STATE GRANT AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS SPECIAL PROGRAMS PRESENTATION PASFAA October 11, 2010

1. STATE GRANT AND SPECIAL PROGRAMSSPECIAL PROGRAMS PRESENTATIONPASFAAOctober 11, 2010

2. Special Programs State Appropriations

3. Federally-funded; 2010-11 appropriation $1.575 million (up from $1.545 million in 2009-10) New student 2011-12 applications are due April 1, 2011 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 2010-11 Certification Procedures will be provided with the first 2010-11 disbursement Federal Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship (Byrd) Program

4. 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. Byrd

5. BYRD ON-LINE TRANSACTIONS FP00: Byrd Student Record Page 1: Provides student award information Page 2: Provides student application information -The student GRAD DATE is on this screen and also on the disbursement roster; please make sure the roster has the most current 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. Byrd

6. 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. Byrd

7. Byrd PageCenter Reports Disbursement Roster - Provides all students associated with a disbursement 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 the upcoming academic year. This was made available to schools in August. Report Name: “10-11 Robert C Byrd Recipients” Pageset: “LWT18LWT18R2” Byrd

8. Changes/Reminders Each disbursement roster must be certified and returned in order to receive future disbursements. Make sure there is a copy of the student’s Statement of Registration Form on file; this is a Program Review finding. Byrd

9. Chafee is federally funded, offering grant assistance to Pennsylvania undergraduate students in or aging out of foster care; the 2010-11 federal appropriation is $1.870 million, down from the 2009-10 appropriation of $1.880 million. PHEAA administers Chafee on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (PADPW). The maximum award for 2010-11 is $4,000 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. 2010-11 Certification Procedures will be provided electronically with the first 2010-11 disbursement; they are also available on the Document Library. Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant (Chafee)

10. Eligible students must: Be eligible for services under the Commonwealth’s Chafee Foster Care Independence Program; if a student received a Chafee Grant the prior year, they are not required to file another Chafee application. 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

11. 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 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 no longer included as a section of the GEAR UP and PATH disbursement rosters on Page Center but a separate report under STEP: Pageset: FCFSXFF60.schname Description: ETG DISB PROC - ROSTERS Chafee

12. EAP is jointly administered by PHEAA and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), providing tuition assistance for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who commit to six years of service. 2010-11 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 page three of the EAP 2010-11 Certification Procedures; these were sent with the first 2010-11 disbursement and are also located on the Document Library. There have been 3,176 applications processed for 2010-11 and Summer 2011. Reminder that 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. Educational Assistance Program (EAP)

13. Administrative Changes Effective 2010-11 2010-11 and Summer 2011 data is being processed through a DB2 system; summer is now a trailer to the academic year. 2010-11 Award Listings were made available to schools through PageCenter in August; these serve as a status listing and replace the student’s DMVA award letter which was historically sent to schools. The first 2010-11 disbursement ran in September; schools that had confirmed ACH information with Financial Management at PHEAA received funds through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFC). 2010-11 disbursement rosters have a new look and are now available on Page Center in the “NGEAP” mailbox; future disbursements will be held if there is an outstanding roster. Beginning with academic year 2010-11, all rosters and refunds should be returned to PHEAA; any prior year rosters/refunds should be returned to DMVA. If changes are found when reviewing the Award Listing schools should contact Pat Troutman at DMVA: 717-861-9343 or by emailing pat.troutman@us.army.mil. EAP

14. 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 this phase of the Program. GEAR UP was new in 2008-09; to date, new applications for 2010-11 have decreased. Institutions are encouraged to talk with Admissions regarding GEAR UP and potential eligible students at the institution. Those members of the graduating class of 2008, 2009 or 2010 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 GAINING EARLY AWARENESS AND READINESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS (GEAR UP)

15. 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. 2010-11Certification Procedures were sent via email and are available on the Document Library. GEAR UP

16. GEAR UP 2010-11 Award Information: GEAR UP awards are based on the maximum Pell Grant eligibility and the related enrollment status. The 2010-11 Expected Family Contribution range for GEAR UP is 0 – 5273; following are 2010-11award amounts: Enrollment StatusGEAR UP Award Full-Time $5,550 Three-Quarter Time $4,163 Half-Time $2,775 Less-Than-Half-time $ 0 There are no summer awards. GEAR UP

