Approved Graduation Plan
Milton Hershey School students have the ability to earn CES funding in each of their 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade years. Each year students must: earn at least a 75% (2.50 GPA), have less than 75 demerit points, and have no Level 4 discipline incidents. During the senior year, all students wishing to utilize CES funding for post-secondary education must also have a GRADUATION PLAN approved by their College & Career Counselor. The Graduation Plan is based on research and experience and is a designed to ensure, to the best of our ability, that students have the financial and developmental support necessary to succeed at a degree program and post-secondary school that fits their abilities and aspirations.
The Graduation Plan consists of the following six essential components:
- Family/Milton Hershey School Support - the post-secondary school must be within five driving hours of a parent, sponsor, relative, or MHS support (alumni mentor);
- Post-Secondary School Support Services - services such as learning center, study skills assistance, tutoring, orientation programming, writing center, applied learning center, and other support services must be available to assist students in succeeding at the school;
- Post-Secondary School Visit - the student must visit the school;
- Course of Study - the course of study/major required for the student's career/educational goal must be offered by the post-secondary school;
- Financial Feasibility - the post-secondary school's financial aid package, combined with the student's CES funding, permits the student to attend, AND GRADUATE FROM, the school while utilizing no more than one student loan - the Federal Stafford Loan. The current Federal Stafford Loan limits are as follows: $3,500 first year, $4,500 second year, $5,500 third year, $5,500 fourth year. If a combination of other loans is chosen, the aggregate amount of all loans cannot exceed $19,000.
- Rigor Matrix - Meet the required guidelines regarding academic readiness for specific types of post-secondary schools set forth in the college fit "Rigor Matrix."
In cases where unique circumstances exist, additional documentation may need to be attached to the Graduation Plan in order for it to be approved by the College & Career Counselors.
