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Continuing Education Scholarship (CES) Guidebook
2015-16 Year
(Revised March 2015)
This comprehensive booklet contains the rules and procedures governing the Continuing Education Scholarship. You
are responsible to READ IT every year so that you understand the parameters governing the CES and what is
required of you to maintain your CES eligibility!
Milton Hershey School
Transition Services Office P O Box 830
Hershey, PA 17033
Phone: (717) 520-3305 (717) 520-2036 (717) 520-2315
Fax: (717) 520-2033
www.mhskids.org/success-mhs/for-mhs-graduates/
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Table of Contents Transition Services Staff Phone Numbers & E-mail ...................................................................... 2 CES Philosophy & Overview ........................................................................................................... 3 Graduation Plan & CES Payment Formula .................................................................................... 4 Criteria for Ongoing CES Eligibility ............................................................................................... 5 Eligible Standard College Costs ...................................................................................................6 Student Loan ($2,500/yr) Process .................................................................................... 7-8 CES Forms & Publications ..............................................................................................................9 Academic Progress ........................................................................................................................ 10 Living Off-Campus ........................................................................................................................ 11 Transferring to Another School or Changing Majors ................................................................... 12 Summer Courses ........................................................................................................................... 13 Study Abroad ................................................................................................................................. 14 Graduation! ................................................................................................................................... 15 Student Loan Repayment Basics .......................................................................................... 16 Student Loan Repayment Q&A ........................................................................................ 17-18 Termination of CES Funding ........................................................................................................ 19 MyCES (secure internet access to personalized CES information) ....................................... 20 Appendices ( A ) Release From (sample) ( B ) Student Data Sheet (sample)
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Transition Services
Name Phone Number Email Address
CES Program: Ken Brown 520-2036 [email protected] Financial Aid Coordinator Kristin Oberholtzer 520-2315 [email protected] Financial Aid Assistant Sherry Youtz 520-3305 [email protected] Financial Aid Assistant
College & Career Office: Elizabeth Benito 520-3306 [email protected] College & Career Counselor (Alliance Rep.) Leigh Farrar-Freeman 520-2910 [email protected] College & Career Counselor Keith Jones 520-2438 [email protected] College & Career Counselor Linda Jones 520-2812 [email protected] Administrative Secretary Rebekah Manney 520-2994 [email protected] 9th Grade Counselor Nate Martin 520-2039 [email protected] College & Career Counselor Ed Rafferty 520-2436 [email protected] College & Career Counselor Abbey Wascovich 520-2439 [email protected] College & Career Counselor Wiliam Zapata-Morales 520-2813 [email protected] College & Career Counselor Mark Zerbe 520-2932 [email protected] Coordinator, Student Work Programs
Director’s Office: Robert Kemmery 520-2988 [email protected] Dir, Career/Tech Ed & Transition Services Pat Wascovich 520-2988 [email protected] Senior Administrative Secretary
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CES PHILOSOPHY & OVERVIEW
The Continuing Education Scholarship (CES) has been established to provide scholarship assistance to eligible
Milton Hershey School graduates pursuing full-time study towards one accredited, classroom-based (online degrees
NOT supported) undergraduate program of at least nine months in length that leads to a diploma, certificate or
degree from a U.S. institution. The CES is essentially a partnership between Milton Hershey School and our
graduates to help fund higher education pursuits for recent graduates who continue to demonstrate the desire and
ability to succeed in their full-time post-secondary school studies.
Like all initiatives at the School, the CES program is built upon the guiding principles established by Mr. & Mrs.
Hershey in the Deed of Trust (1909). Section 21 of the Deed of Trust states,
“All children shall leave the institution and cease to be the recipients of its benefits upon
their completion of the full course of secondary education being offered at the School. The
Managers may in their discretion provide for such a system of premiums and rewards
dependent upon good behavior, character, and proficiency….”
The CES program is an example of one of the systems of premiums and rewards that Mr. & Mrs. Hershey describe.
Our hope is that all of our young graduates earn the ability to participate in, and to continue to receive, CES funding
for their full-time undergraduate higher education pursuits! Please review the entire CES section of the website for
detailed information regarding the program and feel free to contact the members of the Transition Services staff listed
below:
Ken Brown Kristin Oberholtzer Sherry Youtz
Financial Aid Coordinator Financial Aid Assistant Financial Aid Assistant
717-520-2036 717-520-2315 717-520-3305
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
While a student enrolled at MHS, conduct that violates the “good behavior, character, & proficiency”
requirements outlined in the Deed of Trust, may result in the student forfeiting the privilege of access to CES
funds earned in any prior year at Milton Hershey School!
After graduating from MHS, submitting fraudulent information, improperly accepting CES funds you are not
eligible to receive, failing to direct your school to submit refunds due to overpayments or other circumstances
directly to Milton Hershey School, or in any other way not meeting the CES requirements stipulated in the
Deed of Trust of good behavior, character and proficiency is grounds for permanent termination from the CES
program and possible pursuit of legal action against the student to recoup any CES funds owed to the School.
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GRADUATION PLAN & CES PAYMENT FORMULA
Graduation Plan
Milton Hershey School students have the ability to earn CES funding in each of their 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade
years. Each year students must earn: (1) 80% or higher GPA (CES Scholarship) or 75% - 79.99% GPA (CES Grant);
(2) no more than 50 demerit points; and (3) no Level 4 discipline incidents. During the senior year, all students
wishing to utilize CES funding for post-secondary education must also have a GRADUATION PLAN approved by
their College & Career Counselor. The Graduation Plan is based on research and experience and is a designed to
ensure, to the best of our ability, that students have the financial and developmental support necessary to succeed at
a degree program and post-secondary school that fits their abilities and aspirations.
