FAQ
Thank you for your interest in FAME. Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions and a brief response to each. While this listing of common inquiries should prove helpful, please do not hesitate to contact the FAME office for more detailed responses or to ask a more specific question. It would be a pleasure to hear from you.
What schools are eligible to receive FAME funds?
FAME has six independent schools in its consortium: The Ellis School, The Kiski School, Sewickley Academy, Shady Side Academy, St. Edmund's Academy and Winchester Thurston School. Unfortunately, FAME can only provide scholarship assistance to the schools listed.
What grade must my child be in?
To be eligible for FAME, students must be entering 4th - 9th grade.
Do I need to live in the city of Pittsburgh?
No, you do not need to live in the city of Pittsburgh. FAME funds students from 25 communities in the Greater Pittsburgh region. There are no residency limitations established. However, you may wish to discuss transportation with the school you are applying to if the distance to be traveled presents a problem.
How do I apply?
The application and admissions process varies at each of the participating schools. Contacting the school you are interested in directly would help you to gain the most complete understanding of the process at that particular school. Generally, you will be asked to:
- Attend FAME Informational Fairs
- Attend an open house
- Submit an admissions application
- Submit a financial aid application
- Tour the school
- Participate in an interview with school personnel
- Take an admissions exam
- The admissions directors at all six schools will help guide you through this process
- Interview with FAME's Executive Director
What are the eligibility requirements to receive FAME funds?
To become a FAME Scholar you must be accepted to one of the six member schools. Current students at these schools are not eligible. Also, your son or daughter must be entering 4th - 9th grade, have strong academic standing, and leadership potential. In addition, the family of the applicant must also be deemed to have an approximate financial need level of 90%. Please be mindful that a limited number of awards will be granted each year.
Is this a one year scholarship?
No, once you have been named a FAME Scholar you will continue to receive FAME funds until high school completion, as long as you are financially eligible and maintain an appropriate GPA.
Where do FAME Alum go to college?
FAME Alum attend many different colleges and universities around the country. Click here to view a list of those schools.
Is FAME's support solely financial?
In addition to offering financial support for tuition, FAME assists students who may require tutoring with the associated costs. FAME facilitates workshops and holds meetings with students. FAME also hosts social events for FAME families and all African American families at independent schools designed to help build networks and internal support systems. Finally, FAME helps scholars and alumni to find internships within the Pittsburgh area and directs students to a number of academic programs taking place within the community.
How can I find out more about FAME?
Each fall, FAME hosts an annual Informational Fair at The Kingsley Association in East Liberty. This is a wonderful opportunity for families interested in independent schools to gather information about the schools, the admissions process, applying for financial aid, and scholarship resources available. This event also offers parents the opportunity to meet key admissions staff from each of the schools and ask specific questions about each school program. A current FAME Scholar and his or her family are also present at this event to offer valuable insight on the admissions process, our program, and the independent school experience.
How can I be placed on your mailing list?
By emailing us at assistant@famefund.org.