All scholarships are awarded for the upcoming academic year.  Scholarship awards can only be used for tuition, academic fees, and/or book expenses at an accredited school in the United States. Funding cannot be used for outstanding tuition from the current or previous academic year. It also cannot be used for room and board, rent, meal plans, parking passes, or other similar living expenses.

What constitutes an academic year?

The academic year consists of the Fall, Spring, and sometimes Summer semesters (for example: Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027). Some scholarships do not allow funds to be used towards a summer semester. Please review the criteria for the scholarship you are applying for and/or were awarded or contact the Scholarships Team.

When is my check sent to my school?

Scholarship checks will be issued starting in July. We will prepare and mail a check to your school once you have accepted your award and submitted your enrollment information through your GHCF Scholar account. The letter that accompanies the check will include your name, student ID, scholarship name, and instructions on how the school should disburse the award amount (typically divided evenly between the fall and spring semesters).

When will my school post the check to my account?

You will receive an email from GHCF Scholarships confirming once your check has been mailed. Each school is different, but it could take up to 4 weeks to post to your account. Contact your school’s financial aid office or bursar first to get more information if it has been at least 4 weeks after your check has been mailed.

Unless you have indicated otherwise in your enrollment information, a check for the full award amount will be sent to your school for the academic year. The email that confirms your check has been mailed will contain more details.

Why does my student account show that only half the award amount was posted?

Most schools typically apply half of the award amount for the fall semester and then apply the remaining funding after the student has enrolled for the spring semester in the minimum hours required for the scholarship. 

Will my check arrive before school starts?

This depends on when you submit your enrollment information. It is possible that your check may not arrive before school starts, though we try to mail checks within 1-2 weeks of receiving your enrollment information.

Once we mail the check, we are unable to track its location or estimated date of receival until the financial aid office cashes the award amount.

What should I do if my check does not arrive before school starts?

If your tuition is due before your scholarship check is received, you will be reimbursed for the scholarship amount once your check arrives to your school. You should check with your financial aid office regarding emergency funding or payment plans and show them a copy of the award email sent to you by the Foundation. We can also send your financial aid office an email letting them know your funds are coming. Just contact us to let us know.

My school has not received my check. What should I do?

Your school may take up to 4 weeks to post your check. After 4 weeks, please contact us for next steps.

Can the scholarship check be sent to me?

No, all scholarship checks are made payable to the school you will be attending and mailed directly to your financial aid office.

Will my check be delayed if I change my mind as to the school I am attending?

Yes, your check may be delayed, especially if a check has already been sent to the school you listed in your Award Acceptance & Enrollment Information. Contact the Scholarships Team immediately if you change your mind about the school you are attending. 

I am transferring schools mid-year. What should I do?

Review the Transferring Schools Mid-Year FAQ for additional information and instructions.