GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Award
What is the GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Award?
The GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Award is designed to encourage participation in postsecondary education and a broad college-going culture by providing key funding for the students' first year. All GEAR UP TN 12th grade students will be given the opportunity to participate in the GEAR UP TN Bridge Award. Eligible students must be 12th grade students in each of the nine GEAR UP TN counties (Campbell, Cocke, Grundy, Hardeman, Johnson, Lake, Meigs, Union, and Wayne).
To ensure eligibility to receive the award, students will be required to sign a contract indicating that they will graduate from a GEAR UP TN high school with a regular or special education diploma and that they will attend a Tennessee postsecondary institution. Students will qualify for the GEAR UP TN Bridge Award upon graduation from high school and enrollment in a Tennessee postsecondary institution. GEAR UP TN may add stipulations to the contract in future years. Students, parents and schools will be notified of any changes well in advance of contract and application deadlines.
The GEAR Up TN Bridge Award is a $750 one-time award available up to total cost of attendance for students on a last dollar basis, i.e. when all grants and scholarships have been exhausted and tuition obligations remain. Upon notification of the applicant's enrollment, award funds will be distributed through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation directly to the recipient via their postsecondary institution. Qualified students will receive $375 per semester in their first year only.
Who is eligible for the GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Award?
GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Awards are awarded upon the applicant's verification of enrollment in a public or private postsecondary institution that is eligible to receive Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship awards.
Student Eligibility
To be eligible, a student must:
- Be a participant in GEAR UP TN in the following counties: Campbell, Cocke, Grundy, Hardeman, Johnson, Lake, Meigs, Union or Wayne,
- Be a 2006 high school graduate with a regular or special education diploma from a public high school participating in GEAR UP TN,
- Be a United States citizen and a permanent resident of the State of Tennessee and be less than 22 years of age at the time of the incentive reward,
- Be enrolled as a full-time or at least half-time student at a regionally accredited college or university in the state of Tennessee or any Tennessee Technology Center in the year immediately following high school graduation, and
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Award Policies & Definitions
- Award Amount — GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Award amount is $750. The award will be equally split over two consecutive semesters ($375 each). The award is a last dollar award (i.e. after all grants and scholarships have been awarded) and is available up to total cost of attendance. The award will not be pro-rated based upon a student's number of hours.
- Hours — The recipient must be classified as having not completed his/her first 24 hours of postsecondary education. The first 24 hours does not include Dual Enrollment hours, Advanced Placement credits or International Baccalaureate.
- Half-time — Defined by the institution for each semester.
- Semesters — Students are eligible for two consecutive semesters defined as Fall 06/Spring 07, or Spring 07/Summer 07.
- Renewal — To qualify for renewal in the second semester, students must be in good academic standing as defined by the institution.
NOTE: The GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Awards Requirements and Policies are subject to change each semester. Students and Parents will be notified of changes through the GEAR UP TN school systems. Financial Aid Officers will be notified by GEAR UP TN staff.
How do I apply for the GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Award?
For online application, visit https://egrands.guarantec.com/scholarshipapps/
To download a paper application, visit www.collegepaystn.com/mon_college/apps_forms.htm
