Why is the program only open to U.S. Ford employees’ children and not employees’ children worldwide?
The program’s availability to U.S. employees is intended to ensure the program’s compliance with provisions of the United States Tax Code pertaining to taxability of awards and withholding.

Are there any residency requirements for program eligibility?
Yes. The program is only open to U.S. citizens.

How will the recipients be selected?
Recipients will be selected based upon their academic achievement, leadership and participation in school and community activities in their postsecondary study at accredited two-year or four-year colleges, universities, vocational or technical schools.

Are children of supplemental employees eligible?
No. The program is only available to dependent children of active full-time Ford U.S. hourly and salaried employees.

Are children of retirees eligible to participate?
No. The program is only open to children of active U.S. employees.

Can the award be put toward other educational related expenses such as books and supplies?
Yes. The scholarship award will pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies and required equipment. The award may not be used to offset costs for room or board.

How many scholarships will be awarded?
The number of scholarships awarded will be determined by the number and academic standing of applicants and the funds available (not to exceed 25% of the applicants). In 2020, 738 eligible sophomores applied to the William Clay Ford, Jr. Scholarship Program and 25% of the applicant pool was selected as recipients based on academic achievement, leadership and participation in school and community activities.

What will be the award amount?
Scholarships will be granted in the amount of $1,500 each.

Is this Scholarship a Ford Motor Company Benefit?
No. The program is not an employee benefit plan of the Ford Motor Company.

Can students classified as something other than an undergraduate sophomore for the 2021 fall term apply?
No. Applicants must be undergraduate students who will be classified as a sophomore for the 2021 term.

I am not sure if I will be classified as an undergraduate sophomore for the 2021 fall term. How do I find out?
Inquire what your 2021 fall term classification will be at the Registrar’s Office at your postsecondary institution.

When will applicants be notified if they were selected to receive an award or not?
Applicants will be notified of award decisions in mid-September.

If the employment of the Ford employee terminates AFTER July 31, 2021, is the applicant still eligible?
Yes. Applicants of employees who terminate employment or retire after July 31, 2021 are still eligible.

I previously applied for a William Clay Ford, Jr. Scholarship and I am still classified as an undergraduate sophomore. Can I reapply?
No. Students are given one year of opportunity to apply.

I am a high school senior with enough AP credits to classify me as an undergraduate sophomore for the 2021 fall term. Am I eligible?
Yes. However, you must provide confirmation from the postsecondary institution you plan to attend that your AP classes will be accepted. The AP courses that will be accepted must be clearly listed. An official high school transcript of grades must also be submitted.

Can high school seniors graduating in 2021, who are also enrolled in college (with sophomore classification), apply?
No. Applicants must have graduated high school prior to August 2021.

I will be entering my third year of college fall of 2021. I will still be classified a sophomore. Am I eligible?
Yes. Not all applicants will be in their second year of study, however students may only apply once.

Is the award taxable?
As a competitive scholarship program restricted to U.S. citizens, taxes will not be taken out at the time the award check is paid. Scholarship America recommends you notify your tax accountant of the award when preparing your 2021 taxes.

We have an MET (Michigan Educational Trust). Will our MET or this scholarship be impacted if my student is awarded a William Clay Ford, Jr. Scholarship?
Postsecondary institutions have their own policies regarding applying outside scholarships to student accounts. Please check with the postsecondary institution your student plans to attend fall of 2021 regarding their policies.