HCECF applications are available until March 15
Applications for higher education scholarships are now available through the Holmes County Education & Community Foundation through March 15.
Paying for college can be a hardship for most everyone planning on their next phase of life in higher education, so finding ways to help lower expenses is something worth pursuing.
Thankfully, one area organization is ready to step in and help generate scholarship funds for those seeking funds for higher education.
The Holmes County Education & Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for scholarships through March 15. The online scholarship application can only be found and completed online via the HCECF website at www.hcef.net.
The online scholarship application system begins with a questionnaire, which will automatically match students with scholarships for which they may qualify. Students may apply for multiple scholarships. Additional information including scholarship descriptions and award amounts are located on the website.
The delay of the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid will not affect students’ ability to apply for foundation scholarships.
“We understand the federal government has delayed processing FAFSA applications, which will delay students receiving their student aid letters from colleges,” said Shasta Mast, foundation executive director. “We are committed to working with students to complete their scholarship applications, even if they receive their FAFSAs after March 15.”
Mast said it’s important for students to complete their applications by March 15 even if they haven’t received their FAFSAs. Directions for doing so are on the HCECF website. She said they will extend the FAFSA and Student Aid Letter deadline for applications that are otherwise complete.
Scholarships are primarily based on financial need; however, academic promise and other noneconomic criteria may be considered. Some merit-based scholarships also are available. Applications are only accepted once per academic year. Therefore, students who intend to enroll at an accredited higher education institution during the 2024-25 academic year should apply now.
Graduating high school seniors, adult students currently or previously enrolled in college, vocational students, graduate school students, homeschooled students, or other individuals pursuing further education who reside in Holmes County and/or have graduated from a Holmes County high school are eligible to apply. The application deadline is Friday, March 15, and completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m.
College students currently receiving HCECF renewable scholarships were emailed a renewal scholarship application link in December. Those students should only apply via the email link and not apply as new students. The deadline for renewal applications is March 8.
Additional information on financial aid and outside scholarships is posted on the Holmes County Education & Community Foundation’s website and Facebook page. Call or email the Holmes County Education & Community Foundation at 330-674-7303 or info@hcef.net.