PASE Network News

Calling all creative high school students: the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is now accepting submissions. One of the benefits of entering the Scholastic Awards is the opportunity to have work considered for national scholarships ranging from $500 to $12,500. There are also select award opportunities for educators, ranging from $250 to $1,000. Check out the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers website for a list of this year’s awards and the deadlines. 

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program application opened recently on the Common App. Selected Cooke Scholars will receive scholarship funding and access multifaceted advising. Eligible applicants must be current high school seniors with plans to graduate in Spring 2026, intend to enroll in a four-year college in Fall 2026, have a 3.75 unweighted GPA or above, and demonstrate financial need. Read the full eligibility and apply online by November 12, 2025.    

DCTV’s ImageMakers program partners with schools and community organizations to empower high school students to explore their voices through filmmaking, photography, podcasting, animation, and project-based learning. Over the course of either a 7-week or 14-week cycle, students dive into hands-on classes led by professional teaching artists, gaining both technical skills and creative confidence. Programs are low-cost and fully customizable in length and thematic focus based on the hosting organization’s and/or community’s needs. Submit an application via this Google Form to learn more about bringing ImageMakers to your school or site. 

Liberated SEL is recruiting high school students for LiberatED Youth Leaders Program, a six-part virtual series in October 2025 - November 2025 that is open to current 9th-12th grade students living in the Northeastern region of the United States. Participants will collaborate with LiberatED staff and fellow youth to co-create a healing-centered community focused on leadership development, self-advocacy, stress management, emotional intelligence, and mental health supports. This is an opportunity for students to build leadership skills, expand peer networks, and reflect on what they need to thrive in school and other learning environments. Check out the Google Form application to see the full details and to apply by September 26, 2025.  

The Morgan Stanley Finance Academy is a highly selective five-month virtual career development program from October 2025 - March 2026 for current high school seniors across the United States. Through skill-building sessions, mentorship, and exposure to professionals across Morgan Stanley, students will gain insight into finance careers and how to prepare for success in the industry and expand their network. In addition to biweekly virtual sessions, participants will have an opportunity to collaborate on a capstone project competition based on a real-life Morgan Stanley client, simulating finance scenarios and strategic decision-making. Read more about the eligibility criteria and apply via the virtual application by September 19, 2025.