STATE GRANT AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS

1. 1 STATE GRANT AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS SPECIAL PROGRAMS PRESENTATION PASFAA October 5, 2009 Type title in DIN-Bold and subtitle in DIN-Regular. If you do have DIN in your font list, please contact the helpdesk to have it installed.Type title in DIN-Bold and subtitle in DIN-Regular. If you do have DIN in your font list, please contact the helpdesk to have it installed.

2. 2 Special Programs Appropriations

3. 3 Federal Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship (Byrd) Program Federally-funded New student 2010-11 applications are due April 1, 2010 Merit scholarships of $1,500 per year Recipients are chosen through a random lottery process held in May of each year Scholarship is renewable up to three years if continued eligibility requirements are met

4. 4 Byrd Student Eligibility Requirements Be a high school graduate during the same academic year in which the scholarship is awarded Be accepted for full-time enrollment at an eligible institution of higher education, in the United States, following high school graduation Be a legal resident of Pennsylvania Be a U.S. citizen or national, or be able to provide evidence of permanent residency Rank in the top five percent of their graduating class, or hold a ranking of one, two or three in a class of 60 students or less Grade Point Average of 3.50 or above on a 4.00 (unweighted) scale SAT score of 1,150 combined critical reading and math; or ACT composite score of 25 or above; or GED score of 3550 or above. For GED, student must also have required SAT or ACT scores. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is not accepted. NOTE: Homeschooled students who meet the above requirements are also eligible.

5. 5 Byrd BYRD ON-LINE TRANSACTIONS FP00: Byrd Student Record Page 1: Provides student award information Page 2: Provides student application information -A student GRAD DATE field was added to this screen and is also on the disbursement roster; please make sure the roster is updated with this information. Page 3: Provides student application information - Byrd funds will not disburse for new Byrd recipients if the Recipient Agreement and Statement of Registration Forms have not been returned to PHEAA; check this screen for date returned.

6. 6 Byrd BYRD ON-LINE TRANSACTIONS cont’d. Disbursement Screens FG7E: The student disbursement record for a particular academic year may be accessed via this menu; from a clear screen, type “FG7E” in the top left corner of the screen and press enter. FP0G: The school disbursement record for a particular academic year may be accessed via this menu; from a clear screen, type “FPØG” in the top left corner of the screen and press enter. Byrd On-Line Manual Provides detailed information on navigating the Byrd System; it is located on the Document Library.

7. 7 Byrd Byrd PageCenter Reports Disbursement Roster - Provides all students associated with a disbursement and must be certified and returned to PHEAA. Report Name: “R Byrd Disbursement Roster” Pageset: “FCFPXFF2Ø” Potential Recipient Listing - Provides new and renewal recipients who will be receiving funds for upcoming academic year. This was made available in July. Report Name: “09-10 Robert C Byrd Recipients” Pageset: “LWT12LWT12R2”

8. 8 Byrd Changes/Reminders Each disbursement roster must be certified and returned in order to receive future disbursements. There will not be an On-Line Application in 2010-11. Program Review was initiated in 2008-09; make sure you have a copy of the student’s Statement of Registration Form on file.

9. 9 Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant (Chafee) Chafee is federally funded, offering grant assistance to Pennsylvania undergraduate students in or aging out of foster care. PHEAA administers Chafee on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (PADPW). Maximum awards are $5,000 per academic year. Chafee funds may replace the expected family contribution (EFC), however, the student’s total financial aid package may not exceed the student's cost of attendance. Awards are contingent upon federal funding and are not guaranteed.

10. 10 Chafee Eligible students must: - be eligible for services under the Commonwealth’s Chafee Foster Care Independence Program; applicants must apply annually through PHEAA. - be identified as a youth in foster care or a youth adopted out of foster care after reaching the age of 16; - be participating in the Chafee Program on their 21st birthday; students are not eligible to participate once they reach the age of 23; - be enrolled at least half time in an approved Title IV institution; - maintain “satisfactory academic progress” as defined by Title IV guidelines; file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the related academic year. ************************************************************************************************************ Chafee 2009-10 Certification Procedures will be provided. Beginning with 2010-11, Chafee applicants will only have to file one application.

