Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply? 

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a high school senior, undergraduate students, or graduate students
• Be a full-time employee, spouse of a full-time employee, or child of a full-time employee of firms which are members in good standing of the Food Processing Suppliers Association. The employee must have been employed by a member firm for at least one year as of January 1 of the year in which the scholarships are awarded and must still be employed by a member firm when the scholarships are awarded.

Note: If your parent/guardian is an eligible employee at the time you receive notification that you have received an award you will retain the award for the full academic term.

When can I apply?

• Between January 1 and April 1.

How do I get an application?

• Go to www.applyists.net
• Click the “APPLY or update a new application” link.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to apply for an AIN (Applicant Identification Number).
•  When prompted use ACCESS KEY: FPSA

NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be considered and will not be returned.

 
What are the details of the award?

• Up to 10 FPSA Scholarships will be awarded annually and are not renewable.
• The award amount is $3,000.
• The funds will be applied to educational expenses at any accredited college or university.
• Winners and non-winners of FPSA Scholarships may re-apply each year if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
• Scholarship recipients may transfer from one institution to another and retain the scholarship.

 
What are the selection criteria?

• An independent selection committee will evaluate the applications and select the winners.
• The committee will consider:
  • Academic achievements and records
  • Test Scores
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Community involvement
  • Recommendations
  • Essay content

How do I check the status of my application?

• Return to www.applyists.net
• Click the “Check Application Status” link
• Enter your AIN, First Name and Last Name
• Click Submit

 
How do I make changes to my application?

• Return to https://www.applyists.net/
• Click the "APPLY or update a new application" link
• Using Login Option 2, enter your ACCESS KEY: (FPSA)
• Enter your AIN, First Name and Last Name
• Click on each tab and make changes to the necessary section(s), click “save and continue” to move forward
• Print a new Cover Page for your records
• Do not resubmit your paperwork, all changes are saved to your online application.

After the program deadline you will only be able to update your address. To update this information:

• Return to www.applyists.net
• Click “Edit Mailing Address” link.
• Enter your AIN, First Name and Last Name.

What are my responsibilities as a recipient?

• You must enroll as a full time student in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded.
• You must continue in school the entire academic year without interruption unless approved by scholarship sponsor.
• You must deliver your scholarship check(s) to the proper office at your institution.

 
How and when are checks issued?

• Checks will be mailed to each recipient’s mailing address
• Checks will be made payable to the institution only.
• Checks will be issued in August.
• It is the recipient’s responsibility to notify ISTS should the check not arrive within 30 days of the issue date.

 
How and when will I receive notification?

• Notifications are sent approximately two months past a deadline.
• Winner notifications will be sent by mail in June.
• Non-winner notifications will be sent by e-mail in June after winners are confirmed.
• Past experience indicates that e-mails are sometimes not received or successfully delivered. Be certain to provide us with your most current e-mail address.
• Decisions of the selection committees are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be given.

Where and when should I send my completed application?

• Mail or fax your complete application with all supporting documents to:
  • FPSA Scholarship Program
    c/o ISTS
    P.O. Box 23737
    Nashville, Tennessee 37202-3737
    FAX (615) 627-9685
• Your application must be postmarked or faxed by April 1.
• If faxing, put the bar-coded application cover page first. Do not include your own fax cover sheet

 
I have several potential school choices. Which one should I list on the application?

You should list your first choice on the application. If you are chosen to receive an award, it will be your responsibility to make certain ISTS is aware of your final school choice so that your check can be issued accordingly.

 
Are scholarships taxable?

Tax laws vary by country. In the United States, scholarship funds used exclusively for the payment of tuition or textbooks are normally not taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against your scholarship award. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for more guidance.

 
Program Administration

To assure complete impartiality in selection of winners and to maintain a high level of professionalism, the program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc., a firm that specializes in managing sponsored scholarship programs.

Questions

For additional information regarding the scholarship program contact:
ISTS
Email: https://www.applyists.net/EmailRequestForm.asp
Access Key: FPSA