Common Definitions
Common Definitions
Individual from a Disadvantaged Background as authorized by Section 821 of the Act refers to an individual who:
1) Comes from an environment that has inhibited them from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enroll in and graduate from a school of nursing (Educationally Disadvantaged).
The following are provided as examples of Educationally Disadvantaged for guidance only and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Applicants should seek guidance from their educational institution as to how Educationally Disadvantaged is defined by their institution.
Examples:
1. Person from a high school with low average SAT/ACT scores or below the average State test results.
2. Person from a school district where 50 percent or fewer of graduates go to college.
3. Person who has a diagnosed physical or mental impairment that substantially limits participation in educational experiences.
4. Person for whom English is not their primary language and for whom language is still a barrier to their academic performance.
5. Person who is or will be first generation to attend college.
6. Person from a school district where at least 30 percent of enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced price lunches.
Or
2) Comes from a family with an annual income below a level based on low-income thresholds established by the U.S. Census Bureau, adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index (Economically Disadvantaged).
The Secretary defines a low income family for programs included in Titles III, VII and VIII of the PHS Act as having an annual income that does not exceed 200 percent of the Department’s poverty guidelines. A family is a group of two or more individuals related by birth, marriage, or adoption who live together or an individual who is not living with any relatives.
2009 Low Income Levels for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia
(Access http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/09poverty.shtml to determine levels for Alaska and Hawaii)
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Income
Persons in family * level **
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1.......................................................... $21,660
2.......................................................... 29,140
3.......................................................... 36,620
4.......................................................... 44,100
5.......................................................... 51,580
6.......................................................... 59,060
7.......................................................... 66,540
8.......................................................... 74,020
For families with more than 8 persons, add $7,480 for each additional person.
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* Includes only dependents listed on Federal income tax forms.
** Adjusted gross income for calendar year 2008.
