Who is eligible to apply?
Those eligible to apply are current high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are dependent children of employees of GACS member companies or employees of GACS member companies.

When can I apply?
Students can apply online between January 1 and April 1.

How do I get an application?
Applications are available online. Applicants can apply at https://www.scholarshipadministrators.net Access key: GACS Paper applications are available from your employer.

Do my high school transcripts have to accompany my application or can they be mailed separately?
All documents, including transcripts, must arrive in the same package for submission to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Is the deadline a postmark date or does it need to be in the scholarship administrator’s office by this date?
The deadline for the program is a postmark date (April 1).

Can I send in the application materials after the indicated deadline?
No. All scholarship applications must be postmarked by the indicated postmark deadline.

I have several college choices. Which one should I list on the application?
The student should put their first choice college on the application. It will be the recipient’s responsibility to make certain S.P.A. is aware of the student’s final choice so their check can be issued accordingly.

What are the awards and winner selection detail?
The GACS Educational Foundation offers a various number of awards each year as outlined below. Each scholarship is a one-year award and will only be applied to the school year immediately following the date of the award. Scholarship recipients may reapply each year, for up to four years, if they and/or their parent/legal guardian continue to meet the eligibility requirements. The scholarships will be applied to educational expenses at any accredited, nonprofit college or university. Recipients may transfer from one college to another and retain the award.

• One (1) $1500 Scholarship (Britney Schmeelk) will be awarded to the most outstanding applicant in the areas of academic merit, college GPA (if applicable), extracurricular activities, ACT scores, and SAT scores, plus any related coursework. Recipients of the Britney Schmeelk Scholarship are limited to to winning the award one time, however they may reapply for other awards as described above.
• Four (4) $1000 Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding applicants in the areas of academic merit, college GPA (if applicable), extracurricular activities, ACT scores, and SAT scores, plus any related coursework.
• Four (4) $1000 Scholarships will be awarded to qualified candidates who demonstrate financial need.
• Three (3) $1000 Scholarships will be awarded to qualified candidates with a B average.
• Two (2) $1000 Scholarships will be awarded to qualified candidates who are outstanding in any or all of the following: extracurricular activity, arts, and or sports.

How long must my parent or I be employed before I can apply?
The eligible employee must be employed with a GACS member company for at least one year as of January 1 of the year in which the scholarships are awarded and must still be employed at the time the scholarship is awarded.

Will I lose the scholarship if my parent or I leaves the company?
If you or your parent is an eligible employee at the time you receive notification that you have received an award, you will retain the award for the full academic term.

How do I know that my application was received?
To check the status of your application, return to https://www.scholarshipadministrators.net/ and click the ‘Check Application Status’ link. Enter your AIN, first name and last name. Then click Submit.

What if I need to make changes to my application?
Return to https://www.scholarshipadministrators.net and click the “APPLY for a new scholarship” link. Using Login Option 2, enter your access key (GACS), Application Identification Number and name to re-enter the application process. Click Continue on each tab until you reach the section that needs to be corrected or updated. Make changes as necessary and print a new Cover Page for your records. You do not have to resubmit paperwork unless there is a change in test scores or class rank and/or size, prior to the postmark deadline.

How long before a winner is determined?
Winner(s) for a scholarship are determined usually two months after a deadline has passed.

When do I get my check?
Check will be mailed on or about August 1.

How do you issue the checks?
Scholarship checks are made payable to the college or university only and are mailed to the student’s permanent home address. It is the student’s responsibility to deliver the award check to his/her institution’s financial office.

How may my award check be applied and can I have it made payable to me?
Scholarship funds are to be applied to educational expenses which include tuition, fees, books, and supplies required for course load. Checks are made payable to the college or university only.

If I’m a winner, how am I notified?
Notifications will be mailed in May or June.

If I don’t win a scholarship, how am I notified?
Non-winners are not notified.

Can I receive feedback on my application if I do not win?
No. Winners are selected by an impartial selection committee. Decisions of the selection committee are final and are not subject to appeal.

What if my mailing or college information changes, how can I update it?
If after the program deadline, you need to change or update your mailing or email address, and/or college information ONLY, you can do so by returning to https://www.scholarshipadministrators.net and click the ‘Edit Mailing Address’ or ‘Edit College Information’ link. Enter your AIN, first name and last name. Click the ‘Submit’ button and make the necessary changes.

Are scholarships taxable?
Tax laws vary by country. For example, in the United States, scholarship funds used exclusively for the payment of tuition or textbooks are normally not taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against your scholarship award. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for more guidance.

Where do I send my completed application packet?
Mail your complete application packet with all supporting documents postmarked by the appropriate deadline listed on the cover page, to:

GACS Scholarship Program
c/o Scholarship Program Administrators, Inc.
P.O. Box 23737
Nashville, Tennessee 37202-3737

Questions
For additional information regarding the scholarship program contact:
Scholarship Program Administrators, Inc.
Fax (615) 320-3151
Email: www.scholarshipadministrators.net/EmailRequestForm.asp
   Access Key: GACS