The Graduation Plan consists of the following six essential components:
Family/Milton Hershey School Support – the post-secondary school must be within five driving hours of
a parent, sponsor, relative, or MHS support (“older” alumni mentor);
Post-Secondary School Support Services – services such as learning center, study skills assistance,
tutoring, orientation programming, writing center, applied learning center, and other support services must
be available to assist students in succeeding at the school;
Post-Secondary School Visit – the student must visit the school;
Course of Study – the course of study/major required for the student’s career/educational goal must be
offered by the post-secondary school; the student must demonstrate proper aptitude for the course of study;
on-line degrees are not supported;
Financial Feasibility – the post-secondary school’s financial aid package, combined with the student’s CES
funding, permits the student to attend, & GRADUATE from, the school while using no more than one
student loan – the Direct Subsidized Loan. The current Direct Subsidized Loan limits are as follows: $3,500
first year, $4,500 second year, $5,500 third year, $5,500 fourth year;
Direct Unsubsidized Loan borrowing is not permitted;
High School Performance Matrix – Meet the required guidelines regarding academic readiness for specific
types of post-secondary schools set forth in the “High School Performance Matrix”.
In cases where unique circumstances exist, additional documentation may need to be attached to the Graduation
Plan in order for it to be approved by the College & Career Counselors.
CES Payment Formula(s)
Class of 2005 thru 2010 Standard Tuition, Fees, Room & Board MINUS Grant Aid = CES Payment Amount
Class of 2011 and beyond…
Standard Tuition, Fees, Room & Board MINUS Grant Aid MINUS $2,500 Student Loan (self-help component)** = CES Payment Amount
**For students graduating from post-secondary school within six (6) years, MHS may repay up to $2,500 in student loans per year IF the student has CES funds remaining after graduation!
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CRITERIA FOR ONGOING CES ELIGIBILITY
The CES is a partnership between Milton Hershey School and our graduates to help fund higher education pursuits
for those who continue to demonstrate the desire and ability to succeed in their full-time post-secondary school
studies. For the most recent school year, the CES program planned to invest well over $5 MILLION dollars in the
higher education of our graduates. In this partnership, both the students and the school have responsibilities. The
students’ ongoing responsibilities include:
Five (5) years from MHS graduation to activate CES funds;
Enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited U.S. undergraduate in-classroom degree program;
Live on-campus or commute from home during the first & second years of post-secondary school;
Maintain a minimum 2.00 term & cumulative GPA;
Successful completion of 12 new credits per term for your first and second years
OR
Successful completion of 15 new credits per term for your third year of school and beyond;
All credits taken must go towards your degree and only one degree is supported;
Timely completion of FAFSA and other financial aid forms (no later than March 15th or your
college/state’s deadline – whichever comes first)**
Submission of all CES forms and documents by July 15th or two weeks before college bill due;
No Direct Unsubsidized Loan borrowing is permitted;
Satisfactory conduct following MHS graduation (integrity, positive spirit, mutual respect); MHS reserves
the right to potentially require graduates to undergo drug testing in cases where “reasonable cause” is
deemed present by the Administration;
Contact your College & Career Counselor via email, phone call, or visit at least once during the first nine
weeks of each term to discuss your progress and to report any updates;
Completion of degree/certificate within five (5) years of activating CES funding.
Failure to meet one or more of your obligations could result in probation, suspension, or termination from the
program. Students may to eligible to receive CES funding until: (1) they earn an undergraduate degree, (2) their
CES funds are depleted, or (3) their five year activation period is over -- whichever comes first!
**IMPORTANT REMINDER:
The CES program will NOT replace any federal, state, or college grants or scholarships lost due to missed
deadlines, incomplete verification, low GPAs, non-attendance, and other situations that are the responsibility
of the student and his/her family. Students will need to pay for grants and scholarships lost for these reasons with
their own earnings, savings, or via student/private loans.
“Stopping Out” for a Term:
On occasion, students may need to temporarily “stop out” for a term, or interrupt their progress towards a degree, for
personal reasons -- health, family situations, financial hardship. This is one of the reasons why CES funds may extend
as long as 5 years, rather than just 4 years. The CES program is NOT intended to support 5 years of college study!
Extra time (a 5th year) is given for degree completion in case a student needs to briefly stop out of college.
Procedures:
1. Any request for stopping out for a term must be sent in writing to the Financial Aid Coordinator;
2. Schedule a meeting with your college officials so you withdraw according to your school’s procedures and
do not lose any academic or financial aid standing;
3. Notify the Financial Aid Coordinator two months in advance of your intent to return to school;
4. If you have any remote intention to return to college, file your FAFSA no later than March 15th;
5. Military Personnel called to active duty will NOT lose ANY eligibility time for scholarship benefits as
long as we are properly notified in advance of your departure.
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ELIGIBLE STANDARD COLLEGE COSTS
The CES program supplements a student’s post-secondary costs by helping to pay for STANDARD full-time tuition,
fees, room & board costs not covered by gift aid (grants & scholarships) at accredited U.S. schools (on-line degrees
not supported)! The key concepts are “supplements” and “standard.” The CES program complements your best
efforts to qualify for as much federal, state, & college gift aid as possible through your hard work, financial need,
academic efforts, athletic talents, & timely submission of admissions and financial aid forms.
STANDARD cost categories are defined as follows:
Tuition – [12 – 18 undergraduate credits leading towards one degree at a U.S. school]
Fees* – [student activities fee, health center fee, residence hall association fee, etc.]
Room** – [2-person (double) “dorm” room]
Board – [ 15 – 19 meal plan]
Health Insurance (Basic College Plan) – if a student is not eligible for health insurance under a
parent/guardian or government-sponsored plan, Milton Hershey School will pay the cost of the college’s
basic health insurance plan if the student has enough CES funds to do so. Proof of non-eligibility for
insurance required!
*MHS does not pay extra fees associated with taking elective courses (diving, photography, music instruction, etc.)
when other elective courses are available where no extra fee is charged. Students may apply for a one-time
exception (one class) to this rule on a case-by-case basis by contacting the CES Office.
**Students choosing single rooms, suites, apartment style housing, etc. are required to pay the cost difference for
such housing type upgrades.
The CES program does not pay for expenses including, but not limited to: on-line degrees, books, supplies,
transportation, off-campus security deposits, advance rent payments, admissions deposits, computer software,
membership fees (includes fraternities/sororities), parking fees/fines, housing damage fees, late fees, field trips,
phone/internet charges, conferences, etc.
