For Juniors
Junior News...
Dual Credit Opportunities for Sophomores and Juniors - Salina Area Technical College
Salina Area Technical College has articulation agreements with several area high schools, allowing students to earn college credit before graduation. For more information, talk to your school counselor or visit Salina Tech’s website. Ready to apply? Head over to Salina Tech’s Application page to get started!
ACT/SAT Test Prep - METHODIZE
Students can take advantage of ACT/SAT Test Prep in XELLO. Methodize is Method Learning’s brand new online learning platform. Methodize consists of newly updated and revised ACT and SAT courses. Our online program has served over a million students in the past two decades and Methodize distills that experience into a new platform that makes it easier for students and teachers to do test prep. Students can access Methodize under "Resources" in their XELLO account.
Scholarship/Contest Opportunities for Juniors...
2025 State Masonic Public School Essay Contest
Any Junior or Senior attending a Kansas public high school is eligible to participate in this essay contest in order to win cash prizes including 1st place, $4000, 2nd place, $3000, 3rd place, $2000, 4th place $1000, and 4 Honorable Mention for $500 each. Essays must be submitted to the Local Lodge (Masonic Lodge, 143 S 3rd, Salina, KS 67401) on or before November 1, 2025. Visit Masonic Foundation for contest rules and to download required forms.
The 2025 Coolidge Scholarship
The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that may be used by recipients for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans on enrolling in college in the Fall of 2026 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply. Coolidge Scholars are selected based primarily on academic excellence. Secondary criteria include an interest in public policy, an appreciation for and understanding of the values President Coolidge championed, as well as humility and service. The Coolidge Foundation invites the top 100 applicants to participate in its Coolidge Senators Program, which includes an all-expenses-paid Summit Weekend in Washington, D.C, and a one-time $1,000 scholarship. Applicants who make it to the finalist level, but do not ultimately win the full scholarship, receive a one-time finalist scholarship of $5,000. The scholarship application, along with additional information, can be accessed on our scholarship site: Coolidge Scholars. The application opens on September 29, 2025. The Coolidge Scholars Program can be reached by email at coolidgescholars@coolidgefoundation.org or by phone at (202) 827-4291. Deadline: 7 PM CST, December 16, 2025
Horatio Alger Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Scholarship assists high school juniors who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. To be considered eligible you must be enrolled full-time as a high school senior in the United States, progressing normally toward graduation in the spring/summer of 2026 with plans to enter a college in the United States no later than the fall following graduation. Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor's degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States. Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities. Maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0. The scholarship application will open on December 1, 2025 and close on March 1, 2026. Apply online at Horatio Alger Scholarship Application
Distinguished Young Women of Kansas Scholarship
Distinguished Young Women of Kansas is a national program that empowers young women to reach their full potential by providing scholarships, life skills workshops (like interview), and a positive peer network. PLUS showcase your abilities and what makes you, uniquely YOU! The application deadline is April 15, 2026. Girls can apply by going to https://www.distinguishedyw.org/about-us and clicking on APPLY | LOG IN at the top. This scholarship program is an in-person program that will be held in July of 2026 in Belleville, KS. Last year, we gave away $7,000 in cash scholarships at our state program. This is a national program as well, and there are also incredible college-granted scholarships from across the nation that may be available to them as well.
Miss Kansas/Miss Kansas Teen USA
You could be the next Miss Kansas/Miss Kansas Teen USA. For more information visit: Miss Kansas/Miss Kansas Teen USA Website
Samsung American Legion Scholarship
Scholarships are restricted to high school juniors who complete either a Boys State or Girls State program and are a direct descendant - i.e. child, grandchild, great-grandchild, etc. - or a legally adopted child of a wartime veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership. To apply visit: Samsung Scholarship Application
Eagle Scout of the Year
The American Legion honors the Eagle Scout of the Year at the national convention with a $10,000 scholarship. The three runners-up get $2,500. Further information is available from department adjutants or the Americanism and Children & Youth Division. The student must have reached his 15th birthday and be enrolled in high school at the time of selection. For more information visit: Eagle Scout Scholarship
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
Abbott & Fenner are committed to continuing our efforts at helping those who have the desire and ambition to succeed. The winner(s) of this annual scholarship will receive their award within 2 weeks of the listed deadline. All applicants should include their full name and mailing address with their submissions. Applications for these scholarships are available at Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Application
Junior Year & Financial Aid Checklist
Take challenging courses in core academic subjects and stay on track to complete the state-required curriculum for college admission requirements. Colleges look for:
- Challenging coursework
- A strong GPA
- Involvement in extra-curricular activities such as sports, volunteer work, or church
Request a catalog and admission information about a variety of colleges and universities
- Go to college fairs and college preparation presentations by college representatives
- Explore career options and their earning potential in the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh
- Stay involved in school and community-based activities
- Dare to dream-take on a new leadership role
- Apply for institutional scholarships (Don't miss deadlines!)
- Review and apply for national scholarships at www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com
ADMISSIONS & COLLEGE PLANNING
- Visit college campuses (and talk to Financial Aid while I'm there)
- Narrow my college choices to 5-7 schools
- Ask your teachers or community leaders for recommendations for professionals who you can job-shadow for a day
- Take the ACT and practice, practice, practice
- Talk to parents/family about my goals after high school
SCHOLARSHIPS
- Begin drafting a scholarship essay
- Ask teachers, counselors, and employers for recommendation letters to include with scholarship applications
- Review and apply for local scholarships geared toward juniors
- Review and apply for national scholarships at www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com
FINANCIAL AID
- Estimate college costs using each college's Net Price Calculator
ADMISSIONS & COLLEGE PLANNING
- Visit college campuses and talk to Financial Aid while I'm there
- Narrow college choices to 5-7 schools
- Begin applying to colleges
SCHOLARSHIPS
- Prepare a second draft of your scholarship essay
- Visit studentaid.gov
- Review and apply for national scholarships at www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com
FINANCIAL AID
- Review https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid for different ways to pay for college
- Save money from my summer job to pay for college applications and college costs
Helpful Hints to Score Well
- Register in advance to give yourself time to prepare appropriately
- Take advantage of test-prep opportunities through your high school, online, or through colleges
- Eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the test and get several good nights of rest in the days before the test
Compliments of www.kasfaa.org