Eligibility & FAQ
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Undergraduate Scholarship Eligibility & FAQ
To be eligible to receive a scholarship or interest-free loan for undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees, a student must:
Residency
Be a Maryland resident
GPA
Have a GPA of 2.8 or higher to be competitive
Attendance
Plan to attend an accredited college, university, or community college in the upcoming academic year
Citizenship
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
When and how can I apply?
Central Scholarship only accepts applications submitted online. Please note that the link to the online application is open between October 15 and May 1 every year for undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Career training scholarships are open all year.
When will I know if I am selected to receive a scholarship?
You will receive an email from us in May or June notifying you that you have been selected as a semi-finalist and asking you to submit additional supporting materials. If you are selected as a finalist, you will receive an email inviting you to an interview with one of our selection committees. Finalists should be available for an interview. All scholarship award decisions will be made by July 1. Loan decisions will be made by the end of August.
How do I send my transcript to Central Scholarship?
Transcripts should be scanned and uploaded and sent to Central Scholarship electronically. Although we prefer an official transcript, if your high school is NOT able to send an official transcript electronically, we will accept an unofficial transcript. We may ask you to provide us with an official transcript at a later date if you are selected as a finalist.
What if I have a problem submitting materials or I’m not sure if they have been received?
We will send you an email confirming that your application has been received. If you do not receive this email, the application was probably not submitted correctly. We prefer that supporting materials be submitted electronically. Directions are included in the application. Unless specifically directed to do so, please do not mail materials to Central Scholarship. These materials will not be processed and your application will be incomplete.
I am having difficulty submitting my application or supporting materials because the website is not responding. What should I do?
If you are unable to submit your application or supporting materials by the deadline due to technical problems, please contact us at gohigher@central-scholarship.org
Can I still be considered for a scholarship if I have a job or internship out of town, or if I am studying abroad, and cannot come for an in person interview?
What are some of the mistakes that applicants make?
- The biggest mistake is not completing the application. Every year, we get partial applications from students who would be excellent candidates that we cannot consider because their application is incomplete.
- Another common mistake is inaccurate applications. Check your application for accuracy before you submit it. Imagine missing the message notifying you that you won a scholarship because you forgot to put .com on your e-mail address!
- Not reading questions and instructions carefully. Our awards are based on the program you will be enrolled in for the current academic year, but every year we have undergraduate freshmen tell us they’re pursuing a master’s degree because they hope to attend graduate school in four years—and they can end up missing out on opportunities because of it.
How important is the essay?
Because we have never met you, taking the time to write a thoughtful, cohesive essay can be a big boost to your scholarship chances. This is an opportunity to showcase your talents and goals, so in addition to providing specific examples, like having collected canned goods for the homeless or becoming the valedictorian, tell us why you decided to do something and what it meant to you.
What do you look for?
Some of our scholarships have specific criteria, such as a GPA level or major, and others are more general. We are looking for students who demonstrate that they are a unique person who will be worthy of the award. The members of the selection committees need to sense that you have something valuable to offer that will be enhanced by support of your college education.
Are scholarships and interest-free loans sent separately?
We do our best to combine your total award (scholarships + loans) into two checks; one that gets sent for the Fall Semester, and one that gets sent in the Spring Semester. If your school requires that loan and scholarship funds be sent separately, there is a space to indicate that on your check address form.
How do I get my spring semester check?
Your Fall semester grades must be submitted through our online portal before we can issue the second half of your award. You will receive an email around the start of the new year requesting your grades, with a link to submit them included.
Career Training Eligibility & FAQ
To be eligible for a career training grant, a student must:
Residency
Be a Maryland resident
Education
Have a high school diploma or a GED
Attendance
Be planning to attend a non-degree certificate program at a community college or private career school
What is the difference between a certificate program and a degree program?
Certificate programs are often shorter than 1 year and traditionally focus on developing the core skills needed for a job. Degree programs are often 2 years or longer and focus on a larger variety of subject matter including some not related to your program of choice.
What type of career training programs do you cover?
