume on hand
   • A resume is just a list of stuff you've done typed up to look nice. In fact, when you're ready to make one, hop on google docs and select a resume template to help guide you. 
3. Focus on best fit scholarships rather than dollar amounts
   • Focus your efforts and energy on doing an outstanding job where you are most likely to strike gold! 
     • Which would you apply for? A $500 scholarship with 4 applicants where you are 1 of 4 or a $10,000 where you are one of thousands? You decide. 
4. Enlist your folks/mentors to help find scholarships
   • If you did the exercises on the pre-work page, you'll remember jotting down the names of your college affordability team. Here is a way they can be an incredible asset. Put them to work helping you find scholarships. 
5. Have a centralized scholarship tracker/spreadsheet
   • Whether you have enlisted the help of others or make this a solo journey, having a single place where all your scholarship information lives is super helpful and will keep things clean, organized and will help keep you motivated. 

If you are reading this, I am glad you have stuck with us and are seeing this through! This section covers the FAFSA and some other financial stuff. 

What is the FAFSA? 

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is done online and you will most likely need your parent's help to fill it out every year in order to qualify for federal aid for the following school year. This year, it will be available on December 1st. 

Here is why the FAFSA is a key piece of paying for college:

The vast majority of colleges use the FAFSA to determine how much and what kinds of need-based aid you will be eligible for. 

How is determined how much my family can afford? 

There is a secret formula, kind of like that famous fried chicken recipe...a blend of 21 herbs and spices kind of formula. The FAFSA takes all of the information you put in -- income, assets, family size, parents age -- and crunches all that down into one number, which they call a SAI (Student Aid Index). The federal government, state government and colleges use that number to determine who needs $$$ the most, and how much they can expect to recieve. 

So, who is ready to FAFSA? 

How to FAFSA

Let's do this. We have broke it down into steps so you do not get overwhelmed with what you have to do.

1. Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Click on "start new form". A new tab will open. Do not panic. 
2. Create your FSA ID account. 
   • Students will need Social Security number, name, DOB, email address, password and multifactor authentication option. Parents will need to create their own account with a unique email address and password, even if they do not have a Social Security number. It is recommended to set up your username and password at least a week before starting the FAFSA. 
3. Gather Documents.
   • You will need certain documents when filling out the FAFSA. Some of these documents will be parents tax returns, bank statements, etc. More information can be found here.
4. Start FAFSAING! 
   • If you have any questions, click on the blue help button on every question page. If you still have questions that were not answered, please see your counselor or our NiswongerCare Advisor, Mrs. Frye. 

Thanks for stopping by!