Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, shift_ed will provide more grants and scholarship dollars to students who need it most.
Starting in Fall 2023, scholars who receive the maximum Pell Grant award will be eligible for an Acceleration Grant of $1,250 a year, an increase of $900 from previous awards.
Additionally, shift_ed announces a new scholarship model which ensures families who need the most support, receive the most scholarship dollars. Under the new model, more than 90% of shift_ed scholarship dollars will go to public school students with a family income under $150,000, and more than 40% of the total awards will be awarded to families making under $40,000 (as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
With equity as the guiding principle, shift_ed staff, board and scholarship committee sought a way to better serve Guilford County Schools (GCS) graduates, says shift_ed CEO Wendy Poteat.
“Reimagining how we distribute scholarships was critical to narrowing the opportunity gap that exists for our scholars,” says Poteat. “This is a transformational move that will accelerate our graduates’ potential in school and in their careers.”
shift_ed is committed to eliminating barriers to success for GCS students. As a last-dollar tuition scholarship, awards are determined after federal, state and institutional aid. shift_ed does not consider any outside scholarships when making awards.
Additionally, shift_ed does not consider a student’s GPA, require a resume, essay, or any letters of recommendation.
“shift_ed will continue to collaborate with our partners in Guilford County Schools and our North Carolina college partners to expand access to supports, job pathways and mobility for our students and graduates,” says Poteat. “This is a time to act boldly.”
Registration for GCS seniors will begin on December 1, and the window will remain open until July 1, 2023.
2022-23 scholarships will not be impacted by the new model. All shift_ed scholars, regardless of graduation year will fall under the 2023-24 model beginning Fall 2023.
The 2023-24 scholarship model is available to review along with frequently asked questions at shift-ed.org/faq. shift_ed also set up a scholarship hotline dedicated to current scholars needing information; students may call 336-355-8213
shift_ed partners with GCS to provide thousands of hours of tutoring, college prep and financial aid workshops, and career counseling to students. Thanks to generous community support, shift_ed has awarded more than $12.6 million to GCS graduates since 2016. Scholarship registration is open December 1-July 1.
shift_ed boldly accelerates student potential