Scholarships

Most of the time, I'll tell you to search around websites like www.collegeboard.com or www.fastweb.com to find scholarships that would best suit you but I'm gonna take some time to tell you about some local scholarships that you may not find on those websites!!

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The O'Keefe Foundation Scholarship

A wonderful scholarship opportunity from an organization formed in memory of Firefighter Patrick J. O'Keefe of the FDNY's Rescue Company One who was killed at the WTC on 9/11. This scholarship is an $8,000 award paid over 4 years and is available to any US citizen who is an immigrant or child of an immigrant OR has lost a parent to a violent act.

Qualifications:

• Must be a graduating seniors
• Must be accepted into an accredited college or university (at the time of the award, not the time of application)
• Must be a US citizen who is an immigrant or child of an immigrant OR has lost a parent to a violent act.
• Must reside in Nassau or Suffolk county or one of the five boroughs of New York City. 
• There are NO academic or financial requirements, however, financial need is considered. 

How to apply:

Complete an application, provide two letters of recommendation, and write an essay about yourself. If you fit the qualification criteria, see me or Ms. Marsigliano for information about what to include in the essay and filling out the application. See http://spiritrider.org/ for more information. 

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Albert Shanker College Scholarship Fund

Who can apply?

The program is limited to New York City public high school seniors who will graduate from a vocational, academic or alternative school or will receive an equivalency diploma from a public evening school or a New York City Board of Education alternative educational program. In addition, students must have high academic standing and demonstrate leadership in school and community. All applicants also must be eligible to receive and must apply for federal financial aid (a Pell Grant).

What about financial eligibility?

In order to qualify for the UFT Albert Shanker scholarships, students must have family income levels no higher than the maximums set by the Albert Shanker College Scholarship Fund. Maximum levels vary according to the number of dependents in the family. Further details and exact income data are listed on page four of the scholarship instructions.

Students must show valid proof of family income, which must include income of parents, step-parents, guardians or any other adults who have assumed legal responsibility for the applicant. The Scholarship Fund requires tax returns and other official documents as proof of family income. It is important to document income from all sources, including non-taxable income such as public assistance payments, child support, Social Security and veteran’s pensions.

An applicant whose family lives abroad will also be required to appropriately document family income.

The deadline for the Albert Shanker College Scholarship Fund is JANUARY 31ST. The award is $5,000 paid as $1,250 per year. See Ms. Marsigliano for the application and making sure it gets sent in on time. 

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Legend Award for Young Visual Artists

This scholarship is not exclusively for seniors! It is for all high school grade levels. 

This award was conceived by Sharon and Mark Voto of Legend Business Group as a way to recognize the talents of young local visual artists and give them financial support to help them achieve their goals. 

One finalist  will be selected to receive $1000. First and second runners up will receive $500 and $250. 

Five finalists will be selected to exhibit at the Legend Business Group showroom. 

Who is eligible?

• High school students in grades 9-12
• Residents of Staten Island
• Visual artists working in painting, drawing, sculpture, or installation

How do you apply?

1. Submit an application letter with your information and a brief description of your aspirations as an artist, and how you plan to spend the award if received. 

2. One letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your artistic excellence.

3. A digital portfolio of 10 jpeg images showing a sample of your work on a CD.

4. Work Sample List giving information for each of the 10 jpeg images.

Entries must arrive at COAHSI by February 22nd. Do not send original work! Entries will not be returned. 

See me or Ms. Marsigliano for specifics on what to send in and where to send it! 

-Ms. Miller