11. 11 Chafee Chafee PageCenter Listings/Rosters Chafee Page Center reports are located under: STEP PATH/CHAFEE ETG/GEAR UP RPTS The Chafee Applicant Certification and Status Listing (ACSL) is now a separate report: Pageset: FCFSXFV30.nameofschool Description: CHAFEE ETG APP STATUS LISTING This report is cumulative and updated on a biweekly basis. Chafee Disbursement Rosters are included as a section of the GEAR UP and PATH disbursement rosters on Page Center: Pageset: FCFFF40schname Description: DISB PROC - ROSTERS

12. 12 Educational Assistance Program (EAP) EAP is jointly administered by PHEAA and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and provides tuition assistance for guardsmen and guardswomen who commit to six years of service with the Pennsylvania National Guard. 2009-10 award values are derived from tuition charged at state- owned institutions and are based on enrollment status. A detailed award reference grid is available on pages three and four of the EAP 2009-10 Certification Procedures located on the Document Library.

13. 13 EAP Updates The first 2009-10 disbursement ran August 3, 2009. 2009-10 applications processed to date = 1,845; last year at this time 1,522 were processed; 21% increase in number of applications. EAP funds are state appropriated and should be included as a resource in the financial aid package; EAP funds are not counted as gift aid for PA State Grant purposes. Program will be moved from a database to a DB2 system; hopefully for 2010-11.

14. 14 GAINING EARLY AWARENESS AND READINESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS (GEAR UP) The college-readiness portion of the GEAR UP Program has been in place a number of years and administered by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE); PHEAA is responsible for administering the scholarship component of the Program. GEAR UP was new in 2008; 2009-10 new applications have increased by 14%. Institutions are encouraged to talk with Admissions regarding GEAR UP.

15. 15 GEAR UP Those members of the graduating class of 2008 or 2009 who participated in the college readiness program at the following high schools and have been deemed “scholarship eligible” by PASSHE may be eligible to participate in the program: Harrisburg High Schools Harrisburg High School William Penn High School Harrisburg University Science and Technology High School Philadelphia High Schools Martin Luther King High School Bartram Main High School Strawberry Mansion High School Young Women’s Leadership School at E. Washington Rhodes High School

16. 16 GEAR UP General eligibility requirements: - Must be 22 years of age or less at the time of the first scholarship award. - Must be a resident of Pennsylvania. - Must be a first time undergraduate student enrolled in a Title IV approved associate or bachelor’s degree program. - Eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. - Attend an approved Title IV postsecondary institution located in Pennsylvania. - Must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Title IV guidelines. - Must not be in default on a Title IV educational loan or owe a refund on Title IV funds. 2009-10 Certification Procedures were sent via email and are available on the Document Library.

17. 17 GEAR-UP The 2009-10 Expected Family Contribution range for GEAR UP students is 0 – 4617. Award amounts for eligible students are as follows: Enrollment Status GEAR UP Award Full-Time $5,350 Three-Quarter Time $4,012 Half-Time $2,675 Less-Than-Half-time $ 0 There are no summer awards.

18. 18 GEAR UP GEAR UP PageCenter Listings/Rosters GEAR UP Page Center reports are located under: STEP PATH/CHAFEE ETG/GEAR UP RPTS The GEAR UP Applicant Certification and Status Listing (ACSL) is now a separate report: Pageset: FCFSXFV20.nameofschool Description: GEAR UP APP STATUS LIST This report is cumulative and updated on a biweekly basis. GEAR UP Disbursement Rosters are included as a section of the Chafee and PATH disbursement rosters on Page Center: Pageset: FCFFF40schname Description: DISB PROC - ROSTERS

19. 19 Institutional Assistance Grants (IAG) IAG is intended to assist independent postsecondary institutions in maintaining enrollments and stabilizing their educational costs. In addition, the program serves to provide students with access to all Pennsylvania institutions regardless of sector. This program provides formula grants to eligible institutions; a per capita is calculated by dividing the total number of State Grant recipients attending IAG eligible institutions into the state appropriation. There are currently 85 IAG eligible institutions.

