Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program

The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program was established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2024 to address workforce shortages in high-need occupations across the Commonwealth. Administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), the program supports Pennsylvania residents pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees in eligible fields that lead to in-demand careers. The overarching aim is to build a skilled workforce by providing financial assistance to students committed to remaining and working in the state after graduation. This grant is specifically designed for in-state students who demonstrate financial need and meet academic progress requirements for Title IV financial aid. Applicants must not already hold a bachelor's degree, must be enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying Pennsylvania institution, and must be pursuing a program of study that leads directly to an in-demand occupation. PHEAA maintains a detailed list of over 460 approved Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes to guide applicants in identifying qualifying academic paths across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, business, computer science, criminal justice, and STEM. The program awards up to $5,000 per academic year for a maximum of four years. To receive these funds, students must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN), committing to live and work in Pennsylvania in a qualifying occupation for the same number of years they receive the grant—up to four years. Failure to meet this obligation results in the grant converting into a loan, with repayment terms including interest and potential collection fees. However, deferments may be granted for continued education, military service, or health-related circumstances, with reinstatement options for recipients who later fulfill eligibility or service criteria. Applications for the 2026–27 academic year are now being accepted. Applicants must submit the official Grow PA Grant Application via PHEAA’s online Account Access portal. The application includes personal and educational information and requires a valid signature. Incomplete or improperly signed applications will not be processed. While the 2026–27 cycle is open, the 2025–26 cycle remains available through April 15, 2026, with awards distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Post-submission, applicants can track their progress through six defined stages: Application Submission, Processing, Selection and Eligibility Review, School Certification, Grant Award Notification, and Disbursement. Awarded students are responsible for ensuring accurate and current contact details with PHEAA to avoid delays in communication or processing. The program is recurring annually, with notifications and applications typically opening early each calendar year. The 2026–27 round reflects continued investment by the Commonwealth in strengthening critical workforce pipelines while making higher education more accessible and purpose-driven for Pennsylvania students.

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