I remember stretching my phone line across the hallway whenever I needed to plug my computer into the internet in 1994. I can’t even begin to explain all the ways technology has changed my life over the past 30 years, but if you’re close to my age, you get it. I admit, I wasn’t paying enough attention to AI in 2024-2025. Is it a robot? Is it like a better version of Google? Oh, so you’re telling me it can do math and write research papers? Wow, that’s going to make it hard for professors to detect cheating…. I had no idea.
Continue reading “AI Just Changed College Forever: What You Need to Know About Dual Enrollment ASAP”The Last 100 Posts
Annual Survey – You Won’t Want to Miss This!
Each year we survey our Homeschooling for College Credit community to find out what families are loving (or not) and using to earn college credit. The results are always really exciting, and will be published at the end of the school year. Take a moment to let us know about your HS4CC program this year, even if you’re not up and running; your opinion matters. Take the survey.
This survey requires Google sign-in to ensure one response per person and protect the accuracy of our results. Your email address is not used for follow-up, marketing, or shared with any third party, and responses are combined into one report as a group.
GPA Help: Multiple Grade Scales
Recording grades from multiple sources used different grade scales? This challenge can become even more complex if you want to streamline your entire transcript onto one scale. If your homeschooler has taken college classes, it’s likely you’ve encountered differences in how grades are assigned vs those you’ve already assigned. If that’s happened to you, this will help you clean up your transcript.
Continue reading “GPA Help: Multiple Grade Scales”Graduating from Homeschool in 2026?
Every year, I am honored to celebrate with families that have been in the Homeschooling for College Credit and are moving on to the next stage of their lives. Many go to college, some start a business, others go into service. When someone graduates, they usually leave our little community, and I am so proud! Before you leave, I invite you to leave a small legacy for those following in your footsteps. Your story is inspirational, and I would love to feature it in our Happy Stories section. There are a few of you with specific types of homeschooling situations that homeschooling parents need to hear from! (See below)
Continue reading “Graduating from Homeschool in 2026?”Honor Cord Fundraiser
Graduation is a moment worth celebrating – and a homeschool graduation is extra special! As an HS4CC parent, you have guided your teen through an incredible journey, not only completing high school but earning college credit along the way. That is no small achievement. The HS4CC Honor Cord fundraiser is a way to recognize their excellence.
Continue reading “Honor Cord Fundraiser”Studycom Drops Final Exams & Proctoring
If your student uses alternative forms of college credit, like Study.com for your homeschool, you’ll want to check the list below. I count 10 courses that have final exams deleted, and I just received an email from their team that NO COURSES will require proctored final exams anymore. Studycom joins Sophia and Straighterline in this practice. What will that mean for content integrity and acceptance of courses moving forward?
Continue reading “Studycom Drops Final Exams & Proctoring”Happy Story: “Will This Work?”
Thank you, Stacy M., for sharing her daughter’s Happy Story with us below. Stacy has been a Homeschooling for College Credit parent for many years, the last few using Arizona State University courses alongside others in our Facebook group. Early Stacy wondered if this would work, if homeschooling would limit her daughter’s options, and if well-meaning relatives could be right.
Continue reading “Happy Story: “Will This Work?””It’s Here! Our Annual Guide to Free College Credit Just Dropped.
This year’s guide is jam-packed with hundreds (thousands) of college credits, all free for the taking. We lost some programs from last year, but picked up a couple of new ones this year. A resourceful HS4CC parent could build an entire Homeschooling for College Credit program using free college credits. If this sounds exciting, grab the guide and bring down the cost of college.
Scholarships & Contests: April 2026
In this month’s list of scholarships and contests there are several opportunities for children as young as elementary school to enter! Remember, you can bank the money now to pay for college credits later!
Whether you are on the tail end of your student’s senior year, or you are just beginning the high school years, preparing your teen for college can be a bit overwhelming! Paying for the education is just one aspect of the overwhelm. Road2College is a resource that can be utilized, either as a free or paid member or as a visitor. Under the services drop down menu, you will find various services to buy, from membership plans to coaching sessions. However, there is a drop down menu of blog posts, arranged by general topic, that are great resources from topics of Applications, Family Life, Essays, and Scholarships, among others. The Free Resources tab includes guides for each year of high school, Admissions and Financing guides, and “Popular” guides. Overall, this looks like a helpful resource for families with college bound high school students.
