E Kala Mai! The Kamehameha Schools’ (KS) Kipona Scholarship Program application deadline was February 29, 2012. Applications are no longer being accepted. Feel free to explore the website for additional program information, but you will not be able to apply for the Kipona Scholarship Program.

Elgible kindgergarten-aged children attending or enrolling in participating Kipona private schools may apply for new Kipona Scholarships.  Previously awarded students must reapply for fundes each year.  Hawai'i residency at the time of application submission is required.

Awards are based on financial need and are subject to the availability of funds. Award notifications will be made in April 2012.

3 Steps to a Successful PFS

The financial aid and scholarship application process can be a challenge; however, the PFS consolidates family, student, and financial information into one easy to complete household application. As a result, you can use a single PFS for more than one student applicant applying for any of the programs noted below. We recommend families gather all of their information and complete the process early to ensure timely notification. All applicant families, regardless of financial situation, are required to submit a completed PFS. Program deadlines are as follows:

Whether you choose to complete your PFS online or on paper, take the process one step at a time and ask for help if you need it.

     GATHER THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS YOU’LL NEED TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

• Required documents include your signed 2011 federal income tax returns including all schedules and attachments
• All Form W-2’s and 1099’s
• IRS Form 4506-T, signed but not dated
• KS Expense and Resource Statement, if you do not file taxes or your Adjusted Gross Income is less than $15,000
• Custodial Documents, such as a Divorce Decree, if applicable
• Household Summary or Benefit History to verify financial assistance, if applicable (for TANF/AFDC recipients only)
• Guardianship documents, if applicant is a Ward of the Court or a foster child
• Print out, complete, and send in the PFS Fee Waiver Request Form if you feel you qualify

     COMPLETE THE PFS THAT IS OFFERED THROUGH SSS BY NAIS

• The PFS is new to KS in 2012-2013 and is required for all applicants. It can be accessed online at sss.nais.org/parents or if you would prefer a paper PFS, KS will mail one to you. Call the Applicant Services Center to request an application packet
• Start the process early, we recommend completing the PFS Online at least 4 days before the deadline; for paper PFS’, at least 10 days before the deadline is recommended
• Just one PFS is required per household; one PFS can be used to apply for multiple programs and multiple schools for all of your children
• Remember your PFS ID
• Kamehameha Schools’ SSS Subscriber Code is 2930
• Don’t forget to complete the Supplemental Form
• You must Pay and Submit your PFS for it to be processed
• Use the Help Tips on the right side of the PFS Online screens to assist you; or
• Use the PFS Online Workbook for a step by step guide prepared by SSS

It’s critical that you complete the PFS fully and accurately. Give yourself at least one hour to complete the process. If you are doing a paper PFS, use a pen and print clearly.

Paying for your PFS

A PFS is not considered complete until it has been paid and submitted. Whether you apply online or via paper, the cost is $31 to process the PFS through SSS. SSS will send the information to KS. This rate is available to KS applicants only. If you are sending the PFS to other institutions, you must pay the regular rate, which is $37 online and $49 via paper PFS.

SSS accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, or you may pay through your PayPal account.

KS has a limited supply of fee waivers available to qualified applicants. To request a fee waiver, complete the following steps:

1. Print out the PFS Fee Waiver Request Form in the Forms section of the website.
2. Check to see if you qualify based on eligibility criteria outlined on the request form.
3. If you feel you qualify, complete the form and submit to KS along with the required documents no later than April 15, 2012.
4. KS will notify you via telephone or e-mail.
5. Use the provided fee waiver code to complete your PFS.

Once you submit your PFS, your information is sent immediately to KS. It cannot be withdrawn from the PFS system and your money cannot be refunded.

     SUBMIT REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO SSS

• All Required Documents are to be submitted to SSS and will no longer be accepted at KS
• Documents may be submitted through the mail (at least 10 days before the deadline) or via electronic upload through your PFS Online (at least 3 days before the deadline)
• Use the Required Documents Cover Sheet if submitting by mail
• Click here for instructions on submitting your documents electronically
• Mailing addresses are as follows:

PFS Online Workbook

For step by step assistance with completing your PFS Online, print out or keep this workbook open on your screen while you navigate the PFS.

PFS Instruction Booklet

Use this guide to assist you with completion of the paper PFS.

