Herb Kohl

Educational Foundation, Inc

FAQ

WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF THE SCHOLARSHIP?

The Excellence Scholarship is a $10,000 award that is paid directly to the recipient's chosen institution of higher education. One hundred scholarships are awarded annually. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Any graduating high school student who intends to enroll in a two-year or four-year college or university. Students who are Wisconsin, USA residents, attend a Wisconsin high school, are in good standing, and demonstrate probable success in postsecondary education are eligible for consideration. They are evaluated on leadership, citizenship, school and community involvement, academic achievement, future educational goals, personal life goals, community/society service goals, and career goals. This is a competitive scholarship. Candidates are not evaluated on financial need. 

HOW CAN I APPLY?

The application window opens each year in August. Submit your application online from the website. 

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

The deadline for submitting a completed application is found in the important information section of the website.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?

A regional committee reviews applications. The regional committees compile 200 finalists from among all applications submitted statewide. The finalist applications are reviewed and scored by a statewide selection committee in late January, and the highest scoring 100 applicants receive an Excellence Scholarship.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE BEEN CHOSEN TO RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP?

The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation notifies all winners in March.

MUST THE SCHOLARSHIP BE USED ONLY AT WISCONSIN COLLEGES?

The scholarship may be used at any two- or four-year postsecondary institution and is not limited to Wisconsin.

MUST I ENROLL AS A FULL-TIME COLLEGE STUDENT IN ORDER TO USE THE SCHOLARSHIP?

You may be a part-time or full-time student.

DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP EXPIRE IF IT IS NOT USED RIGHT AFTER I GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?

You may defer the use of your scholarship, but you must first apply to the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation in order to postpone. Herb Kohl Foundation considers each deferment request independently according to the circumstances of that request. You may only defer your scholarship once, and you must use your scholarship within four years from the date the scholarship was first awarded.

Students seeking deferment must provide a personal statement, which should be no longer than one page in length, explaining the circumstances of the request. Please include the date on which the student anticipates being able to resume the scholarship.

Examples of situations that may lead to deferment include but are not limited to:

  • Medical or physical illness, injury, or disability
  • Extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control
  • Involuntary U.S. military service
  • Internships related to major or future career goals and circumstances unique to college students, or study abroad.
  • Religious mission