Preschool Scholarships
The preschool scholarship is designed to provide children who might not otherwise have the means with the opportunity to attend preschool. Early education plays a crucial role in easing the transition to elementary school. By attending preschool, children gain essential skills such as functioning in a group setting, following directions from a teacher, and cooperating with peers. They also begin to develop a foundation in academic areas like counting and phonics, while working on large and fine motor skills. This early exposure fosters a love for learning that can benefit them throughout their education.
Moreover, preschool helps parents establish a relationship with their child's teacher and sets the stage for important habits, such as time management and ensuring punctuality. This foundation is vital for a successful and smooth entry into the formal education system.
College & Trade School Scholarship
To best ensure our young adults become self-reliant, SMSS began providing college and trade school scholarships to 3 vulnerable students in 2015. This program has grown considerably since then and has resulted in a 90% graduation rate. We are now predicting 12 students will need our scholarship services annually at a cost of $24,000.
Signal Mountain Social Services currently has (2) Post-Secondary School Scholarships that we offer to qualified applicants.
Purpose and History for the General Scholarship Fund
Established in 2012, the Signal Mountain Social Services Scholarship Fund provides financial, need-based, post-secondary school scholarships for Signal Mountain students living in the 37377- zip code. This scholarship can be used at any regionally accredited, non-proprietary, technical, community or four-year college or university.
Eligibility Requirements
Residency Requirement: Resident of Signal Mountain, Tennessee
Education Requirement: Graduating high school senior, current student at a qualifying post-secondary institution or newly accepted student at a qualifying post-secondary institution.
GPA Minimum: 2.0
Enrollment Requirement: Accepted to a regionally accredited, technical, community or four-year college or university for the upcoming academic semester.
Financial Requirement: Must Have Demonstrated Financial Need.
Application Deadlines:
For scholarship awards beginning fall semester apply by JUNE 1
For scholarship awards beginning January, apply by OCTOBER 1
Note: Give yourself plenty of time to thoughtfully complete your application, make arrangements for letters of recommendation to be submitted, complete your FAFSA, and gather all required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Interview: New applicants with completed applications submitted by the deadlines above will be invited to interview with the SMSS Scholarship Committee.
Scholarship Amount: Award amount varies based on a student’s demonstrated financial need and funding availability. Scholarships are paid directly to the recipient’s school. This is a renewable scholarship based on continued financial need, funding availability, academic progress towards graduation, the completion of a scholarship renewal application and the satisfactory completion of scholarship agreement term
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Application:
Click Here To Download Scholarship Application
Click Here To Download the Scholarship Renewal Application
Submission:
Please mail or submit application in person to:
Signal Mountain Social Services Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 294
Signal Mountain, Tennessee 37377
Purpose and History of “Steve Ward Beacon of Light Memorial Scholarship"
SMSS established this scholarship in 2022 in honor and memory of long-time volunteer Steve Ward. Steve embodied selfless service, integrity, and kindness in all that he did. Steve’s unwavering love for family, friends and community was exemplified throughout his life and in his meaningful interaction with others. This needs- based scholarship will be awarded to one SMSS scholarship applicant annually who has shown determination in overcoming obstacles and demonstrates exceptional dedication to their community, family, or friends through selfless service.