Please Read This Entire Page BEFORE you start your application.

or download a pdf copy of this page How To Apply For Community Scholarships

 

A number of scholarships are awarded each year by participating Darien community organizations, based primarily on need, although factors such as grades, character, service and other considerations do have weight.

 

Some of the community scholarships have additional criteria, applications or essays; these are described below. The awards are for one year and all high school seniors are eligible. (NOTE: Two organizations, the Darien Community Association and the Kiwanis Club, also award continuing financial aid to college undergraduates.)

 

If you need financial assistance, your chances of getting local aid are best if you apply in the right way:

1. Read the description of local scholarships that are available. You may wish to discuss your application with your guidance counselor.
   
2. Download the community scholarship application form or pick up a hard copy from the Guidance Office.
• There is one common application form for MOST of the scholarships.
• Darien High School will send a copy of this completed application to all donors, unless you specify other instructions.
• You may be asked for an interview or for more information. If so, you will be contacted by the organization.
3. Complete the scholarship application forms honestly and completely.
• Be sure a parent or guardian has read and signed the application.
• Legibility is important!! We suggest that you type.
4. Submit the complete scholarship application form(s) to Mrs. Schoknecht no later than April 1, 2009. Applications submitted after this date may not be considered.
5. Keep a copy for your records!
• In most cases, you will be notified by graduation if you are a scholarship winner.
• The College & Career Center maintains a file of numerous other scholarships which can also be found online at www.darienps.org/dhs/guidance/scholarships.php
• Your counselor may be able to help you identify those for which you might qualify.
• Deadlines tend to be early in the year, so don't delay.

The following are some of the community organizations that awarded financial aid to students in the Class of 2008.

Use one application for all. Selections are made by each individual organization.

 

• THE AMANDA MARTIN MELOY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP is designed to provide recognition and financial support for high school seniors to help mitigate the cost of advanced career programs including tuition and related expenses.
• CHILDREN’S AID awards at least two scholarships per year to seniors involved in community service and who demonstrate financial need.
• THE DARIEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION has a long history of generous scholarship help to DHS students. DCA scholarships are RENEWABLE for four years. An interview is required.
• DARIEN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Each year, the Darien Education Association provides money for a scholarship to a student who has demonstrated financial need and indicated academic success.
• DARIEN EDUCATIONAL SECRETARIES ASSOCIATION This organization offers an annual scholarship(s) to a Darien High School senior(s) who plan(s) to pursue further education in the area of business or secretarial studies. Criteria for selection shall include good scholastic performance, training and promise in some business subjects or intent to take business courses in college, and the recommendation of the Business Education Department.
• DARIEN LIONS CLUB The Darien Lions Club award is made to a candidate with demonstrated need who has participated in community service, with particular emphasis placed on working with people with special needs.
• DARIEN OLD TIMERS ASSOCIATION This organization grants aid to two or more seniors who have financial need.
• DARIEN POLICE ASSOCIATION This scholarship is given to two or more seniors and is based on financial need and academic standing.
• DARIEN ROTARY CLUB The Darien Rotary Club awards financial scholarships to graduating seniors of Darien High School through the Darien Rotary Foundation. The awards are based upon financial need, academic achievement and community involvement.
• KIWANIS CLUB OF DARIEN Since 1957, the Kiwanis Club of Darien has awarded financial scholarships to members of the senior class of Darien High School to assist in continuing some kind of higher education. The recipients are chosen by a committee of Kiwanis members, on the basis of 1) financial need 2) academic standing and 3) quality of citizenship. These scholarships are renewable for one year.
• MASONIC CLUB OF DARIEN The Masonic Club of Darien awards two scholarships, one male, and one female to members of the Darien High School graduating class. Selection criteria include character, good citizenship and school spirit. The Masonic Selection Committee is particularly interested in candidates with proficiency in manual arts and encourages them to include some examples of their achievement in their application.
• PIEDMONT CLUB The Piedmont Scholarship is given to one or more graduating seniors who have a financial need, are motivated to earn money while in school, and who have been of service to the school or community.
• THE NOROTON FIRE DEPARTMENT awards the Henry Bennett Scholarship to one senior each year.

Also consider the following specialized award. This award requires a separate form that is available online or in the guidance office. THE KIWANIS HENRY KEIL GRANT: For a senior planning a career in nursing or allied health fields.

• Kiwanis Henry Keil Grant Application in PDF

 

 

 

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