Baer Reintegration Scholarship

Application Process

Submission Deadline: January 31 (annually)

Application Portal: SmarterSelect online application management system

Alternative Submission: Paper application available for download and email submission

Notification Timeline:

Step-by-Step Application Requirements

1. Eligibility Quiz
- All applicants must complete a brief eligibility quiz before applying

2. Complete Online Application (via SmarterSelect)
- Create account in SmarterSelect
- Save, edit, and adjust application over time
- Use built-in checklist to ensure completion
- Submit digitally
- Applicants can email questions directly from the application

3. Essay Submission
- Length: No longer than four double-spaced typed pages
- Format: Must include seven separate sections with clearly stated headings
- Required Sections:
1. My Career Goal and My Rationale for Choosing This Goal
2. How This Course of Study Will Help Me Achieve My Career Goal
3. How My Illness Has Impacted My Ability to Succeed in School, Maintain Employment or Establish Relationships
4. Steps I Have Taken to Prepare for Pursuit of This Education
5. Rationale for the Specific School Chosen
6. My Plans to Continue Treatment While Pursuing an Education
7. My Efforts to Reintegrate through Community Involvement
- Note: Essays without clearly stated section headings will not be accepted

4. Recommendation Forms (3 Required)
- First Recommendation (Required): From applicant's psychiatrist or prescribing authority
- Verifies qualifying mental health diagnosis
- Applications without this form are disqualified
- Alternative: Facesheet from medical records documenting diagnosis and current medications (not preferable)
- Alternative: Statement on letterhead including applicant name, diagnosis, medication, and prescriber signature
- Second and Third Recommendations (Required): General recommendations from:
- Friends
- Coworkers
- Teachers
- Therapists
- Sponsors
- Fellow community members
- Other professional relations
- Ineligible Recommenders: Family members cannot complete any recommendation forms
- Submission Options:
- Through online portal (SmarterSelect)
- Download forms and submit separately via HIPAA-compliant portal or mail
- Write letter of recommendation instead of completing form

5. FAFSA Completion
- Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through U.S. Department of Education
- Apply online or contact school for application form
- Do NOT mail FAFSA info with application
- Proof Required: If chosen as finalist, must show proof of FAFSA completion prior to April 1, 2026
- Exceptions: Not required for high school/GED applicants or some graduate school applicants (case-by-case basis)

6. School Cost Documentation
- Obtain and enclose copy of desired school's statement of standard costs from school's website or financial aid office
- Include costs for: tuition, books, lab supplies, and mandatory fees
- If applying to multiple schools, include standard costs from all potential schools

7. Optional Extra Materials (Maximum 3 items)
- Resume
- Writing sample
- Picture of artwork
- Completion certificate
- Other relevant materials

8. Personal Consent & Release Form
- Must sign as part of application completion requirement

Renewal Application Process

For Past Winners Reapplying Annually:

Must submit the following:

If Pursuing New Degree: Must submit completely new full application

Application Checklist

Use SmarterSelect's built-in checklist to verify: