Aliso Niguel High School’s Parent Teacher Student Association is offering exclusive scholarships to outgoing Seniors, giving them a financial boost to pursue higher education.
Every year, the Parent Teacher Student Association raises funds that are put aside to give back to qualified senior students.
Similar to years in the past, the PTSA predicts they will award approximately five students with $1,000 scholarships that are meant to go towards paying for schooling after graduation. This year, the PTSA wants to emphasize that the scholarships are for more than students going to a four year college.
Mrs. Yap, this year’s PTSA president explained this point, saying “There are different types of students that are getting their education in different ways after high school.”
Outgoing seniors that are moving onto higher education such as four year, two year, or trade schools are all eligible for the same scholarships.
The main goal of the PTSA Scholarships is to award the merit of high school seniors.
In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must: first, be a PTSA member by Jan. 31; and secondly, fill out an application for the scholarship.
The application process can be found in their Canvas inbox in the email titled “PTSA Scholarship Opportunity” sent by Amanda Stauffer or online on the official ANHS PTSA website.
An application requires a written composition, record of extracurricular or community service and a letter of reference.
The applicants first input their contact information as well as their seven semester GPA.
A record of extracurricular activities or community service must be provided. It is a written log of the student’s volunteer work throughout their time at high school. In order to be considered, the applicant must provide each activity’s name, dates, hours, the applicant’s role and a contact that can verify their work.
Next, the application requires the name of the schools the student has applied to and what career path they plan to follow.
The written compositions are two required prompts, both requiring a minimum of two paragraphs.
The first prompt asks, “Reflect on your academic experience in high school. Tell us about something that made a significant impact on you.”
The second prompt asks, “What impact has PTA made on you or on a school you attended?”
Lastly, an applicant must acquire a letter of recommendation. It is preferred that the letter come from someone who has first hand knowledge of the applicant’s volunteer work. If that is not possible, a letter of recommendation from a teacher is the best alternative.
The application is a long process, requiring seniors to complete a list of different tasks they must complete or wait for others to complete. Luckily, the application deadline is April 15, 2025, a date that is far enough for all applicants to complete in time, as long as they begin soon.
After completing and submitting the application, the PTSA Senior Scholarship Committee will decide what students deserve the scholarships the most.
Alex Silyaev (12) missed the deadline to sign up for the PTSA but admitted he wished he did, he said, “Yes, I would have done it because it is $1,000!”
Winning the scholarship can provide a life altering amount of money, especially for young adults.
If students do win, they will be notified by the PTSA in May 2025.
The funds for the scholarship are largely due to the generous donations of the parents of the PTSA. In the beginning of the year, parents are asked to donate to a pool exclusively for the senior scholarships. The PTSA promises to match the parent donations, which allows the school to give away so many scholarships.
Aliso Niguel High School’s Parent Teacher Student Association is currently providing its senior members with an incredible opportunity to fund their higher education.
