Applications should be mailed to:

To be considered for funding through the SCHOLARSHIPS program, potential applicants must apply for traditional federal and state financial aid (i.e., Pell Grant based on family income, HOPE Grant based on Georgia residency and HOPE Scholarship based on academic performance) and submit proof of award or denial. If you are approved for one form of financial aid and the award amount covers tuition and mandatory fees, SCHOLARSHIPS does not require you to apply to another source of funding, and SCHOLARSHIPS will still award qualified applicants a stipend of $75 per quarter or $100 per semester.

The chart below indicates the type of aid available to you based on the credential or degree you are pursuing:

How do I apply for financial aid?

The one-step method of determining the financial aid available to you is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) either online at http://www.fafsa.org/ or with assistance through the financial aid office of the educational institution you plan to attend.  Upon notification of the outcome, your school will determine your eligibility for both federal and state aid (i.e. HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship and Pell Grant). However, if you are attending a private educational institution, you must also fill out the HOPE Scholarship/Tuition Equalization Grant form available online at http://www.gacollege411.org/or through your school’s financial aid office to be considered for state aid.  If you are applying for the HOPE grant only, the form is also available online at http://www.gacollege411.org/.

You are currently ineligible for the HOPE Scholarship if:

• You are pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree and you graduated from high school before 1993 and have not completed 30 semester/45 quarter hours OR
• You did not have a 3.0 GPA at the time you graduated 1993 or later OR
• You have previously received the HOPE Scholarship but your GPA has dropped below 3.0.

Under these circumstances, you must apply for the Pell Grant to determine how much, if any, aid you might receive before also applying to the SCHOLARSHIPS program.

What documentation do I send with my SCHOLARSHIPS application?

Whether approved or denied, attach proof that you have applied for available funds, such as an official financial aid letter from your institution, or one of the following documents:

• If you have been awarded funds, you may submit a printout of your student account summary (viewable online through your school) reflecting the award amount credited to your student account OR
• If you have applied for the Pell Grant, you can submit your Student Aid Report (SAR) sent to you by the Department of Education either by email or letter.   Your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) number indicates whether or not you will receive Pell.
• If you have exceeded the number of eligible credit hours covered by the HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, or Pell Grant, or you have previously earned a degree, you are permanently ineligible for these programs.  In lieu of a financial aid letter, you may submit your transcript reflecting the total number of hours you have taken or the award date of your degree to the SCHOLARSHIPS program as proof of your ineligibility for HOPE and Pell.

SCHOLARSHIPS participants must provide financial aid information each new academic year (beginning August semester or July quarter) in order to maintain participation in the program.

• Students enrolled in public colleges or universities receive 80% of tuition and fees not covered by HOPE or PELL
• Students enrolled in private institutions receive funds up to a maximum of $1000 per semester, or $750 per quarter, toward the cost of tuition and fees not covered by HOPE or PELL

All students receive a support stipend of $75 per quarter or $100 per semester.

What about scholarships for CDA courses and assessment fees?

• CDA preparation courses offered through continuing education departments at eligible institutions are awarded based on funding availability
• SCHOLARSHIPS for the CDA assessment fee can be applied for at any time by students who have completed a preparation course and earned their 120 contact hours from a HOPE-eligible, SACS-accredited institution with an early childhood education program of study. 85% of the assessment fee (276.25) is initially awarded and paid directly to the Council for Professional Recognition. The balance of $48.75 is paid by the applicant to the Council. SCHOLARSHIPS will refund this portion of the fee if the applicant presents a valid credential from the Council and continues to meet all the program eligibility requirements.

This program is funded by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning using the federal Child Care and Development Fund.