STATE OF VIRGINIA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEVA)
101 N. 14TH St.
James Monroe Bldg.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804)225-2600
Fax: (804)225-2604

www.schev.edu

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Virginia.

The College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP)

General Description and Purpose

The College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP) is a statewide need-based undergraduate grant program established in 1973 to assist students with extreme financial need in Virginia's public and participating private colleges and universities. The Commonwealth combines state appropriations with the Federal Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) to fund the program.

Application Process

To apply for assistance, the student must:

From a high school or post-secondary institution, obtain and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or other federally approved application for need-based aid;
Meet the FAFSA application deadline established by the participating institution which the student plans to attend;
Ensure that information provided on the application is complete and accurate. A student's failure to resolve any pending problems with the processing of an application may preclude the student from being considered for assistance in this program; and
If attending a private institution, file a Tuition Assistance Grant Program application or complete a domiciliary status form.

Eligibility

A completed application for need-based aid must be filed with a participating institution. To be considered for a CSAP award, the student must:

Be admitted into a Virginia public two or four year college or university, or a participating Virginia private non-profit four year college or university;
Be enrolled at least half-time in an approved degree, certificate, or diploma program;
Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the U.S.;
Be a domiciliary resident of Virginia as defined by the Code of Virginia §23-7.4;
Not have received assistance for more than the normal length of time required to complete the particular undergraduate degree program in which the student is enrolled;
Meet the satisfactory progress standards of the institution for federal student aid programs;
Have a computed Expected Family Contribution that is less than one-half of the total cost of attendance;
Meet all federal requirements set forth in federal laws and regulations which apply to Title IV Programs (1965 Higher Education Act, as amended; see below); and
Not be enrolled in a program leading to a second associate or bachelor degree.

All requirements of federal laws and regulations that apply to recipients of Title IV funds also apply to recipients of CSAP awards. Additionally, there are federal requirements specific to this program because CSAP includes Virginia's allotment of the Federal Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP). Currently these include that the student:

Must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or be above the age of compulsory school attendance in the Commonwealth of Virginia and have the ability to benefit from the education or training offered by the post-secondary institution;
Does not owe a refund on a grant awarded under the Pell Grant, FSEOG, or CSAP programs;
Is not in default on any loan made under the National Defense/Direct Student Loan, Perkins Loan, Income Contingent Loan (ICL), Stafford, PLUS, Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS), or Consolidated Loan programs;
Has not borrowed in excess of the annual loan limits under the Federal Stafford, FPLUS, or FSLS programs in the same academic year for which the student has applied for assistance under the CSAP and has not borrowed in excess of the aggregate maximum loan limits under the Federal Stafford, FPLUS, FSL, or Federal Consolidation Loan programs;
Must satisfy the Selected Service registration requirement for recipients of federal aid; and>
Must have filed a Statement of Educational Purpose and Certification Statement on Overpayments and Defaults with the participating institution.

The duration of a student's CSAP eligibility is related to the length of time normally required to complete a degree at a particular institution. Specifically, the student's eligibility for a CSAP award will be based on the satisfactory progress standards of the institution for federal campus-based financial aid programs. If a student is in a dual degree program at a four-year college or university that results in the simultaneous awarding of both an undergraduate and a graduate or professional degree, the student shall be considered eligible for CSAP only for the undergraduate portion of the program.

Awards

$400-$5,000 depending upon student financial need and available funds.

Renewal

The student must continue to meet the eligibility requirements above. The award is not automatically renewed.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

The financial aid officer must ensure that a student's award does not exceed the student's financial need. Students who are not enrolled for at least half-time study at the close of the last day for adding classes shall not be eligible for a CSAP award and any previous CSAP award offer shall be withdrawn by the institutional aid officer and the student shall be notified. If the student discontinues full-time enrollment, but is enrolled for at least half-time study after the last day for adding classes, a partial or full CSAP award may be given.

Virginia Commonwealth Award Program

General Description and Purpose

The purpose of the Virginia Commonwealth Award is to assist undergraduate students with financial need and graduate students to pay part of their college costs. The funds are appropriated directly to each state-supported institution. Funds may be used for need-based grants to Virginia resident undergraduates or for grants or assistantships to graduate students (both in-state and out-of-state). The law requires that the awards to undergraduates be proportional to need so that the students with the greatest need receive the largest awards.

