Pickens High School Counseling Department
College & Career Coach
Daniel Bell
danielbell@pickenscountyschools.org
Click HERE to access the Dual Enrollment website.
Important Information for Students
Class Change Requests
The Spring 2023 Class Change Request Form was taken down from the PHS Counseling Webpage on Friday, 1/13/23. There will be no more class changes for the Spring 2023 Semester after 1/13/23. If there is an extenuating situation in which a student might need a class changed for the Spring 2023 semester, then the student will need to come by the PHS Counseling Suite and pick up an Administrative Class Change Form. After completing the necessary steps outlined on the Admin. Class Change Form, then a PHS Administrator will make the decision if the class change request will be permitted or not.
Please know that class change requests will not take place if they are for one or more of the following reasons:
1) Teacher preference.
2) Peer preference (because you have a friend in that class).
3) Lunch time preference.
PHS Tutoring Schedule
Please click HERE to view the tutoring schedule for the Spring 2023 semester at PHS.
Work-Based Learning (WBL)
The WBL program allows students the opportunity to earn high school elective credit(s) for their work experience. Interested students must apply to the program and be approved by the WBL and CTAE Director, Ms. Carissa Parker, before WBL will be added to a student's schedule. If you are interested in applying to potentially participate in the WBL program, then please click on the electronic application link below and complete the form using your student Gmail account:
2022-23 WBL Program Application
2022-23 Student Parking Permits
Click HERE to access the 2022-23 PHS Student Parking Permit Form. Please know that you will also need to provide a copy your driver's license and vehicle insurance when you turn in your parking permit. Parking permits will be sold during lunch by Coach Michael Duffie. ALL student drivers must have a current parking permit to park their vehicle on the PHS campus.
PHS Bell Schedule and School Hours
PHS is open from 7:15 AM to 3:15 PM. Students report to 1st period by 7:40 AM and are released at 2:40 PM. Click HERE to view the bell schedules.
Technology and IC Help
All students are issued a PCSD chromebook. If you have questions or concerns regarding chromebooks, chargers, etc., then please email your requests and/or concerns to:
If you need assistance with logging into your Infinite Campus (IC) student account, student email account, and/or your Parent IC account, then please click HERE to see how you need to proceed and who you can contact if you need assistance.
Accessing an Unofficial Transcript in IC as a Student
Many students need access to their unofficial transcript to check their class rank, weighted and unweighted GPA's, GPA's on both a 100 point scale and 4.0 scale, etc. Click HERE to access the directions on how a student can view his/her unofficial transcript in his/her IC account.
Enrolling a Student to Attend PHS
If you want to enroll your student to attend PHS, then please first complete registration and enrollment via the Registration Department at the PCSD Central Office. Click HERE to access the PCSD Registration webpage.
Once you have completed registration, then our school will be notified and you will be contacted by the counseling secretary about setting up a new student appointment with your PHS Counselor.
Please know that you will have to first complete the registration process, registration notifies PHS once it is complete and they have processed your application, and PHS will have to receive a copy of the student's records before we will schedule a new student meeting.
Withdrawing a Student from PHS
If your student will be leaving PHS to transfer to another school, then you will need to reach out to our registrar, Ms. Candy DiPrima, to withdraw your student. You will need to do the following:
1) Set up an appointment with the registrar, Ms. DiPrima, to withdraw your student by either coming in person, calling PHS at 706-253-1800, or by emailing her at candydiprima@
2) Come in to withdraw your student, sign the appropriate paperwork, and turn in your student's chromebook, charger, and case.
3) Before you leave from your student withdrawal appointment, the registrar will give you a document that contains your student's transfer grades (if student moves within the semester and does not complete the semester with PHS) or a copy of the student's final transcript if the student finished the semester at PHS and earned his/her credits. Please know that final grades will not be available on transcripts until report cards go out (which is typically a week into each new semester. Ex. 1st week of January and 1st week of June).
Attendance and Records Assistance
1) Sick/Doctor's Notes - If you are out of school for any reason, then please bring a doctor's note or sick note to the front desk. Doctor's notes and sick notes are not accepted after five days of returning to school. You can also email your sick note or doctor's note to phsattendance@
2) Records Requests - If you need to request records and/or update your information in Infinite Campus (such as phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, etc.), then please contact the PHS Registrar, Ms. Candy DiPrima. Her email address is candydiprima@
Information Regarding Graduation Requirements, Grade Promotions, Classes Offered at PHS, and Student Organizations/Clubs
Click HERE to access the document that provides detailed descriptions regarding the following information:
-Graduation Requirements for PHS students.
