Scholarship Application Process FAQ’s
Every scholarship that BLOCS awards to families through our partner schools is qualified based on the family’s need. Each student’s family who desires to open an application to receive a BLOCS scholarship, must do so through an independent third party, FACTS.* FACTS collects the family’s past tax returns, proof of household income and other financial data to determine if a student(s) qualifies and if so, a recommended tuition assistance amount. Once the application is processed, BLOCS will issue a check to the school, which will then be redistributed directly to the student.
Any questions related to the application process, materials needed, or status of an open application should be directed toward your child’s school as BLOCS does not manage any individual application.
How to Apply
Families with one dependent must have an annual income of less than $108,444 + $19,088 for a total of $127,532 to qualify. For each additional dependent, you can make an additional $19,088 per child.
Scholarship Qualification Criteria
Applications for the 2023-24 school year are now closed. Applications for the 2024-25 school year opened on October 1, 2023. Head to FACTS to begin your application process. Private school applicants should verify which application is used by your child’s school before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
I started my application, but the school said that it is not listed with their applicants.
The application MUST be completed in order for the schools to see your information. Parents should check their online application to make sure that it is marked “submitted.” FACTS will not contact you about unfinished applications.
When and How Can I apply for a BLOCS scholarship for my child?
The application enrollment period…for the 2023-24 school year is now closed.
Questions about the application process should be directed to FACTS at 866-441-4637. Questions on the timing of awards, tuition and other financial aid that you may qualify for, should be directed to your child’s school.
When will the next application period open?
Applications for Archdiocesan Grade Schools, Parish Schools and Archdiocesan High Schools for the 2023-2024 school year closed on September 30, 2023.
Applications for the 2024-25 school year are now open.
Private schools should contact their school directly to apply.
When will I find out if I received a BLOCS scholarship for the 2024-25 school year?
Schools will be notifying applicants regarding the status of your application. Please contact your child’s school if you have not received a notification.
All families receiving an award (Elementary, High School and Private) will be notified directly by your school.
How are BLOCS scholarships awarded?
Once you have filled out your application, FACTS (a third party) will determine if your family qualifies for need based scholarships. The list of qualified students is then sent to each school. The school then decides who will receive a BLOCS scholarship.
What will I need to complete the application process?
You will need to submit documents related to you most recent year’s tax return (W2. K1, etc…).
What are the qualifications to receive a BLOCS scholarship?
Families with one dependent must have an annual income of less than $108,444 + $19,088 for a total of $127,532 to qualify. For each additional dependent, you can make an additional $19,088 per child.
I have not decided which school my child will attend. Can I apply for a BLOCS Scholarship and then decide where to apply it if I am awarded aid?
Students MUST be registered before a decision on financial aid can be made. It is best to only apply to the school you want to attend and not select multiple schools.
If I am applying for a BLOCS Scholarship, why must I apply through FACTS?
The Commonwealth of PA requires that a third party qualify families’ eligibility for need-based scholarships. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia utilizes FACTS to manage & screen the qualification process.
How can I check the status of an application for a BLOCS scholarship?
Once you apply, you can check the status of your application by logging into your FACTS account. BLOCS will not know the status of applications as they are received by a third party. Decisions on aid will be made by your school. Any questions about awards, amounts, and decisions on aid should be directed to your child’s school.
I have children at different schools. Do I need to do an application for each of them?
No, one application can be completed for your entire family.
Who can I call if I have a question about the application process?
Questions about the application process should be directed to FACTS. They can be reached at 866-441-4637.
Why did I not receive a BLOCS scholarship even though I qualified?
Because each school has a limited amount of funds available for scholarships, some schools are not able to offer aid to every qualified student. Unfortunately, the need far exceeds the funds available. Each school makes every effort to stretch the funding as far as they can. If you did not receive an award, it is most likely due to the fact that your school ran out of funding.
If I receive a BLOCS Scholarship, when will my tuition statement be credited?
Schools use individual timelines on crediting a student’s account. For specific questions, please contact your student’s school.
If my child changes schools, can I take a BLOCS scholarship with me to the new school?
BLOCS Scholarships are specific to each school and therefore can not be transferred if you decide to move your child.
*Some private schools utilize another financial clearinghouse partner. Please check with your school’s tuition officer before initiating your application process to ensure you are applying through the correct channel.