20. 20 IAG The final per capita for 2008-09 was $1,108 per full-time-equivalent State Grant recipient. 2009-10 advance payment is on hold; make sure your surveys have been returned. 2008-09 Refund Requests are being programmed to go to Page Center; more to come. 2008-09 audit reports are due January 1, 2010.

21. 21 New Economy Technology Scholarship (NETS) The NETS Program provides scholarships for Pennsylvania students who are pursuing higher education and training in science and technology fields. In return for scholarship funds, applicants must sign a Master Promissory Note agreeing to comply with program requirements and to work in Pennsylvania following graduation or they would be required to repay the funds received. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board (PAWIB) partner with PHEAA in determining eligible NETS programs of study, establishing internship guidelines and resolving special considerations related to the NETS work obligation.

22. 22 NETS There are two scholarship components: - SciTech - Technology Requirements for Both Scholarships: Be a Pennsylvania resident Be a high school graduate or recipient of a GED Be enrolled at a PHEAA-approved Pennsylvania school in a program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Apply for Federal Pell and Pennsylvania State Grants (through the FAFSA) Maintain cumulative GPA of 3.0, tested annually Commence employment in Pennsylvania in a field related to a NETS approved program of study within one year after completion of studies, and continue employment one year for each year that the Scholarship was awarded

23. 23 NETS SciTech Scholarship Be enrolled full-time and pursuing a baccalaureate degree Must be at least a sophomore as determined by the institution Must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application Must complete an approved internship or relevant work experience in a field related to their major with a company which has operations in Pennsylvania, prior to receiving a degree (Internship requirements available on Website and in Certification Procedures) Provides up to $3,000 per year for three years in a four-year degree program or four years in an approved five-year degree program

24. 24 NETS Technology Scholarship Be enrolled in a program of less than four years in length Eligible beginning with freshman year - full-time or part-time No internship or up-front GPA requirement Provides up to $1,000 per year Part-time awards limited to 20 percent of tuition and mandatory fees, up to $1,000 per year

25. 25 NETS Application Process New student deadline is December 31 of the academic year in question Application and Master Promissory Note can be e-signed (for students who are at least 18 years of age) on PHEAA’s Website or downloaded on-line; E-signed applications are updated on the NETS system within 48 hours Renewal students must only complete the FAFSA by September 30 for each subsequent year

26. 26 NETS NETS – On-Line: SN02 - Student Record Summary Page: Provides award and award counters, reject codes, incomplete items and the school of attendance. SN02 Page 2: Accessed by pressing the enter key when on the Student Record Summary Page; provides program of study and scholarship component. SN02 Page 3: Accessed by pressing F11 from Page 2 of SN02. Provides award cancellation/adjustment amounts and the related reason; Pell and State Grant eligibility pulled from the State Grant system; educational costs. *************************************************************************************************************************************** SNØØ - Student Demographics: Provides internship completion date; graduation date; repayment information. SNØG - School Disbursement Page: Provides academic year school disbursement information and EFT date. SN1O - School Award Statistics – Provides academic year school award statistics; press F11 to move to the Summer school award statistics screen. The NETS On-Line Manual is available on the Document Library.

27. 27 NETS NETS PageCenter Documents: Status Listing - Displays academic year eligibility status of NETS applicants and is updated weekly. Report Name: “NETS Status Listing” Pageset: “SNJG31Ø.yourschoolname”. Disbursement Roster - Lists all students with an award; certification required. Report Name: “NETS Disbursement Roster” Pageset: “SNJFJ2Ø.yourschoolname”. NETS Grad Date Report - Requests that schools provide updated information related to a student’s Actual or Expected Graduation Date; this report is run at least twice a year. Pageset: “LWT13LWT13R2.yourschool name.” Summer Nominee Listings – Provides a list of all students who received NETS funds the previous academic year and is used to nominate students for a Summer NETS award. Pageset: “SNJFS1Ø.yourschoolname.”

