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The Emerging Leader in Innovation Scholarship

 

The Emerging Leader in Innovation Scholarship was created to encourage a college-bound Annandale High School student, who demonstrates a passion for learning, curiosity in the world around them, and an ambition to build a better future. The application is open to students who are pursuing a STEM related major at an accredited 4-year university and require financial assistance. The scholarship committee will give special consideration to those students who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

One winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship, renewable for up to an additional three years, not to exceed $40,000. The annual total will be $10,000 paid in two installments of $5,000 to stay in sync with semester-based funding. Award is for full-time, undergraduate study in a STEM related major at an accredited 4-year college, and may be used for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, and board. All scholarship money will be paid directly to the institution of higher learning selected by the winner.

 

Nominations will be reviewed by a committee comprised of Mr. Torf, an AHS administrator and a PTSA board member which will select one graduating senior from the Annandale High School Community.

 

All applications must be delivered in person to the AHS Career Center no later than April 23rd. Applications that fail to meet that deadline will not be considered.

 

Awards will be presented on the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated financial need – “Statement of Financial Need” or FAFSA EFC
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
  • Accepted/Enrolled into a STEM major at a 4-year college as a full-time student
  • Involvement in extracurricular activities (work, community service, sports, school sponsored club, etc.)
  • One letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, administrator or coach
  • A maximum 500-word typed student essay describing something you either have a demonstrated passion for OR an aspect of life which fascinates you (career, hobby, study, )

The Award and Renewal

All scholarship money will be paid directly to the institution of higher learning selected by the winner. Scholarship winner must be enrolled at the institution, by June 15th of the current year, to receive the award.The scholarship may be renewed for three additional years if the following criteria is met:

  • Winner maintains a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale while in college. Lower grades will NOT be automatic grounds for disqualification but will require a review with the committee.
  • Winner remains enrolled at a 4-year college as a full-time student
  • Scholarship sponsor has funds available each year
  • Individual completes Scholarship Renewal Application each year and is approved by committee

 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL NEED

A Statement of Financial Need is a short letter, usually about two or three paragraphs, that explains why you would benefit from being awarded a scholarship. The Statement of Financial Need should be concise, compelling, and personal.

 

List any special scholarship need groups to which you may belong. Are you the first in your family to go to college? Are you from a disadvantaged family? Are you from an ethnic group that is under-represented in your chosen major? In this introductory paragraph, you give the financial aid committee a picture of who you are.

 

Let the scholarship committee know you are actively pursuing all sources of financial aid. It is important to be honest aboutany scholarships or grants you have already been awarded. Tell the committee if you are working to help pay college expenses. Detail what steps you have already taken to pay for your education, such as 529 Savings Plan. This gives the scholarship committee a starting point from which to understand your financial situation.

 

Explain any difficulties you are having in meeting your financial needs. A Statement of Financial Need should tell the committee why you are seeking aid. This is the place to talk about any changes that have occurred in your life that impact your ability to pay for your education. For instance, there may have been changes in your family’s income, unanticipated expenses or a shortfall in your finances. In this area, you can also provide information to show that you handle funds responsibly. For instance, have you already paid your deposit or made a partial payment for your first semester?

 

Overall, talk about how you would benefit from the scholarship. Help the committee understand that you intend to make good use of the funding. This might include benefits like being able to concentrate on your studies by not spending somuch time working. Or, if the scholarship may make the difference between making college affordable or not attending this year, let the committee know. Be sure to close in a brief and respectful tone and avoid being too emotional, keeping your tone professional and polite.

 

Emphasis added to text taken from: https://www.bestvalueschools.com/faq/what-is-a-statement-of-financial-need/

 

Staff Writers. “WHAT IS A STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL NEED?” BestValueSchools, Best Value Schools, 11 Aug.

2020, www.bestvalueschools.com/faq/what-is-a-statement-of-financial-need/.

 

“To be a scientist is to be in love with every aspect of the universe” – Anonymous

 

Emerging Leader in Innovation Scholarship Application

 

Emerging Leader in Innovation Scholarship Description