The CES program will help to finance up to ONE undergraduate major and ONE minor! Students pursuing
multiple degrees or minors must finance those efforts without CES assistance. The only exception would be students
with an Associate’s degree pursuing a directly related Bachelor’s degree may be eligible for CES assistance if enough
credits transfer towards the Bachelor’s degree.
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STUDENT LOAN ($2,500/yr) PROCESS
MHS graduates from the Class of 2011 and beyond are required to borrow $2,500 in Direct Subsidized Loan
funds each academic year ($1,250 per semester, $833 per trimester, or $625 per quarter) before any CES funds
are invested. No Direct Unsubsidized Loan is permitted. For students graduating from post-secondary school within
six (6) years of activating their CES funds, MHS may repay up to $2,500 in student loans per academic year IF the
student has CES funds remaining after graduation! This section explains the process of securing a Direct Subsidized
Loan and gives some examples of specific loan situations.
First-time student loan borrowers need to complete three elements to obtain a Direct Subsidized Loan: (1) inform
their Financial Aid Office how much student loan funds they need (2) complete Entrance Counseling and (3) complete
a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Returning/Repeat borrowers usually only need to inform the Financial Aid Office
how much student loan funds they need EACH YEAR because the Entrance Counseling and MPN elements normally
remain valid for 10 years after initially completing them.
How Do You Get Your $2,500 Direct Subsidized Loan: (1) Inform the Financial Aid Office at your college how much loan money you need
(2) Complete Entrance Counseling at https://studentloans.gov (use FAFSA PIN)
(3) Complete Master Promissory Note (MPN) at https://studentloans.gov (use FAFSA PIN)
Details on the 3 Steps Needed to Get Your Loan:
(1) Inform the Financial Aid Office at your college how much loan money you need – Your college will
offer you a $3,500 Direct Subsidized Loan as part of the normal financial aid application process.
Remember that you only need to borrow $2,500 of this $3,500 loan as per CES rules. They will also offer
you a $2,000 Direct Unsubsidized Loan that you cannot accept. Read the letters and e-mails the Financial
Aid Office sends you to learn exactly how your college expects you to inform them how much loan
money you want (letter, e-mail, on-line)!
(2) Complete your Entrance Counseling at https://studentloans.gov -- Entrance Counseling is like a
student loan “quiz” in a question and answer format that you complete to ensure that you are an informed
borrower. The goal is educate you about the basics of what a Direct Stafford Loan is and what your
rights and responsibilities are as a borrower. This requirement takes about 30 minutes to complete and
you “sign in” using your FAFSA PIN. Complete Entrance Counseling only after you know what college
you will be attending.
(3) Complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN) at https://studentloans.gov -- Master Promissory
Note (MPN) is the legally binding document between you and your lender (the federal government)
that you are borrowing money from the federal government that needs to be repaid (hopefully, by MHS
if you do well in college, graduate in 6 years, & have CES funds remaining). The MPN is normally valid
for a 10 year time frame and can be used by multiple colleges so you usually only have to complete one
MPN in your college career. The MPN takes 20 – 30 minutes to complete and you should have the
names, phone numbers, and addresses of two adults (ex. parent, uncle, older sibling) with different
U.S. addresses with you to use as references on the promissory note. Complete the MPN only after
you know what college you will be attending. You “sign” the MPN using your FAFSA PIN.
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STUDENT LOAN ($2,500/yr) PROCESS (cont’d)
Who Are You Borrowing Loan Money From? You are borrowing a Direct Loan. The Direct Loan program is owned and operated by the federal government through
the U.S. Department of Education. The federal government (good old “Uncle Sam”) is your lender. The federal
government maintains a website and customer service center dedicated to the administration of these student loans.
You will be completing your Entrance Counseling and MPN requirements via this website. Below is the contact
information for the Direct Loan Program:
https://studentloans.gov (1-800-557-7394) *
*Option 1, then Option 2 (General Loan Questions) or Option 3 (Entrance Counseling or MPN Questions)
Direct Loan Borrowing Chart
Year in College Direct Subsidized Loan
Eligibility Amount
MHS Direct Subsidized Loan
Borrowing Requirement
Year 1 $3500 $2500
Year 2 $4500 $2500
Year 3 $5500 $2500
Year 4 $5500 $2500
Year 5 (if needed) $5500 $2500
The CES program requires students to borrow only $2500 in Direct Subsidized Loans per academic year. If you
choose to borrow more than $2500 to pay for books, supplies or other educational costs, you can do so as long as you
do not borrow more than the “Direct Subsidized Loan Eligibility Amount” listed above. However, any such “extra
loans” are your responsibility to repay, not Milton Hershey School’s.
Examples of Student Loan Borrowing Situations: Example A: {On-Campus Student} Example B: {On-Campus Student}
Tuition, fees, room & board = $18,000 Tuition, fees, room & board = $22,000
Minus Grant Aid of $6,000 Minus Grant Aid of $9,000
Equals Balance Due of $12,000 Equals Balance Due of $13,000
Student Borrows $2,500 Student Borrows $3,500 ($1,000 more than needed)**
MHS Pays $9,500 to college MHS Pays $10,500 to college
**MHS will only repay $2,500 of this $3,500 loan!!!
Example C: {Commuting from Home} Example D: {Living at International House}
Tuition & fees = $10,000 Tuition & fees = $5,500
Minus Grant Aid of $6,000 Minus Grant Aid of $6,000
Equals Balance Due of $4,000 No Balance Due: Have $500 in Extra Grants
MHS also allows student $3,000 for meals International House Due $6,000 in Rent
MHS also allows student $3,000 for meals
Student Borrows $2,500 for meals
MHS Pays $500 to student for meals Student Gets $500 Extra Grants for Meals
MHS Pays $4,000 to college Student Borrows $2,500 for meals
MHS Pays 6,000 in Rent to International House
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CES FORMS & PUBLICATIONS
CES forms are available on the CES Forms & Publications page of the CES section of the MHS website:
www.mhskids.org/success-mhs/for-mhs-graduates/
At least three documents are needed EACH YEAR in order to calculate a student’s CES eligibility. The deadline for
receipt of all documents is July 15th or TWO weeks prior to your bill being due - whichever is earlier:
Release Form – mailed to students in April and is the form our office uses to calculate your CES eligibility
each year. Students complete the top half (Section 1) and forward to their Financial Aid Office for completion
of the figures needed in the bottom half (Section 2). UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD
STUDENTS COMPLETE SECTION 2. In order for your college to be able to fill in their section, you will
have to complete the financial aid process (FAFSA & other forms) in a timely manner;
Student Data Sheet – mailed to students in April and serves three purposes: (1) update demographic
information (2) update academic information and (3) update privacy release needed to enable our office to
talk to others about your CES;
Academic Transcript – students are responsible for having their school submit an official transcript to our
office at the end of each term/semester. Unofficial transcripts and printouts from on-line grading systems will
NOT be accepted unless the CES Office prints these documents directly from the student’s on-line account.