Application Process

The application and awards process are administered by the financial aid office at each Virginia public college or university. Contact the financial aid office at the college you plan to attend for application procedures and deadlines.

Eligibility

In order for an undergraduate student to be eligible for an award, a student must: Be admitted into a Virginia public two or four year college or university; Be enrolled at least half-time in an approved degree, certificate, or diploma program; Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; Be a domiciliary resident of Virginia as defined by the Code of Virginia §23-7.4; and Demonstrate financial need as determined by the institution. In order for a graduate student to be eligible for an award, a student must: Be enrolled full-time in an approved graduate degree program at a participating public Virginia college or university; and Meet requirements established by the granting institution.

Awards

Undergraduate: The actual awards will vary by institution and are subject to available funding. The awards may not exceed tuition and required fees. Graduate: The actual awards will vary by institution and are subject to available funding. The institution will determine the award.

Renewal

Awards may be renewed provided that the student: Maintains satisfactory academic progress; Continues to meet all of the requirements of the Virginia Student Financial Aid Programs regulations; and Meets the eligibility requirements for graduate students established by the granting institution.

The Tuition Grant Program for Foster Care and Special Needs Adoption Recipients

Legislation passed in 2000 created a new tuition grant program. This program will provide tuition and fees at any Virginia community college specifically for high school graduates or general education development (GED) completers who were in foster care in the custody of a social services agency or were considered a special needs adoption at the time of graduation or completion of the GED.

Eligibility

Anyone who was in foster care in the custody of a social services agency or was a special needs adoption at the time they received their high school diploma or GED is eligible as long as he or she:

Enrolls in and maintains full-time enrollment in an eligible academic program of at least one academic year in length
Is a bona-fide domiciliary resident of Virginia
Meets the satisfactory academic standards of the college for federal student financial aid programs
Has not been previously enrolled in a post-secondary institution as a full-time student for more than five years
Is certified by appropriate agency to have been in foster care, in the custody of Department of Social Services, or considered a special needs adoption when high school diploma or GED was awarded

There is no upper age limit on this grant. The individual may still be in foster care or may have left the foster care system many years ago.

How To Apply

Potential students who fall in one of the three categories listed above must:

Apply to the community college of your choice.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) to the U.S. Department of Education.
Submit documentation from the Department of Social Services regarding dates in foster care, or assistance received for a special needs adoption to the college's financial aid office.

Visit https://www.vccs.cc.va.us/vccsasr/tuitiongrant/tuitiongrant.html or contact the financial aid office of your local community college or your local Department of Social Services for further information.

Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program

General Description and Purpose

In July 2000, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), using funds from the federal Special Leveraging Educational Partnership (SLEAP), created the Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program (HETAP). This new scholarship program was established by SCHEV to help address the teacher shortage in Virginia by assisting undergraduate students enrolled in a K-12 teacher preparation program. Preference is given to students enrolled in a teacher shortage content area identified by the Virginia Department of Education.

Application Procedures

The college or university Financial Aid Office, in conjunction with the Education Department at the institution, will determine the process and select recipients from the pool of eligible students. Student applications should not be sent to SCHEV.

Eligibility

An undergraduate student enrolled at a participating nonprofit public or private Virginia college or university who meets the following requirements:

Virginia domiciliary resident, according to section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia;
U. S. citizen or eligible non-citizen for federal Title IV purposes;
Enrolled full-time as an undergraduate;
Not seeking a second bachelor's degree;
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the institution;
Enrolled, or intend to enroll, into an eligible K-12 teacher preparation program;
Demonstrate financial need, subject to Title IV financial need requirements;
Cumulative college grade point average of at least 2.5;
Nominated by faculty member;
Not in default or owe an overpayment on a Title IV, HEA program loan; and
Satisfy Selective Service registration requirements.

Preference is given to those students enrolled in a teacher shortage area as identified by the Virginia Department of Education.

