Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant
Who may apply: Current high school seniors who will complete a college preparatory program or a student who graduated prior to the current academic year who provides written documentation explaining why they were unable to attend college within one (1) year of graduating from high school.
How to apply: Students are encouraged to complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the GA Grant application (www.mhec.state.md.us/financialaid/Applications/2009-2010/09gainfoapp.pdf) by March 1. Applications received after the deadline will be considered as long as funds remain available. The FAFSA is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students should also complete the 2008-2009 Alternative Education Scholarship Application Packet.
Eligibility: You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a full-time (12+ credits per semester; audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time status), degree-seeking, undergraduate student, and you must demonstrate financial need. All applicants must have a minimum, unweighted cumulative 2.5 high school grade point average (GPA).
Students must also meet specific income requirements. These change yearly, so please refer to MHEC’s website (www.mhec.state.md.us) for the most up to date information. (For example, academic year 2008-2009 – family of 4 maximum family income equals $26,845).
Award amount: The amount of the GA Grant equals 100% of financial need, ranging from a minimum of $400 up to a maximum amount of $14,300. (If a student is offered and accepts certain other State scholarships, your GA Grant may be recalculated). You may hold the GA Grant with all State awards, except the Educational Assistance Grant. The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed your cost of attendance, as determined by your school’s financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
Application deadline: FAFSA and GA Grant application must be completed by March 1, 2009.
Submit Alternative Education Scholarship Application Packet by April 3, 2009 to:
Office of Alternative Education
9610 Pulaski Park Drive Suite 219
Baltimore, Maryland 21220