2009 Byrd Recipients
Program Description	Eligibility Requirements	Online Forms
Renewal Requirements	Deferment	Robert C. Byrd History
	FAQs

Program Description

The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is a federally funded program for high school graduates who show academic excellence and the promise of continued postsecondary education. A Byrd Scholar receives $1,500 for each academic year for a maximum of four years to be applied toward undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. The number of scholarships awarded each year is subject to change due to funding. Interested students must contact the principal or their high school counselor regarding possible nomination to the program.

Legislation: Title IV, Part A, Subpart 6 of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended. CFDA 84.185 Regulations: 34 CFR 654 (www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_01/34cfr654_01.html)

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Eligibility

• Be a graduating senior from a public or private high school with outstanding academic achievements or have received a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (GED)

• Be a United States citizen or have evidence from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services that he or she is a permanent resident

• Be a resident of Arizona

• Have applied or been accepted for enrollment at an institution of higher education as a full time student

A student attending a military academy is ineligible to receive a Byrd scholarship. [34 CFR Part 654, Subpart A, Section 654.2]

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Scholarship Application Process

A limited number of scholarships will be awarded to Arizona high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and promise of continued success. Since this scholarship is competitive, it is necessary that all sections of the application are completed in order to be considered.

The high school counselor submits the applications of all eligible students to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). ADE assures compliance with all the eligibility and selection provisions, which includes empanelling a review committee comprised of educators from throughout the state of Arizona. A specific number of applicants are accepted from each public and private nonprofit high school depending on size. Finalists include applicants from all counties in Arizona, based on school size, academic performance, school and community involvement, official recommendation by the school, and intended continuing education load, so as to ensure two finalists from each county in Arizona.  Additional recipients are selected in the order they meet selection criteria, regardless of county residence.

Schools with a total student enrollment of less than 499 may nominate one applicant. Schools with a total student enrollment of 500 - 1,499 may nominate two applicants, and schools with a total student enrollment of over 1,500 may nominate three applicants. A school may not choose more than three students to apply for the scholarship. Students may not apply directly for this scholarship. Scholarship applications that are submitted without the principal and/or school counselor’s signature will not be accepted.

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Renewal Requirements

• Be enrolled as a full-time student at an institution of higher education.

• Provide annual official proof of full time enrollment from the registrar's office. If annual proof is not provided by June 30th, the recipient will be moved to an alternate status. 

• Maintain satisfactory progress as determined by the institution of higher education.

• While attending an IHE for undergraduate studies, scholarship funding is awarded under the following conditions:
  $1,500 per year for a maximum of four years, and/or until reaching the $6,000 maximum scholarship award.
  (*Please Note: This award may fluctuate, as this is federal funding based on availability)

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Deferment

A deferment period allows a student to discontinue taking classes at an IHE for a period of 6 months to a year (exceptional circumstances such as religious missions or severe illness may be extended to a maximum of 2 years). Recipients must complete the Deferment Request Form. Once the form is completed and all necessary documents are attached the scholarship coordinator will notify the recipient of the decision. Please note each recipient is allowed only one deferment period. Additionally, a scholar must have attended at least one full semester at an IHE before asking for a deferment period. Once the student returns from their deferment the funding and renewal process will continue until the student reaches the maximum award amount of $6000 or is no longer an undergraduate student.

**Due to the nature of their status, alternate recipients are not eligible to receive a deferment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• New Applicant FAQ

• Renewal FAQ

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