-The number of credits required to be promoted to the next grade level.
-Academic class offerings and their sequences of how they should be taken at PHS.
-Elective class offerings and their pathway sequences of how they should be taken at PHS.
-Students Organizations and Clubs at PHS.
PHS Cafeteria Information
Mrs. Andrea Wood is the PHS Cafeteria Manager. Students can either pay for meals/snacks with cash or add money to their student accounts by using the My Payments Plus website. Click HERE to access the My Payments Plus website. The prices for meals can be seen below:
Families that are eligible for free or reduced-price meals must apply to receive them, and all other students must pay full price for their meals. All families are encouraged to complete the free/reduced lunch application if you believe your student(s) may be eligible. You can use your cell phone camera and scan the QR code below to access the online application. Paper copies are also available at the school. Please click HERE for an important news flyer regrading free and reduced-priced meals from the PCSD Nutrition Department:
Transcript Requests and Attendance Verifications
Need a copy of your transcript, an education verification, and/or attendance verification (ex. for military purposes, Social Security benefits, insurance purposes, etc.) completed? Then please send your transcript request to phstranscripts@pickenscountyschools.org . For all transcript requests please include the following information:
1) Your first and last name (please provide your maiden name when necessary).
2) The year you graduated. If you are currently a PHS student, then please identify what grade you are in.
3) Your date of birth (Month/Day/Year).
4) The last 4 digits of your social security number (SSN).
5) Where you need your transcript to be sent to.
The counseling secretary will process your request within 72 hrs. If you would like to pick the transcript up in person or have it emailed to yourself, then please indicate so in your transcript request email. For previously graduated PHS students, the cost for a transcript request to be processed is $3.00. Please know that "official transcripts" will show your 100 point scale weighted and unweighted GPA's. If you would like to see your 4.0 scale GPA, then you will need to request an "unofficial" copy of your transcript.
Please remember that your HOPE GPA is calculated by GA Futures, not by PHS; thus, to view your HOPE GPA, then you will need access your GA Futures account.
ADAP Test and Attendance Certificates for Licenses
If you need a copy of your attendance verification and/or your ADAP report for your learners or drivers licenses, then please email your request to:
Once your request has been processed, then the student and/or parent can pick up the items from the PHS Front Office Secretary.
For the 2022-23 school year the ADAP presentation and test were given on 10/12/2022 to all 9th grade students. If you were not at PHS on 10/12/22, then you missed both the presentation and test. The ADAP (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program) is a requirement in Georgia for anyone under the age of 18 to complete in order to obtain his/her drivers license. The presentation and test are given only once each school year at PHS and for the 2022-23 school year, the presentation and test were given on 10/12/22.
Click HERE to register for the eADAP (electronic version of the ADAP) if you missed the test on 10/12/2022. When registering for the eADAP, under "reason for enrollment" you will need to choose "other" and you will also need to use a personal email account instead of your student Gmail email address.
The ADAP presentation and test will not be administered at PHS again until October of 2023.
ACT & SAT Dates for Pickens High School
Almost all colleges and universities, and some scholarships, will require you to have either a SAT or ACT score to submit. In order to take the SAT or ACT you will need to create an account with their websites (links included on the document link above), register to take the test, and then utilize their website to have your scores sent to the school of your choice. Once you have created an account, then you will be able to access your scores through the SAT and/or ACT websites. Click HERE to access the SAT/ACT schedule for test dates at PHS. Click HERE to access the "ACT Test Guide" and look below for more resources about the SAT.
PHS School Code 111695
SAT Resources
Listed below are multiple SAT resources provided by College Board:
1) Click HERE to access the "Getting Ready to Take the SAT" document that lists the steps you need to take during the process of registering for the test, how to send your scores, and how to access your scores.
2) Click HERE to view the "Benefits of Taking the SAT" document.
3) Click HERE to access the "SAT Student Guide" document that provides important information about the SAT, tips and advice on taking the test, and also contains practice questions to try.
