California-Hawaii Elks Association Vocational Grants

Scholarship Sponsored by California-Hawaii Elks Association

Introduction This scholarship is a needs-based academic award intended to help undergraduate students with disabilities finance postsecondary study at accredited community colleges, four-year colleges or universities, or licensed vocational schools. Funds may be used only for academic-related costs: tuition, books, laboratory fees, and on-campus room and board. Background Since 1981 the Elks have offered financial support to students with disabilities who wish to continue their education. The program’s goals are twofold: to assist students in pursuing higher education and to help them integrate into the mainstream workforce. Over the years the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities has grown from five $1,000 awards to 20–30 awards annually. Scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply and, if approved, may receive funding for up to four years. Who May Apply Applicants must meet all of the following requirements: - Be a United States citizen. - Be a legal resident of California or Hawaii. - Have a disability such as a physical impairment, neurological impairment, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and/or a speech-language disorder. - Be a high school senior, a high school graduate, or have passed the GED or the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE). - Plan to pursue an undergraduate program at an accredited community college, a licensed vocational school, or a four-year institution. - Demonstrate financial need. Award Information - Number of awards: typically 20 to 30 scholarships each year. - Award amounts: generally $3,000 for students attending four-year colleges and $1,000 for students at community colleges or vocational schools. The Scholarship Committee may make exceptions. - All awards are contingent upon verification of school enrollment, submission of a financial aid letter, and compliance with scholarship rules and procedures. - Recipients may be renewed for up to three additional years (maximum of four years total), or until an undergraduate degree is completed, whichever happens first. - The ratio of awards to applicants varies annually. Permitted Use of Funds Scholarship proceeds may be applied only toward academic expenses: tuition, required textbooks, laboratory fees, and on-campus room and board. Selection Criteria Applicants are evaluated on: - Severity of the disability - Demonstrated financial need - Grade point average - Seriousness of purpose (academic/career intent) - Depth of character Application Requirements and Materials - Elks sponsorship: Applicants must secure sponsorship from an Elks Lodge in California or Hawaii. An elected Lodge officer must complete and sign the Sponsoring Lodge section of the application. - Required documents: the application packet includes personal information forms, two specialist reports, and financial analysis forms. A sealed official school transcript must be included with the packet. - The applicant is responsible for fully completing the application and ensuring it is properly executed and forwarded to the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. How to Obtain and Submit an Application - Applications become available online at www.chea-elks.org/youthactivities/scholarships beginning November 15th. - The California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office will accept application packets starting February 1st. - Completed application packets must be postmarked on or before March 15th and must be received in the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office by April 1st. - It is the applicant’s responsibility to meet all mailing, signature, and submission requirements. Contact/Office California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. (refer to the website for mailing address and further instructions).