HISD’s Class of 2012 earned a record $180 million in college scholarship offers, and seniors this year are hoping to match or surpass that number. To assist students in their scholarship search, HISD’s College and Career Readiness Department is holding the “No Dollar Left Behind”  Scholarship and Financial Aid Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Challenge Early College High School (5601 West Loop South, 77081).

Students and parents attending the fair will have the opportunity to speak with various scholarship exhibitors, learn how to improve their scholarship search and get tips for successful essay writing. Representatives from the Department of Education will also be on hand to answer questions.

 “Many of our HISD families believe they can’t afford to send their child to college, but there is plenty of aid out there if you you know where to look,” said HISD Counseling Manager Nefertari Mundy. “In fact, there is nearly $150 billion dollars available from the federal government in the form of grants, loans, work study and scholarships. We want to make sure our students leave no dollar behind.”

Students attending the fair will also have a chace to win a $1,500 scholarship and can meet with representatives from 20 different organizations that have scholarships available to HISD students, including the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo, the Houston Hispanic Forum and the Childrens Defense Fund, to name a few.

Regional colleges like Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern and others will also be on hand to discuss scholarships that their institutions have to offer students.

HISD seniors attending the fair can also receive a free meningitis immunization thanks to the Meningitis Initiative. Students must have this vaccine to attend most colleges.