The Ned McWherter Scholarship Program is a prestigious opportunity for students in Tennessee, USA, established in 2002 by Ned Ray McWherter, a former Governor and prominent figure in Tennessee’s history. This scholarship aims to support high-achieving students in pursuing their college education. If you’re considering applying for this scholarship, here’s all you need to know about eligibility criteria, application process, and important deadlines.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the Ned McWherter Scholarship Program, you need to meet certain criteria:
- Academic Excellence: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale by the end of the 11th semester of high school.
- Test Scores: Achieve a composite score on either the ACT or SAT placing you in the top 5% of test takers in the US.
- High School Graduation: Graduate from a Tennessee high school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or an approved agency.
- Residency and Citizenship: Be a resident of Tennessee and a US citizen or permanent resident, with parent(s) or legal guardian meeting the same residency and citizenship requirements.
- Application Process: Submit your application to the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) by the specified deadline, along with required documents such as high school transcript and test scores.
Scholarship Amount and Duration:
The Ned McWherter Scholarship provides $6,000 per year, with $3,000 contributed by the State of Tennessee and $3,000 by the recipient’s college or university. This amount is distributed equally across each academic term. The scholarship is renewable for up to 8 semesters for bachelor’s degree programs and 4 semesters for associate degree programs.
Maintaining Eligibility:
To continue receiving the scholarship, you must adhere to certain guidelines:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 after the first year and 3.0 in subsequent years.
- Special waivers may be granted for exceptional circumstances.
- A one-time trial status is permitted if GPA falls below 3.2 after two semesters.
How to Apply:
To apply for the Ned McWherter Scholarship Program, follow these steps:
- Submit your application through TSAC’s official student portal or via mail to the specified address.
- Ensure all required documents, including test scores and transcripts, are submitted before the deadline.
- Contact TSAC for any necessary revisions or corrections to your application.
Deadline:
The deadline for the Ned McWherter Scholarship Program for the year 2024 is February 15th. Early submission is encouraged due to the competitive nature of the scholarship and the time required for processing applications.
Conclusion:
The Ned McWherter Scholarship Program offers a valuable opportunity for students in Tennessee to pursue their higher education goals. By meeting the eligibility requirements, submitting a complete application, and adhering to deadlines, you can maximize your chances of receiving this prestigious scholarship. Don’t miss out on this chance to invest in your future education. Apply today!