The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide

The Pittsburgh Promise is a unique scholarship program focused on promoting educational aspirations, funding post-secondary access, and fueling a prepared and diverse regional workforce in Pittsburgh. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship, including its eligibility requirements, benefits, and other important details.

Introduction

The Pittsburgh Promise offers an opportunity for students graduating from Pittsburgh Public Schools to pursue higher education in Pennsylvania. It is designed as a "last dollar" scholarship, covering eligible expenses after other grants and scholarships have been applied. The scholarship aims to make college education more accessible and affordable for eligible students.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship, students must meet specific criteria related to enrollment, residency, GPA, and attendance. These requirements ensure that the scholarship supports students who have demonstrated a commitment to their education and the Pittsburgh community.

Enrollment and Residency

Students must have been enrolled in Pittsburgh Public Schools or one of its charters continuously since 9th grade.
They must graduate from one of these schools within four years.
Students must be residents of the City of Pittsburgh continuously since 9th grade.
Beginning with the graduating class of 2017, students who live in Wilkinsburg, graduate from Pittsburgh Public Schools, and meet all other requirements are also eligible.

Academic Performance and Attendance

For the class of 2009, a minimum GPA of 2.25 and a minimum attendance rate of 85 percent were required.
Currently, students must graduate from a PPS high school with a minimum cumulative, unweighted grade point average of 2.50.
An attendance record of 90% or above is also mandatory. Note that the 90% attendance requirement does not include excused absences for illness. Only unexcused absences count against Promise eligibility.

Compassion Appeal

The Promise has a compassion appeal process to review exceptions to the enrollment requirement.

Reporting Academic Information

Pittsburgh Public Schools is responsible for reporting academic information to The Promise for each student.

Scholarship Amount and Usage

Eligible students can earn up to $5,000 per year ($20,000 maximum) to be used at any accredited college, university, trade, or technical school in Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship is a “last dollar” scholarship, meaning it pays for eligible expenses after all other grants and scholarships, such as Pell, PHEAA, FSEOG, and institutional grants, have been deducted.

Eligible Institutions

All public and private universities and colleges in Pennsylvania are eligible for students who graduate from the Pittsburgh Public Schools. The expanded list of eligible schools adds approximately 140 private colleges, universities, and trade schools to the existing 100 institutions available for Promise scholars.

Dual Enrollment

The Pittsburgh Promise provides funding to pay for select college-level courses at CCAC for juniors and seniors at Pittsburgh Public Schools, offering high school students the opportunity to experience college-level coursework and earn college credit while still in high school. Funds used by the students while in high school will be deducted from their maximum Promise scholarship.

The Promise Extension Program

Students who meet all Promise requirements but graduate high school with an unweighted GPA of 2.0-2.49 are eligible to access the scholarship through The Promise Extension Program. Through the Extension Program, students receive one year of Promise scholarship funding and may attend CCAC (Community College of Allegheny County), a Promise Preferred College Partner institution, or any trade, technical, or specialty program at a Pell-accepting institution. In their first year, students must complete 18 credits and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Those who successfully complete a full year in the Extension Program become core Promise eligible and may enroll in any Pell-eligible post-secondary program in Pennsylvania. Eligible students may enroll anytime during the 5 years following high school graduation.

Maintaining Eligibility in College

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and complete a full-time course load as defined by the school they attend, usually 12-16 credits. Academic progress will be reviewed by The Promise at the end of each school year. Part-time enrollment is not funded by The Promise. Students must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year while in post-secondary before The Promise award can be processed. Sometimes, students are able to utilize their Promise scholarship for summer school. The funding of summer coursework is considered annually at The Promise’s March board meeting.

IUP's Pittsburgh Promise Partnership

IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) is a Preferred College Partner with The Pittsburgh Promise, offering additional financial aid and support services to Pittsburgh high school students. IUP offers a $2,000 annual housing award for up to four years, totaling $8,000, for full-time eligible students from Pittsburgh Public Schools. This Promise Award can be combined with any other IUP scholarships, grants, and awards.

Scholarship Payment Process

Students enter the name of the school they will attend in The Promise Student Portal, and The Promise takes it from there. Schools invoice The Pittsburgh Promise for the funds, and checks are sent directly to the school. The Promise only reports the information needed to identify the student - date of birth, high school graduating class, and the amount of the student’s Promise scholarship.

Transferring the Award

To transfer a Promise award, students must log in to The Promise Student Portal and click “School Interest” on the left-hand side of the screen. They can then click the “Add School” button on the upper left-hand corner of the page, complete the short form, and click “Save”.

Important Information

The Pittsburgh Promise is committed to raising the required resources to fund students through the high school graduating class of 2028.
The class of 2028 will be the final class to receive Promise scholarships.
It is important that contact information is up to date in The Promise Student Portal.
If students have an exceptionality, they should work with their Transition Counselor (students with IEPs) or Guidance Counselor (students with 504 Plans) to make certain their attendance is properly recorded.

Accessing the Promise Student Portal

To submit an appeal, log into the Pittsburgh Promise portal. Click the “Appeals” tab. Click “Add Appeal”. If you have forgotten your username and password, click “Forgot Password/Username”.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

While The Pittsburgh Promise is a significant resource, students are encouraged to explore other scholarship opportunities as well. Some examples include:

The "Be Bold" Scholarship: A no-essay scholarship.
Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship: Open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education.
Niche Scholarships.
The Christian Connector Scholarship drawings for Christian/Faith Based colleges and universities.
StudentScholarships.org Scholarships.
The National Black Nurses Association scholarships.

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