RH Helping Hands Scholarship 2025

RH Helping Hands Scholarships

We are excited to offer scholarships to RHCC employees' child dependents (under age 26) to enhance their education and contribute to the building blocks of a successful career. For qualified applicants, up to $5,000 is available to an accredited post-secondary degree or certification program, based on financial need and academic merit. 

Please note that if you are a RHCC employee interested in an education grant, you should apply through our General Grant Program.

Up to $5,000 in scholarship funds are available to qualified applicants:

• Must be a child dependent of a RHCC employee who is under the age of 26

• Already enrolled or accepted in an accredited post-secondary degree or certification program 

• Scholarships are based on financial need

• Applicants must meet certain academic criteria (High School 2.5 GPA required)

Eligibility

Scholarships are open to qualified child dependents of RHCC employees who are in good standing and have been employed by the club for at least 90 days. The RHCC employee also must still be employed by the club at the time of any scholarship distribution to their dependent.

Qualified Dependent Definition

A qualified dependent is a person who is under age 26 who is a child, step-child, or adopted child of a RHCC employee. The applicant must have lived with and relied upon the employee for at least the past year prior to the application submission for a substantial portion of his or her expenses. Documentation certifying an individual as a dependent will be required during the application process.

Financial Need

The applicant must demonstrate financial need by providing an overview of their financial situation (100 words or less), along with other financial aid opportunities available to them for their program (e.g., FAFSA, Pell grants, other scholarships).

Academic Criteria

In order to qualify for a RH Helping Hand Scholarship, applicants must meet the following:

• Graduated with a minimum 2.5 GPA (C+/B- average) from high school or GED equivalent (transcripts required).

• Already enrolled in a program, or provide evidence (acceptance letter) for an upcoming program, in a degree / professional certification program at an accredited vocational or trade school, community college, or private or public college or university. 

• Applicant must be enrolled in the upcoming semester for at least 12 credits in an accredited community college, college, university, or a vocational training school.

• Demonstrates clear career aspirations and personal goals that align with the degree or certification, and the school they are applying to, as outlined in a personal story in the application. 

Scholarship Award Amount

• A RH Helping Hands Scholarship will cover tuition or direct program costs for a qualified educational program, up to $5,000, spanning one school year (Fall-Spring academic year), or rolling 12-month period if it is a year-round program.

• Funds are payable directly to the institution or entity in the applicant’s name. If, however, the  institution’s Financial Aid Office does not accept outside scholarship monies, then RHHH will issue the check directly to the applicant.

• Scholarship funds may be used for: tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses at the educational institution.

Program Limits

Applicants can re-apply in subsequent years as long as they maintain a 2.5 GPA or better in the program, and the RHCC employee tied to the dependent remains employed by the club and is still in good standing. Recurring annual scholarships may be awarded for the same continuous program, up to a maximum of 4 academic years. 

Applicants who initially meet the age requirement (under age 26) are still eligible to re-apply in subsequent years, even past age 26, as long as they meet the scholarship requirements.

Application Process

Complete this RH Helping Hands Scholarship Application, including:

• High School Transcripts (2.5 GPA C+/B- average) required

• Personal Story/Career Goals for pursuing this program
  Refer to the Common App Essay Prompts for ideas for your essay.

• Overview (100 words or less) of financial situation

• Supporting documentation, as requested

• Two letters of recommendation (e.g., teacher, counselor, coach, neighbor). 

An in-person interview with a Scholarship Committee member will be scheduled after your application is received to discuss your program and career goals.

Deadlines

March 15 – Applications open

April 30 – Applications due

June 1 – Scholarship winner(s) notified

June 30 – Scholarship funds are distributed to educational institution