The following represent the top 10 critical shortage teaching endorsement area assignments for 2006-2007:

Special Education (speech and language disorders; learning disabilities; emotional disturbance; severe disabilities; early childhood special education; hearing impairment; mental retardation; visual impairment)
Mathematics, 6-12 and Algebra I add-on endorsement
Career and Technical Education (business education; family and consumer sciences; trade and industrial education; technology education)
Elementary Education, preK-6
Foreign Language (Spanish, preK-12; French, preK-12)
Middle School, 6-8
Reading Specialist (Graduate level)
Earth Science
History and Social Science, 6-12
English

Awards

The annual award at four-year institutions is $2,000. Two-year institutions may opt to reduce the maximum annual award; however, the minimum annual award will be at least $1,000.

Renewal

Annual funding for this program is contingent upon the availability of funds from the federal SLEAP program. Students are not automatically renewed but may receive the award in multiple years, if eligible.

Excess Refunds Policy

Excess funds for this program will be reallocated to the College Scholarship Assistance Program for the current year.

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program

General Description and Purpose

The purpose of the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program (VMSDEP) is to provide eligible students enrolled in a Virginia public college or university with certain education benefits in acknowledgement of the military service and sacrifice of their military parent or spouse.

Eligibility

The eligible student must be:

A spouse of a qualifying military service member or
A child, between the ages of 16 and 29, inclusive, of a qualifying military service member.
Accepted by and enrolled in a Virginia public college or university.

The qualifying military service member is one who meets at least one criterion in each of the following four areas.

1. Served on active duty in at least one of the following capacities:

member of the US Armed Forces;
member of the US Armed Forces Reserve;
member of the Virginia National Guard; or
member of the Virginia National Guard Reserve.

2. During one of the following events:

military operations against terrorism;
a peacekeeping mission;
or as a result of a terrorist act; or
any armed conflict subsequent to December 6, 1941.

3. And while serving active duty the military member had at least one of the following occur:

was killed;
was missing in action;
was prisoner of war; or
is a veteran who, due to such service, has been rated as permanently disabled or at least 90 percent disabled.

4. Have one of the following qualifying domicile status:

Virginia domicile at time of entering service or called up from reserves;
Virginia domicile for at least five years immediately prior to student applying for VMSDEP;
if deceased, was Virginia domicile on, and for at least five years prior to, his death;
in the case of a qualifying child, is deceased and the surviving parent had been, at some point previous to marrying the deceased parent, a Virginia domicile for at least five years or is and has been a Virginia domicile for at least five years prior to student’s application for this benefit; or
in the case of a qualified spouse, is deceased and the surviving spouse had been, at some time previous to marrying the deceased military spouse: a Virginia domicile for at least five years or is and has been Virginia domicile for at least five years prior to student’s admission application.

Benefits

Eligible students, as confirmed by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), are guaranteed waiver of all tuition and mandatory fees at a Virginia public college or university regardless of degree program or enrollment level.
In addition, as funds are available, eligible students may receive a stipend to offset other educational expenses, such as room & board and books & supplies. The current maximum award (FY08) is $1,500 per year allocated to fall and spring terms as follows:

1. Students enrolled full-time receive $750 per term
2. Students enrolled at least half-time but less than full-time receive $500 per term
3. Students enrolled less than half-time receive $250 per term

Enrollment levels:

Undergraduate full-time = 12 credit hours or more per term
Undergraduate at least half time = 6-11 credit hours per term
Undergraduate less than half-time = less than 6 credit hours per term
Graduate full-time = 9 credit hours or more per term
Graduate at least half time = 6-8 credit hours per term
Graduate less than half-time = less than 6 credit hours per term
Summer awards are available if the student did not use the full annual award during the prior fall and spring terms, as funds are available.
Award amounts may be reduced if the number of eligible students exceeds projections. This award is not reduced by receipt of other gift aid, except that, when combined with other gift aid, the combination of assistance cannot exceed the student’s estimated cost of attendance.
Example: Institution Cost of Attendance less “scholarships, grants, and waivers” regardless of source equals VMSDEP stipend - up to $1,500.

Process

1. The student submits to the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) their VMSDEP application and a Virginia public college or university acceptance letter. For more information, visit the DVS web site.
2. DVS reviews the application and determines eligibility.
3. DVS provides verification letter to the student, the institution, and to SCHEV.
4. SCHEV verifies enrollment as of the end of the term’s drop/add date, determines student’s final award amount for the term, and disburses funds to the institution approximately four weeks into the term.
5. The institution applies the funds to the student’s account.
6. Funds are first applied to institutional direct charges, such as room and board. Disbursements made by the institution to the student, if applicable, are then subject to the institution’s student refund policy.
7. If the student withdraws after the census date, the award amount will be prorated based on the institution’s tuition refund policy.