4) Click HERE to view the "SAT Quick Reference Guide" that contains contact information for various departments within College Board such as the SAT, AP Testing, PSAT, and Services for Students with Disabilities.
5) Click HERE to download a SAT practice test provided by College Board. College Board also encourages student to utilize Khan Academy to do online test practicing. Click HERE to access the Khan Academy website.
GSFC Grade Level Checklists
Below are helpful "grade level checklists" provided by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) to help you make sure that you are taking the necessary steps during your high school career to pursue your post-secondary goals:
PSAT and PSAT Score Instructions
For the 2022-23 school year, the PSAT was administered to all PHS 10th grade students on Wednesday, October 12th. The school automatically registered all PHS 10th grade students for the test. PSAT scores were released on 12/6/2022 via www.collegeboard.org . You can access your PSAT scores one of two ways:
1) Your scores were sent to the email address you provided on your PSAT.
2) If you did not receive your scores via email, then you will need to create a www.collegeboard.org account. When creating your account, please identify Pickens High School as your current school and use the CEEB Code of 111695.
Please visit the following website for more information on how to access your PSAT scores:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/scores/getting-scores/your-scores
The PSAT will not be offered again at PHS until October of 2023. Homeschool students interested in taking the PSAT test at PHS in October of 2023 will need to please email our PHS Testing Coordinator, Mr. Rick Goble, to inquire about this option at richardgoble@pickenscountyschools.org beginning August of 2023.
Senior Related Information
Class of 2023 Fall Senior Info Letters
During the Fall 2022 semester, all PHS seniors and their families were sent a "Class of 2023 Fall Senior Info Letter" that included a copy of the senior's class schedule, transcript, and status check document. This letter contains very helpful information to help you navigate your senior year. Click HERE to view/access a copy of the "Class of 2023 Fall Senior Info Letter."
Another Letter was mailed home in October of 2022 containing helpful information about post-secondary planning and placing Cap & Gown Orders. Click HERE to view/access a copy of the "October 2022 Class of 2023 Senior Info Letter."
PHS School Profile
Please click HERE to view and/or access the PHS 2022-23 School Profile document. Some college and scholarship applications will ask you to provide a copy of your high school profile.
All seniors who plan on walking in the May 2023 graduation ceremony must purchase their cap & gown package through Jostens. It is highly encouraged that all orders be placed no later than November 18th, 2022. Cap & gown orders will be delivered to the seniors at PHS in March of 2023. Click HERE to access the link where you only purchase the "cap & gown" for $67.29 before taxes and fees.
Click on the picture below to use the QR code or view the website address to place your order and view all packages offered by Jostens:
Senior Pictures
Please know that in order for a senior to appear in the 2023 PHS Draca yearbook, he/she must have a photo made with Cady Studios. December 2nd, 2022, was the last date for seniors to have their photos made in time to be in the 2022-23 Drace yearbook. If you have any questions regarding your senior photos, then please reach out to Cady Studios at 678-722-3449.
Class of 2023 Senior Information Packet
This Senior Information Packet (click on the link above) will assist you and your family with getting prepared to apply for college, scholarships, jobs, and creating professional relationships with your teachers and counselors. Access to this packet is available to everyone who can download a pdf file.
Please click HERE to access an the pdf copy or HERE to access a Word copy (one you can type in) of the PHS Senior Information Sheet that you can type in or you can print it and write in it. Many use this document to help them build a resume.
Please know that this document has replaced the previous "PHS Senior Profile" document that has been used in years past. Some scholarships may ask for you to complete a "senior profile." THIS "PHS SENIOR INFO" DOCUMENT CAN BE USED TO ASSIST YOU WITH SCHOLARSHIPS; however, please know that this document will not always suffice for a "senior profile" requested by some scholarship applications (an example of this is the Big Canoe Chapel Scholarship as they have their own senior profile document to be completed).
Your school counselors are here to assist you as needed and wish you the best of luck this year!
Please click on the link above to download the senior Power-Point presentation. The Power-Point will open as a "Google Slides" presentation first; however, this will not allow you to listen to the audio that accompanies each slide. Once the presentation opens as a "Google Slides Presentation," then please go to "FILE," then click on "DOWNLOAD," and choose to download as a Microsoft Power-Point Presentation. This will then allow the presentation to download as a true Power-Point presentation to your computer. After the Power-Point presentation downloads to your device, then please click on the "audio" icon in the lower right hand corner of each slide to listen to the presentation information recorded for you on each slide.
