FINANCIAL AID

GEAR UP Mississippi Scholarship (Renewals Only)

Program Overview
This scholarship is related to a U.S. Department of Education grant entitled Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs awarded to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.  The award period for the grant was September 2002 through September 2007.  The purpose of the grant is to provide counseling, mentoring, tutoring, and other support services to participating students.  The GEAR UP Mississippi Scholarships was first awarded in the fall of 2008.

Important Dates
Renewal Application Period: January 1 - September 15, each year

Eligibility Requirements

• Must maintain legal Mississippi residency
• Must have been a recipient of a GEAR UP Mississippi Scholarship during the 2008-2009 academic year
• Must have a minimum annual cumulative college GPA of 2.50
• Must be eligible to receive federal student financial aid and be Pell eligible
• Must have maintained continuous full-time enrollment

Click here for a complete listing of eligibility requirements.

Award Amount
The maximum award on the GEAR UP Scholarship program may be up to $5,000 per award year dependent upon the availability of funds, the recipient’s remaining demonstrated financial need and the number of eligible renewal recipients.
 
Awarding priorities
Eligible renewals only 

To Renew an Application

1. Complete the online application by the application date of September 15. This online application must be completed each academic year whether you are a prior recipient or a first-time applicant.
2. Demonstrate Pell eligibility by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if a do not maintain a cumulative 2.50 college GPA each year? 
   Failure to maintain the required GPA will result in cancellation of the recipients continuing participation in the GEAR UP Mississippi Scholarship program.
2. What if I have to withdraw from school during a semester or trimester? 
   A GEAR UP Scholarship recipient must maintain continuous full-time enrollment of not less than two semesters or three trimesters each successive academic year; however, the student may file an appeal for reconsideration with the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid and may be granted an exception for cause.  An example of an exception for cause is death of an immediate family member, extended illness (documented), divorce, or an accident.  
3. What happens if I drop below full-time enrollment during a semester or trimester? 
   Failure to maintain full-time enrollment (other than withdrawal) will result in cancellation of the recipient’s eligibility for the GEAR UP Scholarship.