Our career training scholarships can be used for a variety of training programs that can lead to gainful employment with opportunities for advancement, including transportation, construction, information technology (IT) and more.
What is the application deadline for career training scholarship consideration?
There is no application deadline for career training scholarships. Applications are accepted on a rolling/continuous basis.
I am currently employed but I am considering a career change that would require me to obtain additional training, would I be eligible to apply for your scholarship?
Yes, if you are currently employed but seeking employment in a different industry that requires additional certifications, credentials, or training; you would be eligible to apply for our scholarship program.
Does Central Scholarship offer career training classes?
No, we do not provide career training classes. We simply provide the funding to help you pay for the classes at your accredited institution of choice.
I already have a degree, but I am interested in a professional certificate program to further/advance my career, can I still apply?
Yes, accredited professional certificate programs are eligible for funding.
Graduate & Professional Scholarship Eligibility & FAQ
To be eligible to receive a scholarship or interest-free loan for undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees, a student must:
Residency
Be a Maryland resident
GPA
Have a GPA of 2.8 or higher to be competitive
Attendance
Plan to attend an accredited college, university, or community college in the upcoming academic year
Citizenship
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Do you offer funding for master’s, doctoral and PhD programs?
Yes, we do fund advanced degree programs!
I already started my graduate school program, but I just found out about your scholarships and loans, can I still apply?
Yes, as long as our application is still open you can apply for funding regardless of whether it is your first year or third year of your graduate program.
I received funding from Central Scholarship as an undergraduate but now I am interested in pursuing a graduate level degree, can I apply for additional funding?
Yes, past recipients of funding are welcome to reapply at any stage of life.
I am interested in pursuing an advanced degree, but my child has already applied for your scholarship to fund their undergraduate program, can I apply for funding for myself?
Yes, you and your child are both eligible to apply for funding. The more the merrier!
Interest-Free Loan Eligibility & FAQ
The eligibility for interest-free loans is the same criteria for students applying for degree-seeking scholarships. There is no separate application for an interest-free loan. Interest free loans are awarded based on the information provided in the degree seeking students’ scholarship application and unmet need as determined by the student’s Financial Aid Award Letter. A co-signer is required to be awarded.
Is there any penalty if I pay off the loan in full?
How do I access my account information online?
Why is it important to communicate with CS if I can’t make my loan payment?
If an account is 60 days overdue and we have not heard from the borrower, we will attempt to contact the co-signer for help with bringing the account current.
What happens if I can’t make the full payment?
Please contact Central Scholarship at gohigher@central-scholarship.org or 410-415-5558 so we can work with you to make your payments manageable.
When will I have to begin making payments on my interest-free loan?
Payment begin one year after graduation or after your withdrawal from the program.
Do I need a co-signer?
Co-signers are required on all loans. There are no exceptions.
How should I choose a co-signer?
Your co-signer can be anyone you choose, but should be a person you trust, and who would be willing to assume payments on your loan in the event that you are unable to make them. This person’s credit history, along with your own, will be affected in the event of a default on the loan.
What should I do if I don’t need the second half of my loan?
You must contact Central Scholarship immediately to inform us of any changes in your academic plans or other circumstances. If you choose not to take the second half of the loan your promissory note will be modified to reflect the lesser amount owed.
Why can’t parents sign for their child’s interest-free student loan?
Students must be the primary signers, but parents are welcome to be a co-signer.
Can part-time students receive interest-free loans?
Generally, Central Scholarship requires award recipients to be full-time students, meaning 9 credits for graduate students and 12 credits for undergraduates. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the structure of your program of study and your financial need.
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Emergency Funding Eligibility & FAQ
The program is open to all Central Scholarship recipients and provides grants up to $1,000 for recipients who have encountered financial hardship due to an emergency, accident, or other unexpected incidents. Students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources. This funding is not intended to replace or supplement existing financial aid and does not have to be repaid.
What are Central Scholarship Student Emergency Grants?
Student emergency funds are available to current Central Scholarship award recipients who have a financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident.
