How To Get A Nina Mason Pulliam Scholarship

Transcription

1 Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars Program Application Application Deadline March 1

2 Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars Program This program was created by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust in 2001 in tribute to the life and values of Nina Mason Pulliam. The Nina Scholars Program is available to students at all Maricopa County Community Colleges. This program provides a unique opportunity where students from disadvantaged backgrounds can obtain the resources and financial support needed in order to successfully complete their college education. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and books for four years (eight consecutive semesters). It also includes a $2,750 annual living allowance. In addition, each student is provided with a campus academic mentor. The Nina Scholars program is highly focused on all aspects of the success of its student participants. Application Criteria Available to individuals who meet at least one of the following: 1. Students ages who have been raised through the child welfare system and have no form of financial support. 2. College-age youth and adults with physical disabilities. 3. Adults who are 25 years or older who have dependents in their family units. Applicants must also meet all of the following: Be a United States citizen and resident of Arizona and Maricopa County Be admitted to the Maricopa Community College campus to which you are applying Demonstrate financial need, as determined by FAFSA Be working toward your first college degree Have previously completed no more than 24 college level credits Application Requirements In order for an application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted with the application packet: Documentation verifying qualifying criteria One to two page essay Two recommendation letters High school/ged transcript (beginning freshmen only) Unofficial college transcripts (returning students only) Copy of most recently filed tax return FAFSA on file at institution to which you are applying See eligibility definitions and detailed instructions on the opposite page. All materials must be submitted/postmarked no later than March 1. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Mail or drop off complete application packets to: Maricopa Community Colleges ATTN: Nina Scholars Program 2411 W. 14th Street Tempe, AZ 85281

3 Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars Program Scholarship Eligibility Definitions Child Welfare System For the purposes of this scholarship program, Child Welfare System is described as the public-supported system that serves neglected, abused, abandoned, at-risk children and/or those who are wards of the courts. A person who has experienced time in the child welfare system may have lived in an institution such as a group home, child protection agency, or special facility for children, and/or with a foster family. This applies particularly to those persons who were raised away from their biological parents or relative caregivers for extended periods of time, were financially supported by sources other than their families, and are presently responsible for themselves financially. This does not include applicants and/or their biological parents receiving TANF, food stamps, or other state aid such as AHCCCS. Physical Disability A physical disability for the purposes of this scholarship program is one that limits or impairs a person s ability to access and/ or be fully mobile on campus, and/or creates a special challenge for classroom instruction, tutoring, student support services, participation in campus offerings, and other academic and extracurricular activities. This includes disabilities that substantially limit major life activities such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, writing and working. These disabilities may be results of, but not limited to, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, speech impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, loss of limbs, and severe orthopedic injuries. Applicants are to provide official documentation of their physical disability from a medical or health care provider. Adults With Dependents These are adults who are 25 years of age or older and have dependents in their family units (self not included). These adults may be first-time college students or returning students (those with previous college experience). The family unit may include relatives or other persons who may live in or outside the applicant s household for whom the Internal Revenue Service has determined there is a financially dependent relationship. Documentation Requirements Child Welfare System Any court documents stating legal guardianship, custody status, and/or ward of the court or a letter from a case worker. Physical Disability Official documentation of the physical disability from a medical or health care provider. Statements or letters showing receipt of disability payments will not be accepted. Adults with Dependents Tax forms listing qualifying dependents, custody papers, or a court judgment that proves there is a financially dependent relationship. For the purpose of this scholarship, solely paying child support is not a qualifying criteria. Essays Essays should observe the general rules of English grammar. It is also recommended that you put your name on each page of the essay. Cover pages, plastic report covers, etc. are not necessary and will be removed when we process applications. Essay question: What are your life goals and how will obtaining a college degree further these goals? How do you plan to balance your personal and academic responsibilities? What support system do you currently have/need to help you succeed? Recommendation Letters Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation. Forms are included in the application packet. These may be from a teacher, employer, or other community contact. Please do not submit letters written by relatives. Transcripts A high school or GED transcript will be required for beginning freshmen to complete this application. If you are a transfer/ returning/continuing student, a transcript from previous and/or current institutions of higher learning will be required. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Tax Return In order to verify income, and in some cases, qualifying dependents, a copy of the most recently filed tax return must be submitted. Those who do not file taxes or are exempt must indicate so in their application. FAFSA To be eligible for this scholarship, financial need must be demonstrated as determined by the FAFSA. If you have not yet filed your FAFSA you may do so at or contact the financial aid office at your college. For more specific questions, please contact the Scholarship Coordinator at (480)

