Dawson College Bound Scholarship

With the selectivity of top-tier colleges becoming increasingly more difficult, the best and brightest students in our community may lose opportunities to pursue the top-tier education for which they have prepared if they are not adequately supported before, during, and after the selective college admissions process. The rising costs and complexities of attending colleges, universities, or honors programs create an increasing burden for local students and families. This situation is especially true for first-generation, or underserved families who may not have access or financial resources for academic enrichment and individualized college coaching. 

The Dawson College Bound scholarship aims to improve student eligibility for selective college consideration and admission. The scholarship provides funds for a range of academic purposes: academic/college coaching, financial support, summer program/employment opportunities, and tailored enrichment programs for every student. 

Potential Scholarship Uses 

• Funding for transportation, summer courses & programs, extracurricular activities, and other enrichment experiences during high school and college. 

• Cover additional expenses during the school year (work, transportation, academic engagement) not covered by program or college financial aid programs. 

• Guidance for college preparation, goal planning, and career planning. 

• Guidance for resume and essay writing for college admissions. 

• ACT, PSAT, SAT and seminar courses to enhance critical thinking, reading, and test-taking skills. 

• Participation in academic programs administered by ACS Foundation & Dawson College Bound. 

• Networking with other high-achieving peers from the community. 

Required Materials (application): 

• Demographic information about the applicant & school 

• Resume or activities list 

• Unofficial high school transcript 

• Teacher/Counselor/Educator recommendation (1-3 letters allowed; letters cannot be from immediate family members unless the candidate works at a family-owned small business) 

Required Short-Answer Questions (max 250-300 words each): 

1. What activity or organization are you part of or passionate about, and why? 

2. What is a current global issue you find interesting or important to you and why? 

3. How have you overcome a failure or adversity? 

Required Essay (400-700 words) ONLY for seniors (12th graders): 

• Any Common/Coalition Application or other college admissions essay of your choosing 

Residency Requirement: Applicants must be currently attending a high school in Southern Nevada, grades 9-11. 

Family Income Limits: Preference will be given to low- or middle-income families (annual family income under $95,000 from all sources will receive highest consideration). 

Priority Consideration: Given to impacted students from under-resourced households and/or to first-generation college students. 

Academic Rigor: 

• Current high school seniors must be currently enrolled in or have completed at least 4-6 AP/IB courses. Dual credit courses may be considered; however, AP courses will be preferred in the selection process if available at candidate’s high school. 

• Unweighted GPA of 3.75 or higher 

• Test Scores: Completed ACT, PSAT, SAT, or AP test scores should be submitted as part of the application. 

Extracurricular Involvement: 

• Applicants should demonstrate extensive community service or leadership in 1-3 extracurricular activities. Students who hold family responsibilities will NOT be penalized for limited activities. 

Interviews and Selection: 

• Certain select applicants will be invited for an interview. Up to 15 scholarships of varying amounts ($1000-3000 minimum) will be awarded annually, to candidates in grades 10-12. Not all applicants will be interviewed as part of the selection process. 

Interview Process (for select applicants): 

If pre-selected, some applicants will be invited for an in-person or online interview. Not all scholarship awards will require an interview. Possible interview questions: 

• Reflect on how you have or will contribute to your school or community. 

• If you had the opportunity to go back in time, tell us about an action or decision of yours you would change? 

• Other relevant questions regarding candidate’s academic and activity history. 

Family financial information may be verified before any scholarship disbursement, including. 

• Household income and expenses 

• Number of dependents in household 

• Parent/guardian employment status 

• Home ownership or rental status 

• Parental relationship status, i.e. single or dual-parent/guardian household 

• First-generation college student verification, when applicable