Ford ReStart Program - ReStart Reference Form

The Ford Family Foundation Logo

The Ford ReStart Program is for students, age 25 years old or older, who wish to begin or return to a full-time post-secondary education. To be considered for the Ford ReStart scholarship from The Ford Family Foundation, applicants must complete the OSAC application, demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and have only one reference submitted by the application deadline.

Applicant's Checklist for the Online Submission of the ReStart Reference Form

Step 1: Apply for the Ford ReStart Program.

  • When completing the OSAC Scholarship Application online, click the App Home icon, then click on the Scholarship List (13) button to display your list of scholarships. Add the Ford ReStart Program (scholarship code 9) as one of your scholarship selections.

Step 2: Choose a reference.

  • Ask one person who is familiar with your plans and abilities (employer, colleague, academic advisor, counselor, teacher, religious representative or community activity supervisor) if he/she will complete the online ReStart Reference Form. Using a family member as a reference is discouraged.
  • Obtain his or her full name & e-mail address.
  • Let your reference know to expect an automated e-mail from OSAC with instructions on how to complete the form online. To prevent e-mail failures, encourage your reference to add OSAC to their "safe senders" list (view instructions).

Step 3: Create a request for a ReStart Reference.

  • After adding the Ford ReStart Program in the scholarship list, in the left-hand column next to the Ford ReStart entry, click on the Reference not complete link.
  • On the Ford ReStart Reference Request page, provide your reference's full name and e-mail address.
  • Once complete, save the reference information by clicking the Continue button.
  • An e-mail will automatically be sent to your reference.
  • Ask your reference if he/she has received the automated e-mail, which includes the instructions to follow a link to complete the online ReStart Reference Form.

Step 4: Track your ReStart Reference Form status.

  • In the left-hand column, next to the Ford ReStart entry, you may:
    • see the date of your first request or most recent reminder
    • see the submission status of your ReStart Reference Form
    • click on the view link if your reference has not submitted the form within a reasonable timeframe and you wish to send him/her a reminder
    • click on the view link to change or edit your reference information
  • Note: Once you submit your application, you will no longer be allowed to change your reference information; therefore, we recommend that you not submit your application until your reference is complete. However, we suggest that you do submit your completed application by the Early Bird deadline (February 16, 2012) so you will qualify for a priority review and have a chance to correct any transcript errors.
  • Once your reference completes and submits the reference, an e-mail confirmation will be sent to you.
  • Making sure that your reference has submitted the online reference by the March 1 deadline is your responsibility. Late references will not be included with your application. Consequently, your application will not be considered for the Ford ReStart scholarship.

Step 5: Verify that your application is complete and submit final application.

  • Log in to your Student Profile and review your scholarship list to verify that your application is complete and that you have fulfilled all requirements for each scholarship for which you have applied. Submit your final application online no later than March 1, 2012.

Questions? Contact us!

The Ford Family Foundation Scholarship Office
440 East Broadway, Suite 200
Eugene, OR 97401
Local (541) 485-6211
Toll free (877) 864-2872
Fax (541) 485-6223
E-mail: fordscholarships@tfff.org