The CES is a partnership between Milton Hershey School® and our graduates to help fund higher education pursuits for those who continue to demonstrate the desire and ability to succeed in their full-time post-secondary school studies. For the 2011-12 school year, the CES program plans to invest over 5 MILLION dollars in the higher education of our graduates. In this partnership, both the students and the School have responsibilities.

The students' ongoing responsibilities include: 

• Enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited  U.S. undergraduate in-classroom program;
• Live on-campus or commute from home during the first and second years of post-secondary school;
• Maintain a minimum 2.00 term and cumulative GPA;
• Successful completion of 12 new credits per term for your first and second years

OR

• Successful completion of 15 new credits per term for your third year of school and beyond;
• All credits taken must go toward your degree;
• Timely completion of FAFSA and other financial aid forms (no later than March 15 or your college/state's deadline – whichever comes first)**
• Submission of all CES forms and documents by July 15 or two weeks before college bill is due;
• Satisfactory conduct following MHS graduation (integrity, positive spirit, mutual respect). MHS reserves the right to potentially require graduates to undergo drug testing in cases where "reasonable cause" is deemed present by the Administration;
• Contact your College & Career Counselor via email, phone call, or visit at least once during the first nine (9) weeks of each term to discuss your progress and to report any updates;
• Completion of degree/certificate within five (5) years of activating CES funding;
• Five (5) years to activate CES funds.

Failure to meet one or more of your obligations as a partner in the CES program could result in probation, suspension, or termination from the program and all of its benefits. Eligible students may receive CES funding until: (1) they earn an undergraduate degree, (2) their CES funds are depleted, or (3) their five-year activation period is over — whichever comes first!

**IMPORTANT REMINDER:

The CES program will NOT replace any federal, state, or college grants or scholarships lost due to missed deadlines, incomplete verification, low GPAs, non-attendance, and other situations that are the responsibility of the student and his/her family. Students will need to pay for grants and scholarships lost for these reasons with their own earnings, savings, or via student/private loans.

"Stopping Out" for a Term:

Occasionally students may need to temporarily "stop out" for a term, or interrupt their progress towards a degree, for personal reasons, such as health conditions, family situations, or financial hardship. This is one of the reasons why CES benefits may extend as long as 5 years, rather than just 4 years.

Procedures:

1. Any request for "stopping out" for a term must be sent in writing to the Financial Aid Coordinator;
2. Schedule a meeting with your college officials so you withdraw according to your school’s procedures and do not lose any academic or financial aid standing
3. Notify the Financial Aid Coordinator two (2) months in advance of your intent to return to school;
4. If you have any remote intention to return to college, file your FAFSA no later than March 1st;
5. Military Personnel called to active duty will NOT lose ANY eligibility time for scholarship benefits as long as we are properly notified in advance of your departure.