FAQs
These questions were suggested by our Student Advisory Group (SAG) or were asked by an applicant during the application process. Answers are provided by our ZF Team, ZF Students & ZF Alumni. Please feel free to send additional suggestions or recommendations to us.
Who are our students?
Our students possess and are able to demonstrate core values, self-awareness, financial responsibility and a lifelong commitment to learning. They are able to articulate and demonstrate these behaviors by their actions.
Is this only for undergraduate education or can graduate students apply?
Preference is given to graduating high school seniors and community college students for their undergraduate education.
How does an applicant demonstrate determination and self-drive to obtain an education?
Good question. There is not one answer to this and each student will go about it differently. We can say that when you challenge yourself, when you push yourself a little harder or step outside your comfort zone or when you continue to work at something even when you fail - pick yourself up, assess the situation realistically and take the next step - all of these demonstrate determination and self-drive.
Can I re-apply to ZF if I take a year off?
Each circumstance is considered on an individual basis. We recommend you be proactive and discuss with your coach ahead of time.
Do you cover summer courses?
You need to enroll with a full-time course-load. You also need to demonstrate how the summer semester will allow you to graduate early and how it is a financially responsible decision. We consider summer courses on an individual basis. We recommend you discuss with your coach ahead of time.
What do I have to do to apply to ZF?
Thoroughly read our website and understand who we are and what we do. Determine whether you will benefit from and contribute to the ZF community. If so, please complete our Pre-Qualify Application (PQA) during our open PQA cycle (Dec 1-Jan 15). Please provide thoughtful, concise answers and the required brief financial information. Be sure to review your PQA carefully before you submit.
When is the PQA deadline?
January 15
Where/how do I submit my application?
It is a three-part process. We first ask you to self-qualify by reviewing our website content. If you feel you are a good fit and qualify, please complete the Pre-Qualify Application. Once we receive and review, you either will receive an invitation to complete our full application or notification otherwise. If you receive an email invite to apply, it will contain instructions on how to access our online application.
What does the Pre-Qualify Application (PQA) consist of?
Student information, five questions requiring short but thoughtful answers and financial information. We strongly recommend you read our website before filling it out.
How many Pre-Qualify Applications (PQAs) do you receive each year vs number of awards given?
During our last open cycle, we received over 76 PQAs and funded 9 new ZF Students. Currently, we coach and co-invest in 37 ZF students.
What does the full application consist of?
The full ZF online application includes mini-essays, a references section, our College Affordability Toolkit (CAT), and requires submission of a college application essay, an official school transcript, and your student loan information (FAFSA Student Aid Report, CSS Profile or Institutional financial aid form). If you are not applying for financial aid, we require a written statement as to why, including a synopsis of your family's financial situation.
When are decisions made and applicants notified?
Decisions are generally made in April and notifications are made immediately following. Your ZF Coach delivers this news.
Is the money given directly to me or given to the school?
The school.
Do you have to pay back the money you receive?
No as long as you remain in compliance with the award. It is a scholarship, therefore no pay back. We encourage our students to contribute time to help ZF better serve our current and future students through volunteering as a Student Advisory Group member, or perhaps, as a future coach. Our students are the future ZF!
What is the average scholarship amount?
$6,000 per academic year, however award amounts vary based on each student's situation.
How is the scholarship money distributed?
Each semester, ZF will disburse 50% of your scholarship amount directly to your school. Prior to this, you will coordinate with the school for ZF to receive an annual invoice. We provide these instructions in your award letter.
Is the scholarship for 1 academic year?
Our commitment to our students is for eight semesters for college or 4 semesters for community college as long as they remain in compliance with their award. This said, the scholarship amount (just as your financial aid), may vary each year due to changing financial circumstances. A good example would be if you became a Resident Assistant your sophomore year. This generally covers your room and board costs which significantly lessen your financial need. This may affect both your need and your ZF scholarship amount.
What if numbers are not my strong suit? Can someone help me with my college affordability toolkit?
Actually, the College Affordability Toolkit (CAT) does the calculations for you - you just need to gather the data needed and input. This said, your ZF coach is always at the ready to answer questions and help guide you - just reach out! The CAT is just one resource of many that you should use to make an informed college choice. It is not intended to be a financial advising tool nor should it be used exclusively in your decision making.
What are the requirements to maintain the scholarship?
Requirements to maintain the scholarship can be found here.
How are ZF coaches assigned?
We try to match coaches by interests and location. Our coaches are located across the United States.
Can my parents/guardians help me with my application?
Yes! We expect this to be a joint effort. You cannot complete the application without having honest conversations with your parent(s)/guardian(s) about affordability as well as gather the needed financial information to complete. An example would be a conversation about what amount they can contribute (each year, for eight semesters/4 years). Also, we expect you to consult other adults you trust and/or your guidance counselor. Take advantage of the resources around you!
How much involvement should parents have with the Zenie Foundation?
We are a student-centered organization. We expect students to drive their relationship with ZF and for parents/guardians to be a supportive resource to the students.
Can a ZF staff person help me if I have questions on the PQA or online Application?
Of course! Please contact Sarah with any questions.
Why did this foundation begin? What motivates the generosity?
Frank & Dorothy Zenie noticed students with drive and ambition to obtain their college education yet unable to fund the gap of an affordable college experience. Check out our about us for more detailed information.
Where do I find more info?
All over our website, especially our FAQs! Take the time to explore ZF and then ask yourself if you are interested in becoming part of an integrity-driven, values-based community whose common goal is to make a positive contribution to the greater community & strengthen ZF for future students.
