The New Rock Scholarship Program is designed to recognize and support graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic commitment, leadership, community engagement, character, personal responsibility, perseverance, and a commitment to continuing their education.
The program recognizes that achievement extends beyond the classroom. Students contribute to their communities in different ways through school activities, athletics, music, the arts, church and faith-based activities, mentoring, employment, family responsibilities, volunteer service, and other meaningful pursuits.
The program seeks to invest in young people who demonstrate the potential to become productive, responsible, and community-minded adults.
The committee will evaluate the whole student, considering both accomplishments and the experiences, responsibilities, and aspirations that shape each applicant's potential.
New Rock Excellence & Opportunity Scholarship
Purpose: Recognize students who demonstrate academic commitment, leadership, community service, school involvement, character, extracurricular participation, and educational goals. Additional consideration to students who demonstrate financial need, perseverance, academic commitment, personal responsibility, and potential for future success.
Primary evaluation areas:
• Academic performance and growth.
• Leadership and initiative.
• School and extracurricular involvement.
• Community service and mentoring.
• Personal character and responsibility.
• Essay responses and future educational goals.
• Recommendations and demonstrated impact.
• Potential benefit of scholarship assistance
New Rock Excellence & Opportunity Scholarship
Proposed Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements approved by the organization:
• Be a graduating high school senior in 2027.
• Attend a high school in Newton or Rockdale County.
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.0, subject to committee approval.
• Plan to enroll in an accredited college or university,
• Submit a complete application and required supporting materials by April 1, 2027.
• Complete all required essays, certifications, and documentation for the selected pathway.
Recommended GPA policy
A 3.0 minimum GPA is a reasonable starting point if the organization's goal is to identify promising, well-rounded students rather than restrict awards to the highest academic performers.
The GPA requirement should function as an eligibility threshold, not as a substitute for holistic review. Applicants meeting the threshold should be evaluated using the published rubric. The committee may also consider academic improvement, course rigor, and circumstances affecting academic performance when relevant to the approved criteria.
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