Does every applicant receive a scholarship?

No. The Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program awards up to 250 scholarships per year in the US and Canada. The number of applicants each year generally outnumbers the number of scholarships that are awarded.

Does Foresters have any influence over how the scholarships are awarded?

No. To assure complete impartiality in the selection of winners and to maintain a high level of professionalism, the program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), a firm that specializes in managing scholarship programs. ISTS also oversees the process to select all scholarship winners.

How does the Selection Committee decide who wins a scholarship?

The Selection Committee is composed of international university and college representatives chosen by ISTS. They base their decisions on the following criteria:

• Community Service, Recommendation Letter and Essay: 65%
• Grades: 35%

Please note that geographic representation may also be a consideration.

Based on the number of people who apply each year, the competition for these scholarships can be high. The minimum requirements for community service hours, grades, references and the essay are items all students need in order to just be considered for a scholarship. Meeting or exceeding these requirements does NOT guarantee that you will be chosen as a winner. Please keep in mind that only the top 250 applicants from across North America, as chosen by the Selection Committee, can be selected as winners.

Decisions of the selection committees are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be given.

I submitted my application with more than 40 hours of community service in the last 2 years, along with grades higher than a GPA of 2.8 or 70%. Does this mean I should have a good chance of being selected as a Foresters Competitive Scholarship winner?

Not necessarily. The minimum requirements for community service hours, grades, references and the essay are items all students need in order to just be considered for a scholarship. Meeting or exceeding these requirements does not guarantee that you will be chosen as a winner. Please keep in mind that only the top 250 applicants from across North America, as chosen by the Selection Committee, can be selected as winners.

The competition for scholarships varies each year because the achievements of each annual pool of applicants also vary each year. Many of the applications that are submitted already exceed the minimum requirements. For instance, many applicants have contributed more than 40 hours of community service, but some of them have also held leadership positions in those activities. Unfortunately, given the fact that the number of applicants is generally greater than the number of available scholarships, not everyone who exceeds the minimum requirements can be selected as winners.

If I am not eligible for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship, are there other ways that Foresters can help me pay for my education?

Yes. Everyday Money is a toll-free and confidential phone-based financial helpline that connects you to an accredited counselor who can help answer your questions about your personal financial matters such as debt management and budgeting. Or, depending on your circumstances, you could be eligible for an Orphan Scholarship.

Visit MyForesters.com for more details.

Can I apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship if I am already part-way through my first degree/diploma?

Yes. You can apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship to help with any year of your first undergraduate degree or diploma. You should apply during the academic year (December 4 to February 28) to be eligible for a scholarship for the following year.

Can I apply for a scholarship under my legal guardian's membership?

Yes. As a child under the care of a legal guardian who is an eligible Foresters member, you can apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship.

Do I need to have a minimum contribution level on my Foresters certificate if I want to apply for a scholarship?

Yes. Your Foresters certificate must be in-force AND meet ONE of these criteria in order for you to be eligible for a scholarship: 

Are insured under:

• A certificate issued before November 1, 2000; or
• A fully paid-up in-force certificate; or
• An in-force certificate with a face value of at least $10,000; or
• An in-force annuity with either a minimum cash value of $10,000 or a minimum contribution of $1,000 paid in the previous 12 months; or
• A rider under any of the certificates listed above; or
• Have an in-force Foresters Social Fraternal Membership.

For the purpose of determining eligibility for the Competitive Scholarship Program, a "certificate" includes a policy or annuity issued by The Independent Order of Foresters, or a certificate, policy or annuity issued by Foresters Life Insurance Company on or after April 2, 2008, except that it does not include Foresters Life funeral annuity certificates or creditors' group insurance certificates.

Does my Foresters membership need to be in-force in order to be eligible for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship?

All applicants must maintain an in-force Foresters membership that meets the minimum contribution levels throughout the entire application process and for as long as they continue to receive the Foresters Competitive Scholarship. If you decide to apply, the certificate number that you will be asked to enter in your online account must meet these requirements at all times. Membership status is verified at different stages during the application process and from time to time throughout the year. 

If you think your Foresters certificate may expire soon, contact the Service Centre at 800 828 1540 right away. If you have made any changes to your certificate (e.g., address change, new term, switch to another Foresters certificate, etc.) check with the Service Centre to ensure that the status of your certificate is "in-force".

I am 24 now, but I will be turning 25 by the time winners are selected and notified. Am I still eligible to apply?

No. You must be 24 years of age or younger at the time of application through to the time of payment.

I completed over 40 hours of community service when I was in grades 9 and 10. Can I use this service to be eligible for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship?

No, your community service hours must be obtained in the 24 months leading up to the application deadline. You can contact your school guidance department, Connect America, Volunteer Canada or www.foresters.com to find out where you can volunteer to earn 40 hours of community service before the next application deadline.