The CES Office would need a valid student ID and Password to print on-line grade reports.
For third year students or higher living off-campus, a signed copy of the lease is needed in order to document your
off-campus address, confirm that you have your own apartment, & to enable our office to determine the cost of living
off-campus versus on-campus. Some other commons forms available on-line or through our office are:
ACH Credit Form – used to sign up to have your CES funds “wired” directly to your bank account;
Bonus Funds Request Form – used to request CES Bonus Funds to help pay for books, supplies, etc;
Summer Release Form – required of all students seeking CES funding in the summer;
Transfer Application – required of all transfer students to approve the transfer process.
Other forms, letters or grade reports may also be needed on a case-by-case basis!
Submit All Documents To:
Transition Services
Milton Hershey School
PO Box 830
Hershey, PA 17033
Fax (717) 520-2033
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ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Ongoing CES support is dependent upon students demonstrating, through good academic performance, that they are
deserving of Milton Hershey School’s investment in their education. Students need to be earning good grades towards
their degree at a full-time pace to remain eligible for CES funds. All credits taken must go towards the student’s
degree! Students are required to meet the MINIMUM ACADEMIC STANDARDS below to receive ongoing CES
support:
Maintain a minimum 2.00 term & cumulative GPA;
Successful completion of 12 new credits per term for in each of your first and second years*
OR
Successful completion of 15 new credits per term in your third year of school and beyond
*NOTE: Students signing 4-Year Acknowledgement agreements with Milton Hershey School need to pass at least 15
credits per term starting their first year due to the fact their CES funds will not pay for more than 4 years of college
at the school they have chosen!
Students not meeting the minimum academic benchmarks will have their CES eligibility reviewed by MHS’s
Academic Standards Committee. The Academic Standards Committee will review a student for placement on
either Academic Probation or Academic Suspension.
Students falling just short in one academic standard will be placed on Academic Probation. Academic Probation
means a student will continue to receive CES funds for the probationary term only, but must achieve the minimum
GPA and credits passed requirements in order to not have CES funds suspended. Students achieving the minimum
requirements will be removed from probation at the end of the term. Students not achieving the minimum
requirements will have their CES funds temporarily suspended until they achieve these requirements on their own.
Students falling significantly short in one academic standard, or short in both academic standards, will be placed on
Academic Suspension. Academic Suspension means students temporarily lose CES funding until they meet the
required minimum academic standards on their own or with the help of standard financial aid resources (grants,
scholarships, loans, work-study).
Students placed on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension will be notified in writing (mail or email) by
Transition Services. This written notification will outline the procedures necessary to be removed from probation or
suspension. However, in all cases, an OFFICIAL transcript that includes the grades for the probationary or
suspension term(s) will be required! **IMPORTANT REMINDER about LOST GRANT AID:
The CES program will NOT replace any federal, state, or college grants or scholarships lost due to missed
deadlines, incomplete verification, low GPAs, non-attendance, and other situations that are the responsibility
of the student and his/her family. Students will need to pay for grants and scholarships lost for these reasons with
their own earnings, savings, or via student/private loans.
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LIVING OFF-CAMPUS
Living on-campus is the single, best predictor of success in a student’s early college years! National statistics
indicate, year after year, that students who live on-campus are more involved in school activities, more likely to take
advantage of campus academic resources, build a greater number of significant relationships with faculty, students
and staff, and feel an overall sense of belonging not as prevalent in those students living off-campus.
For these crucial reasons, Transition Service strongly encourages students to attend post-secondary schools that offer
on-campus housing for all students! The CES program will NOT pay any tuition, fees, room and board costs for
students living off-campus during their first or second year of school. First and second year students who APPLY
FOR HOUSING ON-TIME, but are not able to find on-campus housing due to limited space, may complete an On-
Campus Housing Status Form to appeal for CES assistance. Students attending colleges without on-campus
housing are required to commute from home for the first and second year.
Below are some important guidelines to consider before deciding whether to move off-campus:
The maximum CES rate for off-campus “living allowance” (rent, utilities & meals) expenses is calculated
using U.S. Office of Housing & Urban Development rental data and private market rent values for your
specific geographic area. The final, actual living allowance rate is set once each student’s lease is reviewed;
The living allowance is intended to help support your rent, utility, and meal costs for the academic year;
Most academic years are 9 months (September – May), and hence, most living allowance payments are based
on 9 months. Students should try to secure a 9-month lease because the CES program will not support
housing costs for months in which our graduates are not full-time students (i.e. summer);
You must submit a signed copy of your lease before CES funds will be released;
Living allowance funds will be sent no earlier than 2 – 3 weeks before the start of classes;
MHS may request copies of paid rent checks or utility bills as proof CES funds are being used properly;
Direct Deposit of living allowance funds IS AVAILABLE – contact the CES Office for details;
If you choose to live off-campus, you incur the risk of increased utility costs and other factors that come
along with being an off-campus renter. You are responsible for paying for such increases and for other
unknown cost factors that go along with off-campus life – not Milton Hershey School;
For students at semester schools, 50% of the living allowance will be sent to the student at the start of each
semester & the other 50% will be sent at the mid-point of the term. Due to the shorter length of the terms,
students at quarter/trimester schools will have 100% of their living allowance sent at the start of each term;
Students have the sole responsibility to open up a checking account, budget their living allowance
resources, and to pay landlords and utility companies on-time. No advances will be made to students who
mismanage or lose their living allowance funds - or for any other circumstances;
No CES living allowance payments will be made to students who are living with family members, renting
from family members, or subletting a room from “a friend” or MHS staff member. In these circumstances,
students are considered to be living “at home” (commuter) & will only be eligible for the standard commuter
board (meal) allowance;
To safeguard the authenticity of the lease, living allowance checks will be mailed to the street address on the
signed lease only;
The CES program does NOT pay for off-campus housing deposits, security deposits, or advance rent
payments.
