Starting in 2021, 150 scholarships will be made annually. Renewing students will be given priority and, as scholars graduate, new scholars will be added.

Yes. Students must apply for the first time as a high school senior to be considered for the New Era Scholarship. New Era Scholarships are renewable for up to ten semesters or five years.

Yes. Successful applicants will demonstrate academic potential, which is documented in the application process as follows:

• Student is on track to earn a high school diploma, with a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
• High school transcript demonstrates evidence of academic ability in selected major, progress in increasingly rigorous coursework, and focus.
• Additionally, the following characteristics will further support a successful application:
  • consistent attendance;
  • steady or improving grade point average;
  • choice of college that is a good match with interests and abilities.

When applying for the scholarship, applicants should provide an explanation of the ups and downs of their high school years, as well as a plan to address any concerns going forward.

Applicants must create an account through Scholarship Central at www.myscholarshipcentral.org. Instructions for applying are also available on The Scholarship Foundation’s website at www.sfstl.org. In order for the application to be complete, applicants for the New Era Scholarship must complete a General Application and the application for the New Era Scholarship Opportunity.

Students are encouraged to contact The Scholarship Foundation for questions. Please call (314) 725-7990 or email info@sfstl.org to be connected with the designated staff member:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri: Dominesha Newton (dominesha@sfstl.org)
• College Bound: Ricky Hughes  (ricky@sfstl.org)
• KIPP St. Louis: Dominesha Newton (dominesha@sfstl.org)
• St. Louis Internship Program: Ricky Hughes  (ricky@sfstl.org)
• Wyman’s Teen Leadership Program: Teresa Steinkamp (teresa@sfstl.org)

Complete applications will include the following documents, which will either be uploaded to the application or completed online:

• High school transcript, with grades through fall of senior year;
• Student Aid Report (Note: This is the processed summary from a completed FAFSA; SARs are downloaded at https://studentaid.gov);
• Recommendation (Please Note: Applicant will enter recommender’s name and email address; the system will automatically generate and email a recommendation form to that individual);
• Essay: Please explain your interest in college and where you think it may take you. What have you done to prepare yourself to pursue higher education?
• Additional essay OR creative piece: You may answer the essay prompt; insert a link to an online document (i.e. a website you created, art project, personal video, etc.); or submit another piece of writing you wish to share (i.e. essay, poem, short story, etc.). Your submission can be anything that tells us more about you and your passion if it is written or accessible with an internet link. No files may be uploaded for this question.
• Financial Aid Offer Letter: This document outlines the federal, state, and institutional aid the student has been awarded by the college. Although this document may be accepted after the application deadline, award decisions cannot be finalized until this document has been received by SFSTL. Students are strongly encouraged to submit as soon as possible.

If you have additional questions about these requirements, please visit www.myscholarshipcentral.org, www.sfstl.org, or contact The Scholarship Foundation at (314)725-7990 or info@sfstl.org.

Eligible students may also qualify for The Scholarship Foundation’s interest-free, fee-free student loan program in addition to the scholarship. To be eligible for this loan, applicants must meet all eligibility and criteria, as well as residency requirements. Applicants may be awarded an interest-free loan of up to $11,000 per academic year; students awarded an interest-free loan are expected to not borrow from other sources, federal or private.

Funds from The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, including New Era Scholarship awards, will be disbursed directly to the student, in a check written out to the student. Students are advised to deposit these funds immediately in a bank account. Funds can then be used to pay tuition payments and other related educational expenses. Students are encouraged to speak with their Scholarship Foundation student advisor with specific questions regarding expenses. Tuition and fees should be paid off first; remaining funds can be utilized for textbooks and supplies; transportation expenses; and other cost of living expenses.

The Scholarship Foundation will:

• Provide one-on-one advising to New Era Scholars on topics related to academic, financial, and personal matters.
• Monitor progress toward degree completion and performance, providing referral as needed.
• Communicate expectations and requirements for renewal of the scholarship and make awards.
• Be available to answer questions and provide guidance and support.

Scholarship Foundation Advising Staff
The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
6825 Clayton Ave, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 725-7990
info@sfstl.org
www.sfstl.org