Grants

Higher Education Tuition Assistance Program (HETAP)

Description
In July 2000, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, using funds from the federal Special Leveraging Educational Partnership, created the Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program (HETAP). The program was established to help address the teacher shortage in Virginia by assisting undergraduate students enrolled in a K-12 teacher preparation program.

How to Apply
In order to be considered for this grant, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the results sent to the VCU Office of Financial Aid by the VCU priority filing date, ensuring that information provided on the application is complete and accurate. Failure to resolve any problems with the processing of the application, or delays in resolving the problems, may preclude the student from being considered for this grant.

Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for an award, the student must:

• Be nominated by faculty member;
• Be a domiciliary resident of Virginia, according to section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia;
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen for federal Title IV purposes;
• Be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate seeking first baccalaureate degree;
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress;
• Be enrolled, or intend to enroll, into an eligible K-12 teacher preparation program*
• Demonstrate financial need for federal Title IV student financial assistance purposes (applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid);
• Have a cumulative college grade point average of at least 2.5;
• Not be in default or owe an overpayment on a Title IV, HEA program loan; and
• Satisfy Selective Service registration requirements.

Award Amounts
Award amounts are initially offered based on full-year, full-time enrollment for the academic year. The maximum award amount is $2,000.

Renewal
Awards are not renewable; however, students may be nominated again in subsequent years if they remain eligible and funds are available.

Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program Faculty Nomination Form (pdf)