Eligibility and Guidelines
Eligibility
Students eligible for assistance from the Ellis Trust include girls who:- reside in Philadelphia
- live in a household where one or both parents are absent
- are enrolled in grades 9 - 12
(including the summer before 9th grade but not the summer after 12th grade) - continue to make academic progress toward timely graduation
- demonstrate limited financial resources and are in need of help to complete their secondary school education
Guidelines
Guidelines for Diocesan Schools
Download guidelines and application procedures [15K PDF]
When to apply
Students attending diocesan high schools must apply in the spring before the next academic year for tuition support. The deadline is generally in early April and is strictly enforced. You must reapply each year. The number of qualified applications received usually exceeds the funds available.
Applications are distributed to parish schools and diocesan high schools in January. Be prepared to submit proof of income and grades as described inside this application.
Grades
The academic guidelines are strictly enforced. It is up to the applicant to know and understand the grading scale at the parish and diocesan level. We use the grade scale at the school where the student is currently attending. You can be denied a grant for grades below C's in major subjects.
Amount of Awards
Awards in recent years have been for approximately $1,500 per year based on the yield of the endowment and the number of applications received.
Payments
Tuition grants are paid twice yearly: one half of the grant each semester. You must remain enrolled the entire semester to receive the grant. We do not adhere to partial payment schedules. We notify your school of the amount of the grant and the payment schedule.
Transferring Grants
Your award is made for a specific school for a specific amount. You must ask permission to transfer your grant from one school to another. Do not assume that your grant is transferable. We reserve the right to rescind the offer in its entirely or to adjust the amount.
Guidelines for Independent Schools
Download guidelines and application procedures [15K PDF]
When to apply
Students attending independent high schools must apply in the spring before the next academic year for tuition support. The deadline is generally in early April and is strictly enforced. You must reapply each year.
We recommend adhering to the deadline to assure that you receive a grant. Independent schools must be accredited by Middle States, PAPAS, ACSI or UPASA and be not-for-profit.
How much
Awards in recent years have been up to $4,500 but no more than tuition.
Payments
Tuition grants are paid twice yearly: one half of the grant each semester. You must remain enrolled the entire semester to receive the grant. We do not adhere to partial payment schedules. We notify your school of the amount of the grant and the payment schedule.
Transferring Grants
Your award is made for a specific school for a specific amount. You must ask permission to transfer your grant from one school to another. Do not assume that your grant is transferable. We reserve the right to rescind the offer in its entirely or to adjust the amount.
Guidelines for Public Schools
Download guidelines and application procedures [20K PDF]
When to apply
Grants are made throughout the year but you must allow enough time for your application to be processed. We recommend that you make sure your application is received by the Trust no less than three weeks before the money is due. Your application can be turned down because there is not enough time to process it.
Counseling
Applications are available at Philadelphia Public High Schools in the counseling office. If you need help filling out the application, you can talk to your counselor at school.
DO NOT SPEND ANY MONEY OR MAKE COMMITMENTS BEFORE YOU HEAR FROM US.
We will not pay an agency or program for a service which you have already paid for and we do not write checks to parents or members of the family.
