School Counseling Department

https://www.ct.edu/admission/free

CSCU - Admission - CT Automatic Admission Program (CAAP)

Financial Aid Presentations: click on links below:

Financial Aid Night at Lewis Mills

FAFSA Checklist

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid

The CSS profile is required by some private colleges and universities and can be filled out on www.collegeboard.org. There is a fee for filling out this application and it requires very specific financial information to complete.

National Scholarship Web Sites include: 

www.fastweb.com
www.finaid.org
www.fastap.org

LSM Local Scholarships (see SCHOLARSHIPS tab above, school based scholarship bulletin boards in the school counseling office or throughout the school building) typically become available in November of the students' Senior year. Please see Mrs. Geraghty in the school counseling office to receive scholarship applications. 

Seniors who meet specific grade point average criteria and planning on attending a college in CT, may qualify to apply for the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Application Program.  Students or parents should provide Mrs. Putnam with the student's social security number, name, address, date of birth and whether the student received higher than 25 on the ACT or is in the top 20% of their class. *SAT criteria yet to be determined. 

As part of our Comprehensive School Counseling Curriculum, all Freshmen participate in a Freshmen Seminar. This program consists of four small group lessons where the Freshmen are given tools to aid them in their transition into high school.

Lesson 1:

• Students are introduced to their counselors and fellow classmates
• Students are explained the School Counselor's role
• Students explore a variety of clubs and activities at Mills and discuss the importance of being part of a team

Lesson 2:

• Students are introduced to Schoolinks, our college and career readiness platform
• Students are asked to complete a career interest survey and identify potential career clusters or interests. 

Lesson 3:

• Students review the current graduation requirements
• Students become familiar with their High School transcript
• Students review techniques to manage stress
• Students participate in a stress management activity

Lesson 4:

• Students will create a resume based on their current involvement at school and the community

What Every Freshman Should Know: Advice from LSM Upperclassmen

See College Connections for more information.

Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse

Click here for the 2025-2026 Program of Studies

 

PSAT score reports are available online at student's College Board accounts. Paper score reports will also be handed out to 11th graders during their junior planning meeting, and mailed home for grades 9 & 10. 
www.collegeboard.org

All PSAT beginning Fall 2023 will be digital.
Parents should click here for information if their students are in grades 9.
Parents should click here for information if their students are in grades 10 or 11.

College Board now has (6) full-length SAT practice tests available:  https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length-practice-tests  and (2) full-length PSAT/NMSQT practice tests available:  https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice/full-length-practice-tests  College Board will soon have online scoring of practice SAT essays available to you as well.

SAT Redesign

Official SAT practice on Khan Academy
 

SAT: www.collegeboard.org

Visit the College Board's website for more information on SAT registration, prep questions, PSAT score review, and college and career exploration. SAT fee waivers are available from your school counselor if you qualify for free or reduced lunch. Fee waivers are not available for late fees. Generally, registration must occur one month prior to the testing date.

ACT: www.actstudent.org

Visit the ACT website for more information regarding registration.

Ivy Bound Test Prep
Free SAT or ACT testing for grades 9-11. Test dates are available online and in Newington, CT. This program allows a student to see how they would score under real testing conditions. Scores are given and reviewed the day of the test, so students become aware of their problem areas.

HARWINTON IVES-CLEAVELAND POST #137 AMERICAN LEGION

James L. Bement Scholarship

 

Up to 3 Scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded to Harwinton students who will graduate from Lewis S. Mills High School in June of 2026.

 

Applicants must attend a trade school (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, nursing, EMT, automotive, computers, culinary, cosmetology, etc.) and will be considered on the basis of:

·         Resident of Harwinton

·         Good citizenship

·         Accepted to an accredited trade school

 

Interested students may request an application from Counseling.

 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO MRS. GERAGHTY BY 4/1/2026

 

 

LEWIS S. MILLS HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

 

ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION

MOST VALUABLE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

Any high school senior who is an American Citizen and intends to pursue college-level education is invited to apply to this scholarship.  A “most valuable” student is one who is an outstanding student near or at the top of the graduating class, active in school and community, and recognized as a leader by peers. Recipients are chosen on the basis of:

·         Scholarship

·         Leadership

·         Financial Need

Interested students may visit enf.elks.org/mvs for more information.

Applications must be completed online at enf.elks.org/mvs

 

ONLINE APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED

AND SUBMITTED TO ELKS CLUB ON OR BEFORE 11/12/25

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

K. C. BALDWIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

 

A scholarship will be awarded by the K. C. Baldwin Scholarship Fund Committee, based upon the following:

·         Applicants should be pursuing a career in Special Education or related fields (such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy).  Special needs students are encouraged to apply.

·         Applicants will be required to complete an essay.

Interested students may obtain an application from the Counseling Office.

 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO MRS. GERAGHTY BY 4/7/26

___________________________________________

PETER MONAHAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Graduating seniors are encouraged to apply for this scholarship that is sponsored by the Monahan family.  The applicant must meet the following criteria:

·         Be a senior who will graduate from LSMHS in June of 2026

·         Reside in a household maintained and supported by a single parent, whether by reason of divorce or death of the other parent

·         Demonstrate outstanding character traits

·         Have a strong aptitude and desire for higher education i.e. college or trades

 Interested student may obtain an application in the counseling office.

 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO MRS. GERAGHTY BY 3/27/2026

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BIG Y SCHOLARSHIPS

 

Over 300 scholarships are being offered to the Class of 2026 graduating high school students. Undergraduates, graduates, community college and non-traditional students.
Student’s residence must be in CT or MASS. Big Y scholarships recognize academic merit and achievement and are awarded to the most academically outstanding students.

All Big Y employees and customers are eligible.

 

Interested students should REQUEST AN APPLICATION ONLINE at www.bigy.com./community/scholarships

Only applications completed online will be accepted. DEADLINE February 1, 2026

 

Interested students should visit www.bigy.com/community/scholarships

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE BY 2/1/26

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE STEVEN SYLVESTER SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is available for any Lewis S. Mills senior planning to attend a 2 or 4-year college. Our donor will select 4 essays each @ $2,500.

A two-paragraph essay is required.

Details can be obtained from the Counseling Office.

Due to Mrs. Geraghty by April 9, 2026

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LSM COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP

 

An in-house Scholarship Committee annually awards several unpublished scholarships to LSM graduating seniors.  These scholarships are offered by community members and/or community organizations, and the criteria differ by scholarship.  These scholarships are distinct and different from any others appearing on the school bulletin boards or on the LSM Counseling website. 

 

Please come to the counseling office for an LSM Community Scholarship application.  Any graduating seniors seeking education after high school (4-year college, 2-year college, technical school) are encouraged to apply.

 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO MRS. GERAGHTY BY 3/31/26

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HARWINTON IVES-CLEAVELAND POST #137 AMERICAN LEGION

James L. Bement Scholarship

Up to 3 Scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded to Harwinton students who will graduate from Lewis S. Mills High School in June of 2026.

Applicants must attend a trade school (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, nursing, EMT, automotive, computers, culinary, cosmetology, etc.) and will be considered on the basis of:

·         Resident of Harwinton

·         Good citizenship

·         Accepted to an accredited trade school

 

Interested students may request an application from Counseling.

 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO MRS. GERAGHTY BY 4/1/2026

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LIONS CLUB OF HARWINTON SCHOLARSHIP

The Lions Club of Harwinton is offering 2 scholarships for $2000 to graduating seniors who:

·         Reside in Harwinton

·         Have been accepted to a 2-year or 4-year college/university, or to a technical school

·         Demonstrate financial need

·         Have achieved at least a “B” average academically

 

Interested students may request an application from Naviance.

 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO MRS. GERAGHTY BY 4/6/26

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHARLOTTE HUNGERFORD HOSPITAL

AUXILIARY HEALTH CARE SCHOLARSHIP

                                                                                      Scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded to graduating seniors who:

·         Are planning to pursue education in a health care field

·         Have attained at least a “B” average scholastically

·         Are accepted at a college/institution of higher education OR are working toward a degree or certificate in a health care field and are planning a career in the health care field

 Interested students may ask Mrs. Geraghty for an application.

 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN  2/28/26

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BURLINGTON MEN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

 

Five (5) scholarship of $1000 each will be offered by the Burlington Men’s Club to graduating students (Burlington or Harwinton) who demonstrate active interest and participation in athletics and/or community service.

 Interested students may obtain an application from the Counseling Office.

                                                                                    COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO MRS. GERAGHTY BY 3/3/26

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Kailey Jaie Prenoveau Scholarship

The family of Kailey Prenoveau is offering 2 scholarships this year. 2 @ $1500. The criteria is writing a 3 paragraph essay.

 

Please come to the counseling office to obtain the essay details and then return to Mrs. Geraghty by March 30, 2026

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HARWINTON YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

The Harwinton Youth Sports Association (HYSA) is offering two scholarships of $2000 each.

The applicant must:

·         Be a graduating senior from Lewis S. Mills High School

·         Reside in Harwinton OR have played in HYSA sports

·         Have been active in high school sports

·         Be continuing his/her education after high school

Interested students may obtain an application from counseling.

 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO Mrs. Geraghty BY 4/6/26

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

JUSTIN WISNIEWSKI FIREFIGHTERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

These will be education scholarships to benefit the families of firefighters. The Fund will support at least two $500 Firefighters Scholarships.

Criteria:

To be eligible to apply for the Scholarship you must be either: a Firefighter, or the spouse, child, sibling or grandchild of a firefighter. A scholarship will be awarded to an eligible applicant from any Fire Department in the State of Connecticut. The basis of the scholarship is defined by volunteerism. Because of the nature of Justin’s life, everything was volunteering, whether it was for the Fire Department, the Lions Club, the Boy Scouts, Church or helping his friends and family.

 

Application available at www.ride4justin.com

 DEADLINE March 15, 2026

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

KARL J. SCHWARTZ ROTARY AWARD

 

The Bristol Rotary Scholarship Fund, Inc., has a scholarship program available to high school seniors attending Lewis S. Mills who reside in Burlington.  The scholarship program was funded by the late Karl J. Schwartz, a former Rotarian and Bristol native.

 

The scholarship program may award up to 10 renewable scholarships, $8000 each, to high school seniors who are planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited 4-year college or university for the entire 2026-2027 academic year.

 

An essay describing your personal experiences as the relate to the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self” is required

 

The scholarships are renewable subject to the renewal conditions outlined in the program.

 

In addition to academic and other requirements, Financial Need is a key consideration in awarding the scholarships.

 

Interested students may request an application on the Bristol Rotary Club website:

https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/bristolrotary/

 

Deadline is MARCH 18, 2026

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

HARWINTON YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

The Harwinton Youth Sports Association (HYSA) is offering scholarships.

The applicant must:

·         Be a graduating senior from Lewis S. Mills High School

·         Reside in Harwinton OR have played in HYSA sports

·         Have been active in high school sports

·         Be continuing his/her education after high school

 

Interested students may obtain an application from counseling.

 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO Mrs. Geraghty BY 4/6/26

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Susan M. Geissler Scholarship

 

This $1,000 scholarship is available to a graduating Lewis Mills senior planning on attending a 4 year college.

 

Please tell us about your dream and how you plan to become that person you imagine you will be. What strengths do you have and what weakness will you have to overcome to help you achieve your goal? 

 

Please submit your essay to Mrs. Geraghty by Wednesday, April 30, 2026. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CT DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION SCHOLARSHIPS

Four (4) awards of $1000 are offered by the CT Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).  Any boy or girl of the graduating class who is a member of NHS may apply.  Scholarships are offered to students who plan to enter college as a freshman during the fall of 2026.

 Scholarships are awarded on the basis of:

·         Scholastic ability

·         Character

·         Leadership potential

·         Financial need

 

Interested students please email dcolavecchio17@gmail.com by January 15, 2026, and she will forward you an application.

 APPLICATION DEADLINE February 1, 2026  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HARWINTON WOMAN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

 

The Harwinton Woman’s Club is offering (2) $1500 scholarships to be awarded to graduating high school students this year.

The applicant must:

·         Be a Harwinton girl or boy graduating in 2026

·         Have achieved National Honor Society

·         Have shown evidence of good citizenship

·         Give indication of future promise

·         Show financial need for scholarship assistance

Interested students get an application from COUNSELING OFFICE.

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE TO MRS. GERAGHTY BY 4/24/26

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

/uploaded/LSM_counseling/profile_2025-26_.pdf

Any LSM junior or senior is eligible to take up to two classes tuition free at CT State Community College through our Partnership program. Students must enroll in courses that are not offered at LSM, and must be approved by your school counselor. Courses are to be taken outside of the school day and can be taken in person or online. Students are responsible for transportation to CT state colleges. Eligible students must have a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA or be in the top 20^th percentile of their class and have recommendation by their counselor or other administrator.

The application is accessible through the following link: Dual Enrollment Application (https://ctstate.elluciancrmrecruit.com/ApplyDualEnrollment). Students who have never applied to the program must create an account before completing the application.

Students are strongly encouraged to have their applications in by December 19, 2025 to have ample time to overcome roadblocks in the process, complete orientation, meet with their advisor, and select their courses before the semester starts on January 23, 2026.