Renewal

Benefits are limited to a total of four years combined for undergraduate and graduate programs. The stipend is contingent upon available funding.

Tuition Assistance Grant Program

General Description and Purpose

Established in 1972, the Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG) is designed to assist Virginia residents who attend accredited private, non-profit colleges and universities in Virginia for other than religious training or theological education. The VTAG is authorized in Chapter 4.1 Section 23-38.11 through 18 of the Code of Virginia as the Tuition Assistance Grant Act.

Application Process

Applications may be acquired from the financial aid office of the private institution the student plans to attend. Completed applications must be submitted to the financial aid office of the institution on, or before, July 31 prior to the fall semester of enrollment. Applications submitted after July 31, but no later than December 1, will be considered for an award only if funds are available.

Eligibility

While this document does not cover all of the eligibility requirements, the basic criteria are:

Be a domiciliary resident of Virginia as defined by the Domicile Guidelines and the Code of Virginia §23-7.4;
Be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student; and
Be enrolled at an eligible institution pursuing an eligible degree that is not in religious training or theological education.

Awards

The award amount is based on the number of eligible students and the amount of funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Maximum 2007-08 Annual Award:
Undergraduate= $3,200 Graduate= $1,900.

Renewal

Awards are automatically renewed provided that the student continues to meet eligibility requirements and has not exceeded the maximum number of years of eligibility.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program

General Description and Purpose

The purpose of the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) is to provide an incentive to financially needy students now attending elementary and secondary school in Virginia to raise their expectations and their academic performance and to consider higher education an achievable objective in their future. The law requires that the awards to undergraduates be proportional to need so that the students with the greatest need receive the largest awards.

Application Process

Contact the financial aid office of the college or university you plan to attend for application process and deadlines.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for an award, a student must:

Be admitted into a Virginia public two or four year college or university;
Be enrolled full-time in an approved degree, certificate, or diploma program;
Be a domiciliary resident of Virginia as defined by the Code of Virginia §23-7.4;
Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the U.S.;
Demonstrate financial need as determined by the institution;
Graduate from a Virginia high school (students who obtain a GED or complete home schooling are not eligible);
Have at least a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent); and
Be classified as a dependent student for federal financial aid purposes.

Awards

The actual awards will vary by institution; however, those students found to be in the neediest category will receive awards of at least tuition. The maximum award is the cost of tuition, required fees, and a book allowance.

Renewal

Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years provided that the student:

Maintain continuous full-time enrollment;
Maintains domiciliary residency in Virginia;
Demonstrates continued financial need;
Maintains at least a college grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent; and
Maintains the satisfactory academic progress standards of the institution for federal student aid programs.

Lee-Jackson Foundation Scholarships

The Lee-Jackson Foundation of Charlottesville was founded in 1953 by the late Jay W. Johns, a successful Pennsylvania industrialist transplanted to Virginia, who became a great admirer of Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. He believed that both these Americans possessed distinguished traits of character that should be emulated by future generations.

Since both these Virginians were involved in education, the Foundation honors them by working to increase educational opportunities for Virginia's youth. The Foundation has traditionally focused on scholarships as the best vehicle to encourage high school students to continue their education, and sponsors an annual essay competition to make its awards. Scholarships are given for outstanding essays which demonstrate an appreciation of the exemplary character and soldierly virtues of Generals Lee and Jackson. Essays are judged with emphasis on historical accuracy, quality of research, and clarity of written expression.

The Essay

The length of the essay is not as important as the topic, idea, or points developed. Clear, well-expressed, original essays are sought. Essays might address such topics as General Lee's or General Jackson's heritage and their lives at war and at peace, Jackson as tactician, Lee as a strategist, Lee's or Jackson's impact on modern battlefield tactics, Lee's Christian character, Jackson's religious persuasion, Jackson the enigma, Lee on gentlemanly virtues, Lee as President of Washington College, or possible changes in the course of the Civil War had Jackson not died so early. History and English teachers may be particularly useful resources for ideas to research.

