Official Notice Regarding Citizenship
Official Note
Students enrolled in the 21st Century Scholars Program must be United States citizens or eligible noncitizens in order to claim the 21st Century Scholars award for college tuition. If you have any questions about the citizenship eligibility requirements, please contact the program toll-free at 1-888-528-4719 as soon as possible. Below is a summary of eligible and ineligible categories:
Eligible Categories
Students must be one of the following to receive the 21st Century Scholars award:
- U.S. citizen
- U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swain's Island)
- U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C (Alien Registration Receipt Card)
Students who are noncitizens are eligible to claim an award if they have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) showing one of the following designations:
- Refugee
- Asylum Granted
- Indefinite Parole and/or Humanitarian Parole
- Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Status Pending
- Conditional Entrant (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)
Ineligible Categories
Noncitizens with the following immigration statuses are not eligible for the 21st Century Scholars award:
- Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence (I-171 or I-464)
- F1 or F2 student visa
- J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa
- G series visa (pertaining to international organizations)
Students must also have been issued a valid Social Security number to apply to the program. To obtain a Social Security number and card you can visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html, or call 1-800722-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. The Parent or Legal guardian signing the program application must supply their Social Security Number (SSN) on the application if they have one. If they do not have a SSN, but they do have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) they must provide that number on the application. If they do not possess a SSN or an ITIN, the parent or legal guardian must sign the Social Security non-possession statement at the bottom of page four of the application.
Please notify the Office of 21st Century Scholars (1-888-528-4719) if you believe you are no longer eligible to receive the 21st Century Scholars award. Students who are not eligible due to citizenship status may be eligible for other forms of financial aid. Please contact the LEARN MORE Hotline (1-800-992-2076) for more information.
