Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why did Harney County Dollars for Scholars become Harney County Supporting our Students? Harney County Dollars for scholars was affiliated with a national organization called Scholarship America. The application process that students were required to use because of this affiliation was very cumbersome. Additionally, fees were required every year. The Board determined that forming our own nonprofit corporation would allow more flexibility and simplicity in the processes for students and the board.
  2. I'm not sure I will be going to college. Should I apply? YES, DEFINITELY. We will make an award for everyone who applies. You can choose to accept or not accept the award. Our awards are good for 18 months so you may take your first year off and decide to go the next year and can then accept your award up to 18 months after graduation from high school. Life throws changes your way and you never know how you will feel about going into a program a year from now. PLEASE APPLY AND GIVE YOURSELF OPPORTUNITIES IN CASE YOU NEED THEM LATER.
  3. I am not going to a traditional college. Should I apply? YES, DEFINITELY. We will make an award for everyone who applies. We have made awards in the past to students going to cosmetology school, art institutes, lineman school, welding schools, culinary school and many other non-traditional programs.
  4. I am going on a mission. Should I apply? YES, DEFINITELY. We will make an award for everyone who applies. Please notify us of your intent to go on a mission and we will hold the award for you. You will be notified of the award now and can turn in documents to accept the award upon completion of your mission even if it goes beyond our normal 18 month allowance to accept.
  5. Which awards does my application match and how do I know? Your application will match you to all awards on the scholarships tab shown on our website.
  6. What guidelines can you give me for the statement "What are your specific educational plans and career goals and why"? This is an important part of the application. This question enables the board to make awards that closely match applicants to awards based on donor criteria. It is important that donors understand that we are striving to meet their goals for the awards they are funding. Be specific and concise but don't leave anything out. The answer to this questions should be more than one sentence.
  7. When and how will I be notified if I received an award? High school awards will be announced at graduation ceremonies. You will receive an email notification in late June or July with specific instructions on how to accept your award. Please follow these instructions. These awards are sent to colleges and trade schools in August or September based on student start date. Award notification for college student applications should be received within 30 days after the closing date of the award. These awards are usually sent to the college in December or early January.
  8. What do I do if I need help? School counselors are members of our board and should be able to help you through the application process. They have been instrumental in the development of the application. You may also contact the email addresses on our website for any questions you have about any part of the process.
  9. I am already in college. When can I apply for an award? You can complete this application at any time, however, it is best to wait until you have completed your most recent year in college and complete the application during the summer. Information about this application process will be posted to our website.
  10. Why didn't I get one of the awards from Harney County Supporting our Students? Our goal is to make sure that every student gets some kind of financial assistance to meet their goals for their specific career choices. We make awards to students who are not getting any other local award or scholarship. If you received a scholarship from another local organization, you may not get an award from HCSOS. Unfortunately, we do not have sufficient funds to give every student and award. We hope to be able to meet this goal some day.
  11. How do I send a thank you? This is an important step for award recipients. Your award letter will have information on where to send a "thank you". This is important to donors and their families and provides for future funding opportunities for HCSOS.