Criteria for Ongoing CES Elgibility
The CES is a partnership between Milton Hershey School® and our graduates to help fund higher education pursuits for those who continue to demonstrate the desire and ability to succeed in their full-time post-secondary school studies. For the 2011-12 school year, the CES program plans to invest over 5 MILLION dollars in the higher education of our graduates. In this partnership, both the students and the School have responsibilities.
The students' ongoing responsibilities include:- Enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited
U.S. undergraduate in-classroom program; - Live on-campus or commute from home during the first and second years of post-secondary school;
- Maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA;
- Successful completion of 12 new credits per term for your first and second years
OR
- Successful completion of 15 new credits per term for your third year of school and beyond;
- All credits taken must go toward your degree;
- Timely completion of FAFSA and other financial aid forms (no later than March 15 or your college/state's deadline – whichever comes first)**
- Submission of all CES forms and documents by July 15 (you must allow, and plan for, at least 2 weeks of CES payment processing time by Transition Services);
- Satisfactory conduct following MHS graduation (integrity, positive spirit, mutual respect);
- Contact your College & Career Counselor via email, phone call, or visit at least once during the first nine (9) weeks of each term to discuss your progress and to report any updates;
- Completion of degree/certificate within five (5) years of activating CES funding;
- Five (5) years to activate CES funds.
Failure to meet one or more of your obligations as a partner in the CES program could result in probation, suspension, or termination from the program and all of its benefits. Eligible students may receive CES funding until: (1) they earn an undergraduate degree, (2) their CES funds are depleted, or (3) their five-year activation period is over — whichever comes first!
**Important Reminders:
The CES program will NOT compensate for any federal, state, or college grants or scholarships lost due to missed deadlines, incomplete verification, low GPAs, non-attendance, and other situations that are the responsibility of the student and his/her family. Students will need to pay for grants and scholarships lost for these reasons with their own earnings, savings, or via student/private loans.
"Stopping Out" for a Term:Occasionally students may need to temporarily "stop out" for a term, or interrupt their progress towards a degree, for personal reasons, such as health conditions, family situations, or financial hardship. This is one of the reasons why CES benefits may extend as long as 5 years, rather than just 4 years.
Procedures:- Any request for "stopping out" for a term must be sent in writing to the Financial Aid Coordinator;
- Schedule a meeting with your college officials so you withdraw according to your school’s procedures and do not lose any academic or financial aid standing
- Notify the Financial Aid Coordinator two months in advance of your intent to return to school;
- If you have any remote intention to return to college, file your FAFSA no later than March 1st;
- Military Personnel called to active duty will NOT lose ANY eligibility time for scholarship benefits as long as we are properly notified in advance of your departure.