The Amount and Distribution of Scholarships

One $10,000, eight $2,000, and eighteen $1,000 college scholarships are available to Virginia high school juniors and seniors submitting outstanding essays on the career, character, or some other aspect of the life of either General Robert E. Lee or General "Stonewall" Jackson, or both.

Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in each of Virginia's eight public high school regions. A $1,000 bonus scholarship will be awarded to the author of the best essay in each of those eight regions.

Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to private school or home schooled students whose essays are judged to be the best of those from this sector. A $1,000 bonus scholarship will be awarded to the author of the best essay in this sector.

An additional award of $8,000 will go to the public school, private school, or home-schooled student who authors the essay judged to be the best in the state.

A $1,000 award will be given to a school in each of the nine judging sectors (eight public school regions and one private/home-schooled region) in the name of the high school teacher or advisor who sponsors the most participating students in that sector.

Eligibility

Any junior or senior in a Virginia public or private high school or home school may apply. The student should not have received a Lee-Jackson scholarship in the past and must be a resident of Virginia who plans to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States as a full-time student. Students who intend to enroll in a community college must plan to enroll in the college transfer program of the community college. The contestant should demonstrate the natural ability to succeed in college and have a sincere desire to attend. Financial need is not a requirement.

How to Apply

Application packets are sent to all public and private high schools in Virginia in September of each year. Students may obtain an application form and a complete set of application guidelines including deadlines from their school principal or guidance counselor.

Students must complete the application form and file it with their school principal. The application must be accompanied by an essay on either General Lee or General Jackson, or both. Deadlines for completion of essays and submission to principals is generally in mid-December.

For more information, please contact the Foundation's Administrator, Stephanie Leech at:

The Lee-Jackson Foundation
P.O. Box 8121
Charlottesville, VA 22906
(434) 977-1861

Commonwealth of Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program: "Supporting Our Nurse Educators"

Scholarship Guidelines

Scholarships will be provided to full/part-time graduate nursing students who are accepted to or enrolled in a master’s or doctoral level nursing program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The purpose of this program is to increase the number of nursing faculty by providing master’s/doctoral students with financial support. Additionally, this program will assist Virginia nursing schools to recruit and retain new nursing faculty, which enables the schools to increase enrollment.

Who may apply:
Full/part-time graduate students in a master’s or doctoral program in Virginia who, as a condition of accepting the scholarship, will agree to teach in a Virginia school of nursing.

How to apply:

Complete and submit a Nursing Scholarship Application along with all required materials. Applications will be available online at: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/healthpolicy/primarycare/incentives/nursing/index.htm

When to apply:

Applications will be accepted from June 1 through July 31, 2007.

Purpose of the Program:

This fund will provide scholarship assistance to full-time master’s or doctoral nursing students who are accepted to or enrolled in a nursing teaching program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The purpose of this program is to increase the number of future nursing faculty by providing financial support. Additionally, this program will assist Virginia nursing schools in recruiting and retaining new nursing faculty. Recipients of these scholarships will not have to repay their scholarship as long as they are employed as a teaching faculty member at a nursing school in Virginia.

Eligibility:

Full/part-time master’s or doctoral nursing students enrolled or accepted in nursing program in Virginia will be eligible to apply. Students must complete their degree requirements in two years or less. Priority shall be given to master’s degree candidates who will teach in community colleges.

Award Amounts:

Scholarship recipients will receive $20,000 per year, for up to two years, while the graduate student is completing coursework.

Teaching Commitment:
Recipients will be required to give two years of teaching service as a faculty member for every year they receive a scholarship. Recipients who do not take teaching positions at a Virginia nursing program will be required to pay back the scholarship with a 9% interest penalty. Repayment must be paid in full within two years of degree completion. Recipients must begin their teaching service within three months of completing their educational program.

Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program for Licensed Practical Nurses

Eligibility

To be considered for a Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

Residency in Virginia for at least one year;
Acceptance or enrollment as a full-time or part-time student in a practical school of nursing in the state of Virginia; and
Have submitted a completed application form and a recommendation from the Program Director regarding
scholastic attainment and financial need prior to June 30.

Failure to comply with any of the above will cause the applicant to be ineligible for a Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship. Applicants will be evaluated and ranked by the scholarship committee and the most qualified applicants will be awarded the scholarships.