AEA Educational Foundation Scholarship Programs
Sponsor: Aircraft Electronics Association
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: Open to high school seniors and current college students who plan to major in an aviation field, specifically aircraft electronics or aviation maintenance.
Air Line Pilots Association Scholarship
Sponsor: Air Line Pilots Association
Amount: $60,000 ($15,000 per year)
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: Available to children of medically retired, long-term disabled, or deceased ALPA members. The scholarship is awarded based on academic standing and financial need.
AFA Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship
Sponsor: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Amount: $5,000
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: High school seniors are invited to write a 1,500-word essay or create a video about how Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their life, their family, or their community.
Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship in Communication and Journalism
Sponsor: Learn.org
Amount: $500
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students pursuing a major in Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
Drive Smart, Live Safe Scholarship
Sponsor: Centro Legal Hispano de Las Vegas
Description: This scholarship is open to students enrolled in U.S. trade schools, technical schools, colleges, or graduate programs. Applicants must submit an original essay of 1,000 words or fewer exploring actionable strategies young people can use to reduce drunk driving and promote safer roads in their communities.
Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship
Sponsor: NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Amount: $3,000 per year (Renewable)
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and first-year college students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to public service. Applicants must submit an essay and two letters of recommendation.
Project Yellow Light Video Design Scholarship
Sponsor: Project Yellow Light
Amount: $8,000
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: High school and college students are invited to create a short video (10 or 25 seconds) designed to warn their peers about the dangers of distracted driving. This is a creative way to use media for social change while earning tuition funds.
Wings of Expression Scholarship
Sponsor: Haque Law
Amount: $2,500 Scholarship + $500 for supplies
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: This award supports students in trade, technical, undergraduate, or graduate programs across the U.S. Applicants must submit a vintage-style, “hawk wing” mural sketch and a 2–3 minute process video. The winner will travel to Houston to paint their eight-foot by six-foot design on a featured wall.
Albemarle Community Scholarship
Sponsor: Albemarle Foundation
Amount: Up to $5,000
Closing Date: April 9, 2026
Description: Open to high school seniors residing in communities where Albemarle operates. The award focuses on students pursuing careers in STEM or chemical manufacturing.
Sponsor: EnerGIS
Amount: $3,000
Closing Date: April 10, 2026
Description: For students interested in Geospatial Information Systems (GIS). Applicants should be pursuing a degree that utilizes GIS technology in the energy industry.
Milliman Opportunity Scholarship
Sponsor: Milliman
Amount: Up to $10,000
Closing Date: April 14, 2026
Description: Created to assist students from underrepresented communities who are pursuing a career in actuarial science, data science, or economics at a four-year university.
Defending Voices Without a Voice Scholarship
Sponsor: Kitchel Injury Law
Amount: $5,000 (Law Students) / $2,500 (Undergraduate)
Closing Date: April 15, 2026
Description: This scholarship supports students with a connection to the Washington, D.C., or Northern Virginia region who aspire to practice immigration law. Applicants must submit an original essay of 1,000 words or fewer discussing their motivation to advocate for immigrant communities and protect vulnerable populations.
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes (Full Application)
Sponsor: Barron Prize
Amount: $10,000
Closing Date: April 15, 2026
Description: After a March pre-application, the full application is due in April. This prize honors students (ages 8-18) who have led significant service projects that benefit people or the environment.
Pretty Lightroom Presets Scholarship
Sponsor: Pretty Presets & Actions
Amount: $500
Closing Date: April 15, 2026
Description: Open to high school seniors and college students. Applicants must submit an essay and use Adobe Lightroom to edit a series of photos according to the prompt.
SKECHERS Academic Excellence Scholarship
Sponsor: Skechers
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: April 15, 2026
Description: Open to high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. The program rewards students who show strong leadership potential.
