Frequently Asked Questions for the MVP Scholarship
Q: Is there a GPA requirement to apply?
A: A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required; however, students with a GPA under this threshold could still apply and use room on the application to explain circumstances related to their academic record and their potential for academic success in college. Once awarded, scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum GPA requirement for their enrolled academic program in order to continue receiving funding each semester.
Q: Can DACA and undocumented students apply?
A: Yes, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA students, and undocumented students are eligible to apply.
Q: Are Mount Vernon Park students who graduate from private schools, homeschool or who complete their High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) eligible?
A: Yes, recent graduates from any high school, homeschool, and/or HSE program who live in the Mount Vernon Park neighborhood for at least once year are eligible for the program. HSE students must have graduated within the 2025-2026 academic year.
Q: Am I eligible if I graduate high school in December?
A: Yes, students graduating at any time during the 2025-2026 academic year are eligible.
Q: Will this opportunity be available next year?
A: Yes. Bridge of Grace anticipates continuing the program for several years.
Q: How will scholars be selected?
A: Scholars will be selected based on their financial need, academic record, volunteer experience, preparation for career and college opportunities, commitment to further education, and plans to give back to their community after graduation.
Q: How many scholarships will be awarded this year?
A: A total of ten scholarships will be awarded to eligible applicants for this academic year.
Q: How can I get help with career and college preparation?
A: Bridge of Grace and Questa staff will provide various career and college preparation activities throughout the year to help students. These programs will be planned and offered based on students’ interests and needs.
Q: How can I get volunteer service hours?
A: Bridge of Grace offers a number of volunteer service opportunities, including after-school programs, park maintenance, summer camps, and other activities where students can volunteer. Please contact Sierra DuBose at Bridge of Grace for more information.
Q: How do I document my volunteer experience?
A: Bridge of Grace will provide a document to track volunteer experience and hours. Please contact Sierra DuBose at Bridge of Grace for more information.
Q: How do I demonstrate financial need?
A: When you complete the FAFSA, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary that includes your “Student Aid Index” (SAI), which indicates what you may be able to pay for college. Students with a lower SAI have a higher financial need. However, decisions will not be made solely on SAI. Applicants can choose to share additional information about their family financial situation. The full application will be considered and there is no set SAI or income threshold to be eligible for the program.
Q: How do I file the FAFSA?
A: Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to start or complete your free FAFSA application. It is best to complete your FAFSA application as early as you can because some aid is first come, first served. Be sure to submit your FAFSA by April 15th to qualify for the maximum possible state aid. If students file after April 15, they will still be eligible for federal aid.
Q: Can I still apply if I don’t, or can’t, file the FAFSA?
A: All applicants are encouraged to file the FAFSA because it will help you be considered for additional aid to pay for college. However, if you cannot submit the FAFSA, you can complete the Student Aid Estimator and upload a screenshot or PDF of your results to your Questa application: https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/
Q: Can this award be used for certificate or associate degree programs?
A: Yes, students can use scholarship funds for any undergraduate academic program, including certificates, associate, or bachelor’s degrees.
Q: What expenses can scholarship funds be used to cover?
A: Scholarship recipients can use funds for any approved educational expenses, up to the full cost of attendance at their educational institution. This includes tuition, fees, books, room and board, transportation, technology, and other approved expenses. Please note that some scholarship dollars are tax-free (those used for tuition, mandatory fees, and required books), while other scholarship dollars may be taxable (those use for room, board, transportation, and other expenses). Questa staff will explain how your scholarship will be used and if there are any taxable components during your award process.
Q: Do I have to enroll right after graduation, or can I take time off in between?
A: Scholarship recipients are encouraged to enroll in the fall semester following graduation. However, exceptions for time off before enrollment will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If an exception is granted, students will be asked to remain in contact with program staff, complete additional volunteer service, and must enroll within 12 months.
Q: How much is awarded?
A: Scholars will be awarded up to $20,000 over four years, depending on the length of their chosen academic program. Students will receive up to $5,000 a year for the duration of their program, up to four years. Funds are typically disbursed in $2,500 increments in the fall and spring. Funding will be provided as “last dollar” scholarships.
Q: What is a “last dollar” scholarship?
A: This means that MVP scholarship funds will be provided after all other scholarships and grants are applied to a student’s account. In some cases, students may not need the full scholarship award if they have other sources of financial aid. Questa staff will work with each scholarship recipient to determine their costs after other aid is applied and finalize scholarship awards each year.
Q: What if it takes longer than planned to complete my degree?
A: Students will be awarded scholarships for the duration of their chosen academic program, up to four years maximum. Students who require extended time to complete their program can work with Questa to plan out funding disbursements that align with their anticipated graduation. However, students cannot receive more than the maximum scholarship award of $20,000.
Q: Can I use AI tools to help prepare my application essays?
A: Questa encourages applicants to explore the use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools including ChatGPT, Grammarly, AI Essay Writer, AI Writer, Writesonic, and Essaygenius as a resource. These tools may be used to help with the initial outlining and drafting of application essays but should NOT be used for the final essay itself. It is the applicant's responsibility to assess the validity and applicability of any GAI output that is generated.
We want to read your answers in your own words. Violation of this policy may result in a withdrawn application.