17. 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 a separate report: Pageset: FCFSXFV20.schoolname Description: GEAR UP APP STATUS LIST This report is cumulative and updated on a biweekly basis. GEAR UP Disbursement Rosters are no longer included as a section of the Chafee and PATH disbursement rosters on Page Center but are a separate report under STEP. Pageset: FCFSXFF50.schoolname Description: GEAR DISB PROC - ROSTERS GEAR UP

18. 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 88 IAG eligible institutions. The final per capita for 2009-10 was $728 per full-time-equivalent State Grant recipient. The projected 2010-11 per capita is $712. The 2010-11 advance payment was sent to those schools that returned their 2010-11 Surveys and have returned all previous year required refunds at the end of September. 2009-10 audit reports are due January 1, 2011. Institutional Assistance Grants (IAG)

19. The NETS Programprovides scholarships for Pennsylvania students who are pursuing higher education and training in science, technology and select allied health fields. In return for receiving the scholarship funds, applicants must sign a Master Promissory Note agreeing to comply with program requirements, which includes working in Pennsylvania following graduation, or they are required to repay all scholarship 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 consulting on program policies. New Economy Technology Scholarship (NETS)

20. 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 PDE Apply for Federal Pell and Pennsylvania State Grants (through the FAFSA) Maintain cumulative GPA of 3.0, tested annually Commence full-time employment in Pennsylvania in a field related to a NETS approved program of study within one year after completion of studies, and continue full-time employment one year for each year that the Scholarship was awarded NETS

21. 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 the Website and in the 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 NETS

22. 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 NETS

23. Application Process New applicant deadline is December 31st 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 are only required to file the FAFSA but this must be filed by August 1st for each subsequent year. NETS

24. 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. NETS

25. 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.” NETS

26. 2010-11 Changes to the Certification Procedures: All new programs, both degree and nondegree, at business trade and technical schools must be approved by PHEAA if not already approved for the State Grant Program. Schools must notify PHEAA when a student’s withdrawal is due to military activation. Summer nominees must be limited to those who have a NETS Application and MPN on file; the NETS system (SN0E) provides this information. If a nominee list is received and includes a student who has not applied for NETS funds, the list will not be processed. NETS

27. 2010-11 Awarding Updates: The law requires that renewal students receive NETS funds before new applicants if there is insufficient funding to award all applicants. This was necessary in 2009-10 and will be necessary in 2010-11. For 2010-11 awarding, the system was changed to be able to track students based upon “record complete” status instead of the date the student filed their NETS application/FAFSA. - The first 2010-11 disbursement ran on October 6, 2010; only renewals with a “record complete” status as of September 30, 2010 were awarded. - Renewal applicants who filed their 2010-11 FAFSA by August 1st but still have an incomplete status will be sent a letter explaining that if they do not complete their NETS record by November 15, 2010, they will no longer hold a priority awarding status. - First time 2010-11 applicants with a NETS “record complete” status will be awarded after November 15, 2010. - Schools are encouraged to continually check their Status Listings (located on PageCenter) for those applicants with an incomplete status. NETS

28. Reminders/Requests: Only a preliminary credit can be applied to a student’s account if they appear on the Status Listing. The only time the student should receive an actual NETS credit to their student account is when they appear on a disbursement roster with an award amount and all eligibility checks have been made. It is essential that schools report part-time costs for those students enrolled less than full-time. These students will remain incomplete until actual part-time costs are received. Counsel students on NETS program requirements (both pre and post graduation). 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. NETS

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

30. 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. Final CS allocations for 2010-11 Academic Year and Summer 2011 were mailed in August 2010. CS participating schools are required to submit all student applications and earnings via the online Matching Funds system. The prevailing minimum wage is $7.25, which is the federal minimum wage. CS disbursement rosters are only available on PageCenter. Matching Funds: Community Service (CS)

31. 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 for a period of five years. It is strongly recommended that earnings be submitted on a monthly basis. Matching Funds: Community Service (CS)

