2009 Verizon Scholarship Program

The Verizon Foundation supports children and legal dependents of active Verizon employees to achieve their higher education dreams through the Verizon Scholarship Program. Each year, between November 1st and February 1st, the Verizon Scholarship Program accepts applications from eligible students planning to enroll in an accredited four-year college or university for the following fall.

The scholarships are $5,000 per year, renewable for three additional years of full-time, undergraduate study, for a maximum award of $20,000. Selection of recipients is based on financial need with academic record and extracurricular leadership activities also considered.

The following are some Frequently Asked Questions about the program.

Why does the Verizon Foundation support the Verizon Scholarship Program?
The Verizon Foundation believes in the development of a literate, educated work force. Working in coordination with Scholarship America, the nation's largest nonprofit scholarship and educational support organization, the Foundation further exercises this belief by supporting the Verizon Scholarship Program for children of employees, helping high school seniors realize their goal of a college education.
How does my child apply for the Verizon Scholarship Program?
The application period for the 2009 Verizon Scholarship Program is between November 1, 2008 and February 1, 2009.

Children of US-Based Verizon employees: should visit
https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/verizon/ to submit an online application for the 2009 Verizon Scholarship Program during that period. Please note that ineligible, late and incomplete applications are not processed; your child must meet our eligibility requirements (see below) in order to apply for this scholarship program.

Children of Non US-Based Verizon employees: should visit
https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/verizon/ and download the application file for the 2009 Verizon Scholarship Program during that period. Please note that ineligible, late and incomplete applications are not processed; your child must meet our eligibility requirements (see below) in order to apply for this scholarship program.
Who is eligible to apply for a Verizon Scholarship?

Children of Verizon U.S. Based Verizon Employees:
To qualify, the student must be a current high school senior and the child of an active Verizon employee*. The student must be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four-year college or university no later than fall 2009. Full-time study is defined as full-time enrollment for the entire upcoming academic year. The child's parent or legal guardian must have a minimum of 90 days of employment with Verizon on February 1, 2009, and must be on the Verizon payroll when award decisions are made in April of that same year. Students currently enrolled in college are ineligible to apply for the Verizon Scholarship Program.

*Children of union-represented teamster employees of Verizon Business are not eligible for the Verizon Foundation Employee Scholarship Program as they have their own program.

Children of Non U.S. Based Verizon Employees:
To qualify, the student must be a in their final year of (upper) secondary school and the child of an active Verizon employee*. The student must be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four-year college or university no later than fall 2009. Full-time study is defined as full-time enrollment for the entire upcoming academic year. The child's parent or legal guardian must have a minimum of 90 days of employment with Verizon on February 1, 2009, and must be on the Verizon payroll when award decisions are made in April of that same year. Students currently enrolled in college are ineligible to apply for the Verizon Scholarship Program.

*Children of union-represented teamster employees of Verizon Business are not eligible for the Verizon Foundation Employee Scholarship Program as they have their own program.
If the Verizon employee is terminated after the scholarship is announced, will his/her child lose the scholarship?
No. The parent must be an active employee at the time the son or daughter is notified by letter in April 2009 that he or she has received a Verizon scholarship award. If the parent has any change in employment status (including termination) following notification, the award cannot be discontinued.
Do both parents need to work for Verizon to be eligible to apply to the program?
No. Only one parent needs to be employed with Verizon for 90 days or more at the time of the application deadline.
Is the scholarship program available to family members other than sons or daughters?
No. The program is extended only to children of active Verizon employees with 90 days or more service at the time of the application deadline.
Are stepchildren of Verizon employees eligible?
Yes. Stepchildren and legal wards of Verizon employees are eligible if the children are dependents and claimed on the eligible employee's tax return or employment benefits plan.
Are current undergraduate or graduate students of Verizon employees eligible for the scholarship?
No.

Children of U.S. based Verizon Employees: The scholarships are for high school seniors (US) who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four year college/university no later than fall 2009. The scholarships are for high school seniors only who are going on for undergraduate studies at an accredited four-year institution.

Children of Non U.S. based Verizon Employees: The scholarships are for students in their final year of upper secondary school who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited three or four year university level institution no later than fall 2009.

Full time study is defined as full-time enrollment for the entire upcoming academic year.
Why is financial need weighted so heavily?
Verizon is committed to assisting students who have academic ability, but not the financial means, to attend college.
How can I increase my child's chance of winning a Verizon scholarship?
We strongly encourage parents to review the completed application with their child. Completeness in each section ensures the application will be reviewed properly. Scholarship recipients are selected primarily on the basis of financial need; however, the student's academic record and his or her participation in school and community activities are also important.
How could the scholarship award be discontinued?
The award would be discontinued if the student is not enrolled full-time at an accredited, four-year institution, or if the student's cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Does the total award have to be used in four consecutive years?
The scholarship recipient does not have to use the award in four consecutive years if there are certain circumstances, such as a medical deferral, that prevent him or her from attending school. Requests for deferrals must be made in writing to Scholarship America and approved by the Verizon Foundation.
If a student completes his or her studies in less than 4 years, will he or she still receive the full $20,000?
No. $20,000 is the maximum award one can receive. Recipients will be awarded $2,500 for each semester they are enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited, four-year institution. A corresponding portion will be forfeited if the student completes his or her studies in less than four years.
If a student receives other scholarships, is he or she eligible for the Verizon Scholarship?
Yes, the student is still eligible for a Verizon scholarship.
What other scholarship resources are available?
The following websites are unrelated to Verizon Foundation. You may visit them to obtain additional college scholarship information:

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