Applying to College
You can apply directly through the college of your choice for admittance to a college or you can use the Common App Tool. When applying for admission directly through your chosen post-secondary school, please visit the college's "admission" page and follow the directions provided for that school. Most schools require similar requirements but some may differ. You will need to check your chosen college's application requirements to ensure you are submitting a complete application.
Common App is another common method of applying to a variety of schools in both Georgia (examples are UGA and Georgia State University) and nationwide. Common App is a non-profit member organization that represents nearly 900 diverse colleges. This tool connects students to a variety of public and private colleges and universities across all 50 U.S. states and 20 different countries.
-Click HERE to to be directed the Common App website and start your application process.
-Parents/Guardians/Families can click HERE to be directed to the family resources page on Common App to get information on Financial Aid and how to support your student as he/she applies to colleges.
-Students can click HERE to access important documents/resources to assist in your Common App process.
Currently Available Scholarship Information
If you would like to view/reference a list of all the scholarships that were posted on the PHS Counseling webpage during the 2021-22 school year, then please click HERE. If you are interested in offering a scholarship opportunity to students at PHS, then please contact PHS Counselor Jana Champion (contact info is listed at the top of this webpage) with a copy of your scholarship application, the amount that will be awarded, and when your scholarship deadline will be.
We encourage all students and their families to check the PHS Counseling Webpage weekly to view any and all scholarship opportunities that are presented to PHS students. Please know that all scholarships that are made available to PHS students from local organizations are posted on this webpage so that all students, their families, staff, and the community can access this information at any time. Below are mostly local, state, and some national scholarships that are currently available for students to apply to:
1) Please click HERE to access the studentscholarships.org March 2023 Newsletter listing multiple national scholarships that are currently available.
2) Lyda Walden Fletcher Scholarship (posted on 2/1/23)
-The Lyda Walden Fletcher Scholarship is a unique and special scholarship opportunity only made available to seniors of Pickens High School. There will be one $1000 scholarship awarded this year.
-To be eligible for this scholarship opportunity a PHS senior must be accepted to an accredited two-year or four-year college with the intent of pursuing a baccalaureate degree, resided in Pickens County for at least 2 years prior to graduation, and have a GPA of at least 3.5.
-Please click HERE to access the application and review the required criteria to apply.
-All completed applications must be submitted to your school counselor by 12pm on Thursday, March 30th. The winner of the scholarship will be announced at the May Senior Honors Night.
3) Karen Anne Gurty Memorial Scholarship (posted on 1/17/23)
-The Karen Anne Gurty Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Ms. Gurty who passed away this school year. Ms. Gurty was an incredible and intricate part of PHS. This scholarship opportunity is open to all PHS seniors who plan on enrolling in a post-secondary school after graduating from PHS in May of 2023.
-One scholarship will be given in the amount of $2,000 and the winner will be announced at the PHS Senior Honors Night in May.
-Click HERE to access the scholarship application.
-All completed applications and their required documents must be turned into your school counselor by 12pm on Thursday, March 31st, 2023.
4) American Legion Post 149 Pickens County Scholarship (posted on 2/1/23)
-The American Legion will be offering a $1000 scholarship to a deserving PHS senior. The primary qualification is that the PHS senior is a Pickens County resident, intends on attending an accredited college after graduating from high school, and is someone that is a child, grandchild, and/or a niece or nephew of a Veteran. A short paragraph to that effect of how this Veteran has had an impact on you carries a lot of weight with the scholarship committee.
-Click HERE to download the scholarship application instructions and review the requirements.
-Click HERE to access the scholarship application.
-It is the responsibility of the applicant to collect all required items for this scholarship and submit the scholarship application in its entirety by March 31st either via email or mail to the contact person identified in the application instructions. The winner will be recognized at the May Senior Honors night.
5) Pickens County Board of Realtors Scholarship (posted on 2/1/23)
-The Pickens County Board of Realtors has arranged for three $1000 scholarships to be awarded to three Pickens County students that choose to attend any college/university in the state of Georgia.
-Click HERE to access the scholarship application and review its criteria.