32. 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. All earnings must be submitted within 30 days of the term end work date. Earnings cutoff dates are: June 14, 2011 Academic year 2010-11 September 20, 2011 Summer 2011 Matching Funds: Community Service (CS)

33. The Federal Work-Study On-Campus Program provides funds to Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions to assist them in meeting their federally required match. FWS On-Campus 2010-11 final allocations were mailed in August 2010. The Student Participation Report (SPR), which requests statistics related to 2009-10 work-study participants, was included with the actual allocation letter and this form is due December 15, 2010. The second half of the FWS-On disbursement will be held until this form is received. Matching Funds: FWS On-Campus

34. 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 $3,600 during the school year and also earn an additional $3,600 during the summer. The students are paid directly by their employer. Employers submit hours worked to PHEAA and are reimbursed for a portion of the students’ earnings. Both profit and non-profit employers are eligible to participate. The prevailing minimum wage is the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Matching Funds: State Work Study Program (SWSP)

35. SWSP participating schools are required to submit all student applications and earnings via the online Matching Funds system: 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 available 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 for a period of five years. 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

36. SWSP Student Application/Placement Form must be submitted by: October 1, 2010 2010-11 Academic Year January 31, 2011 2011 Spring term only May 31, 2011 2011 Summer term SWSP hours must be submitted within 31 days of the end of the work week; term deadline dates are as follows: June 14, 2011 2010-11 Academic Year September 21, 2011 2011 Summer term The SWSP employer application/renewal form must be submitted by: October 1, 2010 2010-11 Academic Year May 31, 2011 2011 Summer term SWSP

37. Changes to SWSP for 2010-11: Employers are now required to certify on the disbursement roster that the student is employed in a career-related position; this certification is subject to Program Review. Reminders: Employers are 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. The 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. Beginning with Summer 2010, the Project Assistant job code (Z18) was no longer available and specific job titles are being required. Please make sure email is kept current; this is becoming the standard mode of communication in SGSP. SWSP

38. Reminders regarding changes to the SWSP that were initiated in 2009-10: Undergraduate students must have a PA State Grant. Graduate students must have a subsidized Stafford/Direct Loan. No professional judgment decision is permitted to establish eligibility. Allocations continue to be provided to employers with an average disbursement > $25,000 over the past four years. Participation application deadlines are in place for both new and continuing employers. SWSP

39. Reminders related to the Matching Funds system: The following changes were made to the Matching Funds on-line system: Date Received/Signature Verification: This is required on MF04. The date received is a required field and a “Y” is required in the student and employer signature fields. - 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 an incomplete 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. SWSP

40. 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 ServiceState 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, is generated on the 20th day of the month. Description: “SW Earnings Rpt to Schs” Pageset: “MFJFC30” Matching Funds

41. 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 and also in the 2010-11 Certification Procedures that will be sent with the first 2010-11 disbursement and are currently on the Document Library. Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH)

42. 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. PATH

43. Student 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 $2,500 per academic year PATH

44. 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 a separate report: Pageset: FCFSXFV10.schoolname Description: PATH APP STATUS LISTING This report is cumulative and updated on a biweekly basis. PATH Disbursement Rosters are no longer included as a section of the GEAR UP and Chafee disbursement rosters on Page Center but are their own report under STEP. Pageset: FCFFF40.schoolname Description: PATH DISB PROC - ROSTERS PATH

45. PATH Program - Partner Reminders: Schools were asked (via a memo sent in August 2010) to assist in assuring that PATH Partners comply with the following PATH Partner policies: 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 funds cannot be used to match tuition waivers or institutional scholarships. PATH funds are only available for an academic year; there is no Summer PATH program. PATH Partners are required to send their funds to the institution not the student. PHEAA Program Review specialists will report any findings of non-compliance to PATH staff. PATH

46. 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 General Special Program Information

47. 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 EAP: eap@pehaa.org GEAR UP: gearup@pheaa.org IAG: iag@pheaa.org MF: matchingfunds@pheaa.org NETS: nets@pheaa.org PATH: path@pheaa.org PEGP: pegp@pheaa.org WAGE: matchingfunds@pheaa.org SGSP – Contact Information