Frequently Asked Questions
Why is The Phoenix Pact only available to students with a B average or better?
NLCP’s experience is that students who have earned a B average or better in high school are well-prepared for college and are highly likely earn a degree (if they go to the right type of college).
Even if you have a GPA less than 3.0, you may still be able to receive a Phoenix Pact Scholarship. Talk to Mr. Kelly, the Phoenix Pact President.
What does it mean to “qualify for the maximum Pell grant”?
When you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it will tell you what your “Estimated Family Contribution” for college will be. In order to be eligible for a Phoenix Pact Scholarship, that number must be $0. Prior to completing the FAFSA, you can use a “forecasting” tool on the FAFSA website to determine if you qualify.
Even if your Estimated Family Contribution is not $0, you may still be able to receive a partial Phoenix Pact Scholarship. Talk to Mr. Kelly, the Phoenix Pact President.
Which colleges are part of the Phoenix Pact?
The Phoenix Pact only works with colleges (1) that have track records of successfully graduating under-represented minority students; and (2) that will cap out-of-pocket costs and ultimate loan debt. A list of pre-approved Phoenix Pact Partner Colleges can be found here.
How do I apply for a Phoenix Pact Scholarship?
You must re-apply prior to each semester of college. Phoenix Pact Scholarships only cover costs for one semester of college at a time.
How much is a Phoenix Pact Scholarship?
Unless agreed otherwise, Phoenix Pact Scholarships will be enough so you will not have to pay anything out-of-pocket now for tuition, fees, room and board.
Does this mean college is free?
No. You will have to take out some loans to help cover your tuition, fees, room and board. Those loans will have to be repaid when you leave college.
You will also have to pay for your books, travel costs, and everyday living costs while on campus. The Phoenix Pact can help you to arrange on-college work-study opportunities to help you cover these expenses.
Do Phoenix Pact Scholarships ever have to be paid back?
No. But we hope you will choose voluntarily to “pay it forward” to others in some way (for example, coming back to NLCP to mentor students).
Can I keep getting Phoenix Pact Scholarships for as long as I am in college?
No. You can only receive eight Phoenix Pact Scholarships, covering eight semesters (or four years) of college. Also, you can only receive Phoenix Pact Scholarships during the first six years after graduation from NLCP.
Will a Phoenix Pact Scholarship make it easier for me to get into college?
No. Colleges will not adjust their admissions criteria for NLCP students. To earn a Phoenix Pact Scholarship, you must first get admitted, on your own record.
Is there a limit on how many students may earn Phoenix Pact Scholarships each year?
No. The Phoenix Pact has assembled enough assets so that scholarships can be paid to all qualifying NLCP graduates, each year, for many years to come.