Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
LEO Foundation, formerly GCU Scholarship Foundation, has created a successful outline of continuing education programs serving our Arizona youth since 2005. We are focused on providing financial support while investing in students facing monetary challenges to complete a college education.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
You will know if you are eligible to apply for a particular scholarship by reading the details on eligibility found on the LEO Foundation scholarship website page. For subject-specific scholarships, the program you are enrolling in will also affect your eligibility.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Visit our scholarship page. After reading the application instructions and reviewing the criteria for each scholarship, click on the link to apply for the scholarship for which you qualify. You may only submit one application.
Do I have to be admitted to a university to apply?
In most cases, foundation scholarships are only open to students who have already been accepted into a program at that particular university. Students/prospective students must have completed the university application process and be admitted to qualify for a scholarship award.
When is the deadline to submit scholarship applications?
The scholarship application process begins October 1 and ends March 31 the following year. To be considered for a scholarship, all applications must be submitted by midnight, March 31.
Can I save my application and complete later?
Yes. You can save your work and return to finish at a later date. Your application link will be emailed to the address you provide.
What different types of scholarships are there?
Please refer to our scholarship page to get information about all the LEO Foundation Scholarships offered.
Why do some scholarship opportunities have an award amount and others do not?
Most scholarship donors allow the Scholarship Committee to determine the scholarship amount based on funding. These scholarship amounts vary. When donors have specified an exact amount, the amount is noted. The scholarship amount is affected by available funding.
Can I be awarded more than one scholarship?
No. Please carefully review the scholarship details and qualifying criteria from the scholarship list and submit an application to the scholarship that best fits your direction and situation. Students are limited to one scholarship application submission.
When will I be notified of a decision?
You will be notified by email the third week in April whether or not you have been selected for a LEO Foundation Scholarship. There are many applicants to consider, and unfortunately, not all qualified students will be awarded.
What should I include in my scholarship essay?
The simple answer would be anything that makes you stand out. Anything relevant to your studies, that is! The majority of scholarship providers want to know why they should fund you rather than any other applicant, so use your essay as a chance to prove your worth – mention your academic achievements, your ambitions and your interests and how they relate to the program you are applying.
What are my chances of gaining a scholarship?
Scholarships are highly competitive. After all, there are many students worldwide trying to get funding for their studies. Although some scholarships depend on outstanding academic records “merit-based scholarships,” your chances of success are often determined by the quality of your application, and whether or not you are in financial need.
You can do several things to improve your chances of gaining a scholarship. When applying for scholarships, you should make sure to include all the documentation requested, and dedicate plenty of time to writing your application. In particular, it’s important to clearly communicate your motivations for studying and how gaining a scholarship will support your ambitions. Stay within the deadlines and, most importantly, show the scholarship providers you have the potential to do great things!
If I receive a scholarship for one year, will I automatically receive an award for the following year?
Not necessarily. If the opportunity description states that it is renewable, you will be awarded next year if you meet the renewal criteria. In most cases with the LEO Foundation Scholarships, you will need to complete a renewal application each year.
How is my scholarship awarded?
Scholarship funds in the awarded amount are sent directly to the school in the recipient’s name to be used toward tuition and fees. No scholarship funds will be paid or reimbursed directly to the scholarship recipient.