Scholarships for Recent College Graduates: TAP Scholarship Review

A scholarship is financial support meant for students. It’s there to partially or fully cover their education-related expenses. However, while many know about traditional scholarships awarded at the beginning or in the process of their studies, not many are familiar with reverse scholarships.

A reverse scholarship is a special type of aid awarded to recent graduates to help them with their student loan debts. One such aid is the Hamilton Community Foundation’s TAP Scholarship. Here, we’ll tell you everything about this opportunity.

What Is TAP Scholarship?

The Talent Attraction Program or TAP Scholarship is a reverse scholarship. This means that it’s not awarded during studies as typical scholarships are. Instead, it’s awarded after your studies. This is a unique kind of aid that supports recent college graduates by providing them with funds to repay their student loan debts. The goal of this initiative is to help the local community attract and retain young talent that can contribute to its development and prosperity.

This scholarship is an initiative of the Hamilton Community Foundation. It was founded in 1951 with the goal of making a positive change in the local community. And it remains the largest foundation in Butler County.

TAP Scholarship: Eligibility Requirements

As a community-focused initiative, the TAP scholarship is looking to aid a certain type of graduate. To be eligible, young talents must meet the following criteria:

• Be a recent (no more than 7 years) college graduate. Preference is given to STEAM program graduates, though people with other majors can also participate.
• Not currently residing in the city of Hamilton, but planning to relocate and live in one of Hamilton’s Urban, Armondale, or Highland Park Neighborhoods.
• Be employed within Butler County or hold a full-time remote position.

Although it’s not a formal requirement, the Hamilton Community Foundation says it will give preference to applicants who demonstrate an active commitment to the community. Hence, showing your willingness to participate in community activities and give back can increase your chances of getting a scholarship.

TAP Scholarship Size and Payment Conditions

The candidates selected for the program can receive a scholarship of up to $15,000. The funds are meant to remove their financial burden and help cover their student loan debts.

There is no specific information about payment timing and conditions on the foundation’s website. The selected candidates will receive their TAP Scholarship payments gradually, in payments structured according to their situation.

It’s important to note that the Hamilton Community Foundation reserves the right to withdraw further payments from selected candidates under two conditions:

• If they stop working.
• If they move out of the areas specified in the eligibility criteria.

When Can You Apply for the TAP Scholarship?

Unlike standard scholarships, the TAP Scholarship does not have a fixed application window. Applications open periodically, depending on funding availability. That is, you can’t plan your application for this scholarship in advance. But you can keep an eye on the Hamilton Community Foundation’s website for updates.

Interested candidates should visit the foundation’s Opportunity page. On this page, the foundation posts application deadlines and additional information when their opportunities become available for applying. You can also preview application forms on this page.

Why Are Scholarships for Recent College Graduates Important?

In 2025, the average federal loan debt is $39,075 per student. The average amount of private debt can go even higher. Graduating with such a significant debt puts a significant financial burden on young adults. And it typically affects their lives and career aspirations.

The goal of unique reverse scholarship opportunities like the TAP Scholarship is to help recent graduates get rid of this burden. The awarded money helps pay back the loan with less stress. Additionally, programs like TAP encourage young talents to participate in the local community life and make a positive change.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Gain the TAP Scholarship

While a regular college scholarship can help you reduce the cost of education and graduate with a lower debt, the TAP Scholarship is there to give you a unique opportunity to repay your student loan after graduation. This initiative doesn’t just help you financially. It also encourages you to move and work in a united community and become an active member to help make it a better place.

Now, you have all the details of the TAP Scholarship. So don’t miss out on this opportunity. Keep an eye on the Hamilton Community Foundation’s website to know when applications open again.