by Mrs. Petrus, high school counselor

2012 Missouri Innovation Academy – This academy will take a new approach to business and science by merging the two fields.  Students will spend three weeks learning how to develop a business model for a product they have designed, built and tested.  No cost to students selected to attend.  Go to http://www.missouristate.edu/MIA to apply.  Deadline:  February 15, 2012

LEAP Scholarship – Accounting majors may apply for a $500 scholarship at www.leap-forward.com.  Deadline:  Must be received by February 29, 2012

NFIB YEF Scholarship – Applicants must be entering his or her freshman year at an accredited, nonprofit two- or four-year university, college or vocational/technical institute for the full 2012 – 2013 academic year and must have an established business.  To apply go to:  www.NFIB.com/YEA  Deadline:  December 15, 2011

Project 21 – 2012 Scholarship – Applicants must create an article (which must be published – could be in a school newspaper), a poster (must be displayed in a public area of the applicant’s school), and a video (must be viewed in a school class or forum) on the dangers and consequences associated with underage gambling.  Article, poster and video must be completed by February 28, 2012.  The above must be accompanied by an application at:  www.missouricasinos.org  Deadline:  March 9, 2012

Girls State – (June 24 – June 30) The Girls State program provides young women who have just finished their Junior year in high school the opportunity to study city, county and state government.  It enforces the understanding that every person is an integral part of the political process and has a responsibility to make tomorrow a better time.  Applications are available at:  www.missourigirlsstate.org.

Mizzou Alumni Scholarship – Applicants must have a 26 or higher on the ACT or rank in the top 20% of their high school graduating class. Go to www.mizzou.com/scholarship  to download an application.  Deadline:  February 1, 2012

United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship Program – Applicants must be U.S. citizens graduating from U.S. accredited schools, and plan to continue their education at an accredited post-secondary college, university or vocational school.  Applications are available at www.usjcisenate.org .  Be sure to choose the Missouri application.  Deadline:  January 3, 2012

Washington University – St. Louis High School Summer Scholars Program – Students take two college courses for credit, develop academic skills through specialized seminars, and live in a residence hall and enjoy social and cultural opportunities with other students from around the world.  For more information and application materials go to:  summerexperiences.wustl.edu

Westlake Scholarship Program – Applicants must be Missouri residents, must be graduating high school seniors, must have a 2.5 minimum GPA, and must have a family adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.  Go to www.sms.scholarshipamerica.org/westlake.  Deadline:  February 1, 2012