Can I defer the payment of the loan?
You may request a deferment for any of the following reasons:
1. You're enrolled at an eligible school as at least a half-time student.
2. You're seeking and unable to find full-time employment.
3. You're studying in an approved graduate fellowship program.
4. You're studying in an approved rehabilitation training program for the
disabled.
Some examples of reasons for a deference may include:
- You are experiencing a financial hardship.
- You are affected by a national military mobilization such as Bosnia or Operation Desert Storm.
What happens if I fail to teach in Kentucky and fail to repay the scholarship fund?
If you fail to comply with the terms of the promissory note, you may go into default. If you default, you may face these consequences:
- The entire unpaid balance becomes immediately due and payable.
- You will lose your rights to deferments and forbearances.
- You will lose eligibility for other student aid and assistance under most
federal benefit programs.
- Collection charges of up to 25% will be added to the amount due, and
your account will be assigned to various collection agencies until
you make full payment.
- Your state and federal tax refunds may be withheld.
- Your wages may be garnisheed.
- You may lose your professional license, which can result in the loss of
employment.
- A lien may be placed on any property you own.
- You will have a negative credit report, which may make it very difficult for
you to buy a car or home in the future.
- You may be sued.
What else should I know?
The Minority Educator Recruitment and Retention Scholarship Fund was established to provide educational opportunities for minorities interested in becoming teachers and as a method of recruiting and retaining minority educators for Kentucky's 1,400 schools.
As the population of Kentucky and the nation becomes increasingly more diverse, it is important that we have a teacher work force that mirrors the population. All students benefit from a culturally and ethnically diverse teacher workforce. While we recognize the national shortage of minority educators, our primary goal is to supply minority teachers for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.