Navigating the Hathaway Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide to Wyoming's Educational Opportunity

The State of Wyoming has established a generous scholarship program in the name of former Wyoming Governor Stan Hathaway that provides an incentive for Wyoming students to prepare for and pursue post-secondary education within the State of Wyoming. Every Wyoming middle and high school student is automatically eligible for the Hathaway Scholarship. By maintaining a certain GPA, test scores, and class requirements throughout high school, students have the opportunity to graduate with the Hathaway Scholarship. This article delves into the intricacies of the Hathaway Scholarship, outlining eligibility criteria, maintenance requirements, and other crucial aspects to help Wyoming students maximize this valuable opportunity.

Understanding the Hathaway Scholarship

The Hathaway Scholarship was established to help Wyoming’s students prepare for and pursue their post-secondary education in the state. The scholarship has its roots in Governor Stanley Hathaway’s 1974 decision to create the state of Wyoming Permanent Mineral Trust Fund. The fund’s income would support state government operations - including higher education in Wyoming. In 2005, state lawmakers created a scholarship fund with a $400 million permanent endowment, whose income funds scholarships for qualified Wyoming high school graduates to attend the University of Wyoming or any of the state’s seven community colleges.

Initial Eligibility Requirements

Different initial eligibility requirements exist for high school graduates, home school graduates, and HSEC graduates. To qualify for the Hathaway Scholarship, you must be considered a resident of Wyoming according to the Northern Wyoming Community College Districts residency policy which requires the student graduated from a Wyoming high school and/or a student’s parents live in Wyoming. Note: Based on Wyoming Hathaway Legislation, eligible students must submit standardized test scores for consideration for the Hathaway Scholarship.

Academic Performance Tiers

The Hathaway Scholarship program has multiple performance tiers, each with its own set of academic requirements:

Honors Level: Honors level students must graduate high school with a weighted GPA of 3.50, score an ACT composite of at least 25, and complete the required success curriculum.
Performance Level: Performance level students must graduate high school with a weighted GPA of 3.00, score an ACT composite of at least 21, and complete the required success curriculum.
Opportunity Level: Opportunity level students must graduate high school with a weighted GPA of 2.50, score an ACT composite of at least 19, and complete the required success curriculum.
Provisional Opportunity Level: Provisional Opportunity level students must graduate high school with a weighted GPA of 2.50, score an ACT composite of at least 17, and complete the required success curriculum.

At this time your SAT score can be converted to an ACT equivalent for consideration. Yes, a student can provide an ACT super score for Hathaway eligibility. The student must provide their scores directly from their ACT account reflecting the ACT calculated super score. The student will need to pay; screenshots are not accepted.

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Maintaining Eligibility in College

Remaining eligible for the Hathaway Scholarship requires continuous effort and adherence to specific academic standards. Students must maintain a specific cumulative GPA, complete the credits they attempt, and remain enrolled every fall and spring semester once they begin receiving the scholarship.

GPA Requirements

Honors & Performance Level: Once in college, Honors level students must maintain a Hathaway GPA of 2.50 (this is calculated using all courses once the Hathaway Scholarship is initiated), complete all credits in which they are paid each semester, and maintain continuous enrollment each fall and spring semester at a WY school.
Opportunity Level: Once in college, Performance level students must maintain a Hathaway GPA of 2.50 (this is calculated using all courses once the Hathaway Scholarship is initiated), complete all credits in which they are paid each semester, and maintain continuous enrollment each fall and spring semester at a Wyoming school.
Provisional Opportunity Level: Once in college, Provisional Opportunity level students must maintain a Hathaway GPA of 2.25 (this is calculated using all courses once the Hathaway Scholarship is initiated), complete all credits in which they are paid each semester, and maintain continuous enrollment each fall and spring semester at a Wyoming school.

Usage and Duration of the Scholarship

The Hathaway Scholarship is typically awarded for the full year. Students have 6 years from the semester they begin using the Hathaway Scholarship to use all 8 full time semesters (96 credits or 12 credits per semester). Students must meet the continuous enrollment requirement in order to remain eligible. 4 full time semesters (48 credits) are intended for use at a Wyoming community college and 4 full time semesters (48 credits) are intended for use at the University of Wyoming. Any credits you use during a summer semester count towards the 48 total available credits at a WY community college.