-If you are selected as one of the four finalists, then you will be invited to attend an interview.
-Applications must be submitted in their entirety (to include all required documents) either via email to claudia@pickensrealtors.com or by mail to the name and address identified in the application. All completed applications packets are due by 5pm on Friday, March 31st.
6) Ted G. Wilson Memorial Scholarship (posted on 10/18/22)
-The Ted G. Wilson Memorial Scholarship is available to all high school seniors that plan to further their education in the construction industry by attending a four-year college/university. Only those that are a resident of, or plan to attend a school or university in the states where PCEA (Professional Construction Estimators Association) has an established Chapter will qualify. At present, those states are North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The Scholarship is funded, in part, by the Order of Isosceles Fellowship.
-Click HERE to view more information regarding PECA and the scholarship opportunity.
-Click HERE to access the scholarship application.
-The deadline to submit this scholarship application in its entirety is March 31st, 2023, and must be mailed by the student to P.O. Box 9146, Charlotte, NC, 28299. PECA will notify the scholarship recipient.
7) Buster Bynum Education Scholarship (posted on 2/12/23)
- The Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference (SESPTC), comprised of fourteen member states (that includes Georgia) will grant a $2,000 Buster Bynum Education Scholarship in 2023. Named in honor of R. A. “Buster” Bynum, who retired as Director of the Virginia Department of Education’s pupil transportation office and was a former SESPTC treasurer, this one-time $2,000 education scholarship is made available to one deserving public school student in each of the fourteen-member southeastern states (that includes Georgia).
-Qualifications for this scholarship opportunity include: The parent/guardian listed on application had a Gross Taxable Family Income equal to or less than $80,000 for each of the “Past Three Tax Years.” The parent/guardian listed has been an active employee in public school transportation during the “Past Three Years.” The student applicant has at least a 3.0 (B) scholastic average, will graduate from a public high school in May 2023, and will attend a post-secondary educational institution starting in 2023.
-Click HERE to access the application and review all of the requirements.
-All complete applications are due to the PHS Counseling Suite by 12pm on Friday, March 31st. The counseling suite will then submit them to the PCSD Transportation Office. The state SESPTC Scholarship Selection Committee will select the winner for Georgia by June 1st and notify the student winner.
8) Hope After Grief Scholarship (posted on 1/2/23)
-Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded to one high school senior from Georgia and one from South Carolina who have lost a parent/guardian or a sibling. The student must go to a post high school higher education program to receive the scholarship. This can be a technical college or four-year university.
-The Georgia winner for this scholarship in May of 2022 was a PHS student.
- Click HERE to access the online application and view the application requirements.
-The deadline for the online applications is April 1st, 2023, and the Hope After Grief Scholarship will announce its 2022 winners on April 15th, 2023.
9) 2023 Parade of Homes Scholarship (posted on 2/4/23)
-At its foundation, the mission of the Blue Ridge Parade of Homes and its sponsors is to give back to the community. With many of the participating builders being raised in the local area, the non-profit Scholarship Foundation is committed to giving back to public education in the North Georgia area, by way of providing scholarships to local students. If selected as the recipient, then you will receive a check for $10,000 to go towards any post-secondary education needs you may have.
-Applicants must be a senior at Copper Basin, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, or Union County High School this plans on going into a career in the construction trades or a related field (such as engineering).
-Please click HERE to access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application is April 1st, 2023.
10) The Rotary Club of Big Canoe Scholarship (posted on 3/8/23)
-Any Class of 2023 senior student may apply to the Rotary Club of Big Canoe Scholarship if he/she is a resident of Pickens or Dawson County and wishes to further his/her education as a full-time student after graduating from high school at a post-secondary institution (4-year colleges/universities and technical colleges) while pursuing a STEAM related career (science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or math). 3-5 scholarships in the amount of $500 to $1000 will be awarded.
-To be considered for this scholarship opportunity, the applicant must submit a completed application (can be typed or hand-written), make sure to include a headshot picture with your application, answer the essay questions in the application, provide a copy of an official transcript, provide a copy of your ACT and/or SAT scores, have a 3.25 GPA in core courses (aka your GA HOPE GPA), have completed or is in the process of completing 2 AP and/or Dual Enrollment courses, provide two references (one from a school employee and one from an adult outside of the school that you are not related to), complete a “senior profile” (for PHS students, this will be the “PHS Senior Info Sheet” that can be accessed on the PHS Counseling webpage), provide a copy of your letter of acceptance to the college you plan on attending in the fall of 2023, and provide a senior resume (this is in addition to the “senior profile” requirement).