28. 28 NETS Changes/Clarifications/Requests/Updates Changes: An additional roster will run after reconciliation if funds are due the institution. New programs must be approved by PDE by specific deadline dates: - Academic Year: April 1 of the academic year in question (i.e., April 1, 2010 for AY 2009-10) - Summer: September 1 of the summer in question (i.e., September 1, 2010 for Summer 2010). One new SciTech Program: Nuclear Engineering (Program of Study #152) Sci-Tech: Physician Assistant was added under Program of Study #158 PHEAA Policy Change: Beginning 2009-10 NETS recipients reported as withdrawn will be directly sent to repayment; previous policy was to track these recipients in case they re-enrolled or went to another institution. Last year we were hopeful that all 2010-11 NETS applications would be required to be submitted on-line; this has been placed on hold.

29. 29 NETS Changes/Clarifications/Requests/Updates cont’d. Clarifications: There are no requirements related to classroom instruction (i.e., distance learning). However, NETS recipients must be attending a NETS-approved Pennsylvania institution. Undergraduate students enrolled in joint undergraduate/graduate programs must be taking a minimum of 12 credits toward the undergraduate degree in order to receive NETS funds. Currently, NETS recipients must meet the same State Grant high school graduation guidelines; propose that in 2010-11 will pull high school graduation directly from the FAFSA; schools will be asked to certify. Institutions are required to report NETS recipients who have withdrawn or fail to continue enrollment in the program for which they received NETS funds. NETS recipients who withdraw or drop to part-time status should be counseled that they must resume full-time enrollment (if a SciTech recipient) or part-time enrollment (if a Technology recipient) in a NETS approved program of study. Requests: PHEAA will continue to run reports related to students enrolled in certificate programs; all non-business, trade and technical schools need to make sure they do not have NETS students enrolled in certificate programs. It is extremely important that graduation dates and internship completions be reported. Counsel students on NETS program requirements (both pre and post graduation).

30. 30 NETS Changes/Clarifications/Requests/Updates cont’d. Updates: The law requires that renewal students be funded before new applicants if there is insufficient funding to award all applicants; this may be necessary – depending upon the budget outcome. Schools will be able to update SciTech internship completion dates on the NETS system. We are in the process of adding additional reporting information to the disbursement roster.

31. 31 Matching Funds There are four components: Federal Work Study (FWS) Community Service Federal Work Study (FWS) On-Campus Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) State Work Study Program (SWSP)

32. 32 Matching Funds: Community Service (CS) CS is an employment program which provides allocations to Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions to assist them in meeting their federal community service match. Eligible students are paid directly by the school. Schools submit student earnings to PHEAA and are reimbursed for a portion of those earnings.

33. 33 Matching Funds: Community Service (CS) 2009-10 tentative allocations were mailed in May 2009; tentative allocations included funds for Summer 2009, Academic Year 2009-10 and Summer 2010. CS participating schools are required to submit all student applications and earnings via the online Matching Funds system. CS disbursement rosters are only available on PageCenter. The federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 on July 24, 2009.

34. 34 Matching Funds: Community Service (CS) Community Service – On-Line MF09: This type-in is used to enter a student’s application and determine Community Service eligibility. MFØD: School/Employer Earnings Menu This type-in allows earnings to be updated for a single student and is best utilized when entering a small number of students. MF1F: School/Employer Earnings Menu Earnings can be entered for multiple students at the same time using the MF1F type-in. The Matching Funds On-Line Manual is available on the Document Library. NOTE: A copy of the student’s application and earnings reports do not have to be submitted to PHEAA. However, you should keep a copy of these documents for audit purposes. It is strongly recommended that earnings be submitted on a monthly basis.

35. 35 Matching Funds: Community Service (CS) Community Service Deadlines There is no deadline for CS student applications since each participating school receives an allocation for the year. However, the application must be entered prior to submitting earnings. CS earnings must be submitted by: ????????????? Summer 2009 August 31, 2010 Academic year 2009-10 October 31, 2010 Summer 2010

36. 36 Matching Funds: FWS On-Campus The Federal Work-Study On-Campus Program provides funds to Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions to assist them in meeting their federally required match.