Conditions of Scholarships

It is important that all applicants fully understand the conditions of accepting a Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship. These awards are not gifts. Scholarship recipients must agree to engage in full-time nursing in Virginia for one month for every $100 received. Therefore, if a student received $1,200 in scholarship awards, he/she must repay that amount by working continuously in Virginia for 12 months. The award recipient has 60 days from the date of graduation to obtain his/her license. Full-time employment must begin within 90 days of the recipient's licensure date. Voluntary military service, even if stationed in Virginia, cannot be used to repay scholarship awards.

Penalty

If, for any reason, a scholarship recipient fails to complete his studies or to engage in full-time nursing in Virginia, the full amount of money represented in the scholarship(s) received, plus an annual interest charge, as established by the Commonwealth of Virginia, must be repaid immediately.

Recipients must take the first scheduled licensing examination following graduation. If recipient does not pass, he/she must retake the next scheduled examination. If he/she does not pass the second examination, he/she must repay all scholarship money received, plus an annual interest charge, as stated above.

If a recipient leaves Virginia or ceases to engage in full-time practice as a licensed practical nurse before fulfillment of the scholarship obligation, the recipient must repay the balance on his/her account, plus an annual interest charge, as established by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Before any scholarship is awarded, the applicant must sign a written contract agreeing to these terms, as established by law and the Board of Health.

Number of Applications Per Student

Scholarships are awarded for single academic years. However, a recipient may, after demonstrating satisfactory progress in his/her studies, apply for a scholarship award for a succeeding academic year. No student may receive a scholarship for more than a total of four years.

Scholarship Amount

The amount of each scholarship award is dependent upon the amount of funds appropriated by the Virginia General Assembly, the amount of money collected by the Board of Nursing, and the number of qualified applicants. All scholarships are awarded without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

How to Apply

Applications and guidelines are available online from May 1 to June 30 every year. Applications must be typed, printed and mailed (with original signatures) to the Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy.

Virginia Department of Health
Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy
ATTN: Nursing Scholarship
109 Governor St., Suite 1016 East
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Students pursuing a nursing degree not available in Virginia, are not eligible for the scholarship.

Application Deadline

Applications must be postmarked no later than June 30 for the academic year, beginning in the Fall of that calendar year. Applications and/or transcripts postmarked after the above date will not be considered for scholarship awards. Applications will not be accepted in The Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy prior to May 1.

Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program for Registered Nurses

Eligibility

To be considered for a Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

Residency in Virginia for at least one year;
Acceptance or enrollment as a full time or part time student in a school of nursing in the state of Virginia;
Demonstration of a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in required courses, not electives;
Demonstration of financial need, verified by the Financial Aid Office/authorized person at the applicant's nursing school; and
Have submitted a completed application form and an official grade transcript to The Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy prior to June 30. If no college courses attempted an official high school transcript or equivalent must be submitted.

Failure to comply with any of the above will cause the applicant to be ineligible for a Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship. Applicants will be evaluated and ranked by the scholarship committee, and the most qualified applicants will be awarded the scholarships.

Conditions of Scholarships

It is important that all applicants fully understand the conditions of accepting a Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship. These awards are not gifts. Scholarship recipients must agree to engage in full time nursing in Virginia for one month for every $100 received. Therefore, if a student received $1200 in scholarship awards, he/she must repay that amount by working continuously in Virginia for 12 months. The award recipient has 60 days from the date of graduation to obtain his/her license. Full time employment must begin within 90 days of the recipient's licensure date. Voluntary military service, even if stationed in Virginia, cannot be used to repay scholarship awards.

Penalty

If, for any reason, a scholarship recipient fails to complete his studies or to engage in full time nursing in Virginia, the full amount of money represented in the scholarship(s) received, plus an annual interest charge, as established by the Commonwealth of Virginia, must be repaid immediately.

Recipients must take the first scheduled licensing examination following graduation. If recipient does not pass, he/she must retake the next scheduled examination. If he/she does not pass the second examination, he/she must repay all scholarship money received, plus an annual interest charge, as stated above. If a recipient leaves Virginia or ceases to engage in full time practice as a registered nurse before fulfillment of the scholarship obligation, the recipient must repay the balance on his account, plus an annual interest charge, as established by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Before any scholarship is awarded, the applicant must sign a written contract agreeing to these terms, as established by law and the Board of Health.

