Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

The Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship is a thoughtfully designed initiative aimed at supporting students with intellectual disabilities who have successfully completed high school. This scholarship provides financial assistance to these students as they embark on a personalized study program, spanning up to four years, at an eligible postsecondary institution. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student's year of study. For freshmen and sophomores, the award can reach up to $1,750 per semester of full-time enrollment. As students progress to their junior and senior years, the scholarship amount increases to a maximum of $2,250 per semester. The classification of the student's year is determined by the institution. It's important to note that the total financial aid a student receives, including the Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship, should not exceed the total cost of education as defined by the institution. If the total financial aid surpasses the cost of education, the scholarship amount may be adjusted accordingly. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: A) They must not be disqualified under Section 49-4-904. B) They must be classified as a Tennessee resident by the Tennessee Board of Education, as per TCA 49-8-104. C) They must have completed high school in Tennessee, fulfilling the requirements of their Individualized Education Program (IEP), and received a high school diploma, occupational diploma, special education diploma, transition certificate, or an IEP certificate. D) They must be admitted to and enrolled in an eligible postsecondary institution in an eligible program within sixteen months of completing high school. E) They must apply for the Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship each academic year. To maintain eligibility for the scholarship, students must: A) Remain enrolled in the eligible postsecondary program as defined by the institution. B) Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress in their program of study, as determined by the institution. Please note that students who lose the scholarship for any reason are not eligible to regain it. However, students who receive an approved medical or personal leave of absence may continue to receive the scholarship upon resuming their education, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements. The total duration of the program, including the time before and after the leave of absence, is determined by the institution.