12
TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL or CHANGING MAJORS
Even though our College & Career Counselors do much advanced planning with students in regards to their
Graduation Plan and finding the “right fit” in a post-secondary school, occasionally students wish to transfer schools
or change majors. The CES program will support graduates who have sound reasons for transferring or changing
majors, as long as the majority of the college credits the CES program previously funded at the prior school(s),
or in the prior major, also transfer! See the table below for required minimum transfer credits:
Number of Semesters
Paid using CES Funds
Minimum Number of
Transfer Credits Needed
1 12
2 24
3 36
4 48
5 63
6 78
The original criteria for CES approval also apply to any transfer request (see Approved Graduation Plan):
Family/Milton Hershey School Support
Post-Secondary School Support Services
Post-Secondary School Visit
Course of Study
Financial Feasibility
High School Performance Matrix Approval for a transfer/major change must come from the College & Career Counselor and Financial Aid
Coordinator. All initial requests should be made through the College & Career Counselor. A good source of college
and transfer information can be found through The College Board at: www.collegeboard.org.
General Procedures for Transferring:
Mid-year transfers for 1st year students are prohibited. First year students have the option of staying at the
same college through the spring term, stopping out of college for the spring term, or paying for the spring
term at a new college on their own;
Mid-year transfers for upperclass students are strongly discouraged due to the challenges involved with the
timing of transferring credits, financial aid, and the payment of bills. Special approval for an upperclass mid-
year transfer is needed from the College & Career Counselor and Financial Aid Coordinator;
Apply to the new school at least TWO months in advance of desired enrollment term;
Add the new school to your FAFSA –contact the Financial Aid Office for their Federal School Code;
Complete a CES Transfer Application form at least TWO months in advance of desired enrollment term at
the new school. The CES Transfer Application must be returned to Transition Services along with the
following forms (by December 1st for Spring transfers & July 1st for Fall transfers):
1. Acceptance Letter
2. Financial Aid Award Letter
3. Transfer Credit Evaluation
Submit all other required CES forms (Release Form, Student Data Sheet, Official Academic Transcripts, etc.)
as usual.
Your transfer or change of major MUST BE APPROVED in writing before any CES funds will be disbursed on your
behalf. Students not transferring the minimum number of required credits will not have their transfer request
approved and will have to pay for their schooling on their own until achieving the minimum credit requirement
OR stay at their current school.
13
SUMMER COURSES
The CES program will assist with summer studies, on a funds available basis, under the following conditions:
You must be making successful academic progress (minimum 2.00 GPA and annual credits passed towards
graduation requirement) – see below for details;
You must submit an academic transcript detailing all recent grades;
You must apply for summer financial aid through your school;
You must submit a Summer Release Form;
The summer term is the only term of study where students do NOT have to be full-time in order to potentially qualify
for CES funds towards tuition and fees. However, students wishing to have CES funds help pay for room and
board MUST BE enrolled in at least 9 new credits that go towards your degree requirements (limited
exceptions may apply – see below).
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Students may not use CES funds to “catch up” on credits lost during the standard academic year due
to failing grades, withdrawing, or course incompletions. The only way for students on Academic Probation
or Suspension to “catch up” during the summer is to pay for courses on their own (or with the help of standard
financial aid assistance);
The CES program will support room and board costs only for the weeks of the summer that the student is
actually enrolled for 9 credits or more. For example, if a student is enrolled for 9 credits over a 10-week span
in the summer, room and board support will only be provided for those 10 weeks of actual enrollment.
Limited exceptions may be granted for room and board support for students just needing to take 6 credits
during a 4, 5, or 6-week summer term;
Students receiving CES disbursements for room & board (or living allowance) based on their number
of credits must pass all of those credits in the summer, or their summer room and board (or living
allowance) payment will be deducted from their next term of CES eligibility; Poor performance during the summer term could very well affect a student’s eligibility for CES funds for the
upcoming academic year (i.e. – academic probation or suspension);
Before summer courses taken at another (host) school will be approved for CES support, a Preapproval of
Transfer Credits from the “home” school MUST BE SUBMITTED indicating that the “home” school will
accept towards graduation ALL credits taken at the “host” school;
Summer meal allowance for commuter students may be available, but ONLY IF the student is full-time (9
credits or more) and has enough CES funding available;
Students are responsible for book, supply, transportation and other costs during summer, just like they are
during any other term of study; Students may not be in off-campus living arrangements for summer and receive any CES support until they
are considered third year college students.
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STUDY ABROAD
Study Abroad experiences can prove to be a wonderful enhancement to a student’s academic program, global
perspective, and cultural appreciation. However, travel issues, safety concerns, language barriers, cultural challenges,
unknown environments, academic adjustments, and other components of international study make the experience
potentially more stressful and challenging also. With these factors in mind, Milton Hershey School will support study
abroad experiences under the following conditions:
Only one study abroad experience will be supported;
Study abroad experience must occur during the third, fourth or fifth year;
Minimum cumulative GPA needed to study abroad is a 2.50;
Student is not on Academic or Social Probation/Suspension;
Transportation (including airfare) costs are not supported;
Study abroad program must be affiliated with your school so that your financial aid eligibility remains
intact;
The costs of the study abroad experience must be similar to your school’s standard tuition, fees, room and
board costs;
All credits attempted must apply towards your degree/graduation requirement;
“Excursion” trips within the study abroad experience are NOT supported by CES funding;
Study abroad experience must be a full term length experience (for example, Spring break experiences
attached to a full term academic course are not supported);
Only full-time (12 credits or more) experiences will be supported (9 credits or more during the summer).
