The journey to higher education is filled with opportunities, challenges, and moments of growth. For the families of our nation’s heroes, the Folds of Honor Scholarship stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that the dreams of these families are not overshadowed by financial constraints. It offers crucial educational assistance for students.
This guide delves into the intricacies of the scholarship’s application process, offering insights into denial notifications and the subsequent appeals procedure.
Overview Of Folds Of Honor
The Folds of Honor Scholarship is a program run by the Folds of Honor Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. The scholarship program is divided into two categories: the Children’s Fund Scholarship that serves Kindergarten through 12th grade students and the Higher Education Scholarship that serves those seeking a first bachelor’s degree or a certification at a post-secondary institution.
The scholarship is awarded annually for up to $5,000, and recipients must reapply each year. Applicants must be a dependent of a service member who was killed or disabled in the line of duty, or who has died of any cause after such a wound, illness, or injury was incurred. The amount of aid varies depending on the applicant’s financial need and other factors, such as the cost of attendance at their chosen educational institution.
Purpose Of The Scholarship
The Folds of Honor Scholarship aims to support the educational aspirations of military families, acknowledging the heavy sacrifices they have made for their country. It is based on “unmet need” and can be used for tuition, books, room and board, school-approved educational expenses, and approved tutoring.
This scholarship is a testament to the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and their families. By offering educational scholarships, Folds of Honor ensures that the legacy of these heroes lives on, and their families have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Eligibility Requirements
To understand if you qualify for the Folds of Honor Scholarship, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements:
Military Service Document
To be eligible for the Folds of Honor Scholarship, applicants must provide documentation verifying the military service of their family member. This could be in the form of a DD214, Purple Heart citation, or any other official document that confirms the service member’s status as fallen or disabled.
Program Of Study
Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized program of study. This could range from undergraduate and graduate programs to vocational and technical training. The key is that the program should lead to a degree or certification that will enhance the applicant’s career prospects.
Post-Secondary Institution
The scholarship is applicable for students attending post-secondary institutions. This includes universities, colleges, and vocational training schools. The institution must be accredited, ensuring that the education provided meets certain standards of quality.
Business Day (8am-5pm Central Time)
All communications, queries, and submissions related to the scholarship should be made during standard business hours, which are from 8 am to 5 pm Central Time. This ensures that the Folds of Honor team can promptly address any concerns or questions applicants might have.
Application Process
The Folds of Honor Scholarship application window opens on February 1st and closes on March 31st each year. All applications must be completed and submitted using their online application portal. It’s crucial to stay updated on scholarship deadlines and reminders to ensure that your application is processed.
Unmet Need
The Folds of Honor scholarship is based on “unmet need.” This term refers to the portion of tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meal plans, and required textbooks that are not covered by other sources of awards or financial aid. Loans or work-study are not considered as financial aid when determining unmet need.
Grade Point Average
Upon acceptance of a scholarship award offer, students must provide an official transcript showing a 2.0 or higher term GPA for the two most recent academic terms. If this requirement is not met, the scholarship offer will be rescinded.
Expenses Not Covered
The Higher Education Scholarship cannot cover expenses like off-campus housing, Greek housing, computers, special field exams, student insurance, previous semester charges, and sports tickets, among others.
Payment Details
The maximum payment allowable per term is $2,500 ($1,250 for part-time students). The full award offer cannot be paid in one lump sum. Payments are made directly to the educational institution.
School and Tutoring Service Approval
The school or program attended must be accredited. Tutoring services should be provided through an established business with a business address. Funds cannot be sent to private individuals.
Changing Schools
If there’s a change in the school since applying, it can be updated during the Scholarship Acceptance – Check-In section on the student’s dashboard.
Notification
All scholarship offers and denials are typically sent out in mid- to late July. It’s essential to keep an eye on the registered email account for updates.
Online Portal Instructions
All application details must be submitted through the Folds of Honor online portal. This centralized system ensures that all applications are processed uniformly and efficiently. Here are some key points to remember:
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Ensure you have all the necessary documentation ready before starting the application.
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Follow the step-by-step instructions provided on the portal.
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Save your progress regularly to avoid any loss of data.
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Review your application thoroughly before submitting to ensure all details are accurate.
Supporting Documentation Needed
Applicants are required to provide specific documents to verify their eligibility. These include:
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Military Service Document: This could be a DD214, Purple Heart citation, or any other official document that confirms the service member’s status.
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Proof Of Enrollment: Documentation showing enrollment in a recognized program of study.
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Financial Documents: Details of any other scholarships, grants, or financial aid being received.
It’s important to note that documentation is not accepted via US mail, fax, email, or over the phone. All documents must be uploaded directly to the online portal.
