Timeline and resources for the National College Match

 he National College Match gives seniors the opportunity to be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship. 

QuestBridge programs are for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Most of the students who are selected as Finalists come from households earning less than $65,000 per year for a household of four with minimal assets (assets include savings, investments, and homes, properties, or businesses owned). However, there are no absolute cut-offs. 

The deadline for seniors to apply is Tuesday, September 30. Please check out link below for full details.  

QuestBridge

Interested students are encouraged to reach out to Jill O'Kane, VAHS School Counselor for assistance. 

Scholarship Opportunities for North Carolina Students.

 

Bold.org is a platform that connects students with scholarships, fellowships, and grants, while also empowering donors to create and fund these opportunities. It aims to alleviate the student debt crisis by facilitating access to financial aid for education. The platform is free for both students

https://bold.org/

NC College Connect Live Webinar Sept. 18, 2025 6:00 p.m.

 

Iwork Speaker Series

NCVPS hosts the IworkNCVPS speaker series to include presentations about career paths and jobs by those working in the field. We feel that it is never too early to start thinking about your future, and we are now providing a platform for our students to gain insight and exposure to potential career paths while still in middle or high school.

Sessions focus on a large variety of careers and jobs, but all sessions will cover the following information:

• Prerequisites & Education: Degrees, Certificates, Training, Professional Experience & Resumes
• Getting the Job: Job Search, Interview Process, Internships, Apprenticeships, Climbing the Ladder
• Daily Responsibilities (Micro): Job duties, Location, Market Environment
• Industry Environment (Macro): Industry Trends, Competition

Are you stressed about the college application process? Did you know that if you are a high school senior with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher, you can be directly admitted into many of NC’s colleges? Come hear about this program, NC College Connect, from an expert, Dr. Erica Shoulders-Royster.

 

Date: September 18

Time: 6:00 PM

Presenter: Dr. Erica Shoulders-Royster

Zoom: https://ncvps.zoom.us/my/iworkncvps

Scholarships

 

June is on its way, and with it comes exciting new scholarship opportunities for students of all grades. Scholarships.com has something for everyone this summer, so encourage your students to take a look; with a free account, students are matched to scholarships that suit their particular circumstances, traits, and academic interests.

In honor of Memorial Day, I’d like to spotlight the 2025 U.S. Naval Intelligence Essay Contest, worth up to $5,000 for any student, military-affiliated or otherwise. Due July 31st, the contest entails the submission of an essay no longer than 2,500 words about U.S. Navy developments and advancements; essay prompts are provided, but students are also welcome to create their own topics. This is a fantastic opportunity for passionate writers to make their voices heard and win money in the process.

More Summer Scholarships for High School Students:

• National Videogame Museum Scholarships

  Deadline: June 1, 2025

  Amount: $5,000

  
  

• Smith Publicity Book Marketing Scholarship
  Deadline: June 1, 2025
  Amount: $2,500

  
  

• Future Without Speciesism Award

  Deadline: June 30, 2025

  Amount: $10,000

Scholarships.com updates scholarships daily with the newest opportunities for students across any and all fields. See our directory of scholarships organized by deadline to plan ahead for the upcoming school year; the sooner students know their options, the better, so get started on a plan. 

College Essay & Application Kick-off for Juniors

 

The College Essay Guy is offering a free, two-part webinar series for juniors at the end of the month, packed with tips on how to use the summer productively and begin crafting an outstanding personal statement and college application.

 Why get started this summer? Students typically underestimate how long it will take them to create great college essays & applications. 

Summer is the best time for students to start writing—they'll have time to dig deep, get creative, and save themselves a whole bunch of potential stress during fall of senior year.