4 About Nina Mason Pulliam Nina Mason Pulliam ( ) was a journalist, a business leader, a humanitarian and a lover of all creatures. She was born and raised in central Indiana in a farming family of seven children. She lived her adult life in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Phoenix, Arizona and traveled the world extensively. She was the founding secretary-treasurer and a director of Central Newspapers, Inc. which her husband, Eugene C. Pulliam, established in Among its many newspaper holdings were The Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis News, The Arizona Republic, and The Phoenix Gazette. Mrs. Pulliam was both a journalist and a business woman; she was the first female member of the Sigma Delta Chi, now the Society of Professional Journalists. During her lifetime many charitable and civic organizations benefited from her generosity. About The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust was established upon the death of Nina Mason Pulliam on March 26, 1997, to provide 50 years of support to the causes she loved in her home states of Arizona and Indiana. The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust seeks to help people in need, especially women, children, and families; to protect animals in nature; and to enrich community life in the metropolitan areas of Indianapolis and Phoenix. In 2001, the Trust established the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program in tribute to the life and values of its benefactress. Participating schools are Arizona State University, Maricopa Community Colleges, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), and Ivy Tech Community College - Indianapolis Campus. About The Nina Scholars Program This scholarship program is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for individuals who would not normally receive traditional academic scholarships, and whose personal commitments and financial circumstances would preclude their attendance without substantial, long-term scholarship support. The Trust is interested in providing scholarships to Arizona and Indiana residents who face barriers to obtaining higher education. The partnering schools provide special outreach and support to each of the Nina Scholars, strengthening the opportunities for success. In 2001, the Trust established the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program to open doors of opportunity for men and women seeking college degrees. The individuals selected by the four participating universities and community colleges to be Nina Scholars all aspire to overcome financial, social and physical challenges. Nina Scholars Program District Office of Student Affairs 2411 West 14th Street Tempe, AZ Phone: nina.scholars@domail.maricopa.edu

5 Scholarship Application APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 1 Applicant Type Available to individuals who meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria; please check all that apply to you: Students ages who have been raised through the child welfare system and have no form of financial support College-age youth and adults with physical disabilities Adults who are 25 years or older who have dependents in their family units Applicants must also meet all of the following requirements: Must be admitted to or have applied to one of the Maricopa Community Colleges before applying for the scholarship Be working toward your first college degree Be a U.S. citizen and resident of Arizona and Maricopa County Demonstrate financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, with priority given to those with a household income of 80 percent or less of the median income for Maricopa County (approximately $44,079 annually). If your annual household income is greater than this amount, however your FAFSA results indicate financial need, then you may still apply. Have previously completed no more than 24 college-level, degree-applicable credits Personal Data Name LAST FIRST MIDDLE Student ID#: Permanent Street Address NUMBER STREET APARTMENT CITY STATE ZIP CODE Telephone HOME CELL Gender Qualifications Ethnicity Military Service Are you a U.S. citizen? YES NO Are you a legal resident of Arizona? YES NO Are you a legal resident of Maricopa County? YES NO Birth Date Age Marital Status SINGLE MARRIED DIVORCED WIDOWED Are you physically disabled? YES NO If yes, please explain the nature of your disability Do you require auxiliary aids or services related to your disability? YES NO If yes, please explain Have you ever been under the care of the child welfare system/ward of the court? (See eligibility definitions for clarification) YES NO If yes, in what state? Do you have dependents? YES NO Number and age(s) of dependent(s) Gross Annual Household Income Do you have any means of support other than that listed above? YES NO If yes, please explain Did you file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid? YES NO I plan to attend: Full-time 3/4-time Part-time Campus choice: CGCC EMCC GCC GWCC MCC PC PVCC RIO SCC SMCC MSC SWSC (Please include a copy of most recently filed tax return)

6 Academic Information Date of High School Graduation or GED GED Score High School NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE List any colleges you have previously attended and number of credit hours completed Other Relevant Data List any employment experiences you have had, beginning with the most recent. EMPLOYER POSITION HOURS PER WEEK DATES OF EMPLOYMENT List the school, community, or service activities in which you have been most involved, in order of importance to you. ACTIVITY YRS PARTICIPATED APPX TIME SPENT POSITIONS HELD OR AWARDS How did you hear about the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholarhip Program? ESSAY QUESTION: Please discuss, in 1-2 typed pages, based upon one or more of the eligibility criteria (as listed on the front of this application), how you qualify for the scholarship. What are your life goals and how will obtaining a college degree further these goals? How do you plan to balance your personal and academic responsibilities? What support systems do you currently have/need to help you succeed? I authorize the Nina Scholars Advisory Council to review my financial aid records; high school/college transcripts; GED scores; ACT, SAT and/or college test results; and all application-related materials. I understand that I am certifying that my statements on this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Applicant Signature Date

7 Recommendation Form Deadline: March 1 Applicant Name Phone Applicant Recommender Name Phone Recommender I have known the applicant for years in my capacity as Please rate the applicant on each characteristic in comparison with others at the same level by checking the appropriate box. BELOW ABOVE NO BASIS AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE EXCEPTIONAL Motivation for academic studies Preparation for college/university setting Oral/written English expression skills Ability to analyze ideas Potential for success as a college/university student Please provide an assessment of why you believe the applicant will be academically successful as a university/community college student. Cite specific examples to support your recommendation. You may attach additional comments/letter of recommendation if necessary. Recommender Signature Date Nina Scholars Program District Office of Student Affairs 2411 West 14th Street Tempe, AZ Phone: nina.scholars@domail.maricopa.edu

8 Recommendation Form Deadline: March 1 Applicant Name Phone Applicant Recommender Name Phone Recommender I have known the applicant for years in my capacity as Please rate the applicant on each characteristic in comparison with others at the same level by checking the appropriate box. BELOW ABOVE NO BASIS AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE EXCEPTIONAL Motivation for academic studies Preparation for college/university setting Oral/written English expression skills Ability to analyze ideas Potential for success as a college/university student Please provide an assessment of why you believe the applicant will be academically successful as a university/community college student. Cite specific examples to support your recommendation. You may attach additional comments/letter of recommendation if necessary. Recommender Signature Date Nina Scholars Program District Office of Student Affairs 2411 West 14th Street Tempe, AZ Phone: nina.scholars@domail.maricopa.edu