For students whose graduation requirement for their major (for example, International Affairs) includes a study
abroad experience, limited exceptions to the one experience only and no transportation cost payment policies may
be made if students have enough CES funding to warrant such exceptions and meet all other conditions.
Going abroad requires a considerable amount of advanced planning and preparation. Be sure to work with your
school’s academic, financial aid, and student accounts offices concerning everything from credit approval, passports,
financial aid forms, payment deadlines, and more. Please be sure to submit ALL REQUIRED CES PAPERWORK
to Transition Services at least TWO MONTHS in advance of any study abroad experience.
Students studying abroad are held responsible to the same level of accountability as others for the timely
completion of financial aid, academic, and CES forms. The CES program will NOT make up for gift aid lost
due to missed deadlines or other noncompliance issues.
15
GRADUATION
The goal of Milton Hershey School’s CES program is not to help students simply attend post-secondary schools, but
to help students GRADUATE with an undergraduate degree from post-secondary schools that are the right fit
for their talents, interests, experiences and resources.
Graduation is the culmination of our combined efforts to accomplish Mr. & Mrs. Hershey’s goal to “nurture and
educate children in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives.” As our society advances and
continues to produce ever growing specialized and complex work environments, post-secondary education has
becomes more crucial than ever before. We celebrate the accomplishments of all of our graduates who have advanced
their education beyond the high school years!
Please send our office the following information in the weeks following your graduation so that we may document
your successes and use your story to help future Milton Hershey School graduates:
Copy of your Diploma or Certificate
Copy of your Final Academic Transcript
For students (Class of 2011 and later) who have borrowed Direct Subsidized Loans as part of their CES
Payment Calculation Formula, remember that MHS cannot help to repay any of those loans until you submit
the following to the CES Office within 6 months of graduation: (1) College Diploma (2) Final Academic
Transcript and (3) Student Loan Repayment Documentation.
Finally, please remember all the generous gifts that have been bestowed upon you in your young lives
and strive to share your blessings with others. The Bible teaches The Golden Rule: “Do Unto Others As
You Would Have Done Unto You” and “You Received Without Payment; Give Without Payment.” Embody
these noble goals by teaching others, serving others, and supporting those in need. Become active members
of your communities, civic and charitable organizations, church councils, school boards, voter registration
teams, etc. and give to others in any way possible. Through your actions make the world a little better
place to live each day!
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STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT BASICS Since the MHS scholarship program was implemented in the 1920’s, there has been a self-help or co-payment
component for the majority of those years. MHS returned to the self-help component philosophy with the Class of
2011. Graduates from the Class of 2011 and beyond will be required to borrow $2,500 in Direct Subsidized
Loan funds each academic year ($1,250 per semester, $833 per trimester, or $625 per quarter) before any CES
funds are invested. For students graduating from post-secondary school within six (6) years of activating their CES
funds, MHS may repay up to $2,500 in student loans per academic year IF the student has CES funds remaining after
graduation!
MHS does not allow CES recipients to borrow any of the $2,000 Direct Unsubsidized Loan that the college will
offer each year. The student must decline these Direct Unsubsidized Loans each year. If somehow a student accepted
any Direct Unsubsidized Loan in any year, those loans (principal and interest) are the student’s responsibility to
repay. The same is true of any Direct Subsidized Loan exceeding $2,500 in any year.
Basic Loan Repayment Parameters
In order for Milton Hershey School to help repay student loans, the following conditions must be met:
The student must GRADUATE with a post-secondary degree with 6 years of activating CES funds;
The student must have CES funds remaining after graduating from college;
MHS will only help repay student loans used towards standard tuition, fees, room & board costs;
MHS will only help repay student loans taken during terms when the student was eligible for CES funds;
MHS actually calculates student loan repayment eligibility by term so $2,500 per academic year in potential
loan repayment equates to $1,250/semester, or $833/trimester, or $625 per quarter;
The student needs to provide MHS with a diploma, final academic transcript, & student loan repayment
documents within six months of graduating from college in order for MHS help repay any loans.
Where to Find Your Specific Student Loan Information
Contact your student loan lender or servicer or go to one of these main federal loan websites and log in:
www.nslds.ed.gov https://studentloans.gov (1-800-557-7394)
Direct Loan Borrowing Chart
Year in College Direct Subsidized Loan
Eligibility Amount
MHS Direct Subsidized Loan
Borrowing Requirement
Year 1 $3500 $2500
Year 2 $4500 $2500 Year 3 $5500 $2500 Year 4 $5500 $2500
Year 5 (if needed) $5500 $2500
The CES program requires students to borrow only $2500 in Direct Subsidized Loans per academic year. If you
choose to borrow more than $2500 to pay for books, supplies or other educational costs, you can do so as long as you
do not borrow more than the “Direct Subsidized Loan Eligibility Amount” listed above. However, any such “extra
loans” are your responsibility to repay, not Milton Hershey School’s responsibility to repay.
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STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT Q&A
Below are Q&A situations that MHS feels might be helpful in understanding this $2,500 student loan component: Q1: If I don’t graduate from college will MHS help repay my student loans?
A1: No, students need to graduate to be eligible for any loan repayment.
Q2: If I graduate from college but have no CES funds remaining will MHS help repay my student
loans?
A2: No, MHS can only help repay loans if you have CES funds remaining after you graduate.
Q3: What does MHS need to begin the process of helping to repay my student loans?
A3: MHS needs 1) copy of college diploma, 2) final academic transcript of college grades and 3) your
student loan repayment schedule – all within 6 months of your graduation from college.
Q4: What is a student loan repayment schedule?
A4: A repayment schedule is an official arrangement from your student loan lender stating your overall
loan amount, your monthly repayment and payment due date and the address to mail your payment to.
This repayment schedule is a real obligation, and there are very serious consequences to you for failure
to meet it (such as default, garnishment of wages, and difficulty/inability to secure future loans).
Q5: Where does MHS send the loan repayment check?
A5: MHS sends the check directly to the student loan lender/servicer. No checks are sent directly to the
student.
Q6: If I borrow more in loans than I have left in my CES account, how much will MHS help repay?