Deadlines For 2023-24 Scholarships
Applications are accepted each year between February 1 and March 31. If March 31 falls on a weekend, the deadline will be extended to the close of the first business day following March 31. It’s crucial to adhere to these deadlines as no accommodations are made outside of this time frame. Offer or denial notifications are typically sent out in mid-July. All scholarship funds are mailed directly to the educational institution, ensuring that the funds are used strictly for educational purposes.
Additional Tips:
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All students, even those attending technical or trade schools, are strongly encouraged to complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This not only makes you eligible for federal aid but also for most scholarships and grants through your institution.
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Regularly visit your academic advisor and the school’s Veterans Services office. They can provide valuable information and resources to assist you throughout your academic journey.
For any questions or clarifications, you can contact the Folds of Honor scholarship department at (918) 274-4700 or email them at [email protected]. Their office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am-5 pm Central Time.
Denial Notifications And Appeals Process
Navigating the scholarship application process can be challenging, and not every applicant will receive an award. However, understanding the denial notifications and the subsequent appeals process can empower applicants to take proactive steps and potentially overturn an unfavorable decision.
When To Expect A Decision
After submitting the Folds of Honor Scholarship application, candidates can expect to receive a decision by mid-July. This timeline ensures that the scholarship committee has ample time to review each application thoroughly and make informed decisions. It’s essential to regularly check the email address provided during the application process, as this is the primary mode of communication for notifications.
What To Do If You Receive A Denial Notification
Receiving a denial notification can be disheartening, but it’s crucial to approach the situation with a positive mindset and consider the following steps:
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Review The Notification: Carefully read the denial notification to understand the specific reasons for the decision. This will provide clarity on areas that may need improvement or additional documentation.
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Seek Feedback: If the reasons for denial are unclear, consider reaching out to the Folds of Honor scholarship department for further clarification. They can provide insights into the decision-making process and offer guidance on potential areas of improvement.
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Prepare For A Possible Appeal: Gather any additional documentation or information that can strengthen your application. This could include updated academic records, letters of recommendation, or further evidence of eligibility.
Appealing A Denial Notification
If you believe that the denial was based on an oversight or that you have additional information that could change the decision, you can consider appealing the notification. Here’s how to go about it:
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Understand The Appeals Process: Familiarize yourself with the Folds of Honor appeals process. This will provide a clear roadmap of the steps to follow and the documentation required.
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Submit A Formal Appeal: Draft a concise and factual appeal letter detailing the reasons you believe the initial decision should be reconsidered. Attach any supporting documentation that can bolster your case.
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Wait For A Response: Once the appeal is submitted, the scholarship committee will review the new information provided and make a decision. This process can take some time, so it’s essential to be patient.
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Accept The Outcome: Whether the appeal is successful or not, it’s crucial to accept the decision gracefully. If the appeal is denied, consider seeking other scholarship opportunities or reapplying in the subsequent year with an improved application.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you better understand the Folds of Honor Scholarship, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions.
When is the application deadline for the Folds of Honor Scholarship?
The Folds of Honor Scholarship application period opens on February 1 and concludes on March 31 each year. If March 31 falls on a weekend, the deadline extends to the close of the first business day following March 31. It’s essential to submit within this window to be considered.
How will I be notified of the scholarship decision?
All applicants will receive their scholarship decision via email by mid-July. Ensure that the email address provided during the application process is regularly checked, as this is the primary mode of communication for all notifications.
Can I reapply for the scholarship if I was denied in a previous year?
Absolutely! If you were not awarded the scholarship in a previous year, you’re encouraged to reapply. Each year presents a new opportunity, and with the right improvements or additional documentation, your chances might increase.
What is the maximum scholarship amount awarded?
The Folds of Honor Scholarship can award up to $5,000. However, it’s important to note that the amount does not exceed $2,500 per term. The exact amount is determined based on the student’s unmet need and other criteria.
How can I contact the Folds of Honor scholarship department?
For any queries or clarifications regarding the scholarship, you can directly contact the Folds of Honor scholarship department at (918) 274-4700. Alternatively, you can send them an email at [email protected]. They are always ready to assist and guide applicants.
Are there other scholarships available through Folds of Honor?
Yes, Folds of Honor offers a range of scholarships tailored to different needs. Apart from the primary scholarship, they also provide the Children’s Fund Scholarship and the Higher Education Scholarship, among others, to support various educational aspirations of military families.
Securing The Folds Of Honor Scholarship
The Folds of Honor Scholarship is a commendable initiative that supports the educational aspirations of military families. While the application process may seem daunting, understanding the intricacies, especially around denials and appeals, can significantly enhance one’s chances of success. Stay informed, be proactive, and remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback.
Discover scholarships for military spouses in 2023 by reading our comprehensive guide. Visit Get Scholarship to find more information and browse through the available resources.
