Oishei High School Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
Please view our new Application Guide before begining the Scholarship Application
Who is eligible for the scholarship?
To qualify, you must be an 8th grade student of color living in a household with an income of $65,000 or less. Students of color for this scholarship are defined as American Indian, Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino. To qualify, students must apply and be accepted at one or more EdCo partner school.*
What expenses are covered by the Oishei High School Scholarship?
The scholarship provides the full four-year tuition of one (1) incoming 9th grader at each participating EdCo partner school.*
Additionally, the scholarship includes a yearly $500.00 stipend to help cover technology fees and required books. Note: the $500.00 stipend is provided to the school on behalf of the scholar to cover technology fees and required books. It is not distributed to scholars directly.
How do I apply?
You can begin your application by creating an account HERE. Applications can be filled out on any internet enabled device (cell phone, computer, tablet, etc.)
What information do I need for the application?
You will need the following information to begin the application process:
- Contact information for a Parent/ Guardian and applicant (student).
- The EdCo school(s) you are interested in attending.
- Answers to ALL four (4) of the following short answer questions:
- List any activities you have participated in outside of school (i.e. community service, volunteering, church involvement, youth programs, employment).
- List any extracurricular activities you have participated in as part of middle school.
- Provide any additional information on specific challenges (academic or otherwise) you and/or your family may face as you prepare for high school.
- Why is attending an EdCo school important to you?
- One Essay (300 minimum and 500 maximum):
ANSWERING ONLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ESSAY QUESTIONS:
- What do you think is the greatest challenge facing teens today? How would you approach this problem and what kind of solution(s) would you recommend? How can others help?
- What words best describe you and why?
- Describe a person or moment (past or present) that has been inspirational to you and why?
- A Letter of Recommendation. The recommender can NOT be a family member. Letters of Recommendation can come from family friends, religious leaders, coaches or others who know you away from your academic sphere. (These sources are preferred over a teacher or Buffalo Prep faculty member). Click HERE for additional information on the Letter of Recommendation.
Please note: completed applications require that students are in the enrollment process at an EdCo school, have been selected by the school as one (1) of their three (3) candidates, have completed a Declaration of Intent form (DOI) and have signed a scholarship contract.
When is the application due?
Applicants are encouraged to start the application and apply to EdCo schools in early fall (September - November). All parts of Application must be submitted by 11:59PM on December 3, 2023 to be considered a nominee for a scholarship.
Will I need to take an Placement exam?
Each school has a slightly different admissions process; however the majority of EdCo schools require students to take a placement exam, which is given in November. Please click HERE to learn more about the admissions process and placement exams at each school.
What schools participate in the scholarship?
Currently 12 EdCo schools participate in The Oishei High School Scholarship. One (1) candidate from each school will be awarded a full four year scholarship. *St. Mary's High School is not participating in the Oishei Scholarship at this time.
Who can start the application process?
Parents, guardians, teachers, counselors or students can start the application process. However, students must answer the short answer and essay questions. If an adult other than a parent or guardian ( i.e. counselor, teacher, family friend) is assisting the student, please identify yourself as such in the application so communication with EdCo can be as seamless as possible.
How many schools can I apply to for the scholarship?
Early in the application process (September – November), students and families are encouraged to research, tour and speak to admissions directors at your schools of interest. This may include attending Open Houses, having your student "shadow" for a day, and making an appointment to speak with the Admissions Director to have any questions answered.
In the Oishei High School Scholarship Application, students will be required to select all of their EdCo schools of interest. However, if an applicant advances in the scholarship application process, their name can be submmited to the Foundation for a single EdCo school of their choice.
When will I know if I am selected as a scholarship candidate?
In December, students will be notified if they have been selected as one (1) of the three (3) candidates chosen by an particular EdCo school.
Candidates will then be asked to complete a Declaration of Intent form and sign a Scholarship Contract. Note: This is one step in the scholarship application process but does not guarantee the student a scholarship.
EdCo schools will then submit the names of their three (3) candidates to The Oishei High School Scholarship Selection Committee. The Committee will select one (1) of those three candidates from each school to recieve a full four year scholarship.
What is a Declaration of Intent form?
The Declaration of Intent form tells EdCo, the school representatives and the Oishei High School Selection Committee, which school the applicant would like to attend. For example, if an applicant is accepted to two EdCo schools, and is invited to be a scholarship candidate by both schools, the applicant must select the school of their choice when completing the Declaration of Intent form. A student can not be considered a candidate for a scholarship at two EdCo schools.
When will I know if I’ve been selected as a scholarship recipient?
Award letters will be mailed to scholarship recipients by January 31st.
