Scholarship Handbook
Updated 12.07.2022
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click section heading to go to page in document.
INTRODUCTION
4
INTRODUCTION
MISSION
4
4
APPLYING
5
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
5
PROGRAM TIMEFRAMES
5
SELECTING
6
ACCEPTING
6
TERMS OF ACCEPTING & MAINTAINING THE SCHOLARSHIP
7
AWARD & PAYMENT PROCESS
8
AWARD AMOUNT
PAYMENT PROCESS
8
8
CONDITIONS OF THE SCHOLARSHIP
9
REPAYMENT OBLIGATION
9
ACADEMIC PROBATION
9
CHANGE OF MAJOR
9
CONDITIONS FOR TRANSFER
9
INTERRUPTION OF STUDIES
10
TERMINATION OF EM PLOYMENT
10
SUMMER SCHOOL
11
REAPPLICATION
11
RENEWALS
12
SCHOLARSHIP RENEWALS
12
UPDATING INFORMATION
13
NOTIFICATIONS
14
H-E-B Plus! SCHOLARSHIP: 2018-2023 RECIPIENTS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
16
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INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
The H-E-B Scholarship Handbook is designed to give Partners a
thorough understanding of the H-E-B Scholarship award. This handbook
explains the entire process of applying for, receiving, and renewing a
scholarship.
MISSION
The mission of the H-E-B Scholarship Program is to:
• Attract and develop a highly diverse talent pool of Partners to better
serve our Customers.
• Prepare our Partners for the challenges of tomorrow.
• Support our Partners in pursuing their educational goals to grow with
H-E-B.
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APPLYING
The Scholarship Program application period begins January each year for
the upcoming (Fall) academic year. Interested Partners must complete the
online application and submit it to International Scholarship and Tuition
Services (ISTS) by the application deadline.
For more information, visit the Scholarship page in iDevelop.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The following criteria must be met to be eligible to apply for the H-E-B
Scholarship:
• be an H-E-B Partner
• be a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore, junior,
senior, or graduate student
• have a minimum work performance rating of 30 or meets
expectations
• be employed at H-E-B the time awards are announced.
PROGRAM TIMEFRAMES
• Application Open: January
• Application Deadline: March
• Notification of Selection Results: July
• Funds Disbursed: August and December
Note: For specific dates, refer to the Scholarship page in iDevelop.
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SELECTING
To ensure complete impartiality in the selection of recipients and to
maintain a high level of professionalism and security, the program is
administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS),
an independent company that specializes in managing sponsored
educational assistance programs.
An independent committee will evaluate the completed applications and
select recipients considering the following criteria:
• Long-term career goals with H-E-B
• Relevance of academic major to a career with H-E-B
• Have a minimum work performance rating of 30 or meets expectations
• Cumulative 2.50 GPA and transcript(s)
• Academic achievements
• Written essay (300 words minimum)
• Clubs and extracurricular activities
• Community involvement and volunteer activities
NOTE: The number of awards will be determined by H-E-B and may vary year to
year. Decisions of the selection committee are final and are not subject to appeal.
No application feedback will be given.
ACCEPTING
If a Partner is awarded the H-E-B Scholarship, they will be notified by
email from ISTS. This is why it is critical to keep your ISTS profile up to
date. Make sure to add donotreply@applyISTS.com to your “safe senders
list” to ensure important emails are not sent to your spam or junk folder.
To accept the scholarship, recipients must complete the information
required by ISTS. By electronically signing the Acceptance Form the
recipient acknowledges the program’s requirements and confirms his or
her acceptance of the scholarship. Acceptance must be completed by the
deadline stated on the winner notification. All questions should be
directed to ISTS at contactus@applyists.com or 1-855-670-ISTS.
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TERMS OF ACCEPTING & MAINTAINING
THE SCHOLARSHIP
Recipients who accept the award must meet the following terms to remain
in the H-E-B Scholarship program and be eligible for renewal.
NOTE: Recipients may transfer from one institution to another and retain the
award.
H-E-B Scholarship Terms
School
Types
Any accredited two- or four-year college/university in
the United States.
•
Enroll as a part-time or full-time student in the Fall
of the year in which the scholarship is awarded.
•
Carry at least two courses every semester,
trimester, or quarter (graduate and summer students
may carry one course).
•
Pursue an associates, bachelors, masters, or
doctorate degree relevant to a career with H-E-B.
Enrollment
Academics
Meet all academic guidelines and maintain a
cumulative 2.50 GPA.
•
Limit &
Renewal
Renewable for up to 3 years from initial award year
or until degree is received, whichever comes first.
•
Recipient must renew their initial award by the
deadline.
Work
Performance
Maintain a minimum work performance rating of 30
or meets expectations.
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AWARD & PAYMENT PROCESS
AWARD AMOUNT
H-E-B Scholarship Award Information
Amount
Up to $2,000 per Fall and Spring semesters with a
$4,000 academic year maximum.
Coverage
Tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required
for course load (not covered by other financial aid).
