Applications are now available for the 2008-09 Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship Program. Pennsylvania high school seniors are being urged to apply by Tuesday, April 1. 

Applicants are required to write an essay based on the following statement: “The year 2009 marks the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, on February 12, 1809. This great 16th president of the United States led the nation with both courage and compassion and delivered his transformational speech in Gettysburg on November 19, 1863. Discuss how this address was one of the most significant articulations of the purpose and promise of the American people.” 

Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average to apply and will be evaluated on leadership qualities, commitment to their community, extra-curricular activities and financial need in addition to the essay.

The scholarship can be renewed for each of four years of college and is the value of one semester of tuition at a State System of Higher Education school (approximately $2,500 for the 2007-08 academic year). Recipients, however, may attend any eligible Pennsylvania public or private post-secondary institution. 

Students may also be eligible to receive matching funds from SAGE Scholars, Inc. (Savings and Growth for Education) and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s (PHEAA) PATH Program. Recipients’ names are automatically submitted to PHEAA, and a matching award may be granted based upon financial need. 

Also, students seeking state higher education assistance grants for the 2008-09 academic year have until at least May 1 to apply. 

Need-based Pennsylvania State Grants are provided to qualified Pennsylvania residents through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and do not have to be repaid. Students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. 

May 1 is the application deadline for all students seeking to renew their state grant aid regardless of their program of study and for all other applicants for bachelor’s degree programs, including new applicants and persons enrolling in college transfer programs at two-year public or junior colleges. 

August 1 is the application deadline for all first-time applicants who plan to enroll in business or trade schools, hospital schools of nursing or two-year terminal programs at a community, junior or four-year college. Summer school students may also qualify for state grant funds with some exceptions applying. 

PHEAA encourages students to apply even if the deadlines have passed. Late applications may qualify for an award if funds permit. 

Federal, state and institutional student aid programs have varying deadlines. Be sure to submit a completed FAFSA prior to the earliest deadline for awards for which the student may be eligible. 

The PHEAA Web site offers services to manage student accounts successfully and obtain information about Pennsylvania State Grants or special programs that would be relevant to secondary education students including account summaries, free online applications, online payment options, and additional forms of financial assistance such as work-study programs, special grants or scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for those who qualify. 

Students with Internet access may file their FAFSA electronically at fafsa.ed.gov using the more expeditious FAFSA on the Web or “FOTW.” 

FAFSA Completion Workshops for students and parents are scheduled across the Commonwealth during January and February. 

For more information on FAFSA Workshops, PHEAA grants and application, or for information on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship Program, including complete eligibility requirements and application information, visit my Web site RepHickernell.com .