November is National Scholarship Month, highlighting the importance of financial support for higher education. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of this time by actively exploring scholarship opportunities. Sarah Malone, the Lead College and Career Advisor for Hamilton County Schools, makes it clear that the district’s commitment to student success goes beyond the basics of academic advising.
National Scholarship Month is not just a call to celebrate financial opportunities but a reminder for students to begin the journey early. Scholarships can make a world of difference in a student’s educational path. Many students are unaware of the countless local and national programs aimed at making college more affordable. According to Malone, students who reach out to their advisors early in the school year can leverage this focused time to understand the full scope of resources available to them. By starting early, students have a greater chance of securing funds that fit their goals and reduce the financial barriers that might limit their options.
Connecting with a college and career advisor early in a student’s high school journey can be transformative. Advisors are uniquely equipped to provide students with a roadmap, ensuring they are aware of deadlines, eligibility requirements, and strategic steps to make their applications stand out. Malone mentioned, “Students have unique qualities and experiences that can appeal to scholarship committees.” By reaching out as early as freshman or sophomore year, students can work with advisors to build a competitive portfolio that reflects their strengths and future ambitions. “The earlier students connect with us, the more opportunities we can tailor to their specific needs,” Malone explains. For any student looking to take full advantage of scholarship options, connecting with their college and career advisor at school during National Scholarship Month, or any time of year, is a powerful first step toward a brighter future.
While many might not know about National Scholarship Month, college and career advisors’ approach is one of continual support and outreach. “We’re constantly sharing scholarship opportunities with students throughout the school year,” Malone says, emphasizing that connecting students to resources is a priority every month, not just during special times like National Scholarship Month.
The College and Career Advisor team’s achievements are reflected when you learn that there was an almost 20% increase in students applying for the Tennessee Promise.The Tennessee Promise is a scholarship that covers tuition for community colleges across the state. This increase highlights the need for affordable education options and the efficacy of her team’s outreach efforts. Malone is genuinely pleased to see more students leveraging this opportunity, especially those who might be the first in their families to consider college.
The Tennessee Promise provides students two years of tuition-free community college and has been a game-changer for many Hamilton County students. Malone notes that while the scholarship has limitations – it’s only applicable to community colleges – her team is committed to helping students maximize its benefits. For some, it’s a stepping stone toward a four-year degree. For others, it’s a crucial path to vocational training that leads directly to a career. Malone and her team's efforts ensure students understand the requirements and potential of such programs, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures.
However, support doesn’t stop with scholarships. There is a holistic approach to advising to ensure students get a broader picture of college and career readiness. From coordinating college fairs to organizing workshops on financial aid, Malone’s role involves much more than simply providing information. She’s cultivating a support system that encourages students to dream big and equips them with the tools to pursue those dreams. By fostering relationships with local colleges, community organizations, and scholarship providers, Malone extends a network of resources to students, ensuring they have multiple avenues to explore.
Beyond the numbers and achievements, a college and career advisor’s work is grounded in a deep-rooted belief in the potential of each student. Their dedication is not just about helping students access funds for college but encouraging each student to see themselves as capable, deserving, and prepared for the future.
For more scholarship information, we're here to help during Scholarship Application Month. Reach out to your high your school's college and career advisor for more information.
Here are some scholarship opportunities you can apply for:
Going Merry
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
Tennessee Scholarships
Scholarship Lists
$1,000 Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship
Unigo Scholarships