The Collegebound Scholarship is offered by Washington state.
The program financially assist low-income students who enroll in 7th or 8th grade and meet specific criteria outlined in the College Bound Pledge by the time they graduate high school.
Eligible students can utilize the College Bound Scholarship at more than 60 approved public and private colleges within Washington.
It provides coverage for the average tuition expenses at public institutions, including certain fees and a modest book allowance.
It generally does not cover the full cost of attendance, such as housing, meal plans, health insurance, and other related expenses.
Collegebound Scholarship Overview
The College Bound Scholarship is an opportunity for low-income students to access postsecondary education.
Support them in meeting requirements before high school graduation.
College Bound Re-pledge Events, sponsored by WCAN, are statewide events that remind 9th grade students and their families about the scholarship requirements.
The College Bound Conference is a regional event that offers workshops for eligible and enrolled Kent school district students and families.
Covering topics like college and career advising, PSAT, and college applications.
Renewable and non-renewable awards are available, totaling close to $3 million in scholarships.
Awards range from $500 to $10,000 for the academic year.
Collegebound Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Basic Eligibility
- Complete an application that includes educational history, college destination, and release of academic records (high school cumulative GPA).
- Provide proof of home purchase date and proof of homestead deduction.
- Reside in an owner-occupied home within Hammond City limits.
- Show proof of home ownership with a current homestead exemption by the parent or legal guardian.
- Provide proof of legal guardianship if the natural parent is not the legal guardian, and eligibility will depend on the establishment date of guardianship.
- Attend any accredited public or private school, with home-schooled students having an exception process to apply for the scholarship.
- The scholarship amount is determined by the number of years the student has lived in a home owned by their parent or legal guardian.
- Eligibility for scholarship amounts:
- 6th through 12th grade: Up to 100% of the scholarship amount.
- 7th through 12th grade: Up to 90% of the scholarship amount.
- 8th through 12th grade: Up to 80% of the scholarship amount.
- 9th through 12th grade: Up to 70% of the scholarship amount.
- 10th through 12th grade: Up to 60% of the scholarship amount.
- Students of a Hammond homeowner attending an accredited high school outside of Hammond are eligible for up to 100% of the scholarship.
Performance Eligibility
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by the Indiana State deadline, regardless of eligibility for financial assistance, and apply for other available scholarships.
- Academic eligibility options:
- Option 1: Graduate from a public or private accredited high school with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
- Option 2: Graduate with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and achieve a minimum score of 1,030 (math & verbal) on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT). (An ACT composite score of 21 is equivalent to the SAT requirement.)
Continuing Eligibility
Provide detailed information about all scholarships and financial aid received or applied for, including the source and amount of each award.
Enroll in college credit-producing courses as part of an undergraduate, degree-seeking program starting from the second year of study.
Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on an annual basis throughout four consecutive years of college, and release grades to the College Bound program using a provided release form.
Take and successfully complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Failing to maintain this requirement will result in the loss of the scholarship.
Complete 40 hours of community service and provide proof of completion.
New students must complete this service by December 31 of their freshman year, and the College Bound offices must approve it before they start.
Failure to fulfill community service may lead to scholarship loss and repayment.
Reapply for the scholarship annually before the July deadline.
Provide the program with the most recent grade transcripts, proof of completing the FAFSA for the upcoming school year, and proof of home residency through a homestead exemption.
An interruption in college education lasting more than one semester will make the student ineligible for the program.
Once a student becomes ineligible, they cannot rejoin or restart participation in the College Bound program.
Complete studies within five years after high school graduation.
The student’s parents must continue to reside in Hammond and maintain home ownership (verified through a homestead exemption) until the student completes their fourth year of college.
If the homeowner moves out of the city, the scholarship will be immediately canceled.
Collegebound Scholarship Application Requirements
- Application form is mandatory.
- Transcript submission is required.
- Financial need analysis is necessary.
- An essay is required.
- Recommendations or references are requested.
- Special requirements may be specified in the text.
- A resume is required.
- Student Aid Report should be provided if available.
Summary;
Washington state offers the Collegebound Scholarship program to provide financial assistance to low-income students.
It is available to students who enroll in 7th or 8th grade and fulfill specific criteria outlined in the College Bound Pledge by the time they graduate high school.
The scholarship covers average tuition costs, certain fees, and a small book allowance at over 60 approved public and private colleges in Washington.
However, it does not typically cover the entire cost of attendance, including expenses like housing, meal plans, and health insurance.
The Collegebound Scholarship Overview:
- It provides an opportunity for low-income students to access postsecondary education.
- Support is provided to help students meet requirements before high school graduation.
- College Bound Re-pledge Events and the College Bound Conference offer guidance and reminders about scholarship requirements.
- Renewable and non-renewable awards totaling close to $3 million are available, ranging from $500 to $10,000 per academic year.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Basic eligibility includes completing an application, providing proof of home purchase and ownership, residing in an owner-occupied home within specified limits, and attending an accredited school.
- Performance eligibility requires completing the FAFSA, meeting academic criteria (GPA or SAT/ACT scores), and applying for other scholarships.
- Continuing eligibility involves maintaining a minimum GPA, taking a minimum number of credits per semester, completing community service, reapplying annually, and providing necessary documentation.
Application Requirements:
- Students need to submit an application form, transcript, and undergo a financial need analysis.
- They must also write an essay, provide recommendations or references, and submit a resume.
- The application may specify special requirements, and applicants should include a Student Aid Report if available.