Approximately 1,800 students at ETSU received the HOPE scholarship this semester. The HOPE scholarship (also known as the lottery scholarship) provides about $3,000 per academic year for students who meet the requirements, including graduating in 2003 and maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
Sixty-seven percent of ETSU students kept their scholarships vs. the 50-50 odds the state predicted for the last academic year. But for the other 33 percent, new legislature could help them regain their scholarships if they have the grades.
The Senate and House of Representatives for Tennessee have proposed four new bills this year that would amend rules established for earning and maintaining the HOPE scholarship. One of those bills would allow students who had previously lost their scholarship due to poor grades to earn it back provided they have a 3.0 GPA at the time of reapplication.
“I think letting students earn back their scholarships is a wonderful idea,” said Kathy Feagins, assistant director of the Scholarship Office. “Many students have a hard time transitioning from high school to college and don’t maintain the GPA needed.
“Traditionally, students who fail their freshman year make much better grades the following years.”
Students would be able to reapply one time, but upon losing their scholarship a second time would not be able to reapply ever again.
Another amendment proposal includes allowing students to take time off for personal leave for religious work or activity, including mission trips. Previously, if a student was not consecutively enrolled, their scholarship would be lost.
Two other amendments have already been approved for the 2005-06 school year. One is to allow students to be able to repeat one class and have it replaced in their GPA. Before, even if students repeated the class, their GPA would still reflect the poor grade. However, students must petition for their grade change.
The other allows first-time freshman age 25 and older with an income of $36,000 or less to be eligible for the HOPE scholarship. Originally, only students who graduated in 2003 were able to apply.
“We’ve already sent information packets to potential students who would fit that category, but if you did not receive one and are eligible, feel free to stop by and get all the facts you need,” said Feagins.
Legislators are also discussing raising the ACT standards for HOPE application from a score of 19 to 21. This would eliminate an estimated 7,000 students and allow for more funding, possibly increasing the amount of the scholarship.
Until the bills pass, there are other means of financial aid for students who have lost their scholarship.
“Financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, among others, is still available to students who have lost their HOPE scholarship,” Feagins said.
“Just because you lost that particular scholarship does not disqualify you for the standard aid; the academic requirements are different.”
Work-study is also an alternative to come up with extra tuition money.
“Research shows students who work about 10-15 hours a week make better grades,” Feagins said. “Work-study on campus is also more flexible around a student’s schedule because they’re more accommodating if you have a test or need to write a paper.”
Feagins also advises to get help early if you think you are in danger of losing your scholarship.
“So many students wait until the last second to get help and then there’s nothing anyone can do,” she said. “The earlier you ask, the more likely you are to get back on track.
“Speak to the professor, talk to your advisor or go to one of the student resource centers located on campus. They’re usually happy to help with anything you need.”
For more information on the HOPE scholarship or any other financial aid, contact the Scholarship Office at 439-7094 or drop by their office, located in the D.P. Culp Center in the ARC.
To check on the progress of these bills, go to www.legislature.state.tn.us.

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