By Sharon Petrus, high school counselor

ACT National ACT High School Poster Concept Contest – Applicants must design a poster (including visuals and tag line) that from their perspective encourages students to attend college and to take the ACT test as heir college entrance exam.  Go to www.actstudent.org/postercontest.  Deadline:  January 31, 2011

Colonel’s Scholars – Applicants must have a 2.75 GPA, must enroll in a public, in-state college or university, must pursue a bachelor’s degree, and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.  Applications will be available from December 1, 2010 until February 10, 2011 at  www.kfcscholars.org.  Deadline:  February 10, 2011

Elks National Foundation  Scholarships – Applicants must be a high school senior and a U.S. citizen.  Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.  Applications are available at www.elks.org/enf/scholars.  Deadline:  December 1, 2010

FastWeb – This is a free scholarship search with $1 billion in scholarships.  Go to www.fastweb.com.

HOBY Leadership Seminar – All sophomores are eligible to apply.  Only one student can be nominated from each school.  The Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) is a dynamic, interactive educational program designed to prepare our country’s youth to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace and community.  Fee – $150 Deadline:  December 3, 2010

Missouri Junior Science, Engineering and Humanities Symposium will be held March 17 – 19 2011, at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.  This symposium is open to grades 9 – 12.  It will allow students to hear world and nationally-known scientists speak on their research interests, visit laboratories of practicing scientists in industries and universities, and compete for university scholarships and a chance to attend the National JSHS Symposium.  Students may apply for scholarship to cover the cost of the Symposium or pay $140 fee to attend.  Apply at http://www.umsl.edu/~sep/ Deadline  January  20, 2010

Ozark Medical Center Scholarship Program – Applicants must show evidence of acceptance to an  accredited/licensed institution for nursing or allied health care, must have a minimum of 2.75 GPA for high school or college coursework, and must pursue a curriculum that will allow graduation requirements to be fulfilled within two years.  The scholarship is $5,000 per year, renewable for one year.  The recipient will be obligated for one year of full-time employment at OMC for each year the scholarship is awarded.  Applications are available at www.ozarksmedicalcenter.com.  Deadline:  July 1, 2011

Scholarships.com is a free college scholarship search service and financial aid information resource.

Soil and Water Conservation Society Scholarship – Seniors who plan to attend college and major in an area related to soils, water, natural resources, environment, agriculture, biology or other related fields are encouraged to apply.  $2,000, $1,000  Other scholarships, grants, and opportunities are available at this site.

Apply at:  http://swcs.missouri.edu Deadline:  November 29, 2010

The Christian Connector, Inc. – The Christian Connector provides a free Christian college information service as well as a $2,500 Christian college scholarship drawing.  Students can log onto www.christianconnector.com to request information and automatically be entered in the $2,500 scholarship drawing.  No Deadline given.

University of Missouri – Kansas City is holding audition Days.  Go to http://conservatory.umkc.edu for a list of specific dates.  Audition requests must be received in writing at least 30 days in advance of the audition date.

US Bank Internet Scholarship Program – US Bank will award (30 – 40) $1,000 scholarships in a random drawing.  There are no specific requirements and no essays to write.  Apply online at usbank.com/scholarships.  Deadline:  March 31, 2011