Time is running out: Seniors should apply now for a Broad scholarship

There’s not much time left to get a piece of the $550,000 in college scholarships earmarked for HISD seniors – the deadline to apply is March 3.

Thanks to HISD winning the Broad Prize for Urban Education in September 2013, graduating seniors can receive two- or four-year scholarships, depending on the type of higher educational institution they choose to attend. Students who enroll in four-year colleges receive $20,000 scholarships paid out over four years ($5,000 per year). Students who enroll in two-year colleges or technical programs receive $5,000 scholarships paid out over two years ($2,500 per year).

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Graduate from HISD
  • Have a minimum weighted cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in their senior year
  • Enroll full-time at an accredited college, university, community or junior college or vocational/technical program in the fall of 2014 for the entire upcoming academic year
  • Show academic improvement from the ninth grade to the 11th grade as measured by an improved grade point average
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident in possession of a valid Alien Registration Receipt Card (INS Form I-551, commonly known as a “green card”), or a refugee with a Departure Record (form I-94) showing one of the following designations:
    • refugee
    • asylum granted
    • alien paroled into U.S. for at least one year
    • alien granted stay of deportation due to fear of persecution
  • Complete a Broad Prize scholarship application.

Click here for a link to the online application. 

Students can register for an account, and once they are notified that their account has been created, they can start completing the information requested. The following will be needed for the application process:

  • The name and email address of an individual who will complete an appraisal on their behalf
  • The name and email address of a school official who will complete an academic information form on their behalf
  • A list of work experiences and involvement in school and community activities
  • A current transcript of grades
  • Financial information from the family’s most recently filed tax return.

Applicants will be notified about whether they have been awarded a scholarship in May 2014.

Complete instructions are available on the website. The Broad Prize scholarship program is administered by Scholarship America.