Have any questions that weren’t answered here or on the website? Contact us!
Who are our students?
Our students possess and are able to demonstrate core values, self-awareness, financial responsibility and a lifelong commitment to learning. They are able to articulate and demonstrate these behaviors by their actions.
Is this only for undergraduate education or can graduate students apply?
Preference is given to graduating high school seniors and community college students for their undergraduate education.
How does an applicant demonstrate determination and self-drive to obtain an education?
Good question. There is not one answer to this and each student will go about it differently. We can say that when you challenge yourself, when you push yourself a little harder or step outside your comfort zone or when you continue to work at something even when you fail - pick yourself up, assess the situation realistically and take the next step - all of these demonstrate determination and self-drive.
Can I re-apply to ZF if I take a year off?
Each circumstance is considered on an individual basis. We recommend you be proactive and discuss with your coach ahead of time.
Do you cover summer courses?
You need to enroll with a full-time course-load. You also need to demonstrate how the summer semester will allow you to graduate early and how it is a financially responsible decision. We consider summer courses on an individual basis. We recommend you discuss with your coach ahead of time.
What do I have to do to apply to ZF?
Thoroughly read our website and understand who we are and what we do. Determine whether you will benefit from and contribute to the ZF community. If so, please complete our Pre-Qualify Application (PQA) during our open PQA cycle (Dec 1-Jan 15). Please provide thoughtful, concise answers and the required brief financial information. Be sure to review your PQA carefully before you submit.
When is the PQA deadline?
January 15
Where/how do I submit my application?
It is a three-part process. We first ask you to self-qualify by reviewing our website content. If you feel you are a good fit and qualify, please complete the Pre-Qualify Application. Once we receive and review, you either will receive an invitation to complete our full application or notification otherwise. If you receive an email invite to apply, it will contain instructions on how to access our online application.
What does the Pre-Qualify Application (PQA) consist of?
Student information, five questions requiring short but thoughtful answers and financial information. We strongly recommend you read our website before filling it out.
How many Pre-Qualify Applications (PQAs) do you receive each year vs number of awards given?
During our last open cycle, we received over 76 PQAs and funded 9 new ZF Students. Currently, we coach and co-invest in 37 ZF students.
What does the full application consist of?
The full ZF online application includes mini-essays, a references section, our College Affordability Toolkit (CAT), and requires submission of a college application essay, an official school transcript, and your student loan information (FAFSA Student Aid Report, CSS Profile or Institutional financial aid form). If you are not applying for financial aid, we require a written statement as to why, including a synopsis of your family's financial situation.
When are decisions made and applicants notified?
Decisions are generally made in April and notifications are made immediately following. Your ZF Coach delivers this news.
Is the money given directly to me or given to the school?
The school.
Do you have to pay back the money you receive?
No as long as you remain in compliance with the award. It is a scholarship, therefore no pay back. We encourage our students to contribute time to help ZF better serve our current and future students through volunteering as a Student Advisory Group member, or perhaps, as a future coach. Our students are the future ZF!
What is the average scholarship amount?
$6,000 per academic year, however award amounts vary based on each student's situation.
How is the scholarship money distributed?
Each semester, ZF will disburse 50% of your scholarship amount directly to your school. Prior to this, you will coordinate with the school for ZF to receive an annual invoice. We provide these instructions in your award letter.
Is the scholarship for 1 academic year?
Our commitment to our students is for eight semesters for college or 4 semesters for community college as long as they remain in compliance with their award. This said, the scholarship amount (just as your financial aid), may vary each year due to changing financial circumstances. A good example would be if you became a Resident Assistant your sophomore year. This generally covers your room and board costs which significantly lessen your financial need. This may affect both your need and your ZF scholarship amount.
What if numbers are not my strong suit? Can someone help me with my college affordability toolkit?
Actually, the College Affordability Toolkit (CAT) does the calculations for you - you just need to gather the data needed and input. This said, your ZF coach is always at the ready to answer questions and help guide you - just reach out! The CAT is just one resource of many that you should use to make an informed college choice. It is not intended to be a financial advising tool nor should it be used exclusively in your decision making.
What are the requirements to maintain the scholarship?
Requirements to maintain the scholarship can be found here.
How are ZF coaches assigned?
We try to match coaches by interests and location. Our coaches are located across the United States.
Can my parents/guardians help me with my application?
Yes! We expect this to be a joint effort. You cannot complete the application without having honest conversations with your parent(s)/guardian(s) about affordability as well as gather the needed financial information to complete. An example would be a conversation about what amount they can contribute (each year, for eight semesters/4 years). Also, we expect you to consult other adults you trust and/or your guidance counselor. Take advantage of the resources around you!
How much involvement should parents have with the Zenie Foundation?
We are a student-centered organization. We expect students to drive their relationship with ZF and for parents/guardians to be a supportive resource to the students.
Can a ZF staff person help me if I have questions on the PQA or online Application?
Of course! Please contact Sarah with any questions.
Why did this foundation begin? What motivates the generosity?
Frank & Dorothy Zenie noticed students with drive and ambition to obtain their college education yet unable to fund the gap of an affordable college experience. Check out our about us for more detailed information.
Where do I find more info?
All over our website, especially our FAQs! Take the time to explore ZF and then ask yourself if you are interested in becoming part of an integrity-driven, values-based community whose common goal is to make a positive contribution to the greater community & strengthen ZF for future students.
Have any questions that weren’t answered here or on the website? Contact us!