Donor Sponsored Scholarships

• Any degree or certificate seeking Harper student 
• Scholarships are also available for:
  • Adult students 
  • Students studying English as a Second Language (Degree or Certificate Seeking)
  • Transfer students
  • Undocumented students and more!

Merit:

We have a rolling scholarship application, but preference is given to students who apply by the priority deadline. Most scholarships will be awarded by the end of November of that current academic year; however, new opportunities may become available. 

Scholarships awarded in the spring semester are limited to awards for Art, Music, Nursing, Speech, Study Abroad and students transferring to four-year institutions. 

• March 1 – A new scholarship cycle opens for the upcoming academic year
• April 8 – Preference is given to current Harper students who apply by this date.
• June 24 – Priority is given to new Harper students who apply by this date. 

Tips for Applying for Scholarships

• Start early and submit the Educational Foundation Scholarship Application by the priority deadline. 
• Take your time answering each scholarship question to make sure your application is correct. 
• Before sending your requests for letters of recommendations, ask your references if they will write you a recommendation.
• Be detailed and polished in your essay. Visit the Writing Center in Building F, Room F110 if you want a second opinion.
• Check out our “external” opportunities for scholarships outside of Harper College. 

Expectations for Donor Sponsored Scholarship Recipients

• Attend a Scholarship Orientation
• Fill out the post-acceptance questionnaire on Academic Works 
• Write a Valentine's Day card to your scholarship donors
• Record a short video introducing yourself to your scholarship donor 
• Attend the end of the year Realizing Dreams Brunch event in April 
• Be available to meet with your scholarship donor (if requested)

What is a Donor Sponsored Scholarship?
This scholarship was given to the Harper College Educational Foundation by a donor. These donors are interested to learn who received their scholarship, and it is important we thank our donors for their generosity.

What is the status of my application?
If you are awarded a scholarship an email will be sent to your Harper email asking you to accept your scholarship and it will be added to your student account. We have a rolling application and scholarships are awarded throughout the academic year therefore rejection emails are not sent out until the end of the scholarship cycle. If you are not sure if you have received a scholarship, you can follow these steps below to check: 

1. Login to Academic Works by going to harpercollege.academicworks.com/
2. Click the ‘My Applications’ tab on the top left-hand corner.
3. You will see a box titled ‘Status’. If you have been offered a scholarship you will see ‘Offers Accepted/Declined’.
4. If you are offered a scholarship you will have to accept or decline the scholarship and fill out the post-acceptance questionnaire.

Will this scholarship affect my other financial aid?
Harper College uses the annual Cost of Attendance and the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA to determine financial need. Your scholarship is included into your overall award package, and it may affect other financial aid eligibility. The Donor Sponsored Scholarships are intended to decrease your cost of college.

Are undocumented students eligible for Donor Sponsored Scholarships?
Yes, almost all Donor Sponsored Scholarships are available for all Harper College students regardless of citizenship status. Undocumented, International, and DACA students are all eligible to apply and receive scholarships! 

What requirements must I do to maintain my scholarship?
You must enroll in the semester you were awarded the scholarship, or it will go to an alternate student. Filling out the post acceptance questionnaire on Academic Works is required. It is also mandatory to attend a Scholarship Orientation. We expect to see you at the Valentine’s Day Card signing for 15 minutes in January, and at the Scholarship Brunch scheduled for April.

Are there scholarships available for when a student transfers to their four-year college or university?
Yes, there are several Harper College Donor Sponsored Scholarships that can be applied to your tuition at your transfer four-year college or university. Make sure to answer the questions regarding transferring to a four-year college correctly on your general application. 

Can I receive more than one scholarship?
We make every effort to spread the scholarships among as many students as possible. However, occasionally students receive more than one scholarship.

Do I have to do a new online Scholarship Application each year to be considered for Donor Sponsored Scholarships?
Yes, you must fill out a new General Scholarship Application when the new cycle opens on March 1 for the upcoming new academic year. Even if you received a scholarship the previous year, you will need to reapply for the new academic year.