PFS Fee Waiver Request Form

For families that have difficulty paying the PFS application fee, there are a limited number of fee waivers available on a first come-first served basis while supplies last. For more information, including eligibility guidelines, open the PFS Fee Waiver Request Form.

School Collaborators List

The Kipona School Collaborators List includes the names of all private schools eligible to participate in the Kipona Scholarship program for the 2012-2013 Academic Year. Awarded keiki must enroll in an eligible school to receive scholarship funding. If your preferred private school is not listed, contact the administration at the school and encourage them to contact KS’ Financial Aid and Scholarship Services for information on future years’ participation.

Expense and Resource Statement (Financial Means of Support)

The Expense and Resource Statement, formerly known as the Financial Means of Support Form, is required for all families who do not file an income tax return or have a 2011 Adjusted Gross Income less than $15,000.

IRS Form 4506-T

Form 4506-T is an IRS form used to request a transcript or other tax return information from the IRS. Beginning in 2012-2013, it is required for all parents listed on the PFS. Print the IRS Form 4506-T, complete #1-#4, and sign the bottom of page 1 (do not date) before submitting to SSS.

KS Supplemental Form

The Supplemental Form is required for all applicants. If you are completing the PFS Online, you will be automatically directed to the Supplemental Form. If you are completing a paper PFS, and received the paper PFS from Kamehameha Schools, your Supplemental Form was included in your packet. If you are completing a paper PFS and do not have a Supplemental Form, print one here and submit with your PFS.

State of Hawai'i Residency Form

Complete this form at the request of KS. This form is used to verify your residency.

SSS Required Documents Cover Sheet

Use this cover sheet when submitting your required documents by mail to SSS. The cover sheet can also be accessed via the PFS Online or is also included in the paper PFS packet that is available by calling the Applicant Services Center.

Change Request Form

The Change Request Form is used to report changes in your family’s information. If you make any changes to your PFS after submission, submit this form to KS to verify the changes.

Additional School Request Form

Use the Additional School Request Form to select additional schools to send your information to. The paper PFS form allows you to select up to three schools per applicant. You can use this form to select up to eight additional schools per applicant. There is no additional fee for submitting this form. NOTE: You can make additional school requests via the PFS Online regardless of whether you have applied via the paper form or online.

Reconsideration Form

The Reconsideration Form may be used to submit a request for reconsideration for the 2012-2013 Academic Year within 30 calendar days from the date of your KS notification letter. If there has been a change in your family’s circumstance, you may also request for reconsideration within 30 calendar days after the change occurred and no later than 30 calendar days after a program deadline. Any requests received after the 30 calendar days will not be processed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why the change to SSS?

SSS is a nationally recognized financial aid services provider. SSS is owned by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and many private schools across the country use SSS to help them process financial aid applications. We are partnering with SSS to streamline the process for our applicant families.

What is the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS)?

The PFS is the cornerstone of your financial aid application. When you submit your PFS to SSS, you are granting permission for KS to analyze your financial information. We analyze your income, expenses, and family assets. Then we calculate your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), the amount you can contribute to school expenses. We use that estimate as a starting point to determine your family’s financial aid package. While we utilize SSS to assist us with our application processing, KS makes its own financial aid decisions, taking into consideration its budget and financial aid policies.

Where can I find instructions and help tips for completing the PFS?

The paper version of the PFS comes with an instruction book. In addition, the PFS Online Workbook offers instruction for completing the PFS Online. Both of these items can be downloaded at sss.nais.org. If you've read the instructions and you're still unclear, call the SSS Customer Service Center toll free at (800) 344-8328. (If you are calling from outside of the U.S. or Canada, dial 952-967-9922). Also, don't hesitate to call the KS Applicant Services Center at (808) 534-8080 for questions about any of our financial aid or scholarship programs.

The PFS is long. Can I come back to it and finish it later?

You can return anytime to an online PFS that you started. Go to the PFS Online and login using your e-mail address and the password you established. Once you have logged into the PFS Online, you will see your PFS Online Dashboard. Click on the gray button that shows the Academic Year for which you are applying. Then click on the “Complete My PFS” tab. Then choose from the left-hand navigation the section of the PFS that you wish to work on. We recommend completing your PFS online at least 4 days before the program deadline.

How does KS determine financial need? What is EFC?

