Frequently Asked Questions

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COVID related concerns

Since COVID began in spring term 2020, I’ve attended some school virtually and my grades have suffered as a result. Will you take this time into consideration when reviewing my application?

We know COVID has created many challenges for students and will absolutely take this into consideration while reviewing transcripts. 

My plans for participating in extracurricular activities were severely limited due to the pandemic. What do I do if I don’t have any additional activities beyond the responsibilities of school and family?

We understand that many activities were postponed, cancelled, or disrupted due to COVID-19. Highlight activities in the past 4 years that you were able to participate in that were meaningful. Those which show your leadership, service to others (school, family, community), and quality of character.

APPLICATION

Where can I find the application?

You will find the application available online at www.tfff.org/scholarships. Review the different Ford Family scholarship programs to find the one that best fits your eligibility. This is an important step because we do not want you to submit applications for multiple Ford Family scholarship programs - we will only accept and review one application.

When does the application become available?

All scholarship program applications become available November 1.

How do I create a successful application?

Check out our Prepare to Apply page to find out what information is needed to complete a Ford Family scholarship application.  

Follow these helpful hints for filling out your application:

  • Treat your application like a resume. Show the selection committee your potential, what you’ve done and how you’ve already begun to make your mark in the world.
  • Do your best work. Make sure that the information you provide is complete and accurate.
  • Do not use abbreviations or slang in your Activities or Personal Statements.
  • Complete all parts of the application. Review your completed application before submitting, correcting any typos in your Activities and Personal Statements.
  • Use the Activities and Personal Statements to share what makes you unique.
  • Submit the correct transcript(s). Without the correct transcript(s), your application will be invalid – no exceptions. 
  • Submit your FAFSA (or equivalent) as soon as possible after October 1 and before March 1 to ensure it is available for review.
  • Apply early - application opens November 1.  

When is the scholarship deadline?

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY THE DEADLINE - MARCH 1 AT 5 PM PST

What happens if an application is incomplete by the deadline?

Complete applications must be submitted online by March 1 at 5 p.m. PST or they will not be considered. If the scholarship application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be automatically extended to 5 p.m. of the following business day. Applications that have missing parts will not be considered.

Is there a fee to apply?

No, we do not have an application fee!

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

No. We will only review one completed application. If you are unsure which scholarship program to apply to, please refer to the Best Fit scholarship resource. If you are still unsure which scholarship to apply to, please contact us at fordscholarships@tfff.org.

Will I need to upload or attach any documents to my application?

Yes. You are required to upload a PDF of your academic transcripts (high school or college) and Student Aid Report (or equivalent).  

Are SAT/ACT scores required?

No. SAT/ACT scores are not required. You may submit them, but they will not be used in the selection process.

Are advanced courses (such as AP or college-credit courses) considered in the application process?

Yes. Students are required to submit their transcripts, which may include AP, college courses and/or other accelerated learning credits. Recognizing that not all students have access to these types of courses, such courses are considered within the context of where an applicant lives and attends school. Students without access to these types of courses are not penalized.

Do I need a reference or letter of recommendation to apply for a Ford Family Scholarship?

No, you will not need a reference or letter of recommendation for the scholarship.

Do I have to interview to receive this scholarship?

Yes. If selected, all interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom for the 2023 selection process.

ELIGIBILITY

Will the Foundation accept scholarship applications from students who come from urban areas?

Yes. The Foundation accepts applications from students throughout the state of Oregon and Siskiyou County, California, however the priority is for rural students. The Ford Sons & Daughters Program also awards students in other regions.

I'm from a small, rural school. How can I compete without the advantages that many students from more urban areas have access to?

The Foundation’s selection committees take a very holistic approach to reviewing applications; they are trained to recognize that students from rural areas may not have the same opportunities as students from larger communities in metro areas. They consider the applicant’s location and what may be available in their school and community. consider the applicant’s location and what may be offered at their school and in their community. 

I am an undocumented student. Can I apply for a Foundation scholarship?

Yes. Undocumented students residing in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California who meet certain qualifications can be eligible to apply for scholarships from The Ford Family Foundation. 

I'm an international student. Can I apply for a Ford Family Foundation scholarship?