Continuous Enrollment

Students are required to enroll in at least 1 credit each fall and spring semester once they begin receiving the Hathaway Scholarship. An example: a student begins using the Hathaway Scholarship in fall of 2020 but decides to transfer outside of Wyoming or sit out for the spring 2021 semester. They will be required to attend the fall semester of 2021 at the same number of credits they were enrolled during fall of 2020 before the Hathaway Scholarship can be reinstated. If a student begins using the Hathaway Scholarship in the summer of 2020 but decides to transfer outside of Wyoming or sit out for any length of time, they will be required to attend a fall or spring semester at the same number of credits they were enrolled during the summer of 2020 before the Hathaway Scholarship can be reinstated.

Exceptions to the Time Limit

Exceptions for the 6 year clock may be made for documented military service or religious sojourns. Military service is documented by providing a DD-214. Religious sojourns should have a call letter from the church and a release certificate after the mission is complete. Other restrictions apply.

Application Process and Deadlines

As of March 19, 2018, students must apply for the Hathaway Scholarship within 48 months (4 years) of their high school class’ natural graduation date. Students must begin using the scholarship within 52 months. For example, a student graduates on May 29, 2022. Students who previously attended a Wyoming high school and earn a high school equivalency certificate [HSEC] (i.e. GED, HiSET) must apply for the Hathaway Scholarship within 48 months of their natural high school graduation date. A student must apply for the Hathaway Scholarship within 48 months of their high school graduation date. However, exceptions may be made for documented military service or religious sojourns.

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Remember, all documentation must be received in the financial aid office by the first day of the semester a student wishes to begin receiving the Hathaway Scholarship. Students must submit a final, official high school transcript (showing graduation date), ACT scores, and a Hathaway Scholarship application (either paper or electronic) by the first day of the semester; regardless of fall, spring, or summer.

Transferring the Hathaway Scholarship

Students may transfer their Hathaway at any time between semesters during the eligibility window. Provisional Opportunity students must earn a degree before transferring the scholarship to the University. The student’s eligibility status, including GPA, hours completed, and payment received, will be included on the Hathaway transfer transcript. Funding can only be received from one institution. A consortium agreement is required for dually enrolled students.

Transferring Within Wyoming Colleges

Transferring to another Wyoming College? Use this button to send a transfer request to the Financial Aid Office. Financial Aid Office will prepare a Hathaway transcript and send it electronically to the Wyoming College you select. Please notify the Hathaway Coordinator at both schools to transfer the scholarship. A Hathaway transfer transcript is required to transfer the scholarship.

Regaining Eligibility

Did you lose the Hathaway Scholarship? Use this button to submit a request to the Financial Aid Office to review your eligibility. Please submit a regain eligibility request to see if you are eligible to regain the Hathaway Scholarship. Students must maintain a specific cumulative GPA, complete the credits they attempt, and remain enrolled every fall and spring semester once they begin receiving the scholarship. Please visit HSP Eligibility Matrix to see what you need to do in order to regain the Scholarship.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are available. The Sheridan College Foundation handles over 170 scholarships with a wide variety of qualifications, including but not limited to: art, construction, dental hygiene, nursing, machine tooling, veterans and more.

The Path-Away Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Path-away Scholarship Fund is to support graduating high school seniors of any Albany County high school who wish to further their education at either an accredited four-year state college/university or other accredited four year private/nonprofit college outside the state of Wyoming. The Selection Advisory Committee gives first preference to students who have qualified for the highest level of Wyoming’s Hathaway Scholarship but who wish to attend school out of state.

Addressing Social Topics

There are many relevant social topics - guns, public safety, #MeToo, race & equity, environmental concerns to name a few - that will shape our community, state, and nation. Choose one that you find so engaging that it makes you want to learn more and take action. Why does it motivate you?

Financial Aid and Other Resources

A FAFSA is not required to determine your Hathaway Scholarship eligibility. The Hathaway Scholarship is awarded each semester based on enrollment in 12 credits. Veteran Services at Sheridan College offers a number of resources to military veterans. Student Loans is another option for federal and private aid.

Hathaway Scholarship for Summer Semesters

The Hathaway Scholarship may be available for summer semesters. Use this button to send a request to the NWCCD Financial Aid Office. Sheridan College requires a Hathaway Scholarship application. Paper applications are also available from the financial aid office.

Contact Information

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the Hathaway Scholarship.

Address: 1472 N. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00-5:00

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