College Essay & Application Kick-off for Juniors   Part 1: How to Write an Outstanding Personal Statement Tues May 27th, 4-5pm PT (7-8pm ET)   On this session, we'll cover: The Purpose of the Personal Statement (i.e., What Colleges Are Looking for) Two Fun Ways to Find Your Personal Statement Topic How (and Why) to Show Your Core Values Two Successful Personal Statement Examples to Get You Inspired Topics to Potentially Avoid A Practical Game Plan for Having a Productive College Application Summer A Quick Preview of My Summer Courses Prize Giveaways! Q&A (We'll Answer Pretty Much Any Question You Have)   Part 2: How to Create a Compelling College Application Thurs May 29th, 4-5pm PT (7-8pm ET)   On this session, we'll cover: What Colleges Are Looking For in 2025 The Other Essential Parts of Your College Application Writing Great Supplemental Essays Tips for Creating a Great Activities List How to Make Use of the Additional Info Section A Sample Successful College Application A Quick Preview of My Summer Courses Prize Giveaways! Q&A (Bring those questions!)   How to Register Your Students for This Webinar Since they'll likely want to know the details of what we're covering in the two sessions, the simplest way to have them register is to forward them this email so they can click below and get signed up. Takes literally 45 secs.

Register for Both Sessions Here

Summer Scholarship Options for Juniors

As the summer approaches, so too does a whole host of scholarship opportunities for rising high school seniors. There are only a few short months between now and the beginning of the next academic year. Juniors can start planning for their future before college application season starts to monopolize their time.

There are hundreds of scholarships available to students in the upcoming weeks, with countless more on the way this summer. Keep an eye on the scholarships local to your area as we come closer to the 2025-2026 academic year; those and other niche scholarships will be a great low-competition opportunity for your students in addition to the more competitive opportunities  available. Juniors can start planning for their future before college application season starts to monopolize their time.

Summer NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Program in Biotech Program

This two-week residential program is for rising 11th- and 12th-grade high school students who are enthusiastic about pursuing a career in the biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, biotechnology, math, engineering, or any STEM subject. Learn more HERE!

Free College Admissions Tutoring for VAHS Students

 

Juniors can sign up by April 3 to join these workshops and get notified about more opportunities in the months ahead:

Financial Aid Decoded
Level up your understanding of financial aid and how to make college affordable.
 2 weeks, 2x per week, 60 minutes each.

The Essay
Understand the role of essays in the admissions process, and brainstorm, draft and polish yours.
 4 weeks, 2x per week, 75 minutes each.

College Admissions Workshops are created in partnership with Schoolhouse.world, co-founded by Sal Khan of Khan Academy. In these sessions, hosted on the Schoolhouse platform, trained near-peer tutors support groups of up to 15 high school students with information and activities informed by admissions and financial aid counselors.
 

Learn more about the workshops and how to sign up →

Quest Bridge College Prep Scholars Program

 

The College Prep Scholars Program has always equipped high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges. This year, we have added additional awards to ensure your students receive support that will strengthen their college application. Students selected as College Prep Scholars will be eligible to receive college guidance, college essay support, or standardized test preparation from our trusted affiliates.

Students should apply to the 2025 College Prep Scholars Program by Thursday, March 20, and complete the Awards form to be considered. Explore eligibility requirements. Students are encouraged to start a free application today. 

Questions? Watch our short video, Award Spotlight: Personalized College Preparation Awards.  

Momentum Scholarship For Juniors

The Momentum Scholarship for Juniors—an exclusive, no-essay $1,000 scholarship opportunity for high school juniors. The deadline for this opportunity is Monday, March 31st. This is a fantastic way for Juniors  to get engaged with financial aid early, and it’s only available to them through your referral!

 

About the Scholarship

The Momentum Scholarship is designed to encourage juniors to start applying for financial aid early. One lucky high school junior will win a $1,000 scholarship for proactively applying this winter.

Girls Who Code’s Summer Programs

 The Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a two-week, live virtual classroom experience for current 9th-11th graders. Students will design creative computer games, connect with industry professionals, and join an incredible community of mentors and friends who have their back. Eligible participants can apply for a $300 SIP Student Grant, plus laptop and hotspot access.

