Students who are residents of Tennessee have good news! TN Higher Education Commission and Student Assistance Corporation are introducing its authentic Tennessee Step Up scholarship program. The Scholarship is designed for students with intellectual disabilities who have completed high school and enroll in an individualized program of study of up to four years at an eligible postsecondary institution. Students should be a Tennessee resident as classified by the Tennessee Board of Education; according to TCA 49-8-104 to apply for the scholarship.
The primary purpose behind designing the scholarship is to provide needed financial support to the deserving students to complete their higher education without stressing about the debts. The corporation behind the scholarship aims to make education accessible even for the differently-abled students of Tennessee. The corporation is looking forward to helping students in advancing their knowledge with the help of such scholarships and aims to enhance the growth of the state vigorously. The educational programs promote and improve the standard of living of the people.
Formed in 1967, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission is the state’s higher education coordinating board. It is responsible for an array of duties under TCA 49-7-202 like Administration of the outcomes-based funding formula, Approval of all new academic degree programs, serving as the state approving agency for veteran education benefits. The Commission is composed of nine voting members appointed from the general public, each serving six-year terms and representing the Grand Divisions of the State equally; the General Assembly appoints three members, and the state Constitutional Officers serve as ex-officio voting members (Comptroller of the Treasury, State Treasurer, and Secretary of State).
Table of Contents
Brief Description
Here is the table given to get quick information about the scholarship:
| Organization | TN Higher Education Commission |
| Educational Level | University or college students |
| Subjects | Any |
| Amount | Differs |
| Access Mode | Online |
| Number of Awards | Multiple |
| City | TN |
| Nationality | Domestic and International |
| Country | United States |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2021 |
| Application Fees | Nil |
| Requirement | Application, FAFSA |
Who May Be Eligible?
Take a look at the requirements you need to follow to be eligible for this program:
- Applicants should not be ineligible for the scholarship under § 49-4-904.
- Fellows must have been a Tennessee resident as classified by the Tennessee Board of Education; according to TCA 49-8-104.
- Fellows should have completed high school in a Tennessee high school following the requirements of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and receive a high school diploma, occupational diploma or certificate, a special education diploma, a transition certificate, or an IEP certificate.
- Individuals should be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution in an eligible postsecondary program no later than sixteen (16) months after completing high school.
How to Apply
Only the eligible students should apply for the program through an online application form. Students and parents must complete the STEP UP Scholarship application and email the completed application to STEPUP.program@tn.gov. Recipients must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Candidates should provide all the required details and materials as guided in the form without any negligence. The association will not entertain late or incomplete applications.
Supporting Documents
- FAFSA and fully completed application form should be provided before the deadline.
Benefits
The benefits of the scholarship differ. Award amount is up to $1,750 per full-time enrollment semester as a freshman and sophomore; then up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester as a junior and senior. The institution determines class. The sum of all financial aid, including a Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship, for which a student qualifies, cannot exceed the institutionally defined total cost of education at the eligible postsecondary institution the scholarship recipient is attending.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the program is February 1, 2021.