What are the eligibility requirements to be considered for Emergency Grants?
To be considered for Emergency grant you must be in good academic standing with Central Scholarship. Currently enrolled in a degree seeking or career training program and submit all requested supporting documentation.
What are some expenses covered by emergency grant funding?
Examples of expenses covered by emergency grant funding:
- Medication or other cost related to medical care
- Transportation related to your ability to attend class
- Travel cost related to a death or illness in the immediate family
- Replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disasters
How do I access the application for an emergency grant?
For access to the Central Scholarship Emergency Grant Application email, gohigher@central-scholarship.org.
Opportunity Funding Eligibility & FAQ
Applicants must have a financial need which supplements their academic or career goals, and must be in good standing with Central Scholarship. Opportunity grants may not exceed $1,000. Students should apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources. This funding is not intended to replace or supplement existing financial aid and does not have to be repaid.
What are Central Scholarship Opportunity Grants?
Opportunity grants are funds available to current Central Scholarship award recipients who have a financial need that is preventing them participating in supplemental activities that contribute to educational and or career goals.
What are the eligibility requirements to be considered for Opportunity Grants?
To be considered for Opportunity grants you must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Currently enrolled in a degree seeking program and submit all requested supporting documentation.
What are some expenses covered by opportunity grant funding?
Examples of expenses covered by opportunity grant funding:
- Registration fees for conferences or standardized test
- Transportation related to an internship, conference, or standardized test
- Stipends for students who have obtained unpaid internships
- Clothes for an interview
How do I access the application for opportunity funding?
For access to the Central Scholarship Opportunity Grant Application email, gohigher@central-scholarship.org.
Persistence Funding Eligibility & FAQ
Applicants must have a modest balance owed to their college or university which would prevent them from enrolling in the next semester if not paid off. Persistence Grants may not exceed $1,000 for each individual request. Students should apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources. This funding is not intended to replace or supplement existing financial aid and does not have to be repaid. Applicants must be in good standing with Central Scholarship in order to be eligible.
What are Central Scholarship Persistence Grants?
Persistence grants are funds available to current Central Scholarship award recipients to help cover modest financial shortfalls affecting the students’ ability to pay their cost of attendance, which in turn prevents them from dropping out.
What are the eligibility requirements to be considered for Persistence Grants?
To be considered for Persistence grants you must be in good academic standing with Central Scholarship. Currently enrolled in a degree seeking program and be able to provide proof of the tuition bill you are requesting funds for in addition to your most current financial aid award letter from your institution.
How do I access the application for a persistence grant?
For access to the Central Scholarship Persistence Grant Application email, gohigher@central-scholarship.org.
Student Awards Ceremony FAQs
The Student Awards Ceremony (SAC) is an annual event focusing on honoring Central Scholarship award recipients.
What is the Student Awards Ceremony?
What does the event consist of?
The Student Awards Ceremony is broken up into several different sections, including a reception, a student/donor Meet & Greet, a catered dinner, guest speakers, the announcement of the annual Pay Down Debt recipient, and more. For a full view of last year's program, please click here.
Where is it located?
The 2022 Student Awards Ceremony was held at the Winslow (Parker Metal Building) in Baltimore, Maryland. The 2023 Student Awards Ceremony was held at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in Baltimore, Maryland.
When does the event happen?
The Student Awards Ceremony is celebrated at the end of June.
Who can attend?
The Student Awards Ceremony is an invitation-only event that is sent out to all Central Scholarship award recipients.
Can I bring family or friends?
Central Scholarship award recipients are permitted to bring one guest.
What is the dress code?
This is a formal, invitation-only event and guests are expected to dress accordingly.
Do I need to attend the Student Awards Ceremony to receive my scholarship?
While the Student Award Ceremony is not required in order to receive an award, your attendance is highly encouraged. If you cannot attend for a valid reason, you can email gohigher@central-scholarship.org or call 410-415-5558 to let staff know.
General FAQs
When and how can I apply?
