Apply for Ellucian Foundation PATH Scholarship Program

Deadline: 24 May 2024

Applications are now open for the Ellucian Foundation Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship Program.

The Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship was established in 2020 by Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for higher education.

Education has the power to transform lives; however, for millions of students, financial distress can lead to dropping out of school without completing a degree. The PATH Scholarship was created to help higher education institutions support their students who may be experiencing economic hardship.

Since its founding, the PATH Scholarship – now offered by the Ellucian Foundation – has provided more than $2.3 million in scholarships to eligible higher education institutions, benefiting more than 2,650 students.

Funding Information

Institutions can receive a single block grant of $10,000, $15,000 $25,000 (USD)
Awards of up to $1,500 (USD) can be made to individual students
Institutions will have considerable flexibility in determining the selection criteria and individual award amounts that best fit the needs of affected students

Eligibility Criteria

The following types of higher education institutions are invited to apply for a 2024 PATH Scholarship award:
- In the U.S., public four-year institutions that are eligible to participate in the Federal Title IV Student aid programs as defined by the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). NCES defines 4-year institutions as those “offering at least one program at the bachelor’s or higher degree level”, and public institutions as those “governed by publicly appointed or elected officials, with major support from public funds.” Public four-year Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
- In Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Ireland, Lebanon, Mexico and the United Kingdom, not-for-profit higher education institutions who are approved by the country’s ministry of higher education (or other national government ministry) to provide associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.
For U.S. Applicants:
- School Eligibility
  - Schools must meet the following criteria to apply:
    - Be a public four-year institution as defined by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
    - NCES uses these definitions to indicate institutional’ ‘Type’ on its College Navigator website.
    - Be eligible to participate in the Title IV Federal Student Aid programs.
    - Be in good standing with their governing body, accrediting agency, state, and U.S. Department of Education as appropriate. (If the school is not in good standing, it will have an opportunity to explain why and still receive consideration.)
  - Schools must also agree to established terms and conditions, which include:
    - Affirming that PATH Scholarship funding will not replace or supplant other grant assistance.
    - Committing to the timeframe of awarding funds and reporting data.
    - Agreeing to use the funds solely for student support; use of the funds to cover administrative costs is prohibited.
    - Affirming that it will award only eligible students.
  - Schools will be asked for demographic information about the institution, and basic questions about their population experiencing financial hardships. In addition to demographic information and required affirmations, schools will be asked to provide information concerning the:
    - Top three current needs of their student population;
    - Anticipated effect of the funding on recipients;
    - Philosophy and approach for how the school will select students (including any additional criteria imposed);
    - How the proposal assists students experiencing economic hardships, ensuring that they are able to continue their education.
- Student Eligibility
  - In addition to experiencing financial hardships, students must meet the following minimum criteria to be eligible to receive funds:
    - Currently enrolled at least half-time at the institution.
    - Be a regular student, defined as:
      - Seeking a credential, defined as a degree or certificate (including certificates for short-term programs)
      - Not dually enrolled in high school and postsecondary education.
      - In good academic standing at time of awarding and disbursement.
For Applicants in All Eligible Countries Except the U.S.:
- Institutional Eligibility
  - Institutions must meet the following criteria to apply:
    - Be an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree-granting, not-for-profit institution. (System offices that oversee multiple institutions may apply, but each school will be evaluated individually.)
    - Be approved by their Ministry of Higher Education or other national government ministry.
  - Institutions must also agree to established terms and conditions, which include:
    - Affirming that PATH Scholarship funding will not replace or supplant other grant assistance.
    - Committing to the timeframe of awarding funds and reporting data.
    - Affirming that it will award only eligible students.
    - Affirming that it is authorized to accept and disburse funds from a U.S.-based nonprofit foundation subject to eligibility validation through the Charities Aid Foundation America (CAFA).
  - Institutions will be asked for demographic information about the institution, and basic questions about their population experiencing financial hardships. In addition to demographic information and required affirmations, institutions will be asked to provide information concerning the:
    - Top three current needs of their student population. Anticipated effects of the funding on recipients;
    - Philosophy and approach for how the institution will select students (including any additional criteria imposed);
    - How the proposal assists students experiencing economic hardships, ensuring that they are able to continue their education;
    - Plans for promoting the program;
    - Proposed selection process;
    - Plans for how the funds will be disbursed.
- Student Eligibility
  - In addition to having been adversely affected by financial challenges, students must meet the following minimum criteria to be eligible to receive funds:
    - Be a regular student, defined as:
      - Seeking an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree
      - Not dual-enrolled in high school and postsecondary education.
    - Currently enrolled at least half-time at the institution.
    - In good academic standing at time of awarding and disbursement;
    - Either a resident or non-resident student