37. 37 Matching Funds: FWS On-Campus FWS On-Campus 2009-10 tentative allocations were mailed in May 2009; stimulus funds were included when the tentative allocations were determined. The Student Participation Report (SPR), which requests statistics related to 2008-09 work-study participants, will be sent in late October if there is still no state budget.

38. 38 Matching Funds: State Work Study Program (SWSP) SWSP is an employment program created to provide students with an opportunity to gain career-related work experience and, at the same time, earn funds to assist them in meeting postsecondary educational costs. Students can earn up to $3600 during the school year and also earn an additional $3600 during the summer. The students are paid directly by their employer. Employers submit payroll information to PHEAA and are reimbursed for a portion of the students’ earnings. Both profit and non-profit employers are eligible to participate. The federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 on July 24, 2009; the prevailing minimum wage (PA) up to that point in time was $7.15.

39. 39 SWSP SWSP disbursement rosters are only available on PageCenter. For schools that have multiple departments participating in SWSP, all rosters go to the financial aid mailbox on PageCenter; it is the responsibility of the financial aid office to disseminate the rosters to the appropriate department contacts at their institution. SWSP participating schools are required to submit all student applications and earnings via the online Matching Funds system.

40. 40 SWSP SWSP – On-Line MFØ4/SSN/YR/TERM: Student application screen used to determine SWSP eligibility and to enter a student’s application. MF2B: School/Employer Earnings Menu; hours can be entered using this type-in if reporting hours for a large number of students. MFØD: School/Employer Earnings Menu; hours can be entered using this type-in if you are entering several weeks of hours for a student. The Matching Funds On-Line Manual is being updated; it will be emailed and placed on the Document Library. NOTE: A copy of the student’s application and time-sheet do not have to be submitted to PHEAA. However, you should keep a copy of these documents for audit purposes.

41. 41 SWSP SWSP Student Application/Placement Form must be submitted by: October 1, 2009 2009-10 Academic Year January 31, 2010 2010 Spring term only May 31, 2010 2010 Summer term SWSP hours must be submitted within 31 days of the end of the work week; term deadline dates are as follows: September 24, 2009 2009 Summer term June 15, 2010 2009-10 Academic Year September 22, 2010 2010 Summer term

42. 42 SWSP Changes to SWSP for 2009-10: Employers will be required to submit actual hours worked instead of payroll earnings. Hours worked must be submitted within 31 days of the end of the work week. Hours in excess of the approved weekly hours will not be accepted. Matching Funds system will calculate earnings based upon hours submitted and the hourly rate. Disbursements will occur monthly; as close to the 15th of each month as possible.

43. 43 SWSP Changes to SWSP for 2009-10 cont’d. Undergraduate students must have a PA State Grant. Graduate students must have a subsidized Stafford/Direct Loan. No professional judgment decision to establish eligibility. Allocations were provided to employers with an average disbursement > $25,000 over the past four years. Participation application deadlines were created for both new and continuing employers. Spring term only deadline extended to January 31 beginning in 2010.

44. 44 SWSP Changes to SWSP for 2009-10 cont’d. The following changes were made to the Matching Funds on-line system: Date Received/Signature Verification: This is required on MF04. The date received will be a required field and a “Y” will be required in the student and employer signature fields (this was actually required in Summer 2009). - Application Verification: This is required on MF04. After an application is entered/udpated, a message will display indicating that a “V” should be entered on line 12 when all data is determined to be accurate. If the application is not verified in this manner it will be placed in a hold status. Once the application has been verified, neither the hourly rate or number of weekly hours eligible to work or work dates can be changed. Once MF04 has been verified, the job description screen (MF28) will display. If a job description is on file for the related job code, this will display and can be changed if necessary; once the job description is confirmed, press enter. If there is not a job description, one will be required in order for the application to be complete.

