North Carolina Has the #2 Best Public High School in America

There's a fresh ranking of public and private high schools across the U.S. It's great to see our state so well-represented in a list like this. Getting a great high school education is crucial to anyone looking to succeed and thrive in life. My parents were high school educators, so I'm always extra curious to see a list like this. As it turns out, North Carolina has the No. 2 best public high school in America.

Niche has released their 10th annual Best Schools and Districts Rankings for 2024. The study looks at about 125,000 public and private schools throughout the U.S. "While traditional rankings rely almost exclusively on metrics like test scores and academic performance, Niche’s rankings combine user input — ratings from current students, alumni and parents — with quantitative data from sources like the U.S.," Niche states in the article. "Department of Education to evaluate teachers, resources and facilities, extracurricular activity opportunities and more."

Looking at this list, there are many familiar names. It's nice to see a diversity in the states included here, though. The best schools in America seem to be located across the country, so no matter where you live, there's one probably not too far from where you are located. Some familiar names high up on the list include Payton College Preparatory high school in Illinois, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma, School for the Talented & Gifted in Texas and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology in Virginia.

Now, onto out great state. Coming in at No. 2 on the list for the best public schools in all of America is the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. It's also No. 1 in the state. Also, note that South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics in South Carolina is No. 7 on the list. Find the full list of the best public and private high schools in the state here.

As schools welcome students back to their halls, it's an opportunity to consider the educational journey beyond high school. For African-American students, this can mean diving into a realm of scholarships tailored to support their ambitions. Each application cycle opens doors to many scholarships specifically designed for African-American students. These scholarships offer financial assistance and recognition of a student's potential, propelling them closer to achieving their collegiate aspirations.

Scholarships help to alleviate the burden of college tuition, affording the chance to concentrate on studies and personal growth. Whether a student's future involves a well-known university, a community college, or a vocational institution, there are opportunities to lighten the financial load.

Where can you uncover these remarkable scholarship possibilities? The journey begins with exploring reliable sources dedicated to facilitating success.

The National Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) offers a range of scholarships to support African-American students in their pursuit of higher education. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) provides scholarships, resources, and opportunities to students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

According to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), nearly all state education agencies offer at least one grant or scholarship opportunity designed specifically for their residents. In many instances, there is an extensive array of student aid programs available. Typically, these opportunities are directed toward state residents who are pursuing their education within the state, although exceptions can apply. It's worth noting that most of these programs operate on an annual application deadline basis. If you don't get a scholarship because you missed the deadline, don't worry. You can try again next year, and you'll be better prepared.

In several states, initiatives enable residents to pursue their university education in a different state without incurring out-of-state tuition expenses. To gather more information about these possibilities, consider contacting your respective state education agency or the universities you are interested in. They can provide insights into potential tuition exchange or reciprocity programs that might be open to you.

Remember, the early bird gets the worm. As school starts and academic journeys resume, now is the time to dive into the scholarship application process. Students should gather their transcripts, recommendations, and other necessary documents and start filling out those applications. Set aside some time each week to research and apply for scholarships. It's an investment in the future that can pay off in more ways than one. Every dollar secured through scholarships is a step towards achieving your dreams.

Here are six scholarship opportunities for African-American students.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), started by Rachel Robinson to honor her husband, supports minority students in pursuing college education. This scholarship provides up to $30,000 per year for four years at U.S. universities or colleges. About 60 financially needy high school graduates receive this scholarship annually. They also receive mentoring, leadership training, job placement help, and engage in community service. The application period begins on September 1, and all required application materials must be submitted by January 10, 2024. They will award $30,ooo among the serval winners.

The L’Oréal Professionnel Empowerment Scholarship is designed to showcase its commitment to fostering diversity and equality in cosmetology. This scholarship is granted yearly to individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the cosmetology sector. To apply, candidates need to provide school verification along with a video submission. The application deadline is set for November 30. A single scholarship of $5,000 will be presented to a deserving recipient.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) offers this scholarship opportunity in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company Fund. It's available to male students of Hispanic or African American descent across the United States, providing them the chance to attend one of TMCF's member schools. A total of seven students will be selected to pursue studies in their chosen subject at any of the TMCF member schools. The scholarship, valued at $6,200, will be awarded for the spring semester. The application process is currently open and will end on December 1.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is currently accepting applications for college scholarships aimed at high school students who show dedication to leadership, service, and positive impact through their actions. If you're a high school senior, you can apply for a $20,000 college scholarship from them before the deadline on October 2. More information about this scholarship can be found here.

The Ayn Rand Institute organizes annual student essay contests centered around Ayn Rand's novels. These contests encourage students to thoughtfully interact with Rand's ideas by reflecting on her significant and influential literary works. Students who take part will be expected to carefully read their chosen book, grapple with its multifaceted themes, and explore the extents of their writing skills. These contests offer students an opportunity to potentially receive awards of up to $10,000. The entry deadline is on Nov. 6.

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) supports exceptional minority high school seniors with financial need. It covers remaining attendance costs after other aid and family contributions determined by FAFSA. Eligible ethnicities are African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic. The deadline for submitting applications is September 15.