When you think about going to college, the high cost can make it seem complicated to achieve your dreams. It’s like a big obstacle standing in the way of what you want to do. Imagine a different situation, though. Picture yourself going through college, not just focusing on doing well in your classes but also graduating without owing any money.
Have you ever considered attending college for four years without worrying about taking out loans and owing money? The Hagan Scholarship is here to challenge how things are done and change how we think about going to college.
Come with us as we explore the Hagan Scholarship in detail. Each thing we learn will get us closer to understanding that it’s a special chance made for students who do well in their studies but also need help with money.
What is The Hagan Scholarship?
Financial Freedom for Educational Pursuits
The scholarship empowers students to focus on their studies without the weight of impending debt. Imagine the freedom to explore academic passions without constantly glancing at mounting student loan figures.
Beyond the Dollar Amount
It’s a holistic approach to education, recognizing that students need more than financial aid to thrive. It encourages an environment where students can excel academically, personally, and professionally.
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship and School Attendance
To be eligible for the Hagan Scholarship, one must be a U.S. citizen or possess a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). This requirement underscores the commitment to supporting the educational pursuits of those invested in the future of the United States.
Additionally, attending a U.S. high school is a prerequisite, ensuring that the scholarship contributes to the domestic educational landscape.
Academic Excellence and Financial Need
Maintaining a commendable 3.50 cumulative grade point average is important. The Hagan Scholarship is for high-achieving, goal-driven students who carry the weight of substantial financial need. It recognizes that talent and potential exist in various forms, and financial barriers should not hinder pursuing higher education.
Timely Graduation and Work Experience
This ensures that the impact of the scholarship resonates not just during the academic years but also as students transition into the professional world. The mandatory 240 hours of work from January 1, 2024, introduces an element of practical experience, emphasizing the importance of work ethic and responsibility.
Application Process
Now that you meet the criteria, let’s discuss the application process. This section will guide potential applicants through the essential steps, offering insights into what the Hagan Scholarship Foundation looks for in candidates.
The Timeline
Timing is crucial in the world of scholarships, and it is no exception. Starting January 15, 2024, the scholarship application can be downloaded from the HSF website.
However, applicants should mark March 1, 2024, on their calendars – as the application submission deadline. The foundation’s adherence to timelines ensures a fair and systematic review process.
Scrutiny and Notification
Once your application is in, the review begins. The Hagan Scholarship Foundation (HSF) scrutinizes each application for eligibility and compliance with instructions. It’s a thorough evaluation to identify candidates who align with the scholarship’s mission. Applicants are then notified of their status, and finalists move on to provide supplemental information.
Purpose of the Hagan Scholarship
Now, let’s explore the core purpose of this scholarship. It’s about providing each recipient the invaluable opportunity to obtain a four-year college education and graduate debt-free. Beyond academic endeavors, it seeks to equip recipients with practical life skills, filling the gaps often untouched by the school curriculum.
Debt-Free Graduation: A Transformative Opportunity
The cornerstone of the Hagan Scholarship’s purpose is to provide recipients with a debt-free college education. Imagine walking across the graduation stage with a degree in hand, unburdened by the weight of student loans.
Practical Life Skills: Beyond the Classroom
Education also prepares students for the challenges and opportunities life will inevitably throw. The Hagan Scholarship recognizes this and goes beyond the academic curriculum. It’s about providing each recipient with a practical understanding of important life skills – skills that aren’t just beneficial during college but resonate throughout their lives.
Recipient Responsibilities
For those fortunate enough to receive the Hagan Scholarship, certain responsibilities accompany the privilege. It’s about embracing a commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.
Non-Negotiable Commitments
Maintaining a 3.25 cumulative GPA and adhering to a four-year graduation schedule are non-negotiable commitments. Recipients aren’t just passive beneficiaries but active participants in their educational careers.
Credit Hour Requirements and Engagement
Credit hour requirements for fall semesters and academic years are in place, ensuring recipients are not just present in the classroom but actively engaged in their education. The scholarship is a partnership between the foundation and the students, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of support.
Graduate Student Responsibilities
Graduate students, too, have responsibilities, with a 3.50 cumulative GPA and 12 credit hours per semester as benchmarks. The scholarship promotes a commitment to lifelong learning, recognizing that education is a continuum and the support doesn’t just end with the conferral of an undergraduate degree.
Scholarship Particulars
Now, let’s dive into the details of the scholarship itself. This section thoroughly examines the scholarship’s disbursement, adjustments, renewability, and additional benefits.
Disbursement Amount: Calculating the Future
The disbursement amount, up to $7,500 each semester, is meticulously determined by HSF. This is a carefully calculated sum to cover the Total Cost of Attendance. The goal is clear – to ensure that recipients graduate debt-free.
Adjustments for Changing Circumstances
The Hagan Scholarship is dynamic and adaptive. The disbursement amount will be adjusted each semester to offset the expiration or loss of other scholarships, awards, grants, waivers, work-study, and changes in the recipient’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
This flexibility ensures that the scholarship remains a reliable source of support throughout the recipient’s academic journey.
Renewability and Long-term Support
The scholarship is renewable for up to seven additional semesters, provided the recipient fulfills the scholarship criteria and mandatory workshop responsibilities. This is a long-term commitment to the recipients’ educational success. The Hagan Scholarship is about accompanying students on their entire academic career.
Additional Benefits for Recipients
The benefits don’t stop at tuition coverage. First-year recipients receive an additional $1,000 before college enrollment. This is a practical contribution to help purchase essential items for college – a computer, cell phone, clothing, office supplies, bedding, and more. The scholarship recognizes the additional costs associated with transitioning to college life.
As recipients progress through their academic life, the scholarship adapts. Second-year recipients are provided with an HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to manage until graduation.
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Each recipient’s funds increase over the years, reflecting a dedication to continuous support and growth.
For third-year recipients achieving a 3.50 CGPA, the Hagan Scholarship opens the door to an all-expense-paid study and travel abroad experience worth up to $8,000. This is a chance to broaden your horizons and gain a global perspective.
Yet, amid these opportunities, recipients are reminded of their adherence at the beginning of their journey. They must work 240 hours from January 1, 2024, until the commencement of the 2024 fall semester in college.
This is a chance to gain valuable work experience and develop a strong work ethic. The Hagan Scholarship is about preparing students for the professional world.
For those who complete their college life as Hagan Scholars, there’s another opportunity awaiting – the Hagan Graduate Scholarship. Graduating recipients can apply for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship, suitable for up to four additional consecutive semesters, receiving up to $7,500 each semester.
This is a recognition of continued dedication to academic excellence. The scholarship acknowledges that it doesn’t end with an undergraduate degree and supports recipients as they pursue advanced studies.
Final Words
As we conclude this exploration of the Hagan Scholarship, reflect on the opportunities it presents. It’s a key to unlocking a debt-free college education. It is a pathway to personal and academic growth. It’s for those ready to embrace the responsibilities and opportunities it brings.
So, to all eligible students, the question is about seizing the opportunity the Hagan Scholarship offers. The journey awaits!