FAQs

Residents of the “Primary Resident Area” who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are pursuing study in medicine or health care related fields are eligible to apply for a medical scholarship.  “Primary Resident Area” status is determined by the applicant’s residency upon graduation from high school as opposed to actual residence at the time of application.

Undergraduate applications are available in high school guidance offices of schools in the “Primary Resident Area.”  Medical applications are available by contacting The Foundation office.  Phone: 814-725-3135; Email: Click Here LECOM students have access to applications through the medical school.

The Selection Committee considers an applicant’s academic achievement, citizenship in both school and community, and financial need.

Undergraduate applicants must submit a complete application, FAFSA summary form, Parent/Guardian 1040 Income tax form clearly evidencing AGI, Student 1040 tax form evidencing AGI (if applicable), letter of acceptance from the institution the applicant will be attending, and financial aid package from said institution. Medical and health care applicants must submit a complete application, letter of acceptance, a letter of recommendation, a copy of driver’s license, and individual 1040 tax form evidencing AGI.  The letter of recommendation for LECOM students must be written by a LECOM faculty member.

Undergraduate awards are $2,500.00 per semester for a maximum of eight semesters. Two year undergraduate scholarship awards are $2,500.00 per semester for a maximum of four semesters. Medical awards are $3,500.00 per semester.  The number of semesters for medical awards is contingent upon the specific degree sought not to exceed eight semesters.

All recipients once approved, must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA while progressing toward degree completion to be eligible for subsequent installments.  At the end of each semester recipients must submit a completed reapplication form provided by The Foundation along with a printed copy of the recently completed semester grades.  The copy must clearly include student name, school name, specific semester, and semester/cumulative GPA.

All scholarship applications are due on or before the due date listed on the application form preceding the semester of attendance to a college or university. 

Applications and accompanying documents are to be mailed through USPS to The Hirtzel Memorial Foundation, P. O. Box 49, North East, Pennsylvania 16428.

The Scholarship Selection Committee, appointed by the Trustees of The Foundation, consists of at least three persons, preferably current or former professional employees of the school districts whose students are eligible for scholarship assistance.  The Trustees of the Foundation approve the slate of recipients.

Medical scholarships are graduate awards granted to those individuals who have been accepted into an accredited medical school or are pursuing graduate study in a health care related major.

High school students majoring in nursing at the collegiate level apply through the undergraduate scholarship program.   One undergraduate scholarship is awarded each year specifically for nursing.  First consideration for this award is given to North East High School students.  Graduate level awards in nursing are intended for those individuals seeking a Master of Science in Nursing.

The LECOM scholarship is a specific scholarship for students who are entering the second year of studies at LECOM.  LECOM students apply for this scholarship at the end of the first year of study.  Each year, one award is granted for $3,500.00 per semester for a maximum of six semesters.   This six-semester scholarship is applied during the second, third, and fourth years of study. This award is not only subject to the outlined criteria but also the availability of Foundation funds.   The “Primary Resident Area” stipulation is applicable to this award; the stipulation is based on recipient’s residency upon graduation from high school as opposed to actual residence at the time of application. The continuance of this scholarship is based upon proof of academic achievement each semester and submission of a complete reapplication form.

A reapplication form will be sent from The Foundation to each recipient near the close of each semester.

Yes.  Students who are entering LECOM for first semester study may apply for a medical scholarship.   Prospective LECOM applicants are required to submit a medical scholarship application and supporting documents by the March 10 deadline. Applications are available through The Foundation office. Phone:  814-725-3135; Email: Click Here

Charitable organizations which have proven IRS 501(c)3 status and support health care services and equipment as well as the encouragement of medical and scientific research are eligible to apply for grants.  Community grants are available for charitable organizations and local authorities that serve the “Primary Resident Area.” Amounts vary based upon the nature of the request and need.

Not necessarily, but most, if not all, of the grants made do fit one of the listed categories.

Applications for grants are available by contacting The Foundation office. Phone: 814-725-3135; Email: Click Here

Yes.  Recipients must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher throughout the award period.   If a recipient who is in active attendance falls below a 2.0 for two semesters within an academic year or calendar year, The Foundation reserves the right to terminate the award.

Nursing and medical scholarships terminate if the recipient ceases participation in the nursing or medical program. Scholarship awards may terminate if a recipient fails to compete at least two semesters in each calendar year unless the Scholarship Committee authorizes an excused absence.

Medical scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in graduate school programs directed toward state qualification for a licensed career in health care as a Physician, Dentist, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Physician’s Assistant, Occupational Therapist, or other health care professional.

In the unlikely event that there are no qualified applicants from the “Primary Resident Area,” applicants from a “Secondary Resident Area” may be considered.  This area includes residents of Erie, Crawford, and Warren Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Chautauqua County, New York, and Ashtabula County in Ohio.

Applicants for both scholarships and grants will be notified of the Trustee’s decisions via written letter. Scholarship decisions will be mailed four to six weeks after the application deadline date. Grant decisions will be mailed following the Trustee meeting. Most grants are considered at the spring meeting.