All of our PK-12 Programs are need based. KS uses the information you provide on your PFS to calculate your Estimated Family Contribution, or EFC. The EFC is the amount we estimate your family can contribute towards the student’s education. We take into consideration many factors when calculating your EFC, including income, net worth, living expenses, family size, and the number of children attending tuition-charging schools. The difference between the Cost of Attendance and the EFC is the student's financial need - the gap between the cost of attending the school and the student's resources. Depending on the availability of funds, KS will fund a percentage of the student’s calculated need.

What is the income level at which a family is no longer eligible for aid?

Because school costs and family situations vary considerably, there is no specific income limit that determines eligibility. We encourage everyone to apply.

Is my information safe?

Yes. The process SSS and KS uses to protect your information meets the most rigorous standards. For additional security, please block out Social Security Numbers and financial account information prior to submission to SSS.

How much does it cost to have my PFS processed and sent to schools?

Whether you apply online or via paper, the cost is $31 to process the PFS through SSS. SSS will send the information to KS. This is a rate available to KS applicants only. The fee is nonrefundable. If you are required to send the PFS to other institutions, you are required to pay the full rate, which is $37 online and $49 via paper PFS.

The PFS is expensive; do you offer fee waivers?

A limited number of fee waivers are available. To apply, you must submit the PFS Fee Waiver Request Form and submit your qualifying documents to KS at least two weeks before the deadline date of the program for which you are applying. Late requests may not be processed.

What if I have more than one child?

You can apply for aid for any number of schools for any number of children, using just one PFS. The fee is one flat fee of $31 (KS only) online and via paper PFS. If you apply for schools other than KS, you must pay the full rate of $37 online or $49 for the paper form.

Can I change the information after I submit the PFS?

Yes. To make a change to your PFS, complete the following steps:

1. From your PFS Online Dashboard, select the “Academic Year 2012-13” button. On the next screen, select the “Complete Your PFS” tab. From the left menu, select the section of your PFS where you want to make a change. Change your answer as you wish, then press “Save”. Once your changes have been saved, click on “Submit PFS Change”.

2. Complete the Change Request Form and submit to KS.

What is the Supplemental Form?

The Supplemental Form is unique to KS and is required for each PFS. The form contains a parent certification, program selection, and other questions necessary for our review. Without it your PFS will not be complete and we will not be able to determine what KS program you are applying for. If you completed a PFS Online and selected Kamehameha Schools as your school selection, the Supplemental Form will need to be completed before you pay and submit your PFS. If you are completing a paper PFS, submit the Supplemental Form when you mail in your PFS.

What if I am not the parent of the student applicant?

If you are the legal guardian or are financially responsible for the student, complete the PFS (fill in the section for Parent A). Then, in Section F: Notes of the PFS, include a description of your relationship to the child.

What if I don’t have any credit cards or a bank account to pay for my online PFS?

You will have to complete a paper application and mail a check or money order to SSS along with your PFS.

How do I know if SSS has received my PFS or required documents?

If you provide an e-mail address in Question 1 of the PFS, SSS will use it to send you a confirmation that your PFS has been received. You can also visit sss.nais.org/parents to track whether the documents you sent in have been received (Allow 10 days for the documents to have been received and processed). If you do not have computer access, call SSS Customer Service Center at (800) 344-8328 or our Applicant Services Center at (808) 534-8080 prior to the deadline date.

Have your deadlines changed?

Our deadlines have not changed significantly in several years and are noted above. Although our deadlines are similar, where you send your information has changed, and adjustments to your process are necessary. Please plan accordingly and give yourself adequate time to meet the new requirements. As a general guideline, paper PFS’ and required documents that you are mailing should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the deadline. Online PFS’ and documents being electronically uploaded to SSS should be completed at least 4 days before the stated deadlines. Deadlines stated below:

Can I still come in to my local office to submit documents?

You are always welcome to visit us at any of our locations for assistance with the PFS or questions regarding required documents or any of our programs. However, all PFS’ and required documents must be submitted to SSS for processing. No documents will be accepted at our locations.

I didn’t submit a Required Documents Document Cover Sheet with my documents. What do I do?

If you did not submit a cover sheet with your required documents, KS will not have access to these documents and your application may be incomplete. Call the SSS Customer Service Center at (800) 344-8328 to ensure proper handling of your documents.

When will I be notified if I’ve received an award?

Award notifications will be mailed monthly beginning in July 2012.