• Round 1: July 7th, 2025 - July 18th, 2025

• Round 2: July 28th, 2025 - August 8th, 2025
   

Pathways is a six-week study program for 9th-12th graders. Students set their own schedule to explore web development, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence, including a brand-new course on responsible artificial intelligence design!

• Program Dates: June 30th, 2025 - August 8th, 2025

• Check out our flyer to your educators and students so they can apply to Girls Who Code’s free Summer Programs at girlswhocode.com/summerapply by February 26, 2025, for priority consideration and the best chance of placement.  

Durham Bulls Broadcasting Opportunity

 The Durham Bulls Explorer Post 50 is a co-ed unpaid internship program designed for students aged 14-20. This program offers a unique and invaluable chance to gain exceptional experience in the field of television broadcasting, supported and sponsored by the Durham Bulls, Fox 50, and Capitol Broadcasting Company.

 

In our remarkable 27th season, Post 50 is responsible for the live broadcast of Durham Bulls home games on several WRAL platforms, MiLB.com, and within the ballpark. Additionally, we contribute highlights for FOX 50 and WRAL newscasts.

 

This program is an excellent platform for students to explore their interest in broadcast communications and gain practical, hands-on experience in a professional setting.

 

Open House:

• When: Feb. 12th, 7:00-8:30 pm

• Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Ball Park, 409 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC 27701

Applications for the 2025 Season:

• Deadline: Feb. 16th, 2025

• Limited to 70 members

• Apply - https://forms.gle/mVAARuU7CWZQDEq38

 

Interviews (For all applicants): Feb. 22nd and/or Feb. 23rd

 

Training Sessions (New Applicants Only): Mar. 1st and/or Mar. 2nd

 

Acceptance Notifications Sent: Mar. 9th

 

Baseball Season Runs: Apr. 1 - Sept. 14, 2025

 

Learn more: Durham Bulls Explorer Post 50 link.

NCSSM Connect

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Connect program provides distance education courses to schools across the state. Voyager Academy HS is a participating partner school. Students in grades 9-12 take tuition-free, honors-level, and AP courses in STEM and humanities from NCSSM via interactive video conferencing. Please check the NCSSM Connect website NCSSM Connect for more information. Voyager Academy HS counselor, Jill O'Kane will work with interested students to register. 

Durham Bulls Broadcasting Opportunity

The Durham Bulls Explorer Post 50 is a co-ed unpaid internship program designed for students aged 14-20. This program offers a unique and invaluable chance to gain exceptional experience in the field of television broadcasting, supported and sponsored by the Durham Bulls, Fox 50, and Capitol Broadcasting Company.

 In our remarkable 27th season, Post 50 is responsible for the live broadcast of Durham Bulls home games on several WRAL platforms, MiLB.com, and within the ballpark. Additionally, we contribute highlights for FOX 50 and WRAL newscasts.

 

This program is an excellent platform for students to explore their interest in broadcast communications and gain practical, hands-on experience in a professional setting.

 

Open House:

• When: Feb. 12th, 7:00-8:30 pm

• Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Ball Park, 409 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC 27701

 

Applications for the 2025 Season:

• Deadline: Feb. 16th, 2025

• Limited to 70 members

• Apply - https://forms.gle/mVAARuU7CWZQDEq38

 

Interviews (For all applicants): Feb. 22nd and/or Feb. 23rd

 

Training Sessions (New Applicants Only): Mar. 1st and/or Mar. 2nd

 

Acceptance Notifications Sent: Mar. 9th

 

Baseball Season Runs: Apr. 1 - Sept. 14, 2025

 

Learn more: Durham Bulls Explorer Post 50 link.

 

Feel free to share this exciting opportunity!

 

Apply now for an unforgettable experience in television broadcasting.

 

Thanks,

Ken

__________________________________________________________

 

Ken Bland

Durham Bulls Explorer Post 50 Advisor

M: 919 946 8899

 

 

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