PAYMENT PROCESS
To receive payment of the scholarship, recipients must accept and renew
their initial award by the deadline annually when notified electronically by
ISTS. Scholarship payments will not be made unless the recipient
completes this step. Reference the renewal section of the handbook for
more information about this process.
Fall semester checks are mailed in August and Spring checks in
December. Checks are mailed to the recipient’s home address and made
payable to the college or university the recipient indicated online. To
view and update this information, visit the ISTS Profile tab at
https://aim.applyists.net. The scholarship recipient is responsible for
delivering the check to the proper department at his or her college or
university. Recipients should notify ISTS if their check does not arrive
within 30 days of the communicated issuance date.
.
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CONDITIONS OF SCHOLARSHIP
REPAYMENT OBLIGATION
Recipients of any H-E-B Scholarship who do not remain in the program
or do not complete the applicable courses for which the scholarship is
obtained, or who separate from employment for any reason, will be
required to repay H-E-B the full tuition amount.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
A recipient on academic probation is given one S pring or Fall semester,
trimester, or quarter to bring up his or her grades. If the recipient fails to
raise his or her cumulative GPA to a 2.50 or higher, the recipient will be
disqualified from the H-E-B Scholarship. Once cumulative GPA returns to
2.50 or higher, the recipient may reapply for the H-E-B Scholarship.
Anyone who is disqualified from the program may reapply the following year.
CHANGE OF MAJOR
If a recipient plans to change his or her major, the recipient must
explain why the change is occurring and how this change will still
support the Partner in a career at H-E-B. This should be done in the
appropriate drop-down box on the renewal form. If the recipient’s
change to his or her major is not supportive of a career at H-E-B, as
determined by H-E-B, then the recipient shall forfeit their scholarship
award.
CONDITIONS FOR TRANSFER
If a recipient plans to transfer to another school, new school information
must be updated on the recipient’s ISTS profile tab at
https://aim.applyists.net before checks are mailed.
Note: If a reissue of a check is needed after mailing, there is a $25 reissue fee. The
newly selected school must also be an accredited institution for the scholarship to
continue.
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INTERRUPTION OF STUDIES
Recipients are allowed to waive their scholarship for one semester,
trimester, or quarter. The following situations constitute a waiver:
• Recipient is enrolled in only one course during the semester,
trimester, or quarter. (Graduate students and summer sessions are
exceptions to this.)
• Recipient is enrolled in two courses and drops one.
• Recipient is not enrolled in any course.
NOTE: Recipients are not required to attend summer school.
If a recipient waives more than one semester, trimester, or quarter, he or
she will have to forfeit the s cholarship and reapply in the next application
period.
If the recipient has already waived the scholarship and his or her
studies are interrupted or delayed due to illness, accident or other
extenuating circumstances, the recipient must notify ISTS immediately.
Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis; however, there is no
guarantee that the scholarship will be renewed.
If the recipient plans to waive the scholarship for one semester, trimester,
or quarter, it is his or her responsibility to notify ISTS.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
H-E-B will monitor the employment history of all recipients. Scholarship
recipients who have a lapse in employment for any reason other than an
approved leave of absence will automatically forfeit their scholarship
award.
It is the responsibility of the recipient to make sure that his or her
leave of absence is reported properly by management. Any unusual
situations (co-op, work/study, etc.) should be reported to ISTS to avoid
confusion.
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In addition, the recipient must be employed for the entire semester,
trimester, or quarter to receive the scholarship. H-E-B Scholarship
recipients who terminate their employment prior to the end of the
semester will be expected to reimburse H-E-B.
SUMMER SCHOOL
H-E-B will issue payments for the Fall and Spring semesters only. No
payments will be issued for summer school; however, any leftover funds
from Fall or Spring can be used for summer school but cannot be used
for the new academic year.
REAPPLICATION
Recipients must reapply for the scholarship if:
• They have held their current scholarship for the maximum number of
years and will require more time to finish the bachelors or masters
degree.
• They will complete their bachelors or masters during the current
academic year and plan to pursue a higher degree.
Note: Current recipients should reapply during the regular application period
for the upcoming academic year.
.
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RENEWALS
SCHOLARSHIP RENEWALS
Scholarship recipients will receive email instructions each January from
ISTS on how to renew their scholarship eligibility. Beginning of each year
you will be required to fill out an online renewal application for the
upcoming academic year.
RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Keep your ISTS profile information current.
• Complete the renewal application by the deadline.
• Contact ISTS at contactus@applyists.com or 1-855-670-ISTS before
the deadline if you don’t receive the renewal email.
H-E-B Scholarships can be renewed for up to 3 years or until a degree is
received, whichever comes first.
To renew his or her scholarship, a recipient must meet the H-E-B
Scholarship Terms and also:
• Follow the instructions given by ISTS.
• Meet all academic guidelines for his or her particular scholarship.
• Continue to attend an accredited college or university.
• Submit all other required documents in a timely manner.
If a recipient does not renew before the deadline, as communicated from
ISTS, they will lose their scholarship and will need to reapply the
following year.
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UPDATING INFORMATION
If you have a change of permanent address, phone number, email
address or college/university choice during the year, please update that
information on your ISTS Profile tab at https://aim.applyists.net.