A6: MHS can only use the level of funds remaining in your CES account to help repay your loans. For
example: If you borrow $10,000 towards standard college costs but only have $4000 in CES remaining,
MHS can only pay $4000 of your student loans.
Q7: How many years can I take to graduate and still get help repaying my student loans?
A7: Students have six years from their CES activation date to complete their degree and receive CES help
in repaying their student loans.
Q8: Will MHS help repay student loans for semesters that I was not eligible to receive CES funds?
A8: No, MHS will only help repay student loans from terms if you were eligible for CES funds during
those terms. For example: If you were on Academic Suspension for a spring semester, MHS would not
help repay any student loans taken during that spring term.
Q9: Will MHS help to repay loan debt that I used to pay books, supplies, travel or other indirect
college costs?
A9: No, MHS only supports normal TFRB (tuition, fees, room and board) costs under the CES program.
So, any loans taken for other uses would not be eligible to be repaid. For example: If you borrowed the
required $2500 during the 2013-14 school year for TFRB and then borrowed another $1000 for books &
supplies that same school year, MHS would only help you repay the $2500. (Assuming that you met other
CES criteria and you have CES funds remaining after graduation.)
18
STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT Q&A (cont’d)
Q10: What if I graduate with an Associate’s degree and then start my Bachelor’s degree but never
complete the Bachelor’s degree – what loans will MHS help to repay?
A10: MHS can only help repay loans for the Associates degree – the degree you completed. Since you
never completed the Bachelor’s degree, those loans are not eligible for CES repayment. You would need
to get MHS your Associate’s degree & student loan information 6 months after you complete the
Associate’s degree so MHS can repay those specific loans right away.
Q11: Does MHS help repay loans taken during a summer term?
A11: Most students will be borrowing the required $2500 in loans during the basic academic year (fall &
spring semesters for example) so they will normally not be borrowing loans for standard costs during the
summer. There may be some exceptions to this general rule that can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Q12: What if I was a commuter and paid for my own meal allowance versus borrowing student
loans to pay for my meal allowance?
A12: MHS would help reimburse you up to $2500 per academic year, just like we would help repay
student loans. Again, this assumes you were CES eligible, have graduated from college, submit the proper
documentation and have CES funds remaining in your account.
Q13: What if my family paid $2500 of my bill each year so I didn’t need to borrow student loans?
A13: MHS would help reimburse your family for the expenses just like we would help repay the student
loan if you would have borrowed them. Again, this assumes you were CES eligible, have graduated from
college, submit the proper documentation and have CES funds remaining in your account.
Q14: Will MHS pay any interest that accrues on my student loans?
A14: If, through no fault of your own, you qualify to receive all or a portion of your $2,500 loan as a
Direct Unsubsidized Loan (accrues interest while you are in college), MHS will attempt to pay the
interest after you graduate. This assumes you have enough CES funds to do so and meet all other
requirements.
Q15: Are there any deadlines for filing the required documentation and getting my loan repayment
assistance from CES?
A15: Yes, you have to submit all requests and documentation within six months of your college
graduation date.
Q16: My student loan had an origination fee that I had to pay up front. Will the CES loan
repayment plan pay that fee?
A16: The origination fees are part of the original $2500 you borrowed and are therefore eligible for CES
repayment.
Q17: My school gave me a Perkins loan rather than/in addition to a Stafford loan. Will MHS pay
this off as part of the repayment program?
A17: MHS will help to repay up to $2500 per academic year in student loans for eligible college
graduates. If you have Perkins loans, MHS can certainly direct some/all of your repayment funds to the
Perkins loan, but we will not pay more than $2500 per academic year towards your overall loans.
19
TERMINATION OF CES FUNDING
The CES program is built upon the guiding principles established by Mr. & Mrs. Hershey in the Deed of Trust (1909).
Section 21 of the Deed of Trust states,
“All children shall leave the institution and cease to be the recipients of its benefits upon
their completion of the full course of secondary education being offered at the School. The
Managers may in their discretion provide for such a system of premiums and rewards
dependent upon good behavior, character, and proficiency….”
The CES program is an example of a system of premiums and rewards that Mr. & Mrs. Hershey describe. The CES
program is an investment in the lives of our graduates, and for the most recent school year, the program projects to
invest $5.5 MILLION dollars. Students no longer proving worthy of this investment privilege may be terminated
from the CES program if their behavior does not meet the standards set forth by Mr. & Mrs. Hershey.
Students not acting in accordance with the sacred values of integrity and mutual respect that compose the core fiber
of Milton Hershey School may be permanently terminated from the CES program. Examples of behavior that may
lead to termination include, but are not limited to:
Fraudulent or forged academic transcripts or Release Forms;
Criminal behavior;
Disrespectful behavior towards Milton Hershey School or its employees;
Failure to disclose pertinent information regarding financial aid resources;
Failure to disclose/direct your school to submit refunds due to overpayments or other
circumstances directly to the Milton Hershey School;
Acceptance, in any way, of CES funds when you are not in compliance with published
requirements (i.e. full-time enrollment or other basic requirements).
In summary, submitting fraudulent information, improperly accepting CES funds you are not eligible to
receive, failing to direct your school to submit refunds due to overpayments or other circumstances directly to
Milton Hershey School, or in any other way not meeting the CES requirements stipulated in the Deed of Trust
of good behavior, character and proficiency is grounds for permanent termination from the CES program and
possible pursuit of legal action against the student to recoup any CES funds owed to the School. Terminations will be a joint decision involving two or more of the following: Financial Aid Coordinator, Director of
Transition Services, or the CES Advisory Committee. All termination decisions will be sent in writing to the student.
20
MyCES
Milton Hershey School's MyCES website is designed to give you 24 hour access to personalized
information concerning your actual CES status. We encourage you to use this site to:
Check the status of your CES application documents
View your annual CES award amounts & disbursements
Print off proof of scholarship funding for your post-secondary school
Download standard CES forms
Review any customized messages regarding your CES status
To access MyCES, click the MyCES button on the CES page of Milton Hershey School’s website:
www.mhskids.org/success-mhs/for-mhs-graduates/. You will be prompted to enter your Student ID (your
Social Security Number) and your PIN. The student will select his/her own PIN and set up a few account
activation security questions.