I did more than 40 hours of community service in the last 2 years and achieved grades higher than a GPA of 2.8 or 70%. Does this mean I should have a good chance of being selected as a Foresters Competitive Scholarship winner?

Not necessarily. The minimum requirements for community service hours, grades, references and the essay are items all students need in order to just be considered for a scholarship. Meeting or exceeding these requirements does not guarantee that you will be chosen as a winner. Please keep in mind that only the top 250 applicants from across North America, as chosen by the Selection Committee, can be selected as winners.

The competition for scholarships varies each year because the achievements of each annual pool of applicants also vary each year. Many of the applications that are submitted already exceed the minimum requirements. For instance, many applicants have contributed more than 40 hours of community service, but some of them have also held leadership positions in those activities. Unfortunately, given the fact that the number of applicants is generally greater than the number of available scholarships, not everyone who exceeds the minimum requirements can be selected as winners.

I'm insured under a rider on my husband's certificate. Am I eligible to apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship?

Yes. As a legal or common-law spouse of an eligible member, you are eligible to apply.

My parents aren't Foresters members, but my grandparents are. Can I apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship?

Yes. Biological and/or legally-adopted grandchildren of eligible Foresters members can apply for a scholarship.

What types of programs are eligible for the Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program?

Eligible post-secondary programs must meet all of the following criteria:

• First degrees or diplomas
• Full-time program of study, as defined by the educational institution
• Minimum 2-year program, not including co-op time
• Educational institutions with recognized degree or diploma-granting powers, excluding university preparatory programs (e.g., CEGEP, pre-university diplomas)

Generally speaking, undergraduate degrees are granted by universities, while diplomas are granted by community colleges. However, this can vary depending on the school and the program of study. So, be sure to check with the educational institution to find out if it recognizes all students who successfully complete the program you are interested in.

Will I still be able to apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship if I can't obtain proof of my community service?

You can apply, but your application will not be considered unless all of the application components have been submitted. Community service is an important achievement requirement. Lack of proof of community service will eliminate an applicant from competition for a scholarship.

How can I find out the status of my application?

Log in to your online scholarship account to check for updates on your application. Information regarding your application is updated in real time, so be sure to log in to your account regularly.

Who do I contact if I have specific questions about my application?

The Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS). For specific questions about the scholarship application, contact ISTS by email at foresters@applyists.com or call toll free 866-258-0626, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central.

Will I be notified if I win a scholarship?

Yes. All applicants who have successfully applied for the Foresters Competitive Scholarship will be notified by e-mail if they were selected as a winner or not.

Follow these steps to ensure you receive the e-mail notifications:

• Add info@applyists.com to your e-mail address book or "safe senders list" so these important e-mails are not sent to your junk mail folder.
• Do not "opt out" of any e-mail sent from info@applyists.com because you may not receive vital information regarding your scholarship application.
• Always "opt in" for any Foresters e-mails so that you won't miss any updates that may come directly from Foresters.

Note: ISTS will only use your e-mail address to communicate with you about your scholarship application or other opportunities administered by ISTS for which you may be eligible to apply. ISTS will not provide your e-mail address to any third parties. Decisions of the selection committees are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be given.

Do I have to apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship online?

Yes, we encourage everyone to create an online account to apply because it makes the application process more secure, accessible at any time, and it allows applicants to track the status of their applications as often as they wish. It also allows applicants to receive e-mail reminders during the application window, while reducing the chances of supporting documents being lost. Furthermore, it reduces the administration costs, which ensures that enough funds are available for the 250 scholarship awards in the US and Canada.

How can I apply for a scholarship?

You can create your online account and by clicking the "Apply Now" button on Foresters.com or MyForesters.com from December 4, 2018 to February 28, 2019.

I am currently in high school. When is the best time to apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship?

You should apply in your final year of high school (December 4 to February 28) to be eligible for a scholarship for the following year.

I have several potential school choices. Which one should I list on the application?

You should list your first choice on the application. If you are chosen to receive an award, it will be your responsibility to make certain ISTS is aware of your final school choice so that your check can be issued to the correct institution.

If my Foresters membership is under my parents/grandparents, do they have to apply on my behalf?

No. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship on their own behalf. This can be done quickly and easily by opening an online account through the "Apply Now" button on Foresters.com or MyForesters.com.

Who do I contact if I have specific questions about applying?

The Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS). For specific questions about the scholarship application, contact ISTS by email at foresters@applyists.com or call toll free 866-258-0626, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central.

Can I renew my scholarship?

Yes, to maintain your Foresters Competitive Scholarship award, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Recipient must be in ‘good academic standing’ with no failing grades.This must be reflected on your current transcript.
• Foresters membership must be in-force on the date of application for the Foresters Competitive Scholarship, and it must remain in-force in order for the applicant to accept the scholarship and receive payment.
• Your Foresters certificate must meet one of the following criteria:

1. A certificate issued before November 1, 2000; or
2. A fully paid-up in-force certificate; or
3. An in-force certificate with a face value of at least $10,000; or
4. An in-force annuity with either a minimum cash value of $10,000 or a minimum contribution of $1,000 paid in the previous 12 months; or
5. A rider under any of the certificates above; or
6. Have an in-force Foresters Social Fraternal Membership.

