Summer Before 12th Grade
Create a username and password called an FSA ID that you’ll use to confirm your identity when accessing your government financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. Learn about the FSA ID, and create yours.
Find and follow PHEAA, College Board, Common app, Federal Student Aid, etc. on your favorite social media platform to keep helpful up-to-date information in your feed year-round.
Learn more about our scholarships. Search our website here.
Search for other scholarship opportunities by using the links found Here.
Fall of 12th Grade
Attend your high school’s Financial Aid Night (typically held between August-October) to hear from experts and gain valuable information. Your Guidance Office will be able to provide the date and time so inquire early in the school year.
Complete the FAFSA which typically opens around Oct. 1 each year. This must be completed each year that you plan to attend college. Check your college’s financial aid deadline as some have very early priority deadlines! It’s recommended to complete the FAFSA by the end of December to ensure you don’t miss any financial aid or scholarship deadlines.
After submitting your FAFSA, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) via email and accessible in your account within 3 days to 3 weeks. Make sure you keep this file as you’ll need it when applying for scholarships! Many scholarships require you to upload a copy of your Student Aid Index (SAI) number.
October-November: Continue researching scholarship opportunities and identify specific Luzerne Foundation scholarships you want to apply to Here. We conveniently list all scholarships according to high school.
December: Begin preparing your scholarship application materials such as drafting a general essay addressing topics such as why you’ve chosen your major, and future goals and aspirations. Remember to personalize your essay so the reviewers have a good sense of your character and accomplishments.
This is also a good time to start asking teachers, coaches, employers, guidance counselors, etc. for letters of recommendation to ensure they have enough time to provide you with a solid reference.
January: Luzerne Foundation scholarship applications go live! Be sure to create an account in our portal if you haven’t already and thoroughly review each opportunity to see if you’re eligible.
Spring of 12th Grade
February-March: Begin submitting applications for upcoming deadlines. Most deadlines are between mid-March and mid-April.
May-June: The majority of students who are recipients of a scholarship through The Luzerne Foundation will be notified of their award at their high school’s senior awards ceremony. These awards ceremonies take place during the months of May and June.
Don’t forget to submit your Scholarship Acceptance Form to Donna@luzfdn.org by June 15th to ensure timely payment to your school.
July: Scholarship payments will be mailed directly to colleges by the end of July for the upcoming fall semester.
