GCPS Foundation Scholarship Catalog
The GCPS Foundation Scholarship Catalog is a comprehensive resource that lists every scholarship available to students in the Guilford County Public Schools system. It serves as a onestop guide for students, families, counselors, and educators who are looking for financial assistance to support postsecondary education.
What Is the GCPS Foundation?
The Guilford County Public Schools (GCPS) Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to bolster the educational experience of GCPS students. By cultivating partnerships with businesses, community groups, and private donors, the Foundation raises funds that are then earmarked for scholarships, grants, and program enhancements that directly benefit students.
Purpose of the Scholarship Catalog
The catalogs primary goal is to increase accessibility and transparency. By compiling every eligible scholarship in a single, searchable document, the Foundation removes the guesswork that often deters families from applying for aid.
- Centralized information: No need to scour dozens of websites.
- Uptodate listings: The catalog is refreshed each academic year.
- Eligibility clarity: Each entry includes clear criteria, deadlines, and award amounts.
How to Navigate the Catalog
The catalog is organized into sections that make it easy to locate relevant scholarships:
- By Level of Study: High school seniors, undergraduate, graduate, and vocational programs.
- By Field of Interest: STEM, arts, health sciences, business, education, etc.
- By Demographic: Scholarships for firstgeneration college students, minorities, veterans, and students with disabilities.
Each scholarship entry follows a consistent format:
- Name of Scholarship
- Award Amount single or multiple awards
- Eligibility Requirements
- Application Process link to application or contact information
- Deadline typically listed in month and day
Key Features of the Catalog
Search Functionality
The online version includes a keyword search and filter options by amount, deadline, or eligibility. This reduces time spent manually scrolling through pages.
Printable PDF
For students who prefer a hard copy, a downloadable PDF version is provided. It is formatted for easy printing and can be taken to school counseling offices.
Resource Links
Every entry includes direct links to the scholarship sponsors website, application portals, and additional resources such as essay guides or FAFSA instructions.
Sample Scholarship Entries
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCPS STEM Excellence Award | $2,500 | GCPS seniors, GPA 3.0, SAT/ACT math score 650 | April 15 | Apply Here |
| FirstGeneration College Scholarship | $3,000 | Firstgeneration college student, any GPA, community service record | May 1 | Apply Here |
| Arts & Humanities Grant | $1,500 | Students majoring in visual or performing arts, portfolio required | March 30 | Apply Here |
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start Early: Give yourself ample time to gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays.
- Read Eligibility Carefully: Even small detailssuch as a GPA cutoff or residency requirementcan disqualify an otherwise strong candidate.
- Tailor Your Essay: Align your personal statement with the scholarships mission. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you embody the sponsors values.
- Proofread: Errors in spelling or grammar reflect poorly on attention to detail.
- Follow Up: After submitting, confirm receipt and keep a record of confirmation numbers.
How Schools Support Students
GCPS high schools assign dedicated scholarship counselors who help students navigate the catalog. These counselors:
- Conduct workshops on finding and applying for scholarships.
- Offer oneonone appointments to review application materials.
- Maintain a master list of upcoming deadlines for the school year.
Teachers are also encouraged to write recommendation letters and to incorporate scholarship awareness into college and careerready curricula.
Impact of the Scholarship Catalog
Since its launch, the GCPS Foundation Scholarship Catalog has helped hundreds of students secure funding for higher education. Some measurable outcomes include:
- > 45% increase in applications from GCPS seniors within the first two years.
- > Over $1.2 million distributed in scholarship awards annually.
- > Higher college enrollment rates among participating students, especially in underrepresented fields.
These statistics underscore the catalogs role as a catalyst for academic opportunity and social mobility.
How to Contribute
Community members, businesses, and alumni can expand the catalog by creating new scholarships. The process generally involves:
- Contacting the GCPS Foundation to discuss goals and funding levels.
- Defining eligibility criteria and award amounts.
- Submitting an application form and a brief description for inclusion in the catalog.
Donors may also choose to fund existing scholarship pools, increasing the number of awards granted each year.
Contact Information
If you have questions about a specific scholarship or need assistance navigating the catalog, please reach out to the GCPS Foundation:
- Email: scholarships@gcpsfoundation.org
- Phone: (336) 5551234
- Office Hours: MondayFriday, 9am5pm
