Scholarships, Financial Aid, LEARN & FAFSA
Most colleges and universities have a variety of merit and need-based scholarships available for students to apply for. Students are encouraged to work closely with admissions and financial aid personnel to ensure that they are taking advantage of all of these school-specific opportunities.
It is best practice to apply for any scholarship that you meet the eligibility requirements for.
You won't get money if you don't apply for it!
Current Scholarships Available
Many scholarships are sponsored by local businesses or organizations and are shared with local high schools to pass on to students.
Monterey keeps current information and links for these scholarship opportunities posted in the Senior Google Classroom.
If your student is not connected to their Senior Google Classroom, please have them reach out to their alpha counselor for help.
Lubbock ISD also lists some scholarships on the district website. Use the button below to see those opportunities.
Helpful Scholarship Search Websites
Many scholarship search engines exist to help attempt to match students to scholarships they might qualify for. Here are a few links to get you started.
LEARN, inc.
LEARN Services is a non-profit, community-based organization federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education TRIO Programs. Learn provides FREE services to eligible high school students, assisting them with admissions to higher education, financial aid, etc.
Monterey is fortunate to work with our very own LEARN advisor, Rhonda Smith.
Families may schedule a time to meet with LEARN in their office.
2161 50th Street
Lubbock, TX 79412
(806) 763-4265
rsmith@learnprograms.org
Students can also schedule an appointment using the links below to meet with LEARN at Monterey.
FAFSA 24-25
Federal Student Aid is a part of the U.S. Department of Education and is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation, providing grants, loans, and work-study funds for college. ALL seniors are required to complete FAFSA or an opt out form as a graduation requirement. Even if you don't think you qualify for any financial assistance, many scholarships and loans are contingent on FAFSA completion.
The FAFSA application process for the 25-26 school year will open in December of 2024.
This one pager has great information about changes to FAFSA beginning in the 23-24 school year.
If you do not plan to complete a FAFSA or TAFSA, please complete the opt out form and return it to your school counselor.
FAFSA Workshops at Monterey
January 14th and 23rd, 2025
LEARN will host one additional FAFSA workshop days on February 22nd with appointments available throughout the day to help families complete the FAFSA. Use the link below to sign up for your appointment.
Both parent and student MUST have their FSA-ID created 3-4 days before your appointment. Students that have worked with LEARN should have already created their FSA-ID. If you still need to create one, go to www.studentaid.gov, select "create account" and follow the instructions. If you already have an FSA ID from helping an older student or from your own college financial aid, please make sure you can log in or go ahead and reset the password.
Things to bring to your FAFSA appointment include:
• Both student and parent FSA-IDs (Students have either a green sheet with the password written down or a phone picture.)
• The parents' 2023 IRS 1040 & W-2s
• The student's 2023 IRS 1040 & W2s if they worked and/or filed taxes in 2023.
• Any social security/disability, child support, TANF, workers comp, or SNAP benefits.
Graduation Recognition
Scholarship Offer Forms
We are so proud to list all of your scholarship offers in the graduation program!
Please complete this form and return it with documentation of any scholarships offered (an email, certificate, letter, etc) to your alpha counselor no later than Monday, May 6th, 2024.
Students are encouraged to include all offers, regardless of whether or not they will accept the award.
Other Resources
Paying for college can be a challenge. Here are a few resources to help you get started.
Early graduates might be eligible for the Texas First Diploma Program and scholarship.
Review your Financial Aid Terminology with this quick reference.
Many universities offer Tuition Guarantee Programs to assist families with financial need.