-The application asks for the student to identify if he/she has a 3.25 GPA in his/her core classes and be HOPE qualified. The PHS Counseling team recommends that all applicants check their GA Futures account to confirm what their GA HOPE GPA is.
-Click HERE to access the Scholarship Requirements document.
-Click HERE to access the scholarship application.
-Applications and their required documents must be submitted altogether in one packet. Complete application packets must arrive in the mail by Saturday, April 1st, by 5pm. The student is responsible for mailing the complete application packet to the person and address identified in the “scholarship requirements” document.
11) Whelchel-Wooton Scholarship (posted on 3/14/23)
-This scholarship opportunity is open to any graduating senior who intends on entering the teaching profession upon graduation from college. One $400 scholarship will be awarded.
-Those interested who applying must complete the application form (typed or written in black ink), be supported by a local Kappa Chapter (https://www.gakappas.org/chapters), include a headshot picture, provide a copy of his/her SATand/or ACT scores, provide a copy of his/her official transcript, and answer the essay question in the application.
-The winner will be announced at the Kappa Spring Convention.
-Click HERE to access the application form.
-All application packets must be mailed or emailed in their entirety (includes all documents the application asks for) by the APPLICANT to the address and/or email address identified in the application by April 1st. The application states that the application packets must be received by April 1st (please mail before this date if you are sending your application via the USPS).
12) The Georgia Energy and Industrial Construction (GEICC) Scholarship (posted on 11/18/22)
- GEICC is offering scholarships to students pursuing postsecondary education in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math fields. There will be a minimum of five scholarships worth $1000 each to be awarded.
-Click HERE to access the website, scholarship criteria, and to apply for the scholarship online.
-Applications must be submitted in their entirety online no later than 5pm on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023. GEICC will notify winners in May of 2023.
13) 2023 Maxine Westbrook Moore Scholarship (posted on 2/17/23)
-The Pickens County Republican Party will be selecting two graduating seniors that are Pickens County residents to receive a $1000 scholarship toward their post-secondary education at any accredited college or technical college.
-Click HERE to access the scholarship application and review its requirements.
-The deadline for submitting this scholarship in its entirety is Friday, April 21st. The entire application (application, essay, transcript, and college acceptance letter) must be emailed to scholarship@pickensgop.org by the student (use a personal email and not your student Gmail email).
14) The David Skinner/GDA Scholarship (posted on 10/14/22)
-The David Skinner/GDA (Georgia Development Authority) Scholarship awards 6 scholarships in the amount of $2,400 that will be awarded annually to students enrolled in the study of Agriculture or an Agriculture related field.
-Those applying must be a senior, successfully passed their high school academic requirements, have college entrance exam scores (SAT/ACT) qualifying their admission to an accredited Georgia College, must be a Georgia resident living in a rural county (Pickens is a rural county), and must be pursuing a degree directly related to agriculture.
-Click HERE to access the website to this scholarship for more information.
-Click HERE to access the online application.
-Click HERE to print the PDF version of the application.
-The scholarship application and all required documents must be postmarked no later than the first Monday in May if you are completed a physical copy of the application. Information on how and what to submit are on the scholarship's website.
-The deadline for the online application is May 2nd, 2023.
15) Aging Matters Scholarship (posted on 9/29/22)
-SeniorCare.com continues to bring more awareness to the key issues we face as an aging population. For the 8th consecutive year, Senior Care will be awarding an annual college scholarship to an individual that best demonstrates why "Aging Matters" to that applicant. A $1,500 scholarship will be given annually to a selected applicant that currently cares for an aging loved one, works within the senior community, or intends to pursue a career that will have an impact on the elderly population. Any existing college student or incoming college freshman (those who are seniors at PHS this year), in good academic standing, at a two or four-year accredited college can apply for this national scholarship. The recipient will need to demonstrate a unique and admirable understanding as well as a desire to show that "Aging Matters" to him/her.
-Click HERE to access more information about this scholarship opportunity, including the application requirements.