Central Scholarship only accepts applications submitted online. Please note that the link to the online application is open between October 15 and May 1 every year for undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Career training scholarships are open all year.
When will I know if I am selected to receive a scholarship?
You will receive an email from us in May or June notifying you that you have been selected as a semi-finalist and asking you to submit additional supporting materials. If you are selected as a finalist, you will receive an email inviting you to an interview with one of our selection committees. Finalists should be available for an interview. All scholarship award decisions will be made by July 1. Loan decisions will be made by the end of August.
What is the application deadline for career training scholarship consideration?
There is no application deadline for career training scholarships. Applications are accepted on a rolling/continuous basis.
How do I send my transcript to Central Scholarship?
Transcripts should be scanned and uploaded and sent to Central Scholarship electronically. Although we prefer an official transcript, if your high school is NOT able to send an official transcript electronically, we will accept an unofficial transcript. We may ask you to provide us with an official transcript at a later date if you are selected as a finalist.
What if I have a problem submitting materials or I’m not sure if they have been received?
We will send you an email confirming that your application has been received. If you do not receive this email, the application was probably not submitted correctly. We prefer that supporting materials be submitted electronically. Directions are included in the application. Unless specifically directed to do so, please do not mail materials to Central Scholarship. These materials will not be processed and your application will be incomplete.
I am having difficulty submitting my application or supporting materials because the website is not responding. What should I do?
If you are unable to submit your application or supporting materials by the deadline due to technical problems, please contact us at gohigher@central-scholarship.org
Can I still be considered for a scholarship if I have a job or internship out of town, or if I am studying abroad, and cannot come for an in person interview?
What are some of the mistakes that applicants make?
- The biggest mistake is not completing the application. Every year, we get partial applications from students who would be excellent candidates that we cannot consider because their application is incomplete.
- Another common mistake is inaccurate applications. Check your application for accuracy before you submit it. Imagine missing the message notifying you that you won a scholarship because you forgot to put .com on your e-mail address!
- Not reading questions and instructions carefully. Our awards are based on the program you will be enrolled in for the current academic year, but every year we have undergraduate freshmen tell us they’re pursuing a master’s degree because they hope to attend graduate school in four years—and they can end up missing out on opportunities because of it.
How are scholarships/interest-free loans issued?
First, you need to tell us where to send your checks! You should receive an email with instructions on how to do so by mid-August. We then send your award in two equal halves – one in the Fall Semester, and one in the Spring Semester – directly to your College or University. The checks are written to both the student and their school, so your school should call you in to sign the back of your check when it arrives.
How will Central Scholarship communicate with me?
We always communicate by email, and we use whichever email address you included in your initial application. Don’t forget to check that address often so that you don’t miss anything!
I am a reapplicant. What should I include in my application to help me receive a scholarship again?
We really want recipients to be participants, not observers. Students who are responsive, who answer e-mails and phone calls and come to Central Scholarship events, always stand out. We also look for students to demonstrate growth, whether by success in their academic work or by giving back, in some way, to individuals or to the larger community.
How important is the essay?
Because we have never met you, taking the time to write a thoughtful, cohesive essay can be a big boost to your scholarship chances. This is an opportunity to showcase your talents and goals, so in addition to providing specific examples, like having collected canned goods for the homeless or becoming the valedictorian, tell us why you decided to do something and what it meant to you.
What do you look for?
Some of our scholarships have specific criteria, such as a GPA level or major, and others are more general. We are looking for students who demonstrate that they are a unique person who will be worthy of the award. The members of the selection committees need to sense that you have something valuable to offer that will be enhanced by support of your college education.
Are scholarships and interest-free loans sent separately?
We do our best to combine your total award (scholarships + loans) into two checks; one that gets sent for the Fall Semester, and one that gets sent in the Spring Semester. If your school requires that loan and scholarship funds be sent separately, there is a space to indicate that on your check address form.
How do I get my spring semester check?
Your Fall semester grades must be submitted through our online portal before we can issue the second half of your award. You will receive an email around the start of the new year requesting your grades, with a link to submit them included.