Clara Abbott College Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: Available in every country where Abbott operates; program administration varies by country

Focus Areas: Need-based scholarships for dependent children of Abbott employees and retirees pursuing first undergraduate degree

Program Overview

Needs-based scholarships help dependent children of Abbott employees attend accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, vocational and trade schools. The goal is to help ease the burden of college costs on Abbott families, not fully cover costs. Scholarships can be applied towards tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, and room and board.

Eligibility

Employee/Retiree Requirements:

• Current Abbott employee with minimum 2 years continuous Abbott service as of application deadline (or 2 years from date of acquisition)
• OR former Abbott employee who met separation criteria:
  • Ages 50-60 with 10+ years service
  • Age 61 with 9+ years service
  • Age 62 with 8+ years service
  • Age 63 with 7+ years service
  • Age 64 with 6+ years service
  • Age 65+ with 5+ years service
• Employees on FMLA remain eligible; unpaid leave makes ineligible
• Employees on extended disability must have 2+ years service and receive disability pay
• Contractors not eligible

Student Requirements:

• Legal dependent of eligible employee/retiree
• Unmarried
• Age 17-24 as of application deadline
• Not employed by Abbott
• High school/secondary graduate or attending eligible school during next school year
• Pursuing first university degree, certificate, or equivalent

Eligible Schools:

• Accredited colleges/universities
• Post-secondary/tertiary institutions
• Vocational schools
• Trade schools

What Foundation Does NOT Support:

• Primary/elementary, middle/intermediate, and high school costs
• Second degree or advanced degrees (Master's, Doctorate, Specialist, etc.)
• Audited courses
• Seminars not required for undergraduate degree
• Study abroad costs
• Courses not from accredited institutions
• Abbott employees and spouses are not eligible

Award Information

• Awards based on family income and cost of public, in-state/in-country college tuition
• Award amounts fluctuate; scholarships never guaranteed
• Non-renewable; students receive one scholarship award during academic career
• Previously denied applicants may reapply if still eligible
• Previously awarded students cannot reapply
• In US/PR: checks sent in two installments (fall and spring semester)
• Outside US/PR: typically one lump sum wire transfer after award letter
• Tax implications vary by country; consult tax professional

Requirements After Award

• School grade reports required for 2 terms, submitted following year after award
• If school choice changes, must notify foundation via School Change form (US/PR) or email
• Email: Clara.Abbott.Scholarship@abbott.com (outside US/PR); claraabbott@scholarshipamerica.org (US/PR)

Contact Information

• Phone: +1-847-937-1090 or 1-800-972-3859
• Email: AskClara@abbott.com or Clara.Abbott.Scholarship@abbott.com

Important Notes

• Independent not-for-profit organization
• Eligibility independent from Abbott employee benefits
• Standards subject to change at Foundation's discretion without advance notice
• Foundation may deny any request at sole discretion
• Misrepresentation, fraud, deceit, or concealment has consequences per Abbott Business Code of Conduct

Application Process

Application Portal:

• Online applications available at https://clara.abbott.com/sample-page-2/apply-now/
• Click "Apply for University Scholarships" button

Timeline:

• Applications available January (for February 15 deadline) or May (for May 31 deadline)
• Award notifications in May (February deadline) or August (May deadline)

Required Documentation:

• Annual income statements for Abbott employee and spouse (parent/step-parent) from most recent completed year
• School documentation and proof of enrollment

Application Steps:

1. Access secure online portal
2. Create account and password or log in if existing account
3. Complete application form
4. Submit all required documentation prior to country deadline
5. Participate in verification process if needed

Post-Award Requirements:

• School grade reports for 2 terms (submitted following year)
• Notification if school changes
• Certification that all information is truthful (per Abbott Business Code of Conduct)

Late Applications:

• Late applications considered incomplete and not accepted
• Must wait until following application year to reapply