Q: How long must a business be a member of MRA before it’s eligible to participate?
A: There are no limitations, other than the business must be a member at the time of application and still be a member when the scholarships are awarded.
Q: How long must I be an employee at a member business to be eligible to apply or have a dependent apply?
A: For dependent sons and daughters of full-time employees, the parent-employee must have been employed for at least one year as of January 1 of the year in which the scholarships are awarded. For part-time employees who are full-time students, the employee must have been employed for at least six months as of January 1 of the year in which the scholarships are awarded.
Q: Is my step-child eligible to apply?
A: A step-child is eligible to apply as long as he/she is considered a dependent of yours.
Q: Must the student be enrolled full-time at school to be eligible?
A: Yes.
Q: Is a high school transcript required with the application? If so, must it be an official transcript?
A: High school transcripts are required, but they do not have to be official. The transcript should have at least seven semesters of grades on it.
Q: What is the access code when applying online?
A: The access code for online applications is MIRA.
Q: When are the winners of the scholarships announced?
A: The winners are usually announced during the month of May. All applicants are notified in writing whether or not they are successful.
Q: If I have won an award in the past, may I apply again?
A: Previous winners can apply again as long as they are a freshman, sophomore or junior enrolled in college full time.
Q: If I win an award when will I receive the payment?
A: Full scholarship payments are mailed to the recipient in August and made payable to the college. It is the recipient’s responsibility to deliver the check to the college.
Q: What should I put down on the application if I was home schooled?
A: Fill in “Home Schooled” in the High School field.
Q: What should I put down on the application if I have not selected a college yet?
A: Put down your first choice of college; you will be able to change it later if necessary.
Q: Are scholarships available to graduate students?
A: Scholarships are available only to undergraduates.
Q: Must I be employed at the member business at the time the winners are selected?
A: Yes, the eligible employee must still be employed at the business at the time the winners are selected.
Q: Is there a list of MRA members I can look at to see if the business where I work is a member?
A: MRA does not publicize its membership list. You can find out if your employer is a member by contacting MRA’s Laura Adkins at 800.366.3699 or ladkins@retailers.com.