Additionally, work with your Store Admin or Department Admin to get
this updated in PeopleSoft.
NOTE: Any updates should be made at least 30 days prior to the check issue date. If
your check needs to be reissued for any reason, a reissue fee will apply.
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NOTIFICATIONS
NOTIFICATIONS
You will receive notifications from two possible ISTS email addresses:
donotreply@applyISTS.com and heb@applyISTS.com. You should add
both email addresses to your “safe senders list” to ensure important emails
are not sent to your spam or junk folder. ISTS office hours are Monday
through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central.
The type of notifications will vary depending on the scholarship (new or
renewal) program timeline.
• Deadline Reminders: Deadline reminder emails are typically sent two
weeks and one week prior to the application deadline.
• Selection Results: Selection results notifications are sent to all
applicants with “complete” status applications.
• Renewal Instructions: If awarded, you will be sent a notification when
it is time to renew your award for the next academic year.
• Funds Disbursed: Once your funds have been issued, you will be
notified.
• Other Scholarships: Occasionally, if you meet the requirements for
another scholarship administered by ISTS, you will be notified. These
notifications are not guaranteed.
NOTES:
•
Your information is never sold to any third party for marketing purposes.
•
While you can opt out of notifications, this is not advised. If you opt out of
notifications, you will not receive deadline reminders, selection results, or
renewal instructions.
•
For more helpful information about scholarships and answers to common
inquiries related to ISTS’ technology and processes, visit their Self-Help
Portal at ISTSprogramsupport.com.
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H-E-B Plus! SCHOLARSHIP
2018-2023 RECIPIENTS
TERMS OF MAINTAINING THE SCHOLARSHIP &
AWARD AMOUNT
Recipients who have received the award must continue to meet the
requirements in this handbook and the specific terms outlined below to
remain in the H-E-B Plus! Scholarship program and be eligible for renewal.
Note: Recipients may transfer from one institution to another and retain the award.
2018-2023 H-E-B Plus! Scholarship
School
Types
Any accredited two- or four-year college/university in
the United States.
•
Carry at least two courses every semester,
trimester, or quarter (graduate and summer students
may carry one course).
•
Pursue an associates, bachelors, masters, or
doctorate degree relevant to a career with H-E-B.
Enrollment
Academics
Meet all academic guidelines and maintain a
cumulative 2.75 GPA for all program requirements
(e.g., Academic Probation).
•
Limit &
Renewal
Renewable for up to 5 years from initial award year
or until degree is received, whichever comes first.
•
Recipient must renew their initial award by the
deadline.
Work
Performance
Maintain a minimum work performance rating of 30
or meets expectations.
Award
Amount
Up to $2,625 per Fall and Spring semesters with a
$5,250 academic year maximum.
Coverage
Tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment
required for course load (not covered by other financial aid).
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What should I include in the online application for the written essay?
A: The essay should be a minimum of 300 words and give a complete
picture of you as an applicant.
•
Share your current responsibilities and long-term goals with H-E-B.
•
Describe how your own commitment for personal growth and
innovation supports H-E-B’s values and Bold Promise.
•
Share how you will apply your education and work experience, so
it aligns with H-E-B’s commitment to growth.
Q: If I am getting my associate's degree this year, do I have to reapply to
pursue a bachelor's degree?
A: Your scholarship is renewable up to three years or until you receive
your bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. If you are completing
your associate's degree, you do not need to reapply unless you have
already been on scholar- ship for four years.
Q: If I am getting my bachelor’s degree this year, do I have to reapply to
pursue a masters/doctorate degree?
A: Your scholarship is renewable for up to three years or until you
receive your bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. If you have
completed this, you will have to reapply to receive a scholarship for
advanced degrees.
Q: I was selected for the H-E-B Scholarship, but I was not accepted into
the school to which I applied. Can my award be postponed?
A: If you are not planning to attend the school in the Fall of the year you
receive your award, you must notify ISTS of your college plans.
Recipients are allowed to waive one semester, trimester, or quarter.
For more information, review the Interruption of Studies section in
this handbook.
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Q: What if I change my major?
A: If a recipient plans to change his or her major, the recipient must
explain why the change is occurring and how this change will still
support the Partner in a career at H-E-B. This should be done in the
appropriate drop-down box on the renewal form.
Q: What if I don’t receive the renewal email?
A: It is the recipient’s responsibility to contact ISTS at
contactus@applyists.com or 1-855-670-ISTS if they don’t receive the
renewal email in February. The recipient should also make sure their
profile information is current.
Q: I am a current recipient of a H-E-B Scholarship. Can I apply
for a second one?
A: Recipients are eligible for only one active H-E-B Scholarship at a time.
Q: Can I apply for a scholarship while I’m still in high school?
A: Partners must be planning to enroll in an accredited college or
university in the Fall of the scholarship application year.
Q: Are scholarships taxable?
A: Tax laws vary by country. In the United States, scholarship funds used
exclusively for the payment of tuition and textbooks are normally not
taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that
may be assessed against his or her scholarship award. We recommend
consulting your tax adviser for more guidance. You may also consult
IRS Publication 970 for additional information.
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