Q: Why is this scholarship aimed at only "average" students?

A: Studies show that students with high GPAs in high school do not necessarily prove to be successful college students. Not everyone in high school has the same opportunities to get a high GPA. We feel that motivation and potential should also be used in determining who is worthy of receiving a scholarship. Some people who are highly successful later in their adult years did not have the highest GPAs in high school.

Q: I have a GPA of 3.9. Can I apply for the scholarship? Are my chances better at getting it?

A: You can apply, but this scholarship is not given based on GPA. As long as the applicant has a 2.5 or above, he/she can apply; the higher the GPA does not make anyone's chances better at receiving it.  

Q: Do the recipients of the BHS Pay It Forward Scholarship have to pay the money back?  

A: No, this is not a loan. Applicants must be willing to Pay It Forward as in the book or movie by Catherine Ryan Hyde, "Pay It Forward". It involves being willing to do good deeds, not necessarily involving any money. You do something significantly nice for three people, then, instead of them paying you back, each of them "Pays It Forward" to the next three people. As part of the application process, interested students must watch the movie Pay It Forward. This insures they are familiar with the concept and are willing to fulfill their Pay It Forward obligation.

Q: Will the recipient get the scholarship money in a lump sum?

A: No, in fact, the recipient's college or university will receive the money on behalf of the recipient. The money is given in ¼ increments, once a year for four years.  

Q: Why do recipients have to reapply each year?  

A: This is so we can 1) stay in communication with the recipients; 2) make sure they are Paying It Forward and 3) still meet the criteria to receive the next installment.  

Q: What if I want to go to a community college before I go to a university?

A: That is fine. The BHS Pay It Forward Scholarship can be used for community college as well, however, none of the ¼ increment payments will exceed the community college costs for one year.  

Q: What if I go to the Alternative High School ? Can I apply for the BHS Pay It Forward Scholarship?  

A: This scholarship is specifically for graduates from Bremerton High School in Bremerton, Washington.

Q: Is the Bremerton High School Pay It Forward Scholarship connected to BHS or the Bremerton School District?

A: No. The BHS PIF Scholarship organization is an independent non profit that exists solely to support the graduates of BHS.