Whether you’re working at a high school or know a high schooler, today’s Member Monday newsletter is full of beneficial programs and opportunities. Check them out below!
Scholarships and Programs for High School Students
United States Senate Youth Program: Each year, two students from every state are selected to learn from top government officials in Washington D.C. and receive a $10,000 scholarship. Juniors and seniors in leadership positions are invited to apply by Oct. 14. | More Information
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Youth Scholarships: High school students nationwide can submit an audio essay responding to the prompt “Is America today our forefathers’ vision?” for a chance to win a scholarship up to $35,000. Submissions are due Oct. 31. | More Information (There are other opportunities for middle school students as well!)
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program: The Wisconsin Department of Revenue certifies high schoolers to prepare state income taxes for free. Students then participate in events to help community members file their taxes. Submit applications by the end of October. | More Information
Wisconsin Senate Scholars Program: Junior and senior students are invited to apply to the week-long program where they get firsthand experience with the legislative process by working with Senators, legislative staff and University of Wisconsin faculty. Application deadline is Nov. 15. | More Information
Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament: Schools can submit a team to participate in the 2025 competition hosted by the State Bar of Wisconsin. Registration just opened and runs through Nov. 15. | More Information
Badger Boys State: High schools can sponsor male junior students to participate in the week-long program where participants learn how the government system works by creating their own city, county and state level governments together in June. Registration opens soon. | More Information
Badger Girls State: Female junior high school students can attend a similar week-long conference where they learn about and actively participate in state government. Registration details should be coming soon. | More Information
America’s Field Trip Contest: America250 is celebrating our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary by having students answer “What does America mean to you?” First-place winners receive a free, exclusive field trip to an iconic American landmark. Submissions are due April 16. | More Information (open to elementary and middle school students too!)
Driver Education Grant Program: Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch can apply to have their classroom and behind-the-wheel driver training paid for by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. | More Information
College and Career Readiness Resources
Edvest Bonus for College Savings Month: September is College Savings Month! In Wisconsin, families can open 529 college savings accounts that offer tax incentives to support families in saving for their students’ higher education, as well as expenses related to K-12 private education. Edvest 529 is offering a $50 bonus for accounts opened before Sept. 27. | More Information
WAICU School Counselor Workshops: The Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) is hosting four free workshops for high school counselors about the state’s private colleges and the latest on the financial aid process. There are three in-person workshops statewide in October and one virtual opportunity in November. Every private college and university in Wisconsin will have a representative at each event. | More Information (open to other high school and middle school staff as well!)
The Wisconsin Guarantee Program: Top-performing students from all Wisconsin high schools receive guaranteed admission to Universities of Wisconsin schools through the new Wisconsin Guarantee Program. High schools must rank the top 5 and 10 percent of 11th graders so that they’re eligible for the program. Contact WCRIS with questions. | More Information
Youth Apprenticeship Opportunities: Career pathways for law enforcement, fire protection, project management and barbering/cosmetology were just added to the Department of Workforce Development’s apprenticeship programs for the 2024-25 school year, joining 16 other pathways available to all Wisconsin high school students. | More Information
Free Virtual Reality Simulations: Schools in the north central and northeastern counties of the state are eligible to access free virtual reality (VR) headsets through Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) that allow students to explore different healthcare career pathways. | More Information
Free College Consultation and Advice: Check out College Inside Track for college admissions information, like updates on the delayed FAFSA application, and free college consultation for families. WCRIS partnered with the organization last year to offer parents a webinar about the latest FAFSA changes. | More Information
Awards for High School Staff
Kohl Principal and Teacher Awards: Nominations for the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Principal Awards are due Oct. 3. Nominations for the Teacher Awards are due Nov. 12. Winning Wisconsin teachers and principals and their schools receive a $6,000 grant. | More Information (open to elementary and middle school principals and teachers as well!)
VFW Teacher of the Year Award: Teachers can apply or be nominated for a Teacher of the Year Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Awardees receive a cash prize for them and their school and a free trip to the VFW National Convention. Applications due by Oct. 31. | More Information (open to elementary and middle school teachers as well!)
Looking for more resources on a specific topic? Let us know what you’d like to see in our Member Monday newsletters.
Thank you for all you’re doing for your students, staff and communities!
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