Scholarship forum scheduled at Southside High School

story by Marla Cantrell
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Parents of seniors have one short year to secure funding for college-bound students, and Southside High School counselors want to do everything they can to help. On Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m., the staff is bringing in an expert to discuss available scholarships for its 500 seniors. The workshop will be held in the school’s auditorium.

Forest Boles, a student outreach coordinator for the Arkansas Department of Higher Education will be the guest speaker. He said participants will leave knowing what it takes to qualify, and when and how to successfully apply for financial aid. Boles said it’s an interactive event, and he hopes to spend most of his time answering questions.

“The agency’s financial aid division is responsible for distributing approximately $140 million annually from state revenues and lottery funds intended to ease the financial burden of students seeking an education beyond high school,” Boles said.

Southside High School counselor Dianne Jeffery expects the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship to be the main topic of discussion, since it’s undergone major changes in recent years.

“The Arkansas Challenge Scholarship has been available for several years but previously students had to demonstrate financial need to receive it,” Jeffery said. “The graduates of 2010 did not have to demonstrate financial need.”

The Arkansas Challenge Scholarship can provide students in four-year programs up to $5,000 annually.  Students in two-year programs can qualify for up to $2,500. Those seeking certain certificates and nursing school diplomas are also eligible for financial assistance.

Arkansas Challenge Scholarship applicant must meet the following qualifications.
• Be an Arkansas resident (at least 12 months prior to enrollment) and US citizen/lawful permanent resident;
• Accepted for admission at an approved institution of higher education in a program of study that leads to a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, qualified certificate or a nursing school diploma;
• Not have earned a baccalaureate degree;
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (although there will be no maximum income cap);
• Not owe a refund on a federal or state student financial aid grant for higher education;
• Not be in default on a federal or state student financial aid loan for higher education;
• Not borrowed in excess of annual federal loan limits;
• Not be incarcerated at the time of application for or during the time the applicant receives the scholarship;
• Complied with the United States Selective Service System requirements for registration; and,
• Certify to be drug free.

Jeffery said she and the other counselors at Southside want to be proactive in getting financial help for students, and in helping parents through the paperwork process. If you’re a Southside parent and would like to attend, just show up at the school’s auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 9.