Hillsborough Community College Foundation

hccfoundation@hccfl.edu  • 39 Columbia Drive • Tampa, FL 33606 • (813) 253-7114

Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions

What are the due dates for applying for Foundation scholarships?

The Foundation has 2 awarding cycles:
• in the spring, with a due date of March 15 for scholarships beginning the following fall;
• in the fall, with a due date of October 15 for scholarships beginning the following spring.

When can I submit an application?

Applications may be submitted any time of the year; however, they must be re-submitted or updated each cycle.  We suggest keeping a copy of all documents submitted with your application.  You must also indicate the scholarship(s) for which you qualify and would like to be considered.  If you have submitted an application prior to the announcement of scholarship availability, you will need to submit this information to your counselor to add to your application.  Check the website for additions or changes to scholarship availability prior to the deadline to determine if there are new scholarships for which you qualify.

Where can I turn in my application?

Applications should be submitted to the campus scholarship coordinator.

How do I use my scholarship for tuition and books?

If your scholarship is a book scholarship, the HCC bookstore will be notified of your scholarship amount.  Tell the cashier at any HCC bookstore that you have a scholarship with the HCC Foundation and you will be allowed to purchase books up to you scholarship limit.

If your scholarship is for tuition or books, your scholarship agreement will include a request for you to specify the dollar amount needed for each.  The amount for tuition will be applied directly to your account.  To use the book amount, see the paragraph above.  Should your needs change later, contact the Foundation office to request a change in the application of your scholarship dollars between tuition and books.

What happens to my application if not selected?

Applications will be held and considered for new scholarships which may arise.  You should update your application with each cycle.  Check with your campus scholarship coordinator.

Can my scholarship be paid to me?

Most Foundation scholarships are not payable to the student and must be used for tuition or books and sometimes include academic supplies purchased from HCC bookstores.  If your scholarship indicates it can be used for other purposes, contact the Foundation office for instructions on how to access the funds.

Can my scholarship transfer to another college/university?

No. The HCC Foudation's mission is to support HCC and its students only.  HCC Foundation scholarships are not transferable to another institution.

What if I have other sources to pay my tuition and/or books?

Some students have Florida Bright Futures, or a Pell Grant.  Both of these sources of funding may be payable to the student.  Therefore, the scholarship will pay first.  Check with Financial Aid on refund policies for Bright Futures and Pell Grants.

What happens to my scholarship if I don’t use it within one year?

Your scholarship is valid for one academic year and the dates will be detailed on your scholarship agreement.  If you foresee not being able to use the full amount within the time period, you MUST contact the Foundation office by the deadline indicated on your agreement to make other arrangements or the scholarship will be void.