The PA State System of Higher Education

Scholarship Program FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Who is eligible for this scholarship?

Open to all permanent and nonpermanent full-time and part-time employees of the agencies identified that are in active pay status, except annuitants, and their eligible dependents. There is no minimum length of service requirement

Who qualifies as a dependent?

“Dependent” is defined as a Commonwealth employee’s spouse or child if that child is under the age of 26 and is one of the following:

  • Natural child

  • Legally adopted child

  • Stepchild

  • Child (under the age of 18) for which the Commonwealth employee is a legal guardian or legal custodian

    • Eligible foster child

    • Child for whom the Commonwealth employee is required to provide medical benefits by a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO) or National Medical Support Notice (NMSN)

What documents do you need to be able to confirm that I am a dependent?

Approved documentation includes:

  • Spouse (marriage certificate)

  • Child under age 26, including

  • Employee’s natural child (copy of birth certificate)

  • Legally adopted child, including coverage during the adoption probationary period (Court Adoption Decree)

  • Stepchild (copy of marriage certificate and a birth certificate indicating that your spouse is the parent of the child)

  • A child who is under the age of 18 and for whom you are the legal guardian or legal custodian (copy of an appropriate court order)

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Student must be an employee or a dependent of an employee of one of the approved Pennsylvania Commonwealth agencies

• Must be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in a degree or non-credential courses at any PASSHE institution

• Student must be in good academic standing (2.0 for undergraduate and 3.0 for graduate)

Please Note:

  • Transfer students must already be accepted at a PASSHE Institution in good academic standing.

  • Incoming Freshmen must be accepted at a PASSHE Institution and committed with a paid deposit.

  • Individuals enrolled in non-credit-bearing courses must have a high school diploma or GED.

What are the eligible Commonwealth agencies?

• Department of Aging

• Department of Agriculture

• Department of Banking and Securities

• Department of Community and Economic Development

• Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

• Department of Corrections

• Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

• Department of Education

• Department of Environmental Protection

• Department of General Services

• Department of Health

• Department of Human Services

• Department of Insurance

• Department of Labor & Industry

• Department of Military and Veteran Affairs

• Department of Revenue

• Department of State

• Department of Transportation

• Governor’s Office

• Governor’s Office of Administration

• Governor’s Office of the Budget

• Governor’s Office of General Counsel

• Lieutenant Governor’s Office

• Office of State Inspector General

• Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

• Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

• Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

• Pennsylvania Parole Board

• Pennsylvania State Police

• State Civil Service Commission

Which schools are PASSHE Universities?

• The Commonwealth University Bloomsburg

• Pennsylvania Western University California

• Cheyney University

• Pennsylvania Western University Clarion

• East Stroudsburg University

• Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro

• Pennsylvania Western University Global Online

• Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• Kutztown University

• The Commonwealth University Lock Haven

• The Commonwealth University Mansfield

• Millersville University

• Shippensburg University

• Slippery Rock University

• West Chester University

How much is this scholarship award?

Up to $2,000 for full-time students per academic year

Up to $1,000 for part-time students per academic year

If I receive a tuition waiver or other PASSHE benefits due to one parent’s employment and have another parent who works for a commonwealth agency, am I still eligible for both opportunities?

Yes. You are eligible for this scholarship if one parent is a Commonwealth employee from the state agencies identified.

Am I still eligible for this scholarship if I receive other scholarships, financial aid, or tuition discounts/reductions?

Yes. This scholarship opportunity is a stackable financial resource and may be coupled with other aid up to the cost of attendance.

Can Penn West Online Global students get both the 20% and the PASSHE Scholarship Program Scholarship?

Yes. Scholarship funds may be used towards the PennWest Global Online program.

What happens if I am notified of eligibility, but the eligible employee retires, is terminated, or has a death or divorce?

If the employee is still employed at one of the approved agencies during the time of the verification process, then you will still be eligible and receive the award despite employment status after the verification timeframe has passed.

What happens if I withdraw from an eligible term?

If you withdraw, you will no longer be eligible for this scholarship.

Are public school teachers and their dependants eligible?

No, they are not one of the approved agencies.

Can I receive this scholarship more than once?

You may only receive this scholarship once per academic year, but you may reapply to be considered for receiving it again for the next academic year. Please note: priority will be given to students who have not yet received this award.

How do I apply for this scholarship?

Visit the foundation’s scholarship website HERE

• Log into your account or create an account if you do not already have an existing account

• First, complete the Profile Builder (this is the student’s profile in the system for the current academic year, this is NOT the application for the scholarship)

• Once you have completed the Profile builder, you will be provided with a list of scholarships you are eligible to apply for under the “My Applications Tab”

• If deemed eligible based on the information you provided in your general application, you will then be able to complete the PA State System of Higher Education Scholarship Program application.

Am I still eligible for this scholarship if I receive other forms of scholarships, financial aid, or tuition discounts/reductions?

Yes. This scholarship opportunity is a stackable financial resource, and other financial support eligibility will not impact your eligibility.

Whom can I contact with further questions?

You may reach us with any further questions or concerns at info@thepafoundation.org

When should I apply, and when can I receive this scholarship?

This scholarship will be made available for Spring and Fall semesters only.

The application will be accepted during the following timelines:

  • Spring 2025 – 11/4/2024 through 1/12/2025

  • Fall 2025 – 6/2/2025 through 8/17/2025

  • Spring 2026 – 11/3/2025 through 1/11/2026

  • Fall 2026 – 6/1/2026 through 8/16/2026