Adult Return to Learn Scholarship Timeline Cycle One

The CFMC scholarship application opens September 15, 2020 and closes at 11:59pm on November 1, 2020.

Before the Application

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

August 1
Visit fafsa.ed.gov to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You’ll need the Student Aid Report (SAR) in a PDF form to upload to your scholarship application within the financial information section.

Step 2: Start Thinking about Letters of Recommendation

August 15
You’ll need two letters of recommendation to apply for CFMC scholarships.

• Recommendations should come from a community member (clergy, employer, etc.)

Ask early to allow time for your references to complete the letters of recommendation. You will be asked to upload these letters to the application.

Step 3: Collect Your Academic Information

September 1
You will need the following information to complete the Academic Information section of the application:

• High school transcripts and if applicable, college transcripts
• Your major/field of study you plan to pursue
• Name, approximate cost of attendance, and proof of acceptance for Millikin, Richland Community College or the apprentice/training program

Step 4: Collect Your Residency Information

September 15

You will need the following information to complete the Residency Information section of the application:

• Tax forms
• Housing receipts
• Utility bills

Step 4: Begin Drafting Essay Responses

September 15
Each scholarship application requires an essay to be written. Almost every scholarship requires an answer to the following prompt:

• Please write a one-page response answering the following questions: why do you want to return to finish your education? What have you accomplished in the years between your last time in school? What are your long-term career goals, and how will this scholarship further them? What personal characteristics or experiences qualify you to receive a scholarship?

During the Application

Step 1: Create an Account on the Scholarship Application Portal

September 1
Visit maconcountygives.com and click “Scholarship Application Portal”. On the log on page, click create new account and fill in your personal information to create your account.

Step 2: Complete the Personal, Academic, and Residency Information Sections of the Application

September 1
Enter your personal information (email, county of residence, contact information), academic information (from step 2 above), and residency information (from step 3 above).

Step 3: Complete the Financial Information Section of the Application

September 10
Upload your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) into the application and enter your Expected Family Contribution (EFC Number) which is located on your SAR.

Step 4: Enter Essay Responses

September 20
Paste your essay responses into the application. Be sure to check if a scholarship requires another essay in addition to the prompts listed above.

Step 5: Upload Letters of Recommendation

October 15
Upload two letters of recommendation community members.

Step 6: Submit Your Applications

October 28
After reviewing all items on your applications for completion and accuracy (did you double check your essay prompts?), complete the electronic signature, enter the date, and submit.

Step 7: Application Deadline

November 1
You must submit your application(s) by 11:59 pm on November 1, 2020. No late applications will be accepted.

After the Application

Step 1: Staff Screens All Applications

November 2
CFMC staff members screen each application for completion and accuracy.

Step 2: Scholarship Committees and Reviewers Go To Work

November 5
Volunteer committee members will read and score the applications during the review process. The committees will submit their reviews of each application by mid-November.

Step 3: Award Winners Notified

November-December
Scholarship recipients will be notified.

Step 4: Checks are Delivered to Colleges/Universities

December-January
CFMC will mail a check directly to your college/university provided all prerequisite steps are completed by the recipient.