USA Scholarships
David A. Hicks Memorial Scholarship 2027 - $2,000
The David A. Hicks Memorial Scholarship helps Vermont students who fought through hardship or illness, or who still face real barriers to college, afford a full-time bachelor''s program. VSAC administers one award up to $2,000 for graduates of Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington or West Rutland High School. Selection weighs essay #1, a non-relative recommendation, and financial need on FAFSA. File the Unified Scholarship Application in MyVSAC with scholarship ID HICKS before February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 enrollment.
What is the David A. Hicks Memorial Scholarship?
This VSAC fund exists for alumni of Mount Anthony Union or West Rutland who want college to be possible even when life already tested them. Hardship, illness, and stubborn barriers to education after high school are not footnotes here. They belong in essay #1 because reviewers use your story alongside FAFSA need and a non-relative recommendation.
One award up to $2,000 will not cover tuition at most four-year schools, yet VSAC still sees roughly twenty applicants in a typical cycle chasing it. That ratio means clarity matters. Name the barrier, show how you responded, and tie the outcome to full-time bachelor''s study at a Title IV college.
Geography is strict on the high school side and flexible on the college side. You can study in Vermont or far from it as long as VSAC can verify your alumni status and enrollment. File FAFSA early, enter HICKS on the Unified Scholarship Application, and treat the February 11 deadline as final. VSAC will not review late or incomplete files.
Eligibility
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✓Graduate of listed Vermont high schoolsYou must have graduated from Mount Anthony Union High School or West Rutland High School. VSAC verifies school history on the Unified Scholarship Application.
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✓Hardship or barrier preferenceAll eligible alumni may apply, but VSAC gives preference to students who overcame hardship or illness, or who face significant barriers that limit access to education after high school.
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✓Bachelor's degree pursuitSeek a four-year bachelor's degree at an accredited college approved for federal Title IV funding such as Pell Grants or Direct Loans.
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✓Full-time enrollmentEnroll full time for the academic year you request aid, typically twelve or more credits per term at a semester school.
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✓Demonstrated financial needComplete the FAFSA so VSAC can evaluate need. Financial need is a primary selection factor alongside your essay and recommendation.
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✓Vermont residency through VSACMeet standard VSAC residency rules for assisted scholarships unless the booklet lists a different rule for this fund.
Benefits
- Maximum amount Up to $2,000 when endowment yield allows
- Number of awards One scholarship in typical cycles (~23 applicants)
- Selection factors Essay, recommendation, financial need
- College location Title IV U.S. or Canada schools per VSAC rules
- Renewal Not described as renewable
- Full tuition Not offered
Document checklist
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✓Unified Scholarship Application (USA)Complete the USA in MyVSAC and enter scholarship ID HICKS so reviewers route your file correctly.
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✓FAFSA for the aid yearFile the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for 2027-2028 and link results in MyVSAC.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Describe ways you overcame hardship or illness and barriers that limit your access to education after high school, following VSAC essay #1 prompts and word limits.
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✓Recommendation letter #1Submit one non-relative recommendation through MyVSAC from someone who knows your persistence and character.
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✓MyVSAC accountRegister or update secureacctaccess.vsac.org with accurate high school, residency, and enrollment data.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
Who is eligible for the David A. Hicks Memorial Scholarship?
Graduates of Mount Anthony Union High School or West Rutland High School who seek a full-time bachelor's degree, demonstrate financial need, and attend a Title IV college may apply through VSAC. Preference goes to students who overcame hardship or face barriers to postsecondary education.
How much is the David A. Hicks Memorial Scholarship?
VSAC lists one scholarship up to $2,000 when endowment earnings allow. Award size is not guaranteed every year.
What should I write in essay #1 for the Hicks scholarship?
Use essay #1 to explain hardship or illness you overcame and barriers that still limit your access to education after high school. Follow VSAC word limits in the booklet.
When is the David A. Hicks Memorial Scholarship deadline?
Submit the Unified Scholarship Application and required materials by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 funding.
What VSAC ID do I use for the Hicks Memorial scholarship?
Enter HICKS on the Unified Scholarship Application. The ID appears in the VSAC Scholarships and Forgivable Loans booklet above the Hicks description.
Does the Hicks scholarship require FAFSA?
Yes. FAFSA results are required because financial need is a primary selection factor alongside essay #1 and your recommendation.
Can I use the Hicks award at an out-of-state college?
Yes, if the school is an accredited Title IV eligible institution and you enroll full time in a bachelor's program. Residency rules focus on Vermont VSAC eligibility and your high school alumni status.
Where do I apply for the David A. Hicks Memorial Scholarship?
Apply through MyVSAC as part of the Unified Scholarship Application at secureacctaccess.vsac.org. Program details appear in the VSAC Scholarships Booklet.
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