Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program

The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), a state-affiliated organization responsible for delivering financial aid services and workforce development initiatives across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2024, the program was created in response to a growing workforce shortage in key industries throughout the state. Its primary purpose is to incentivize Pennsylvania residents to pursue higher education in fields that lead to in-demand occupations and to retain that talent within the state after graduation. The program provides financial assistance to eligible students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees at approved Pennsylvania institutions. The scope of funding is focused on supporting educational pathways that align with workforce needs identified by PHEAA. Eligible fields include, but are not limited to, agriculture, business, education, computer science, STEM disciplines, nursing, allied health, and criminal justice. Programs of study are verified using Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes, ensuring that funded degrees directly correspond to occupations experiencing labor shortages in Pennsylvania. Funding is awarded as a grant of up to $5,000 per academic year, with a maximum duration of four years per student. While the funding is structured as a grant, it carries a conditional repayment requirement. Recipients must sign a Master Promissory Note agreeing to repay all funds received, including any accrued interest, if they fail to meet post-graduation obligations. These obligations include living and working in Pennsylvania in a qualifying in-demand occupation for a number of years equal to the number of years they received funding, up to a maximum of four years. Eligibility for the program is restricted to Pennsylvania residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and who are enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program at an approved in-state institution. Applicants must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and maintain satisfactory academic progress consistent with Title IV financial aid requirements. The program is therefore designed to integrate with existing federal aid systems while targeting state-specific workforce outcomes. The application process requires submission of the Grow PA Grant Application through the PHEAA Account Access portal. Applicants must sign in, upload the completed application under the designated program category, and ensure that all required components are properly completed and signed to avoid delays or denial. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis once deemed complete, and awards are distributed accordingly. There is no indication of a separate pre-application phase such as a letter of intent. For the 2026-27 academic year, applications are currently open and will be accepted until January 7, 2027. Following submission, applications move through a defined process including provisional eligibility review, school listing, certification, and eventual disbursement. While exact award notification timelines are not specified, applicants are advised that awards will be made in the months following submission as applications are processed. The program operates on an annual cycle aligned with the academic year, with new application periods opening for each upcoming school year. Although future cycles are implied, specific opening dates beyond the current cycle are not provided. Applicants and interested institutions are encouraged to monitor PHEAA communications and resources, including program guides and FAQs, for updates and additional guidance. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the official program email at GrowPA@pheaa.org.

Ensure full completion and correct signature; incomplete applications will not be processed.