Future Focus FAQs

April 14, 2026

Future Focus is a renewal requirement for current Scholarship recipients. Anyone in their second and third years of college must complete 250 hours of part-time work to be eligible for the Scholarship for the next academic year.

Who does this apply to?

This requirement applies to Scholarship recipients starting their second and third years of college in fall 2026. 

How many hours are required?

Recipients must complete 250 hours of part-time work.

When does this requirement take effect?

This change goes into effect fall 2026. 

When do the hours need to be completed?

The 250 hours of part-time work for the 2026-27 school year must take place during fall 2026, spring 2027 and/or summer 2027. 

These hours are cumulative, and can be completed throughout the year. For example, you can work 50 hours in the fall, 50 hours in the spring and 150 hours in the summer.

Does my job in summer 2026 count toward this new renewal requirement?

No, work must take place starting in fall 2026.

What type of part-time work is eligible?

Part-time work can include a job on or off campus, research, internships or other approved work opportunities. Self-employment or work with a family-owned business may be approved for one academic year with prior written permission from Scholarship staff.

What if I have extenuating circumstances that make it difficult to meet the requirement?

Exemptions exist for serious, documented circumstances. Students experiencing significant barriers such as diagnosed health conditions, formal caregiving responsibilities or full-time conflicts like athletics or military training may request an exemption. Exemption requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and students are expected to communicate proactively and submit documentation. 

How do I submit my hours?

We will be sharing more information later about how students should report their hours. 

What if I can’t find a job or internship?

We are confident in our recipients’ ability to secure part-time work. Based on our surveys, approximately 80 percent of students already work part-time. Additionally, students have flexibility as to when they can satisfy the work requirement; that can be during the fall, spring, summer or any combination of those semesters. A range of resources are available to support students looking for a job. We encourage students to use their campus career center or student affairs office, as well as websites such as Handshake to explore both on- and off-campus opportunities. We also encourage you to apply early. 

I am a college sophomore who lost my Scholarship after my freshmen year. Does this apply to me to earn the Scholarship back for my junior year? 

No. This is a renewal requirement that applies only to current college sophomores and juniors who have the Scholarship. 

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