-Click HERE to access the online application, which is at the bottom of the webpage.
-The deadline for this online scholarship application is May 15th, 2023. The winner will be notified by Senior Care sometime after mid-June.
Scholarship Opportunities that were posted on the PHS Counseling Webpage and the deadlines have since passed:
1) Youth Leadership Pickens (posted on 7/27/22 and the deadline was 8/12/22).
2) U.S. Senate Youth Program (posted on 9/28/22 and the deadline was on 10/7/22).
3) Heisman High School Scholarship (posted on 9/26/22 and deadline was 10/18/22).
4) Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship (posted on 9/26/22 and deadline was 10/31/22).
5) Voice of Democracy Scholarship (posted on 9/26/2022 and deadline was 10/31/22).
6) Greenhouse Scholars Whole Person Program (posted on 10/18/22 and deadline was 11/1/22).
7) U.S. Presidential Scholars Program (posted on 9/28/22 and the deadline was 11/15/22).
8) Georgia State University “The Stamps and Presidential Scholarships” (posted on 10/18/22 and the deadline was 11/15/22).
9) Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program (posted on 10/18/22 and the deadline was 11/17/22).
10) Hagan Scholarship Foundation (posted on 9/28/22 and the deadline was 12/1/22).
11) UNG New Student Scholarships (posted on 10/18/22 and the deadline was 12/1/22).
12) John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest (posted on 9/28/22 and the deadline was 1/13/23).
13) National BETA Scholarship Program (posted on 11/2/22 and the deadline was 1/19/23).
14) Big Canoe Chapel Scholarship (posted on 9/7/22 and the deadline was 1/20/23).
15) Optimist Club Essay Contest (posted on 11/30/22 and the deadline was on 1/27/23).
16) AEMC Scholarship Program (posted on 11/30/22 and the deadline was 1/31/23).
17) AEMC Washington Youth Tour (posted on 11/30/22 and the deadline was 1/31/23).
18) DAR Scholarships (posted on 11/2/22 and the deadline was 1/31/23).
19) UNG Military Service Scholarship (posted on 12/19/22 and the deadline was 2/1/23).
20) Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship (posted on 10/14/22 and the deadline was 2/3/23).
21) Bent Tree Tennis Community Scholarship (posted on 2/1/23 and the deadline was 2/3/23).
22) Georgia Scholar Recognition Program (posted on 11/4/2022 and the deadline was 2/10/23).
23) Piedmont Master Gardeners, Inc., Scholarship (posted on 10/20/22 and the deadline was 2/15/23).
24) Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Program (posted on 12/19/22 and the deadline was 2/17/23).
25) Judy Shaw Memorial Scholarship (posted on 1/2/23 and the deadline was 2/28/23).
26) GA Foundation for Ag Scholarships (posted on 11/18/22 and the deadline was 3/1/23).
27) Breaux & Associates Architects Scholarship (posted on 11/18/22 and the deadline was 3/2/3).
28) Pickens Retired Teachers Educators Scholarship (posted 1/9/23 and the deadline was 3/2/23).
29) Gloria Wentworth Scholarship (posted on 2/1/23 and the deadline was 3/12/23).
30) Community Spark Scholarship (posted on 12/13/22 and the deadline was 3/15/23).
31) 2022-23 Alice Dodd Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Community Service (posted on 2/1/23 and the deadline was 3/15/23).
32) 2022-23 Bobby Dodd Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Community Service (posted on 2/1/23 and the deadline was 3/15/23).
33) Georgia District Civitan Foundation 2023 Scholarship (posted on 2/1/23 and the deadline was 3/15/23).
34) The Constitutional Officers Assoc. of Georgia, Inc. (COAG) 2023 Scholarship (posted on 2/1/23 and the deadline was 3/15/23).
35) Albert E. Harrison/ETC Scholarship (posted on 12/20/22 and the deadline was 3/23/23).
36) Beta Eta Scholarship (posted on 1/2/23 and the deadline was 3/23/23).
37) Partners for Educational Excellence Scholarship (posted on 1/1/23 and the deadline was 3/23/23).