Number of Applications Per Student

Scholarships are awarded for single academic years. However, a recipient may, after demonstrating satisfactory progress in his/her studies, apply for and receive a scholarship award for a succeeding academic year. No student may receive a scholarship for more than a total of four years.

Scholarship Amount

The amount of each scholarship award is dependent upon the amount of money appropriated by the Virginia General Assembly, the amount of money collected by the Board of Nursing, and the number of qualified applicants. All scholarships are awarded without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

How to Apply

Applications and guidelines are available online from May 1 to June 30 every year. Applications must be typed, printed and mailed (with orginal signatures) to the Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy.

Virginia Department of Health
Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy
ATTN: Nursing Scholarship
109 Governor St., Suite 1016 East
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Application Deadline

Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife Scholarship

Eligibility

To be considered for a Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife Scholarship, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

Residency in Virginia for at least one year.
Acceptance or enrollment as a full time student in a nurse practitioner/nurse midwifery program in the State of Virginia or a nurse midwifery program in a nearby state.
Demonstration of a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in graduate and/or undergraduate courses.
Have submitted a completed application form, and official grade transcript of graduate and/or undergraduate courses, and a statement of intent to practice as a nurse practitioner/nurse midwife in an undeserved area of Virginia following graduation.
Submission of two reference letters.
Submission of all materials to the Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy prior to the established deadline.

Failure to comply with any of the above will cause the applicant to be ineligible for a nurse practitioner/nurse midwife scholarship. Applicants will be graded and ranked by the scholarship committee, and the most qualified candidates will be awarded the scholarships.

Conditions of Scholarships

It is important that all applicants fully understand the conditions of accepting a Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife Scholarship. These awards are not gifts. Student recipients must agree to engage in full time practice in a designated medically underserved area for a period of years equal to the number of annual scholarships received. The scholarship recipient may pre select a medically underserved area where service employment will take place at any time prior to entering practice. This selection may be altered 90 days prior to beginning practice, at which time the recipient must choose from the current list of medically underserved areas and must receive approval from the State Health Commissioner or his designee of the practice location. The practice facility must provide services to persons who are unable to pay for the service and must participate in all government sponsored insurance programs designed to assure access to medical care service for covered persons.
Therefore, if a student received a one year scholarship award he must repay that amount by working continuously in Virginia for one (1) year. Full time employment must begin within two (2) years of the recipient's graduation date from the program. Voluntary military service, even if stationed in Virginia, cannot be used to repay scholarship awards.

Before any scholarship is awarded, the applicant must sign a written contract agreeing to these terms as established by law and the Board of Health.

Penalty

If, for any reason, a scholarship recipient fails to complete his studies or to engage in full time nurse practitioner/nurse midwife practice in Virginia in an approved area and employment setting, the full amount of money represented in the scholarship(s) received, plus an annual interest charge, as established by the Commonwealth of Virginia, must be repaid immediately.

The recipient must take the first scheduled licensing examination following graduation. If he does not pass, he may retake the next scheduled examination. If he does not pass the second examination, he must repay all scholarship money received, plus an annual interest charge, as stated above.

If a recipient leaves Virginia or ceases to engage in full time practice as a nurse practitioner/nurse midwife before all employment conditions of the scholarship award are fulfilled, the recipient must repay the balance on his account, plus a penalty and an annual interest charge, as established by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Number of Applications Per Student

Scholarship Amount

The amount of each scholarship award is dependent upon the amount of funds appropriated by the Virginia General Assembly. All scholarships are awarded without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

How to Apply

Application Deadline

State Financial Aid Information

Find state financial aid information for the specific state that you live in. Find contact information for your local federal aid office, and get details about specific federal aid programs in your area.

STATE OF VIRGINIA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

The College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP)

Virginia Commonwealth Award Program

The Tuition Grant Program for Foster Care and Special Needs Adoption Recipients

Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program

Tuition Assistance Grant Program

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program

Lee-Jackson Foundation Scholarships

Commonwealth of Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program: "Supporting Our Nurse Educators"

Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program for Licensed Practical Nurses

Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program for Registered Nurses

Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife Scholarship

State Financial Aid Information

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