45. 45 SWSP SWSP Reminders: SWSP jobs must be career-related. The job must enhance the student’s learning experience as it relates to their program of study. Job codes and descriptions must identify the job so that this learning enhancement is discernable. Beginning with Summer 2010, the Project Assistant job code (Z18) will no longer be available. When the 2010-11 employer renewal forms are completed (hopefully in December), these positions will need to be given more appropriate titles and related job descriptions. Please make sure e-mail is kept current; this is becoming the standard mode of communication in SGSP.

46. 46 Matching Funds Matching Funds PageCenter Reports: All Matching Funds reports will be in your school’s mailbox under the application: “WORKSTDY” Disbursement Rosters: Must be certified and returned to PHEAA Community Service State Work Study Description: “CS Disb Roster” Description: “SW Disb Roster” Pageset: “MFJGY60” Pageset: “MFJGY200” Community Service (CS) Employer Book: Provides a list of PHEAA approved CS employers for the Summer and Academic Year; updated twice a year (January & May) Description: “Community Service Employer Bk” Pageset: “MFJF930” SWSP Recipient Listing: Provides a list of students participating in SWSP who are enrolled at your institution; monthly listing, generated on the 20th day of the month. Description: “SW Earnings Rpt to Schs” Pageset: “MFJFC30”

47. 47 Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Offers eligible non-profit, community based organizations and foundations the potential to have their private scholarships matched by PHEAA on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Provides matching need-based educational grants to Pennsylvania students recommended by participating organizations. Participating organization information is available at www.pheaa.org

48. 48 PATH Student Eligibility Requirements Be nominated by a participating PATH organization and receive a scholarship from that organization for the academic year or period for which PATH funds are being requested. Be a State Grant recipient for the academic year or period for which PATH funds are being requested. Demonstrate financial need as determined by the postsecondary institution. Be enrolled at least half-time (at least six credits but less than nine) in a PA State Grant approved postsecondary institution. Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the postsecondary institution.

49. 49 PATH Application Process: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year or period for which PATH funds are being requested. Contact the appropriate PHEAA PATH organization or foundation. The list of organizations/foundations is located on the PHEAA website (www.pheaa.org). Award Amount: Is the lesser of the following: 1) PATH Partner nomination 2) State Grant award 3) Maximum of $3,500 per academic year

50. 50 PATH PATH PageCenter Listings/Rosters PATH Page Center reports are located under: STEP PATH/CHAFEE ETG/GEAR UP RPTS The PATH Applicant Certification and Status Listing (ACSL) is now a separate report: Pageset: FCFSXFV10.nameofschool Description: PATH APP STATUS LISTING This report is cumulative and updated on a biweekly basis. PATH Disbursement Rosters are included as a section of the GEAR UP and PATH disbursement rosters on Page Center: Pageset: FCFFF40schname Description: DISB PROC - ROSTERS

51. 51 PATH Updates and Clarifications The PHEAA PATH match can only be used to match the dollars that the PATH Partner will disburse to the institution on a student’s behalf. PATH Partners are being asked to provide their disbursing schedule so it can be determined if the PHEAA disbursement can occur around the same time. PATH Partners are being asked to provide a list of the scholarships that they administer; this list will be made available on the Document Library.

52. 52 General Special Program Information The following information is available on the Document Library under “State Grant and Special Programs – General Information.” Retention information related to all of the programs. EFT Description Types PageCenter to Excel Instructions Schools had requested a SGSP calendar that would provide basic disbursement and deadline information specific to each program; this calendar is close to being finalized.

53. 53 SGSP – Contact Information Telephone: 1-800-443-0646, Option 3 (a private number reserved for the use of financial aid administrators) Fax: (717)720-3786 Special Programs Email Boxes: Byrd: pabyrd@pheaa.org Chafee: paetg@pheaa.org GEAR UP: gearup@pheaa.org MF: matchingfunds@pheaa.org NETS: nets@pheaa.org PATH: path@pheaa.org PEGP: pegp@pheaa.org WAGE: matchingfunds@pheaa.org

54. 54 Use this as a closer slide/back cover page.Use this as a closer slide/back cover page.