Scholarships
To recognize the accomplishments of our students, the College of Health and Human Development awards over $1,250,000 annually in scholarships and awards. Funds are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school/community activities, leadership positions, and work experience. Students must be enrolled in the College of Health and Human Development. Some scholarships and awards require enrollment in a specific major.
Scholarships/Award Listings
To Apply
All currently enrolled HHD students as well as all currently enrolled Penn State students intending to transfer to the College prior to Fall 2008 who want to be considered for any scholarship/award offered by the College of Health and Human Development for the 2008-2009 academic year are required to complete the on-line application no later than April 30, 2008. All incoming freshmen and students transferring from a college outside of the Penn State system will automatically be considered for all eligible scholarships and awards and do not need to complete the on-line application.
The College of Health and Human Development scholarship application requirement does not apply for consideration of College based Trustee Scholarships, PHEF Nursing Program Grants, or the College's four year Honors Scholarships for students who enter the Schreyer Honors College in their freshman year.
A small number of scholarships/awards require an additional application. Students who are determined to be eligible for such scholarships and awards will be contacted and encouraged to apply. For questions or additional information please contact Doug Ford (dof1@psu.edu) at 814-865-1427.
The Scholarship application is to be completed at:
www.hhdev.psu.edu/scholarships/application.asp
Financial Need
Some scholarships and awards consider financial need. In order to be eligible it is advised that you complete the 2008-2009 FAFSA application by Penn State's recommended filing date of February 15. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete the application.
Notification
Scholarship awarding is an ongoing process. Efforts are made to award scholarships prior to July 1 for the upcoming academic year, but awards are made throughout the year. Only those students who are selected to receive an award will be contacted. All students will be notified by mail at their home address.
Disbursement Requirements
In order to disburse a scholarship/award you must send a thank you letter to the donor with a copy to the College and you must be enrolled in the College of Health and Human Development. In most cases you will receive half of your award in the fall semester and the other half in the spring semester. All funds are directly disbursed to your account in the Office of the University Bursar.
Invest time in thanking your scholarship donor. Your donor has made an investment in you. You can be proud to be a scholarship recipient. You exemplify the kind of student Penn State, the College and your particular donor wish to support. Your academic merit, financial needs, special talents, or other unique attributes have qualified you for your scholarship and connected you to a scholarship donor. Scholarships are a reflection of an individual donor's interests, experiences, and intentions. You and your scholarship donor have more in common than you may think. Take time to thank your donor by sharing your interests and experiences, as well as expressing your appreciation. Tell your donor about your academic plans, your school and community activities, and your career goals. Describe what this scholarship means to you.
Follow these guidelines:
Hand write your letter, unless your handwriting is poor. Address your donor as Dr., Mr., Mrs., or Ms. Mention the scholarship by name in your introduction. Sign your name. Include your return address on the envelope.
Some donors enjoy continued contact with their recipients, so they may reply to your thank you letter. Some donors may ask you to join them for lunch. And others may just be pleased to know that their money is being well invested, in you. If scholarship donors do contact you, graciously speak with them. Besides paying a portion of your education expenses, donors may also be interested in sharing meaningful experiences, offering valuable advice, or providing access to career opportunities.
Before scholarship funds can be disbursed to your student account you must:
Submit a copy of your donor thank you letter to:
Doug Ford
HHD Scholarships and Awards
College of Health & Human Development
201 Henderson Bldg.
University Park, PA 16802
If you have questions or need help writing your thank you letter please contact Doug Ford (814-865-1427, dof1@psu.edu).
Other Scholarship and Financial Aid Information
If you would like information about other sources of funding please contact the following:
Office of Student Aid
www.psu.edu/studentaid
University Fellowship Office
www.ufo.psu.edu
The Graduate School
www.gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/funding.html
www.gradsch.psu.edu/current/funding.html
Bursars Office
www.bursar.psu.edu
Private Free Scholarship Searches
* FastWeb
* collegeboard.com
* Scholarship Resource Network Express