Additional National Scholarship Databases
There is a world of scholarship opportunity out there waiting to be taken advantage of. The PHS Counseling team works diligently to ensure as many local and state, and some national, scholarships are specifically posted on the PHS Counseling Webpage. Unfortunately, it is not possible to review every opportunity out there so more information has been provided below for students to inquire about. We hope that our PHS students and their families will take some time to view the below websites that both identify and provide multiple nationwide scholarships and grants that all students can possibly apply to:
-GA Futures Scholarship Search
-University of GA Scholarships
-Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
-College Board Big Future Scholarships
-Horatio Alger Assoc. Scholarships
-NSHSS Foundation Scholarships
-Thurgood Marshall College Fund
-Reagan Foundation Scholarships
-UNCF
-Universal Technical Institute
-US Veterans Magazine Military Scholarship List for Service Members, Spouses, and Dependents
FAFSA Information and How to Apply
Please make sure to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid for college. Completion of the FAFSA is required to receive any financial aid for college and is the first step in moving forward with applying for the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships/grants. Students and parents will have to complete this application together. All seniors planning to attend college will have to complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA is open each year from October 1st until June 30th.
Click HERE to access an article on the, "10 Common FAFSA Mistakes Not to Make."
Click HERE to access the "FAFSA Checklist" made specifically for Georgia students by the GSFC.
Georgia Students Paying for College
After Georgia students have finished applying for college and completing the FAFSA, then their next step is to create/access their GA Futures account to complete the GSFAPP (the application required to get the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships/grants), track their HOPE GPA (different than their high school GPA), send their high school transcript to colleges in Georgia, review and apply for scholarships, apply to some colleges in Georgia, etc. Below are some helpful documents/checklists from the GSFC to assist you in your plan to finance your post-secondary education:
-Click HERE to view the "HOPE Program Summary" document.
-Click HERE to view the "Paying for College" document.
Additional College and Financial Aid Websites to Explore and Help You Plan/Prepare to Apply for College and Scholarships
-GA Futures Federal Aid and Scholarships Webpage
College Visits
In lieu of on campus college visits, some colleges are hosting virtual information sessions this school year. Below are some upcoming college meetings (in-person and/or virtual) that you may want to attend:
1) Spring 2023 PROBE Fair (posted on 2/22)
-PHS Students, please take advantage of attending the Spring 2023 PROBE Fair that will be at Reinhardt University on March 30th. Use the flyer below to register to attend.
-Click HERE to access the PROBE Fair flyer.
The University System of Georgia just rolled out a new website, Georgia Degrees Pay, available for Georgia parents and students making major college decisions. This tool allows users to compare all 26 public universities and colleges in the University System (USG). Many features allow users to compare up to two schools at a time and include categories like the cost of attendance, future earnings, and student success rates. Click HERE to visit the website.
The GAtracs website offers multiple college credit tools to students who are interested in exploring a variety of opportunities at the colleges and universities in Georgia. Below are just a few of the tools that GAtracs offers on their website:
-Find Exam Score Transfer Credit (such as college credits for certain scores on AP and CLEP exams)
YouScience
Click HERE to view the YouScience Power Point Presentation. This is a large file due to the videos on the presentation; thus, when you click on the link you will then need to click on the "power-point" download option.
Click HERE to download the YouScience Workbook.
Click HERE to access the instructions for activating and logging into your YouScience account.
How to Create a GA Futures Account
Click HERE to use this document to help create your GA Futures Account. This is a necessary step in the Dual Enrollment process, tracking your HOPE GPA (which is different than your overall high school GPA), and will also help you keep track of various tasks in your college application journey.
Military Information
Have you ever considered joining the military? Below are some links to help best assist you in making this decision and how to contact a recruiter. For more information, then please schedule an appointment with your school counselor or local military recruiter.
U.S. Army
Please click HERE for information on joining the US Army.
Please click HERE to view a short video about joining the US Army National Guard.
Please click HERE to access a presentation and guidebook on the benefits and scholarships opportunities available to those who enlist with the National Guard.
Air Force
Click HERE to view the recruitment requirements for joining the Air Force.
US Navy
Please click HERE to view the requirements for enlisting in the US Navy.
If you find yourself in a crisis situation, then please know that the below resources are available to you 24/7:
GA Crisis and Access Line - 1-800-715-4225
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 or text/dail 9-8-8
Pickens Sheriff Department – 706-253-8901
For any emergency situation, please call 911