Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 51.98
Liaison Amber Saxton
Submission Date Aug. 9, 2011
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.0

George Mason University
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 3.00 Margaret Lo
University Sustainability Director
Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have policies and programs in place to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s participation in federal TRIO programs:

TRIO is not offered at George Mason University.


A brief description of the institution’s policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students?:

The Early Identified Program (EIP) is an innovative, multi-year college preparatory program for high school students. Program activities are free and are held on the Fairfax and Prince William Campuses of George Mason University (Mason). Admission to Mason is guaranteed to those who successfully complete both the EIP program and an academic program in high school.

Each year Mason and EIP offer participants the opportunity to apply and interview for four-year, full-tuition scholarships and other smaller awards. Currently to be considered for a scholarship, an EIP student must be receiving a high school diploma with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 and apply for Federal Financial Aid. A student’s participation in EIP and academic performance will dictate their ability to apply for any of the scholarships offered through the scholarship process. Once students are identified as being eligible for the scholarship, they will submit an application and be interviewed by a committee comprised of individuals from Mason and other EIP stakeholders.

The four-year, full-tuition scholarship covers the cost of in-state tuition only, and does not cover room and board, meals, books, or lab or other fees. The EIP actively pursues support for other scholarships from private sponsors and donors, but cannot guarantee the number of scholarships offered in a given year.

Mason also has a financial aid workshop in the winter to help seniors in the process of applying for aid via the FAFSA.


A brief description of the institution’s programs to equip the institution's faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:

George Mason University does not sponsor such programs.


A brief description of the institution’s programs to prepare students from low-income backgrounds for higher education:

The Early Identified Program (EIP) is an innovative, multi-year college preparatory program for high school students. Program activities are free and are held on the Fairfax and Prince William Campuses of George Mason University. Admission to George Mason University is guaranteed to those who successfully complete both the EIP program and an academic program in high school. Financial aid is available to program participants who apply to George Mason University and show need.


A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:

The Association for Legal Professionals Scholarship (VALS) -Scholarship will be awarded to a student based on need, ambition and merit for the purpose of furthering his/her education in the legal field.

The Bailey Family Foundation-College Scholarship Program - Applicants for the Bailey Family Foundation College Program Scholarship must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and be registered at a participating college or university. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be U.S. citizens pursuing their undergraduate degree.

Infinite Acts of Kindness (IAK) Scholarship – Infinite Acts of Kindness (IAK) is a nonprofit organization that enhances the personal and professional development of low income single mothers. Applicant must be a single mother currently residing in the United States; a single mother who has earned a high school diploma or GED; enrolled or planning to enroll in a full- or part-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school; enrolled and attending the full 2011-2012 academic school year; and in good standing.


A brief description of the institution’s programs to guide parents of low-income students through the higher education experience:

George Mason University does not offer programs specifically for parents of low-income students.


A brief description of the institution’s targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:

Mason College Dream Tour Day: The program targets disadvantaged youth who would otherwise not likely be considering going to college and exposes them to college life. The program targets youth between age 11 and 15, who still have the opportunity to improve their grades and get ready for college.


A brief description of the institution’s other admissions policies and programs:

N/A


A brief description of the institution’s other financial aid polices or programs:

N/A


A brief description of the institution’s other policies and programs not covered above:

N/A


The website URL where information about programs in each of the areas listed above is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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