Sponsor: Junior Achievement of Western PA
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: April 18, 2026
Description: Open to students who have participated in Junior Achievement programs. This funding helps cover tuition for local and national post-secondary institutions.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program
Sponsor: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Amount: Varies (Educational Support)
Closing Date: April 29, 2026
Description: A selective program for high-performing 7th graders with financial need. It provides comprehensive advising and financial support from 8th grade through high school.
All About Education Scholarship
Sponsor: Unigo
Amount: $3,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: In 250 words or less, explain how a $3,000 scholarship would make a difference in your life. Open to students 14 years or older.
RentHop’s College and University Scholarship
Sponsor: RentHop
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: Currently enrolled undergraduate students can apply by writing an essay on the importance of technology in the real estate industry.
Sponsor: Sara Myers Brown Equity Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: A unique scholarship for female high school seniors who have an active interest in the game of golf. Selection is based on financial need and character.
Think for Yourself Scholarship
Sponsor: Let Grow
Amount: Up to $5,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: High school seniors are asked to write an essay about a time they stood up for a belief that was unpopular or thought for themselves in a difficult situation.
Sponsor: 3M and Discovery Education
Amount: $25,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: Open to students in grades 5-8. Participants submit a 1-2 minute video explaining an original idea for a new invention that solves an everyday problem.
The America Library of Poetry Student Contest
Sponsor: The America Library of Poetry
Amount: Varies (Prizes & Publication)
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: This national poetry contest is open to students in grades K-12. It’s a great opportunity for young writers to see their work published in a national anthology.
Sponsor: AbbVie
Amount: $15,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: This scholarship supports students living with specific immune-mediated diseases as they pursue higher education. It is open to high school seniors and college students nationwide.
Class of 2026 Free Tuition Opportunities
As some of you have teens planning to graduate at the end of the semester, the cost of college is getting real. I have compiled a list of 15 different states that offer a “last-dollar” or free-college programs. “Last dollar” programs mean the program pays your balance after your regular grants and scholarships are used – but it also means NO LOANS. If you live in one of these states, I hope it helps you get your teen out of college debt-free!
Continue reading “Class of 2026 Free Tuition Opportunities”College Credit During Your Gap Year
No matter how many college credits your teen earns in high school, your teen will apply as a freshman. Earning college credit after graduation is how students become transfer applicants, so earning college credit during a gap year requires some consideration.
Continue reading “College Credit During Your Gap Year”2 CLEPs to Take in 10th Grade
10th grade is a great time to plan a CLEP if you have a teen who studies well and retains information. While I consider 11th and 12th grades to be the “sweet spot” to homeschool for the most college credit, CLEP exams can be taken in any grade and at any age – and these two exams fit perfectly in almost every homeschool in 10th grade.
Continue reading “2 CLEPs to Take in 10th Grade”We Have a Winner!
🎉 February HS4CC $250 Gives Back Winner Announced! 🎉
We are excited to announce that Dianna Kennedy is our February HS4CC $250 Gives Back winner! Dianna homeschools her kids in Kentucky.
Dianna says she’s been following the Homeschooling for College Credit community since 2023 and that it’s been an “invaluable resource to help our family incorporate college credit into the high school years without compromising our goals and values.”
We are thrilled to celebrate her and happy to help her get started with Homeschooling for College Credit.
It’s not too late to get in on our final HS4CC Gives Back drawing. It will be held on March 31, 2026. We will be giving away $100 to one lucky Homeschooling for College Credit parent to help support their homeschooling costs.
👉 Get in on the March drawing by joining HS4CC Gives Back here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hs4cc
Happy Story: Two Homeschool Martial Arts Students Become Entrepreneurs
Thank you to homeschooling parent Francia from Texas for allowing me to share both her son’s Homeschooling for College Credit success stories! These young men are graduating from high school with their diplomas and degrees and starting their own businesses!
