Virtual Academy
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Financial Aid
The 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open.
What is Federal Student Aid?
- A part of the U.S. Department of Education
- The largest provider of student financial aid in the nation
- Provides more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or vocational school.
The Financial Aid Process
- Students and parents should start by applying for a FAFSA ID number on the FAFSA website. The ID allows students to apply for financial aid and complete the online financial aid application.
- Students can first apply for financial aid starting in December of their senior year if they are planning on attending a post-secondary school the following fall.
- Students apply by completing the FAFSA online. Be sure to follow all instructions online to ensure the college of your choice receives your application.
- You can electronically sign the application with your FAFSA ID. You can always go back and update or correct information on your application as long as you keep your ID number.
Important Financial Information:
- Parents must provide their information even if they are not planning on financially assisting the student with their post-secondary education.
- Check with the college to see if there are additional financial aid forms to be completed.
- The FAFSA application could take 4 to 6 weeks to process.
- Students specify on the FAFSA the post-secondary institutions they wish to receive family financial data.
- Financial Aid offices at the college determine what aid the student qualifies for and will notify the student by sending an award letter.
- FAFSA is the form used to apply for federal and state financial aid.
- Financial aid is available to students attending full-time as well as part-time.
- College financial aid offices are a great resource and can be contacted with specific questions.
Tips for Students Preparing to Fill out the FAFSA Form:
- Create a StudentAid.gov account (if they don't already have one).
- Have their documents ready (e.g., 2023 tax returns; records of child support received; current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts; and net worth of investments, businesses, and farms).
- Use the Who's My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on their FAFSA form.
- Have their contributor information ready (e.g., first and last name, Social Security number [if they have one], date of birth, email address, and mailing address [if they don't have a Social Security number]).
Scholarships
Due to the number of scholarships available, it is important to remember that this is not an all-inclusive list of all scholarships. You are encouraged to look at your intended college's scholarship website to learn more about specific scholarships offered by that college. In addition, using or creating an account on a scholarship search site such may be helpful in finding additional opportunities.
It is recommended not to use any scholarship program or website that charges a fee for their service.
Fargo Area Dollars for Scholars: Several $1000 scholarships that can be used at any technical, 2-year, or 4-year college in the US. Two scholarships dedicated to be allocated to Virtual Academy students. Available to seniors and based on a combination of GPA, test scores, activities, employment, and special circumstances. Deadline is March 31, 2025. https://fargo.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?section=chapterWebsite&action=main&fwID=863
Vice-Admiral Robert and Sally Baldwin Award: $500-700 scholarship to a well-rounded senior selected on basis of academic and leadership talents. Priority given to Native American students. 3.0 GPA or higher, accepted to a 4-year post secondary institution. Deadline is March 31, 2025.
https://fargoschoolsfoundation.org/scholarships/virtual-academy.html
Juelke-Disale Educator Scholarship: This $1000 scholarship is given to a Fargo student that is a native speaker of a language other than English with a GPA of 2.0 or higher and planning to major in Education. Deadline is March 31, 2025.
https://fargoschoolsfoundation.org/scholarships/virtual-academy.html
Celebration of Women and Their Music: This $1000 scholarship is given to a creative young woman who has a passion for and plans to pursue education in the arts. Deadline is March 31, 2025.
https://areafoundation.org/students/scholarships/
Cass County Area Retired Teacher Scholarship: Four $1000 scholarship available for a student graduating from a Cass County High School. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to major in education and attend a North Dakota or Minnesota four-year college. Deadline is March 31, 2025.
https://areafoundation.org/students/scholarships/
Dorothy Sewall Hector Scholarship: This scholarship is designated for a graduating senior who will be majoring in music. Deadline is March 31, 2025.
https://areafoundation.org/students/scholarships/
Quintin Burdick Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is for a student who plans to attend college with accomplishments and an interest in public service. Deadline is March 31, 2025.
https://areafoundation.org/students/scholarships/
Essentia Health Scholarship: Essentia Health will award a $1000 scholarship to one graduating senior from Virtual Academy planning to continue their education in a healthcare related field. Deadline is April 1, 2025. Student to complete form at link below and email to Mrs. Boehm at boehmv@fargo.k12.nd.us. https://docs.google.com/document/d/11PYRp5VM_tkvAr4JgQhZCOz_iI0BzZBB/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=114969789430100182691&rtpof=true&sd=true
American Crystal Sugar: ACS will award a $1000 scholarship to one graduating senior from Virtual Academy attending either a) technical/vocational school majoring in a STEM field (electrical, mechanical, power generation, etc.) or b) a two or four-year college majoring in science, technology, engineering, math, or agriculture. Deadline is April 1, 2025. Student to complete form at link below and email to Mrs. Boehm at boehmv@fargo.k12.nd.us. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xNfHm15MKfGfjC4iu8cXfeAT0skKjbej/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=114969789430100182691&rtpof=true&sd=true
Big Sun Scholarship: A $500 scholarship to a senior planning to attend a post-secondary institution and currently involved in a sport at their school or in the community. https://www.bigsunathletics.com/
Alert Magazine Scholarship: A $500 scholarship to a high school senior with a GPA of 2.5 or higher with the best drug and/or alcohol abuse related essay from your state/region. No deadline listed. https://thealertmagazine.com/scholarship/