NOTE: Much of the information provided below is outdated. Funding for this program has been eliminated.
On April 18, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) informed the California Department of Education (CDE) and California Student Aid Commission (Commission) that funding for the federal Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program (Byrd Program) will not be available for the 2011–12 academic year. On May 3, 2011, the USDOE directed the Commission to notify schools and new applicants of the elimination of 2011–12 Byrd Program funding. As a result, the Commission will not process new awards for the 2011–12 academic year.
The CDE and the Commission are waiting for guidance from the USDOE on how to proceed with students who are current recipients of the Byrd Program. Once the information is received, the Commission will notify students of their status. The Commission will also communicate with schools concerning the status of these students.
If you have questions regarding this information, please contact Patrick Foley, Analyst, California Student Aid Commission, by phone at 916-464-2590 or by e-mail at specialized@csac.ca.gov. Please include "Byrd" in the subject line.
Purpose
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is a federally funded, State-administered program to recognize exceptionally able high school seniors who show promise of continued excellence in postsecondary education. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who apply for a period of not less than one or more than four years during the first four years of study at any institution of higher education eligible to participate in the program.
Program/Services
The program is administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) through an Inter Agency Agreement with The California Department of Education (CDE). During the 2010–11 academic year scholarship recipients will receive up to $1,500. The scholarships may be renewed up to four years for enrollment in any postsecondary institution.
Eligible high school students currently enrolled in a California high school must apply through their designated high school counselor. Each California public or private secondary education institution may nominate up to two (2) applicants. High schools must submit completed application materials for each nominee to the CSAC.
To meet eligibility requirements for 2010–11, federal law requires that an applicant must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- Be a legal resident of California.
- Graduate from a public or private secondary school between 7-1-2010 and 6-30-2011 or receive the equivalent of a certificate of graduation as recognized by the California Department of Education between 7-1-2010 and 4-1-2011.
- Enroll in and attend a U.S. postsecondary public or private institution on a full-time basis during the fall term of the 2010–11 academic year.
- Be considered a freshman beginning in the fall term of the 2010–11 academic year.
- Have registered with the Selective Service System, unless the postsecondary institution certifies that the applicant is not required to register with Selective Service.
- Submit a Certification Form ED 80-0016, attesting to the fact that they are not delinquent or in default on a federal grant or educational loan with the application.
Funding
This scholarship is entirely supported by federal funds and, as such, is subject to availability of federal funds each year. If additional funds become available, new awards will be made from the next ranked eligible applicants until all funds are expended. The award amount for 2010–11 is $5,181,000.
Students Served
During the 2009–10 academic year, scholarships were awarded to 3,358 students.
Results
Grants awarded and proposed
| 2006–07 | 2007–08 | 2008–09 | 2009–10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarships | 3,418 |
3,494 |
3,378 |
3,358 |
| Amount | $5,127,000 |
$5,241,000 |
$5,067,000 |
$5,037,000 |
