Q. How do I know if I qualify for the scholarship?

A. To be eligible, you must:

• Have served in Iraq or Afghanistan in the post-September 11, 2001 conflicts;

• Be currently serving in the U.S. Military, the National Guard, or Reserves, or have been honorably discharged;

• Have been a Maine resident prior to serving in either conflict;

• Be enrolled or accepted in a credit course or program at a regionally accredited Maine higher education institution; and

• Show proof of military service (DD 214 or other official military documentation).

Q. May I use the scholarship at any Maine college?

A. You may enroll at any Maine higher education institution accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The scholarship will cover any undergraduate or graduate credit courses, including online courses (as long as they are offered through an accredited Maine college).

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Q. How do I apply for the scholarship?

A. A college representative, such as admissions, registrar, or enrollment services staff, will work with you to complete the online application form, which can be found at www.boulosscholarship.me.edu/application.html.

You will need to provide the college representative with your DD 214 or other official military document that states you served in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001.

Q. How will I know if I received the scholarship?

A. Once the online application form is submitted by your college representative, you and your college will receive notification of your award from Marcia Schools (mschools@mccs.me.edu) at the Maine Community College System. Please note that scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q. What is the amount of the scholarship?

A. The scholarship award is based on the average total tuition of a two-year program at a Maine Community College (60 credits). As of July 2009, the $84 per credit hour rate equals $5,040 for two years.

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Q. What if tuition increases at the Maine Community Colleges? Will my scholarship amount increase?

A. Yes. If the $84 per credit hour rate increases, the scholarship amount will also increase by the same rate.

Q. What if I take only a couple of courses?

A. You may be enrolled part-time or full-time in a degree program or just taking a course or two. The awards will be made after the add/drop period of each semester (according to your college’s schedule). Payment will be made directly to your college, under the following payment schedule (effective July 2009):

• 1 to 4 credit hours: $340

• 5 to 8 credit hours: $675

• 9 to 11 credit hours: $925

• 12+ credit hours: $1,260

Q. Do I need to matriculate at a Maine higher education institution in order to receive the scholarship?

A. No. You can enroll in one or more credit courses, or a full program, and be eligible for the scholarship.

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Q. Does this scholarship cover noncredit courses too?

A. No. The scholarship covers credit courses only.

Q. How will my scholarship be awarded?

A. Your college will credit your account each semester in the amount of the scholarship awarded for that semester.

Q. Will the scholarship affect other student aid that I receive?

A. Because financial aid is so individualized, any questions concerning potential impact of this scholarship on other aid should be referred to a financial aid advisor at your college.

Q. If I have already paid my college for the current semester, can I submit a bill to the scholarship program for reimbursement?

A. No. The scholarship can only be paid to your college. You will need to seek a rebate or a credit towards your next semester from your college.

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Q. How long do I have to use the scholarship?

A. From the date of the initial award, you have four years to use the full scholarship (the amount may increase, if the Community College tuition rate increases).

Note: If the date of the initial award is June 2009 and beyond, you have two years to use the full scholarship.

Q. If the end date of my scholarship award comes in the middle of a semester, will I still be able to draw down my scholarship?

A. Yes. You are eligible if your semester starts prior to the expiration of your scholarship, providing you haven’t exhausted your scholarship award.

Q. Do I lose my scholarship award if I stop attending college for a semester?

A. No. However, if you decide not to attend for a semester (excluding summer semesters), in order for your scholarship account to remain active for the four-year period stated on your award confirmation, you must enroll in the semester immediately following (i.e., the next fall or spring semester, whichever comes first). Failure to do so will result in termination of your scholarship. If your scholarship is terminated, you may reapply by initiating a new application and, if funds are available, you will receive an award equal to the amount that would have been remaining in your initial scholarship account.

If you decide not to continue your education, please notify Marcia Schools in writing via mail or e-mail so that the release of your remaining scholarship funds can be used to serve additional eligible veterans: Boulos Family Scholarship, c/o Maine Community College System, 323 State Street, Augusta ME 04330 or mschools@mccs.me.edu.

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Q. Do I lose my scholarship if I change colleges?

A. No. You will need to inform your new college representative of your scholarship award in order for the college to appropriately bill the Maine Community College System.

Q. What if I already have a college degree?

A. You are still eligible for the scholarship. You can use it to pursue a second degree in an undergraduate or graduate program, or simply take college courses, as long as you are enrolled in credit courses.

Q. Can I enroll at multiple colleges during a semester?

A. Yes. Each college will receive payment for the credit hours taken based on the payment schedule.

Q. How can I find out what I have available in my scholarship account?

A. For an update on the amount of scholarship funds you have available, you may contact Marcia Schools at the Maine Community College System at 629-4000 or by e-mail at mschools@mccs.me.edu.

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Q. Do I have to maintain a certain GPA to continue to receive the scholarship?

A. No. You must, however, remain a student in good standing at your college.

Q. Can I transfer all or part of my scholarship to another family member or
friend?

A. No. The scholarship cannot be transferred to another person.

Q. Can I receive the scholarship for past semesters/years if I have already started college?

A. No. The scholarship program will not cover past expenses prior to January 2005. The scholarship is effective starting in the January 2005 semester.

Q. Can I enroll in online course(s)?

A. Yes. You may enroll in an online course(s) as long as the course(s) are offered by a regionally accredited Maine higher education institution. You will need to make contact with a college representative at your college to verify your eligibility. Your college representative will then submit your scholarship application to the Maine Community College System.

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Q. Do I need to apply for student financial aid through the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for this scholarship?

A. No. However, you may want to consider filling out the FAFSA, as you may be eligible for other student financial aid.

Q. Who is the Boulos Family and why are they offering this scholarship?

A. The Boulos Family has deep ties to Maine and the military. They believe in the importance of higher education to achieving one’s aspirations and prospering in our state. Moved by the sacrifices of Maine soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Boulos family committed $1 million toward a scholarship fund for these soldiers, as a way to recognize and thank them for their service.

Q. How do I contact the Boulos Family to express my appreciation?

A. You may express your appreciation in writing to Mr. and Mrs. Boulos and send it to Marcia Schools, Maine Community College System, 323 State Street, Augusta ME 04330, or via email to mschools@mccs.me.edu. Your note will be forwarded on to the Boulos Family.

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