Students and Parents: Click below to log into the ChapterNet Student Dashboard!

This page is created for students and parents with key information about the scholarship process.  There are also some helpful additional links!

New Announcements!

The 2024 Scholarship Season has concluded. Check back in January 2025. 

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Students are strongly encouraged to read the information below PRIOR to starting the process.

Scholarship Information

Important General Information    Application Checklist    Essay Instructions         

Reference Form Instructions         Reference Form Academic      Reference Form Community

Welcome to the Student and Parent Portal. Through this secure section students and parents will enter the necessary information to apply for scholarships within the local Dollars For Scholars and National Dollars For Scholars Scholarships. The application website is a secure website run by Scholarship America, our parent organization.

1) How Can I apply?   

• Pick up your packet and directions in the High School Guidance Office OR download them. See the above links in red.
• Students will apply on-line at this website AND will use paper for References and our Essay.  "Click to Login"  link above to begin the On-line Process.  You will need an email address. Please do NOT use a thtitans email address. It does not recognize important information sent to you from Scholarship America.  It also will not allow us to contact you after graduation as all graduates are deleted from the School email system. You must check your email regularly.
• Deadline for the Reference Forms and Essay to be handed in: They MUST be turned in by 4 pm on March 1, 2024 to the THDFS Lock Box located in the High School/Guidance Office. Reference forms should NOT be mailed to the School or to the student. Students are responsible for getting them returned from the Reference writer and put them into the locked box in Guidance by the deadline,. It is NOT the writer's responsibility to get it into the box! Plan ahead!
• Deadline for On-Line Application portion: 11:59 pm on March 1, 2024.
• Late Entries will NOT be accepted.
• We encourage questions via email at taconichillsdfs@outlook.com. A Zoom help session can be arranged too!  Send us an email with your request. 

2) When Should I apply? The application process will be open January 15, 2024. You may contact our email to arrange a zoom help session.

3) What else must I do? Students must work a Dollars for Scholars Event.  Activities where we need help are the Alumni Soccer and Basketball Games, Solicitation Letter Night, at the Awards Ceremony, the Spring 5K Race and other publicity events.  See Mrs. Jessica Jause for more information and to be sure you have enough hours. These are NOT to be confused with National Honor Society Hours, Senior Class hours etc. You may still apply for a scholarship if you do not have three hours, but will NOT receive any payments to your school until they are done.

4) When is the Awards Ceremony and do I have to attend?  THDFS is a community based organization. We are NOT affiliated with the Taconic Hills School District. At this time we are planning to give out our awards will be given out at our Awards Ceremony on May 11, 2024 at 7pm at the Taconic Hills PAC. We will contact Award recipients if this plan changes.  Out of respect for the donors and the community at large we expect each recipient to attend. If you are applying for a scholarship, please hold that date on your calendar now! Work conflicts do not count as an excused absence. 

5) If I have received a scholarship, how do I use it? Students have 5 years to use it from the date of the Award. Click on this link for specific instructions of how to receive your scholarship funds.  How to write a Thank you Note. 

6) How are Scholarship Recipients chosen? 

Please be aware of the Taconic Hills Dollars for Scholars Philosophy adopted in 2012.  We ask that each recipient please respect this philosophy which has guided this organization since 1989.  

The general criteria for scholarships is based upon scholarship criteria, merit and financial need. We endeavor to find a balance amongst these three values. We endeavor to "spread the generosity" of our community amongst as many students as possible. Recipients of Dollars for Scholars awards are determined by the Selection Committee, using Scholarship America chapter guidelines. Students submit applications that are scored by the Selection Committee on the basis of merit and need. Need is determined by the applicant submitting the FASFA EFC number on the application. It is not mandatory to provide the number, but financial need can only be determined if it is put onto the application. 

There are five to seven committee members including Dollars for Scholars trustees and members from the community at large None of the Committee has an interest in who receives a scholarship.  The Committee's recommendations are then approved by the Board.  Their decision is final.  By submitting the application you are agreeing to these principles.  

Each student who receives a scholarship is expected to attend the Awards Ceremony and to submit a "Thank you" note prior to receiving the Scholarship by June 30, 2024.

We thank each student and parent for your participation and anticipate your support of our Philosophy and all criteria set forth.

Sincerely,

The Taconic Hills Dollars for Scholars Board

 

Please report any difficulties with website access to taconichillsdfs@outlook.com