All applications for with  supporting documentation must be received no later than May 8, 2020, at 5:00 pm to: Teresa Kinney via tkinney@stancoha.org with the subject “2020 REACH Merit Scholarship Candidates.”
 

The rules, procedures, and application are below. Please review this material very carefully. If you have any questions, please call Teresa Kinney at (209) 222-7586.

 

Application Process
 

For Scholarship Applicant:
1.     Fill out and gather all required documents for the application (see checklist on page 3). These are:

a.     Information form (pages 3 & 4). This form will be reviewed and evaluated by scholarship representatives. To be considered complete, all sections of the application must be completed. If a section is not applicable, write N/A (not applicable) in the section; do not leave any sections blank.  Any application that has blank sections, or that is missing appropriate submittals or signatures may be disqualified.

b.     Two letters of character recommendation. These can be recommendations from the local Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority, community or religious organizations, employer or an academic reference. Letters of recommendation may not come from family members.

c.      An unofficial transcript from high school and/or the academic institution the applicant is currently attending (transcript may be forwarded separate from the application but must be postmarked by May 8, 2020.

d.     Verification of acceptance/attendance at an accredited institution of higher education.

e.     An essay (750-1,000 words) written by the applicant that details their educational plans and goals and focuses on outstanding community service or engagement activities. Essays showcasing outstanding community engagement may be selected for additional financial awards.

f.    A clear, high-resolution headshot photo of the applicant. This photo will be used in the announcement of the scholarship winner.

2.     Submit these materials to Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority attention Teresa Kinney at:  tkinney@stancoha.org.

 
Rules and Procedures

Eligibility
 

1.     Scholarship applications are only available through to Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority.

2.     Eligible individuals are provided a service or live in a household managed by Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority.

3.     Eligible individuals must be a graduating high school senior or already possess a high school diploma or GED, and must be applying to or attending an accredited institution of higher education. If currently attending college, applicants must be registered for at least two (2) classes.

 

Scholarship Award
There are two Scholarship Awards:  The Joshua Benjamin Scholarship and The Resources to Empower, Achieve and Change Horizons (REACH) Scholarship.  Each awardee will receive a $1,000 award, and will be placed in the Pacific Southwest Regional Council Scholarship (PSWRC) to have an opportunity for additional scholarship funds.

 
All scholarship awards will be paid directly to the accredited institution of higher education.

Letters of Recommendation & Essay

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Please attach two letters of recommendation from non-relatives. Eligible recommendation-writers include a representative from the local housing authority or community organization, an employer or a school professional such as a teacher or a guidance counselor. No recommendations from family members will be considered.

 

List the contact information for two references below. Please include their name, address, phone number, and relationship to you, and the length of time you have known them.

Reference One: Reference Two:

 

ESSAY
Please write an essay using 750 – 1,000 words to answer the following questions:

·        Where do you see yourself in the next four years and how will this scholarship help you to achieve those goals?

·        What are you doing now to achieve those goals?

Essays showcasing outstanding community service will be considered for additional scholarship awards. If you have any unusual circumstances that you would like the scholarship committee to consider, please include them in your essay.

Please email attached copies of the Letters of Recommendation and the Essay to tkinney@stancoha.org

BY MY SIGNATURE, I AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING (for PSWRC/NAHRO):

·        That the information I have given is true to the best of my knowledge.

·        To maintain satisfactory educational progress.

·        To keep NAHRO informed of any changes in schools or enrollment status.

·        To consent to the use of my profile, progress, and testimonial, by NAHRO and its subsidiaries, for marketing and fundraising purposes.

·        To authorize the office of financial aid to release my grades and pertinent information to NAHRO.

·        To authorize the release of my contact information to contractor for the college program (if funded).