The Transition Services Office is finding that MyCES has greatly enhanced our service to our graduates
by helping you access some of the basic, yet frequently asked questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For
example, some of the most common CES questions involve forms -- “Did you receive my Release Form
yet?” Now, graduates can log into MyCES and see that a form has not been received and download the
form immediately from the same site and begin completing it. A printout of your CES awards and/or
disbursements from this site may also be very useful as written confirmation for your post-secondary school
or rental agency that you do have CES funding for the academic year.
Milton Hershey School is excited about this enhancement to our CES service and hopes that you fully utilize
this resource to complement the other personalized services the Transition Services Office provides our
young graduates!
CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP (CES)
2015-16 RELEASE FORM
Complete Section 1 and forward to your college’s Financial Aid Office for completion of Section 2
Section 1: Completed by the STUDENT
_____________________________________________ ______________________ __________________ _______________
Student Name (Please PRINT) Social Security # College ID # MHS Grad Class
Information Release Statement: I authorize the Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Registrar’s and/or other offices at
____________________________________________ to release information to Milton Hershey School regarding my scholar-
(Name of Your College/School) ship eligibility, financial aid, grades, and/or student account status.
Student email: ______________________________________ Student Phone #: ______________________
Student Signature: Date: ________________________
******************************************************************************************************
Section 2: Completed by the COLLEGE Financial Aid Office
Financial Aid Office – Please COMPLETE THIS FORM ONLY AFTER YOUR 2015-16 COSTS ARE FINALIZED and the
STUDENT HAS COMPLETED VERIFICATION (if applicable). Do NOT include books, personal, transportation costs, etc.
ALL DATA APPLIES TO THE 2015-16 ACADEMIC YEAR ONLY (Do NOT include Summer)
(1) Housing Status: ____ On-Campus _____ Off-Campus in Apt. ____ At Home/Relative (Commuter)
(2) CES Student Budget: How many term(s) of anticipated full-time enrollment are included in budget below? _______
Tuition $ _____________
Fees $ _____________
Room – Standard Double Dorm Room Rate $ _____________
Board – Standard Meal Plan Rate (15 – 19 meals) $ _____________
Total $ _____________
Academic Year Beginning & Ending Dates ___/___/___----___/___/___
(3) Federal Expected Family Contribution (EFC) $ _____________
Date FAFSA Submitted _________________
(4) Total Gift Aid Awarded (ALL federal, state, college & private grants or scholarships) $_____________________
Gift aid lost (for example -late FAFSA, verification incomplete, low GPA, etc.) $_____________________ __
Reason Lost (if applicable):________________________________________________________________________
_
(5) Maximum scholarship amount student may receive without jeopardizing current gift aid $ _____________________
Cause of gift aid reduction would be: College Policy _____ Gift Aid exceeds COE ______ Other _______________
Please forward completed form to: (Contact our office at 717-520-3305, 717-520-2315, or 717-520-2036 with questions)
Milton Hershey School, Transition Services Office, PO Box 830, Hershey, PA 17033 Fax (717) 520-2033
Name of FAO: _______________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________ Email ________________________
Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________ Phone #: ________________ Fax #: ________________
Appendix A
BUDGET QUESTIONS *Payment due date(s) for each
term in budget?
Fall/1st Quarter/Tri__________
Winter/2nd Quarter/Tri_________
Spring/3rd Quarter/Tri_________
MHS Continuing Education Scholarship (CES)
2015-16 Student Data Sheet
Instructions: Complete and mail/fax this form to MHS Transition Services by JULY 15 or two weeks before
your bill is due – whichever is earlier. On time submission of this form is required to receive any CES funding:
No on time form = no CES money! If you will not know your college address by July 15, mark that field as
PENDING and send the form in by July15.
Student Information:
Name (print) ____________________________ Social Security# _____________ MHS Class ______
Your Phone Numbers: Home ____________________ Cell ____________________
Email Address(es) _______________________________ ________________________________
Your Home Address ________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________ State _________ Zip Code ___________
Your housing status at college: Campus Residence Off-Campus Apt. Commuter
Your Personal Address at College _____________________________________________________
City ____________________________________ State _________ Zip Code ___________
Educational Plan Information:
Name of College/School _____________________________________________________________
Academic Major ___________________________________________________________________
If you changed Majors since last year, write your “old” Major here: ____________________
Type of Degree/Certification (Bachelors, etc) ____________________________________________
Anticipated College Graduation Date (month/year) ____________________
Privacy Information:
I give permission for the Transition Services staff to communicate with the following individuals (family, adult mentors)
regarding my CES circumstances. Our office will be unable to speak with any family/adult mentors regarding your CES
circumstances unless they are listed below (this restriction does NOT apply to student services staff at your school).
Name ____________________________________________ Relationship _____________________
Name ____________________________________________ Relationship _____________________
By signing this form, I acknowledge that submitting fraudulent information, improperly accepting CES funds I am not
eligible to receive, failing to direct my school to submit refunds due to overpayments or other circumstances directly
to Milton Hershey School, or in any other way not meeting the CES requirements stipulated in the Deed of Trust of
good behavior, character and proficiency is grounds for permanent termination from the CES program and possible pursuit
of legal action against me to recoup any CES funds owed to the School.
Student Signature ____________________________________________ Date __________________
Please return completed form to: Transition Services Office, Milton Hershey School, PO Box 830, Hershey, PA 17033 [Fax (717) 520-2033]
Appendix B
Milton Hershey School
Milton Hershey School Pledge I will keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. I will keep my
standards high and help others to do likewise. In my relations with others, I will live by
the Golden Rule and will speak the truth at all times. I pledge myself to honor and to do
all I can for the good of my School, my country, and my God.
Remember The MyCES website gives you 24 hour access to personalized
information concerning your actual CES status, forms, and dollar amounts. Please
take advantage of this site!
Go to the MyCES page of Milton Hershey School’s website:
www.mhskids.org/success-mhs/for-mhs-graduates/
{See Page 20 for More Details}