Intro of Sandi Nguyen, Chapter Richmond and Sharon Wheeler ...€¦ · Sandi: Intro of Sandi...
Transcript of Intro of Sandi Nguyen, Chapter Richmond and Sharon Wheeler ...€¦ · Sandi: Intro of Sandi...
Sandi: Intro of Sandi Nguyen, Chapter AS, Richmond and Sharon Sharon Wheeler, Chapter F, Hampton Former members and chairmen (2013‐14 and 2014‐15) of the Virginia State Scholarship Committee Purpose of the workshop: for sisters in Virginia to better understand the selection process for VSSF in order to help applicants turn in their best possible application We’re both educators, so please go along with us if we weave in activities to keep you engaged. You received a handout as you entered tonight. Please use it to take notes and know we will give you a handout when you leave with all of the “take‐away” information we want you to know.
1
Sharon: Turn to 3 or 4 other sisters and discuss what the requirements are for applying for a VSSF scholarship. (3‐4 minutes) Share out from sisters (2 minutes)
2
Sandi: Here is what the current application looks like. It is three pages long including the instructions and checklist. You can find the requirements for VSSF scholarships on the application. The 5 requirements are: 1. Virginia resident attending a Virginia school 2. US citizen 3. High school graduate 4. Demonstrates financial need, grade point requirements (min. of 3.0 on 4.0 scale), well‐rounded in activities and leadership 5. Has goals that can be met through course of study chosen
3
Sharon: The committee currently receives over 100 applications each year! Story about how her dining room looked when she was chairman. Sandi: A rubric was developed to assist with what is now a very competitive scholarship Qualities considered in the rubric: Academic Achievement: GPA, awards received Financial Need: uses the FAFSA‐Free Application for Federal Student Aid, specifically the EFC‐Estimated Family Contribution Involvement: school and community including leadership examples Character: through required essay and 3 references Other factors: student/family circumstances, student employment, and student internships are also considered Sharon: Selection committee makeup panel of 5 reads all the applications and rates them according to the rubric components 3 VA state scholarship committee members plus 2 additional members appointed by the State President (at least 1 board member or PSP)
4
Sandi: Who receives these scholarships? at least 70% go to Upperclassmen and no more than 30% go to Freshmen‐explain reasoning behind the percentages successful scholarship recipients can reapply for 1 additional scholarship a renewal should not be assumed‐the scholarship is too competitive renewal candidates will compete with all upperclassmen applications a new essay is strongly advised to discuss college‐based activities and service time Also need to provide a new FAFSA and supply strong references Sharon: For all chapters who have a Designated Scholar (a scholarship recipient assigned to your chapter because you donated $500 or more to VSSF), please be sure your designated scholar understands a renewal is not automatic Speaking of Designated Scholars...
5
Sandi: Popcorn activity You’ve been sitting a while, so we’ve got a “popcorn” activity for you If you or your chapter fit the description we give, please stand up in your spot... Or raise your hand if your knees don’t need a stretch! Please stand if: 1. Your chapter has a Designated Scholar ($500 donation to VSSF) Sharon: 2. You or your chapter have helped someone apply for a VSSF scholarship Sandi: 3. A family member of your has received a VSSF scholarship Sharon: 4. You have received a VSSF scholarship Sandi: 5. You have written a recommendation for a VSSF applicant Sharon: 6. You know a young woman who will be in college next year Sandi: So... You know a young woman who will be in college next year? Is she eligible for a VSSF Scholarship? If so...
6
Sharon: How to help You might be thinking, “Just how can our chapter help an applicant?” Tips on essays make sure they include educational and career goals along with the other required content listed in the application directions review for proper writing structure and content this is one of the main areas the committee can see the applicant’s specific career goals Tips on Recommendation letters choose references from different sources if a P.E.O. member knows the student well enough, have them write a letter of reference for her Sandi: The complete application needs to be postmarked by the deadline: February 15 this includes the FAFSA (must be completed ahead by the parents to receive the required completed SAR (Student Aid Report) Required pieces as listed on the application signed application official transcript(s) resume essay entire official SAR (Student Aid Report) approximately 5‐7 pages 3 current letters of recommendation
7
Sharon: VSSF funds The Virginia State Scholarship Fund‐everything coming in in a year goes out in scholarships Donations by individuals are non‐charitable deductions Fundraising ideas? Any chapters have specific fundraising ideas (share out?) ‐examples: chapter donations, etc. (if brought up. remind that B&B funds go to Foundation) Sandi: P.E.O. Foundation ‐Annual distributions from these funds are based on the specific criteria established by the donor. ‐Money donated by individuals to these endowed funds held in the P.E.O. Foundation are eligible as a charitable donation: Jeanette McDonald State Scholarship of Virginia Mary Pinkerton Memorial Fund Janice R. Bruner Scholarship Fund Robert E. and Jean M Stout Memorial Lottie Driver Scholarship Fund Our newest fund, also held in the Foundation, is the Lib Carico and Betty Merritt Scholarship Fund. Individual donations to this fund are also eligible as a charitable donation, however this fund is quite different. Read word for word: This scholarship fund is managed differently than the other five P.E.O. Foundation Funds that benefit VSSF in that it doesn’t work to increase the original endowment but instead allows all money donated each year to be available for scholarships the following year. There is more available to award because the fund is not working to build up the principle balance. This fund option is contribution driven, so the more donations given, the more money there will be made available to award each year. Sharon: Several of these funds are not large enough to generate yearly scholarships in today’s economy, which is why not all names scholarships are awarded each year. Funds not used roll over to what is available so nothing is forfeited Just a reminder: VSSF (non‐charitable donation) Foundation (charitable donation)
8
Sandi: Pyramid of Giving reminder Remember, funds contributed to the VSSF help in the state OR those used by the committee held in the P.E.O. Foundation are to be considered donations to the STATE, not to the P.E.O. International projects. Local chapters should refer to the Pyramid of Giving when making their annual contributions.
9
Sandi: What questions do you have? Sharon: Remind that handouts will be given with the vital “take‐aways” as they leave the session.
10
Sharon: Thank you for all you are doing. By supporting VSSF and helping find candidates, you are helping women in Virginia reach for the stars!
11
12