Continue reading “Happy Story: Two Homeschool Martial Arts Students Become Entrepreneurs”Scholarships & Contests: March 2026
Your high school student doesn’t have to be a senior to apply for scholarships! This month features scholarships and contests open to students as young as kindergarten (!), but if your student is at least age 13, you won’t want to miss these. This month includes opportunities for Eagle Scouts, young artists, cybersecurity, endangered species advocacy, and superheroes!
Continue reading “Scholarships & Contests: March 2026”Our dual enrollment course was “demoted” to an elective!
Did your teen have a dual enrollment class later demoted to an “elective” at their target college? If you’re upset, I have 3 reasons you should reconsider your anger.
Continue reading “Our dual enrollment course was “demoted” to an elective!”HS4CC Graduation Honor Cords are Here!
Graduation is a moment worth celebrating – and a homeschool graduation is extra special! As an HS4CC parent, you have guided your teen through an incredible journey, not only completing high school but earning college credit along the way. That is no small achievement. The HS4CC Honor Cord exists to recognize exactly that kind of excellence.
Continue reading “HS4CC Graduation Honor Cords are Here!”HS4CC Graduation Honor Cords are Here!
Graduation is a moment worth celebrating – and a homeschool graduation is extra special! As an HS4CC parent, you have guided your teen through an incredible journey, not only completing high school but earning college credit along the way. That is no small achievement. The HS4CC Honor Cord exists to recognize exactly that kind of excellence.
Continue reading “HS4CC Graduation Honor Cords are Here!”The Homeschool GPA
Public and private schools determine their grading scale, and so will you. Whether advanced courses receive extra weight, and whether they report a weighted or unweighted GPA on the transcript, these are all decisions you’ll make as you assemble your teen’s transcript and set up your “policy” for your school. There is no national standard. There is no universal formula. GPA policies vary widely from one school to the next.
Continue reading “The Homeschool GPA”Your Minor in College Classes: What is Your Role?
College classes are part of an adult academic system with clear legal, professional, and even cultural boundaries. For homeschoolers, especially those of us who have teens who have never “been to school,” this is an enormously stressful new dance between the parent and the professor. Turf wars are real. Academic records are forever. Dual enrollment is expensive. We need to talk about this more.
Continue reading “Your Minor in College Classes: What is Your Role?”HS4CC Gives Back $250 in February
Could your Homeschooling for College Credit program use $250? HS4CC is giving back $250 to one lucky member in February. Click to enter.
Continue reading “HS4CC Gives Back $250 in February”We Have a Winner!
🎉 January HS4CC $250 Gives Back Winner Announced! 🎉
We are excited to announce that Michelle Jones is our January HS4CC $250 Gives Back winner! Michelle homeschools four children in Missouri, with two already graduated and two still in school. She is currently planning her daughter’s first year of high school, making this award especially timely as her family enters an exciting new season.
When Michelle found out she was the winner, she shared with us, “I have never won anything!” 💙
We are thrilled to celebrate her and happy to help her get started with Homeschooling for College Credit.
Want to be part of the next drawing?
Our February HS4CC Gives Back drawing is coming up soon, and we’ll be giving away another $250 to one of our members.
👉 Get in on the February drawing by joining HS4CC Gives Back here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hs4cc
When Diplomas Trump Degrees
For years, families have been told that college is always the safer bet. HS4CC is all about the inevitability of going to college! The Class of 2026 now has a level of transparency not previously available to students choosing their college. We will now know in advance if a student graduating from that institution is likely to earn more money than a high school grad without a bachelor’s degree. List included.
Continue reading “When Diplomas Trump Degrees”HS4CC Honor Cords: On Sale Now
Graduation is a moment worth celebrating – and a homeschool graduation is extra special! As an HS4CC parent, you have guided your teen through an incredible journey, not only completing high school but earning college credit along the way. That is no small achievement. The HS4CC Honor Cord exists to recognize exactly that kind of excellence.
Continue reading “HS4CC Honor Cords: On Sale Now”February 2026 Scholarships
February and March are big months for scholarship deadlines! To aid in your search, we found a new scholarship search engine for you to try. It’s never too soon to apply for scholarships, even if your teen isn’t graduating high school this year.
Continue reading “February 2026 Scholarships”