Yes. If you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become a permanent resident of the United States. For more details about undocumented student eligibility to apply for The Ford Family Foundation scholarships, click here.

I have been convicted of a felony. Am I eligible to apply for a Ford Family Scholarship?

Yes, you are eligible to apply. However, awards can only be made to recipients with a felony conviction if they have completed parole, probation, or any type of post-prison supervision, and have paid any required restitution and/or court fees by August 1 of the application year. All Ford Family scholarship applicants are subject to a criminal background check. Selection committees may consider the number, type, and time elapsed since the convictions.

FINANCIAL AID

Do I need to apply for financial aid to receive a scholarship?

Yes. You need to apply for federal financial aid to qualify for the Ford Scholars, Ford Transfer, and Ford Opportunity Programs. You are not required to complete a financial aid application to apply for the Ford Sons & Daughters Program, but we encourage you to do so for other financial aid opportunities.

Alternative financial aid applications - undocumented students may complete a similar form: 

For more details about undocumented student eligibility to apply for The Ford Family Foundation scholarships, click here.

Or please call our Scholarship Office toll free (877) 864-2872.

Go to our Application Resources page for more detailed information about financial aid.

Do I need to be Pell-eligible to qualify?

No, our criteria for assessing need is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA (or equivalent from the ORSAA/CADAA), not Pell eligibility. Please review the complete scholarship program criteria for the program you are interested in applying for.  

COLLEGE PLANS

I am not planning on enrolling in the fall term/semester. Can I defer the scholarship until January of next year?

No. You must enroll in the fall of the year you are awarded the scholarship. 

If you have any questions about this requirement and your academic plans, please contact fordscholarships@tfff.org. 

Do I have to attend college full time to receive the scholarship?

Yes. You must enroll full time in a minimum of 12 credit hours per term/semester. Fifteen credit hours is recommended.

If you have any questions about this requirement and your academic plans, please contact fordscholarships@tfff.org. 

What is an "eligible college" for the Ford Family scholarship?

For our need-based scholarship programs, an eligible college is defined as a federal financial aid eligible public or private (nonprofit) college or university. The college or university must be based in your state of residence (Oregon or California).

If I plan to attend a community college, am I still eligible for the Ford Scholars Program?

A recipient in the Ford Scholars Program may attend a community college with the intention of transferring and obtaining a bachelor's degree.

I have changed my mind about what college I will be attending. How will this affect me if I get the Ford Family Foundation scholarship?

We know that your college choice may change. Contact us as soon as you make your decision so we may be sure you are still eligible for the scholarship. The college choice must comply with the scholarship eligibility criteria.

I'm enrolled full-time at a community college in Oregon as an early college student, but still in high school. Would I be able to apply for the Ford Scholars program?

Yes, you would be eligible to apply to the Ford Scholars program. 

Can I attend college online with a scholarship from The Ford Family Foundation?

It depends on the scholarship program. The Foundation believes in the value of residential and campus-based programs. Recipients are generally expected to enroll full-time in such a program. 

Please contact us for more information at fordscholarships@tfff.org.

  • Recipients of the Ford Scholars and Ford Transfer Scholars Programs are expected to attend full time on campus. Allowances will be made for limited online coursework at their federal financial aid granting institution, if needed. No more than 50% of a course load in a term or semester may be online.  
  • Recipients of the Ford Opportunity and Ford Sons & Daughters scholarships may engage in online programs providing the courses are approved for funding by an eligible, accredited institution granting federal financial aid in their home state. The Foundation still strongly encourages that recipients take as many classes as possible on campus, providing connection to resources and opportunities.

I know I want to go to college, but I'm unsure about my college major. Should I still apply?

Even without a clear major in mind, students just beginning college should apply. You should be able to express how you will approach college, choose a major and explore career options. Students already in college are expected to have a more clearly defined plan.

CONTACT US

May I contact The Ford Family Foundation Scholarship Office with questions?

Yes, we welcome questions! You may write, call, or e-mail with questions:

The Ford Family Foundation Scholarship Office
44 Club Road, Suite 100
Eugene, OR 97401 

Toll Free: (877) 864-2872 • Local: (541) 485-6211

E-mail: fordscholarships@tfff.org

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