The Helping Heroes Grant: (Promulgated Rules) (Eligibility Requirements) (Eligible Institutions) (Application in Adobe pdf format)

The award amount is $1,000 per semester for a student who successfully completes twelve (12) or more semester hours with no failing grade as the final grade for the course. The student shall receive $500 per semester for successfully completing six (6) to eleven (11) semester hours with no failing grade as a final grade for the course. The student shall not receive an award if enrolled in fewer than six (6) semester hours.

The Helping Heroes Grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to be eligible, the student must:

• Be an honorably discharged veteran who had formally served the armed forces of the United States, or a former member of a reserve or Tennessee National Guard unit who was called into active military service of the United States
• Be a Tennessee resident for one year preceding the date of application for this grant
• Be awarded the following:
  • Iraq Campaign Medal;
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal; or
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, on or after Sept. 11, 2001
• Enroll at an eligible 2-year or 4-year postsecondary institution (Click Here for a listing)
• Have not earned a baccalaureate degree;
• Not be in default on a federal Title IV educational loan or Tennessee educational loan;
• Not owe a refund on a federal Title IV student financial aid program or a Tennessee student financial aid program;
• Be in compliance with federal drug-free rules and laws for receiving financial assistance;
• Not be incarcerated;
• Meet each qualification relating to this grant and applicable to the student; and
• Not be required to meet any academic standard at the time of enrollment in order to be eligible for this grant.
• Award of a Helping Heroes Grant shall be made after the completion of a semester, so long as the student successfully completes the course with a non-failing grade as the final grade for the course.

Application Deadline:

The application processing deadline are:  September 1 for fall enrollment, February 1 for spring, or May 1 for summer enrollment.   Please mail or fax the completed application and DD-214 Form to the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.

Continuation Requirements:

• Successfully complete a course while enrolled at an eligible 2-year or 4-year postsecondary institution with no failing grade as the final grade for the course
• Grant may be awarded for a maximum of eight (8) “full” semesters
  • 6-11 semester hours completed constitutes ½ semester
• Grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis

Award Termination Criteria:

• Receive the award for eight (8) full semesters have passed; or
• Eighth anniversary of the veteran’s honorable discharge from military service; whichever comes first; or
• Earning a baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first