Buddhist Tzu Chi Scholars 2014

Tzu Chi Scholars is a scholarship program funded by Buddhust Tzu Chi Foundation to recognize and provide financial assistance to outstanding college-bound high school graduates. Tzu Chi Scholars are selected on the basis of their financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Each Scholar will receive an award of $1,000. A small number of Scholars may be further recognized for a four-year total scholarship award of up to $4,000 if certain eligibility requirements and criteria are met.

In Chinese, "tzu" means compassion and "chi" means relief. Founded in 1966 by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation has dedicated itself to the areas of charitable services, medical services, education and environmental protection. Guided by the four basic Buddhist principles of kindness, compassion, joy, and unselfish giving, Tzu Chi strives to ease suffering on earth and to inspire compassion in others by promoting community volunteerism, both locally and internationally. Through sincerity, integrity, trust, and honesty, Tzu Chi volunteers serve all who need assistance, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. In addition, Tzu Chi has established bone marrow registries and provides services for international relief. Please visit the website at us.tzuchi.org.

Eligibility:

1. Demonstrates financial need for college tuition
2. Is a US high school graduating senior or equivalent
3. Has a minimum 3.0 GPA
4. Will enroll in an accredited US college full-time for the entire academicf year 2014-15

Documents Required:

1. A completed Tzu Chi Scholarship application form
2. An official high school transcript
3. A copy of one of the three following documents demonstrating financial need:
1. Family's complete set of 2013 1040 US Income Tax Return including all schedules, or
2. Family's complete set of 2012 1040 US Income Tax Return including all schedules and most recent 2013 W0-2, or
3. Any official documentation which serves as proof of financial hardship
4. Two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, and/or other advisors
5. A typed autobiography (minimum two pages) that explains why you should be awarded a scholarship. Please include all of the following:
1. Reason for your financial need and application for this educational scholarship
2. Your personal and academic achievements with specific examples
3. Your academic and career plans with specific goals
4. Your past and current involvement, as well as future plans, towards making a difference in your community
6. A one-page short essay about Tzu Chi, based on the information you've gathered from websites, publications, news articles, etc. Please explain what you have learned about Tzu Chi that inspires you in any way. Express your thoughts openly and honestly. 

*Only applications which include the complete set of required documents mentioned above will be considered
**For scholarship application and information, please visit us.tzuchi.org
***Recipients of the scholarship will be announced by mail on May 10. 

Application form and supporting documents must be postmarked by March 9th.
A home visit/interview may be required in the application process.

Tzu Chi Scholars will be honored at the Scholarship Award Ceremony at the nearest Tzu Chi Regional Office in May or June. The $1,000 award will be directly deposited in the account of the student's college of choice when all forms are completed and processed.

See ME for full application

-ms miller pecora