Program Modernization

In 2022, we embarked on a transformational project, in alignment with our vision and strategy, to reimagine our future-state. Through our modernization project, we began developing a premier solution that will enhance our approaches and administration of the 20+ financial aid programs that we administer for the Commonwealth.

The PA State Grant System is an off-the-shelf, cloud-based product that is highly configurable and best aligns with our guiding principles. This new PA State Grant System will:

• Streamline application processes for students and families
• Modernize award processing
• Centralize PHEAA systems used for program administration

Monitor this page over the next few months as we meet our project milestones.

Students & Families

Once the student submits their 2024-25 FAFSA^®, we will receive and process it. Then, the student will receive an email from NoReply@grantus.pheaa.org with a link to activate their PA State Grant System account. We are sending emails as soon as possible, but it may take some time before you receive a notice. The account activation link within the email is time-sensitive, so students must act promptly.

• First-Time PA State Grant Applicants: After creating an account, first-time applicants should complete the PA State Grant Form and High School Form via the PA State Grant System .
• PA State Grant Renewal Applicants: After creating a PA State Grant System account, renewal applicants should not need to take additional action. We will email the student if further action is required.
• Special Program Applicants: After creating a PA State Grant System account, we will notify special program applicants about any additional actions they must take. Students participating in special programs like the PA Targeted Industry Program, Chafee Education and Training Grant Program, etc. should review the applicable program webpage and follow the next steps outlined there.

Parents or contributors who provided information on the student's FAFSA may need to provide additional information for us to evaluate the student's eligibility. We will notify the student if we need more information from them. They will need to use their unique, valid email address to begin the process. Each user (parent, student, and spouse—if applicable) must use their own individual email address to access the PA State Grant System.

Organizations

The PA State Grant System launched in May 2024 with select functionality for the PA State Grant Program. We continue to add additional functionality for the PA State Grant Program. We will add functionality for special programs over the next year.

Each program that we administer will migrate into the PA State Grant System using a phased implementation approach. Organizations that do not participate in the PA State Grant Program will be added to the platform at a later date. We will communicate with each organization when we are ready to bring them into the PA State Grant System.

As we add programs, users may need to navigate new and old systems depending on their unique needs. Once we fully implement the PA State Grant System, we expect the new platform to replace and centralize use of legacy tools like Alec, PageCenterX, Rocket Terminal Emulator (Rocket TE), and others.

Individual user account activation will begin with the authoritative source for the organization. The current authoritative source at the organization will receive an email from NoReply@grantus.pheaa.org. After they activate their PA State Grant System account, they can begin assigning roles to other staff at the organization. Throughout the PA State Grant System rollout, additional roles may be added for specific programs. That means each organization may need to adjust access levels and permissions in the future.