2025 Michael Austin Memorial Award Application

Michael Austin Memorial Award Application
Michael Austin had a deep commitment to social justice that led him to a life of service. His passion for social justice guided him to ETSS Tewahedo Social Services, where he found his love for working with immigrant and refugee youth. His dedication quickly propelled him into the role of Youth Program Lead Coordinator, where he organized summer programs, facilitated the Youth Summit, and established the Youth Collaborative Board. One of Michael's notable achievements during this time was his establishment of community gardens on both the east and west sides of Columbus, fostering sustainable food sources and community engagement. His legacy lives on through not only the lives that he touched but through the Michael Austin Memorial Award Fund.
Application Details
What: The Michael Austin Award is a one-time award of $599, which can be applied towards technology, textbooks, school supplies and other education related expenses.

Who: Students who have actively been involved with ETSS Youth Programs

Requirements:
- Graduating senior
- Planning to continue education in Fall of 2025
How to apply:
1. Fill out your personal information on page 2
2. Answer the two extended answer questions on page 3
3. Choose one of the following:
  - Attach your Common App Essay along with this application
  - Write an essay responding to ONE of the essay prompts on page 4 and attach it along with this application
4. Click 'Submit'
Note: If you have any questions or require assistance with submitting your application, please reach out to us by email at p2s@ethiotss.org

Deadline: June 6, 2025

Virtual Interviews Start Date: June 16, 2025
Page 1

Personal Information
Name

First NameLast Name
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email Address
example@example.com
Phone Number
High School Name
Colleges Applied To
List the number of years and names of ETSS programs you have participated in
Parent/Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Phone Number
Parent/Guardian Email
example@example.com
Page 2

Extended Answer Questions

Please limit your answers to 500 words or less
1. This award is named after Michael Austin, who was instrumental in the implementation of the ETSS After School and Summer Camp programs. What is the most important skill or experience you have taken away from your time in ETSS Youth Programs?
2. Michael Austin was deeply passionate about immigrant and refugee youth being able to fulfill their academic potential. What academic and community involvement goals do you have for yourself over the next several years while in college?
Page 3

Choose ONE of the following:
- Attach your Common App essay along with this application OR
- Write and attach an essay responding to ONE of the following essay prompts (250-650 words)
  - Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  - The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  - Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  - Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  - Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Attach your essay here:

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Michael Austin Memorial Award Application

Application Details

Personal Information

Extended Answer Questions

Choose ONE of the following: