Frequently Asked Questions for Parkview Opportunity Scholars Program
Q: Do I have to take out a loan to participate in the program?
A: No. If a scholar would like to participate in the program for the benefits outside of financial funding, they are able to do so. Other program benefits include participation in activities and support services for scholars, as well as connections with Parkview Health for learning experiences and job opportunities.
Q: Do I have to major in a healthcare field?
A: No. In addition to all healthcare majors, the Parkview Opportunity Scholars program is open to majors in any area that will prepare you for employment at Parkview Health. This includes culinary arts, public safety, HVAC, information technology, and business. For the full list of eligible programs, visit: https://www.questafoundation.org/parkview-opportunity
Q: Is there a GPA requirement to apply?
A: There is no GPA requirement to apply; however, students must graduate from FWCS and be accepted at Ivy Tech Northeast. Once awarded, Parkview Opportunity Scholars must maintain the minimum GPA requirement for their enrolled academic program at Ivy Tech in order to continue receiving funding each semester.
Q: Can DACA and undocumented students apply?
A: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA students are eligible to apply. Undocumented students are encouraged to contact Questa to learn more about pathways to eligibility.
Q: Are Fort Wayne students who graduate from private schools or homeschool or who complete their HSE eligible?
A: No, only graduates from Fort Wayne Community Schools are eligible for the program at this time.
Q: Am I eligible if I graduate high school in December?
A: Yes, students graduating from FWCS any time during the 2023-2024 academic year are eligible.
Q: Will this opportunity be available next year?
A: Yes. Parkview anticipates continuing the program for several years.
Q: How will scholars be selected?
A: The program is designed to support students who may not otherwise be able to afford college. Scholars will be selected primarily based on their financial need. Applicants’ commitment to their academic field and interest in working at Parkview will also be considered.
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 submit a W-2 to demonstrate household income and provide additional information about your family's financial situation on the application.
Q: Can awards be used at any Ivy Tech campus?
A: Awards can only be used at Ivy Tech Northeast – either the Fort Wayne or Warsaw campuses.
Q: Does this award guarantee me admission into the Ivy Tech program I want?
A: No. Students interested in a limited enrollment program (Nursing and most Healthcare programs) must go through the Ivy Tech limited enrollment application process and be selected for the specific program they are interested in. If you are not accepted into your first choice program, you can use funds for any other approved program.
Q: Can this award be used for certificate programs?
A: No. This program is intended for associate degree programs only. Students interested in certificate programs should contact Ivy Tech and Questa for information about other funding opportunities.
Q: Do I have to enroll at Ivy Tech right after graduation or can I take time off in between?
A: Scholars must enroll at Ivy Tech no later than the fall semester after their high school graduation.
Q: If I’m awarded, am I guaranteed a job at Parkview?
A: Scholars must still apply and be selected for a position at Parkview after graduation. The goal is for all scholars to start their careers at Parkview. Although a job is not guaranteed, it is very likely!
Q: How much is awarded?
A: Scholars will be awarded up to $10,000 over two years as a low-interest, forgivable loan. Funds are typically disbursed in $2,500 increments in the fall and spring.
Q: What is a “forgivable loan”?
A: A forgivable loan is a loan you do not have to pay back if you meet the complete the goals of the program to qualify for full loan forgiveness.
Q: How do I qualify for loan forgiveness?
A: When a scholar graduates and works for one year at Parkview, scholar loans are 100% forgiven.
Q: Do I have to repay the loan if I don’t take a job at Parkview after graduation?
A: Yes. If a scholar graduates and declines an employment offer from Parkview or does not apply to Parkview, there is no loan forgiveness, and the full loan must be repaid. However, if a scholar graduates and applies to but is not hired by Parkview through no fault of their own, scholar loans may still be 100% forgiven. All application and employment scenarios are considered on an individual basis and debt forgiveness may vary from case to case.
Q: Do I have to repay the loan if I don’t graduate?
A: Yes. If you do not graduate, there is no loan forgiveness, and the full loan must be repaid.
Q: What does low interest mean?
A: Questa assigns a low fixed interest rate yearly for each scholar class. The interest rate is based upon prior year’s federal student loan rate. Interest is not paid if the scholar receives full debt forgiveness. Interest does not begin until a scholar has graduated or leaves the program.
Q: What if it takes longer than two years to complete my degree?
A: The Parkview Opportunity Scholars Program is approved for two consecutive years. Students enrolled in degree completion programs that require more than two years of study will be invited to apply for deferment of loan repayment while they complete their additional semesters of study for the intended degree. No guarantees of deferment are made, and a request will need to be made to a Questa staff member to be considered for deferment.
Q: Am I able to pursue a bachelor's degree once I complete my associate degree?
A: Yes. Although you are expected to work full-time at Parkview for at least one year after graduation, Parkview offers education benefits that can help you pursue a bachelor’s degree while you are working.
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, Grammerly, 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.