Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for submission?
Early Enrollment deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019. No applications will be accepted after that time.
Regular Enrollment deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2019. No applications will be accepted after that time.
Regular Enrollment deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2019. No applications will be accepted after that time.
Who is eligible to apply for a scholarship?
Students who have participated and/or are currently involved in the FOA Mentor program and well known to the Director of FOA.
Are college students eligible to apply for a scholarship?
Yes. Scholarships are available to high school seniors as well as current undergraduate, graduate, and vocational students
Are FOA scholarships renewable?
Our scholarships are not renewable. However, you may reapply every year provided that you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Are FOA scholarships merit-based or need-based?
Both. Students must provide information verifying that they meet the minimum GPA and other required criteria for the scholarships for which they are applying.
How do I complete the application form?
Download the scholarship here.
How will I know if you received my application?
You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted successfully.
Are recommendations required?
Yes, you will be asked to provide contact information (name and email address) for three individuals (family members are not eligible) who can provide recommendations for you - one from a teacher, one who is familiar with you involvement in the community and one from your mentor.
Are essays required?
Yes, a short 250-300 word essay about you, your goals, purpose of continuing or higher education and your financial need.
What attachments are required?
At the conclusion of the application, you will be asked to attach the following documents: your most recent transcript and your full 2019 Student Aid Report. These attachments must be in a PDF or JPEG format AND the file names must be 15 characters or less.
Where can I go to scan my documents to create PDF's?
Check with your guidance counselor at your school.
Do my transcripts have to be "official" transcripts?
No, but your school name and your name must appear on the transcripts.
How much financial information will be required?
While copies of your tax return are not required, early filing of tax returns is strongly encouraged, as information from it will be required to complete your 2019 FAFSA.
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is required in order for you to apply for any type of federal financial assistance. Application forms can be obtained from the guidance or financial aid office at your school. You may also call 1.800.433.3243, or complete the application online by going to fafsa.ed.gov. Information generated by completion of the FAFSA is required for most scholarship applications, local and otherwise.
What is a SAR and how do I get one?
SAR stands for Student Aid Report. The SAR is generated from the FAFSA. All FOA Scholarship applicants must submit their complete 2018 SAR with their application.
What is an EFC?
EFC stands for Estimated Family Contribution. Based on a government-calculated formula from the information you submit on your FAFSA, the EFC is the amount of money the government believes your family should be able to contribute to your college funding. The EC number usually appears in the upper right-hand corner of the SAR, but it may appear elsewhere on the report.
When will I be notified whether or not I've received an award?
Early enrollment applicants will be notified by email by April 1, 2019.
Regular enrollment applicants will be notified by email by May 1, 2019.
Regular enrollment applicants will be notified by email by May 1, 2019.
Ready to Empower the Change?
If you are ready to be a mentor: to create the chance for a student to excel, and make good choices which are guided by positive adult interaction, please call us today to learn more about our mentoring program.