For the purpose of determining eligibility for the Competitive Scholarship Program, a "certificate" includes a policy or annuity issued by The Independent Order of Foresters, or a certificate, policy or annuity issued by Foresters Life Insurance Company on or after April 2, 2008, except that it does not include Foresters Life funeral annuity certificates or creditors' group insurance certificates.

What are the renewal details?

Each year you will receive an email notification with instructions to complete the online renewal application.  You will need to provide a transcript showing ‘good academic standing’ and no failing grades.

If you have changed your e-mail address after creating your account, it is your responsibility to immediately update your My Profile page at https://aim.applyISTS.net to ensure that you continue to receive e-mail notifications about your scholarship renewal.

Note: If you do not meet the stated requirements listed above, your scholarship award will be withdrawn and you will not be eligible to renew the award in the future. You may re-apply as a new applicant for the opportunity to be considered for a new award the following year, assuming you continue to meet all program requirements.

I was a scholarship recipient at the age of 23 and I am currently turning 25 and returning to school. I have not yet received all four years of award payments. Do I need to reapply as a mature student or can I apply for a renewal?

If you are an eligible member, you can apply for a renewal. If you were not a member prior to turning 25 (i.e. a spouse or dependent child), you must become an eligible member in order to apply for a renewal.

I was awarded a Foresters Competitive Scholarship when I was 22 years old, but I didn't accept it. Do I have to reapply?

If you were formally granted a deferral of your scholarship AND you still meet the eligibility criteria, you can request a renewal of your scholarship. If not, you will need to reapply for a new scholarship.

What can the scholarship money be used for?

Foresters Competitive Scholarship covers only tuition and fees and does not cover expenses such as room and board, books, computers, commuting expenses, and school-related supplies. 

For additional information regarding the scholarship program, contact ISTS at 800 444 3043 or foresters@applyists.com. Please state that you are inquiring about the Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program.

Are scholarships taxable?

In Canada, post-secondary scholarships received are not taxable if you are eligible to claim the full-time education amount, as indicated on Schedule 11 of your tax return.  Please click here to consult the Canada Revenue Agency’s webpage on Students and Income Tax.

In the United States, scholarship funds used exclusively for the payment of tuition or textbooks are normally not taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against his or her scholarship award. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for more guidance. You may also click here to consult IRS Publication 970 for further information.

Can I defer my scholarship?

Yes, a Foresters Competitive Scholarship can be deferred for a maximum of 1 academic year (unless otherwise noted) and only for the following reasons:

• Co-op studies
• Illness
• Death in the family
• Vocational obligation (can be for 4 semesters)
• Humanitarian mission

Permission is granted at the discretion of Foresters. If successful, you must be 24 years of age or younger at the time permission is requested through to the time it is granted.  Once you have been informed that your application for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship was successful, you will need to make a formal, written application outlining the circumstances that make a deferral necessary. At the discretion of Foresters, you may be asked by ISTS to provide proof of circumstances.

How and when are payments issued?

Payments will be issued in August and mailed to each recipient's mailing address as entered in the application. The checks will be made payable to the institution only in the currency of the country in which it is located. It is the recipient's responsibility to notify ISTS (send an e-mail to foresters@applyists.com) should the check not arrive within 30 days of the issue date. It is also the recipient’s responsibility to get the check to the institution.

What are my responsibilities if I am chosen as a scholarship recipient?

You must enroll as a full-time undergraduate in the Fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded, continue the entire academic year without interruption unless approved by ISTS and Foresters, deliver your scholarship check(s) to the proper office at your institution, and notify ISTS should your check not arrive within 30 days of the issue date.

What happens if my Foresters membership ends or changes after I have already received my scholarship?

All applicants must maintain an in-force Foresters membership that meets the minimum requirements for as long as they continue to receive the Foresters Competitive Scholarship. Membership status is verified at different stages during the application process and from time to time throughout the year. Please refer to the "Eligible Applicants" section under the “Must-have information” tab. 

If your Foresters certificate has lapsed and is no longer in-force, contact the Service Centre at 800 828 1540 right away. If you have made any changes to your certificate (e.g., address change, new term, switch to another Foresters certificate, etc.) check with the Service Centre to ensure that the status of your certificate is "in-force". 

As soon as you know that there has been a change to the Foresters certificate under which you originally applied for a scholarship, you should also log in to your online account and update your information. This will help to ensure that your eligibility status is up-to-date.

Will the Foresters Competitive Scholarship end when I finish my undergraduate program or can I still continue as a graduate student until the four years of award payments have been made?

The award will end when you complete your first undergraduate degree or diploma, or after four years (whichever comes first). Post-graduate studies are not eligible for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship.