Eligibility Criteria and Application
The Scholars Fund provides supplemental financial assistance to single parents pursuing a course of instruction with the goal of completing their education to improve their income-earning potential. Funds can be utilized for various needs such as books, tuition, childcare, utility bills, and car maintenance. Funds are made possible by private and corporate donations.
Financial assistance is granted during fall and spring terms and is eligible for renewal in subsequent semesters. Undergraduate recipients must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, while graduate recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and both must continue to meet eligibility criteria.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are currently enrolled in a post-secondary course of study, and are a resident of Pope or Yell County, Arkansas, and wish to apply for funding, please read the eligibility criteria to get started.
ELIGIBILITY criteria
UNDERGRADUATE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Enrolled at an institutionally accredited institution, having completed 12 or more earned college hours, and does not hold a bachelor’s degree
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Single head of household (unmarried, legally separated, divorced, or widowed), with a child under 18 in the home, either in joint or full custody
Current resident of Pope or Yell county, Arkansas
Income must be within 150% of the poverty guidelines. Refer to Income Guidelines: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html
GRADUATE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours at an institutionally accredited institution
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Single head of household (unmarried, legally separated, divorced, or widowed), with a child under 18 in the home, either in joint or full custody
Current resident of Pope or Yell county, Arkansas
Income must be within 150% of the poverty guidelines. Refer to Income Guidelines: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html
REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
The following documents are required and must be emailed with your completed application form by the deadline of that semester—Jan 31 Spring, Aug 31 Fall.
NEW STUDENTS
Proof of Enrollment. Obtained from your institution's registrar office.
Current Official College Transcript. Obtained from your institution's registrar office after final semester grades have posted.
Proof of Dependents and Income. Submit a copy of the first page of your most recent federal tax return listing dependents and income. If exempt from filing a tax return, submit a Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS website.
Award Agreement, signed.
At least One Letter of Reference, signed, and with complete contact information. Obtained from individuals not related to you, familiar with your life experiences and character. Must be signed and include complete contact information.
Personal Essay, signed. Introduce yourself and your family. Explain why you chose this course of study and your aspirations. Feel free to include any information helpful to the Selection Committee. Minimum 1-page, double-spaced.
Copy of your valid (unexpired) Photo ID. Mandatory for all first-time applicants. International students must submit a green card indicating legal residency status and expiration date.
RETURNING STUDENTS
Proof of Enrollment. Obtained from your institution's registrar office.
Current Official College Transcript. Obtained from your institution's registrar office after final semester grades have posted.
Proof of Dependents and Income. Submit a copy of the first page of your most recent federal tax return listing dependents and income. If exempt from filing a tax return, submit a Verification of Nonfiling Letter from the IRS website.
Award Agreement, signed.
CAREER TECHNICAL PROGRAMS
Please contact us if you are pursuing a certification of proficiency.
Technical Programs not eligible for Pell Grant will be funded one time.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Download/Save application before entering information. Proofread.
Collect required documents and save as .pdf
Email your application with required documents to info@scholarsfunded.org
