2025-26 Merit Scholarship Application

2025-26 MERIT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Columbia Independent School

CIS is committed to preparing students to succeed in college and beyond. As part of our commitment, we established the following merit scholarships to recognize new and returning students at CIS.

New Scholars Award - A $2,000 renewable scholarship awarded to one new student per grade in Grades 6-10.

Rising Scholars Award - A $2,000 non-renewable scholarship awarded to returning CIS students entering a new division - one rising 6th grader and one rising 9th grader.

Lions Scholarship - A $2,000 renewable scholarship awarded to one or two returning students in Grades 9-12.

Criteria that will be considered for all scholarships awards include intellectual curiosity, exceptional academic achievement, commitment to local and global citizenship, and leadership in academic, physical or creative endeavors. Scholarships will be renewed each year a student remains enrolled at CIS in good standing (satisfactory academic and attendance; good citizenship as a member of the CIS community; embodiment of and support for the mission of CIS).

In order to be considered for a merit scholarship, applicants must do the following:
- Return the completed enrollment agreement and deposit for the 2025-26 school year by the due date listed in the agreement.
- Complete all fields in this form and submit it electronically by April 18, 2025. Be sure to upload the essay document - PDF files are recommended.
- Request and submit a letter of recommendation from a current or recent teacher, coach, or other adult who has worked with the student in a teacher/mentor role and can attest to the student's qualification for the scholarship (intellectual curiosity, exceptional academic achievement, commitment to local and global citizenship, and leadership in academic, physical or creative endeavors). The teacher/coach/mentor may draft their own letter OR use our form. Please give the teacher plenty of notice - do not wait until the day before the deadline to request a recommendation.
The CIS Merit Scholarship Committee will review all completed submissions and notify students in May 2025 if they are awarded any scholarships. Students need not apply for a specific scholarship - the committee will determine for which scholarships the student is eligible.

For questions regarding the CIS Merit Scholarship program, please contact the admissions office at admissions@cislions.org.
Name

First NameLast Name
Student Email
example@example.com
Parent Email
example@example.com
2025-26 Grade Level (Fall 2025)
Are you a returning CIS student?

Yes - I am enrolled for the 2024-25 school year and will return for 2025-26.No - I am an applicant or have been accepted for admission during the 2025-26 school year
Activities list - Please list the activities in which you have been involved, to include clubs, community service, athletics and any leadership positions you have held. Be sure to indicate how many years you have participated in each activity.
ESSAY: Write a 1-2 page, typed essay on one of the following topics. Students who have applied previously must select a different essay topic from the previous year. Upload the essay using the box below.

1. Describe a topic, subject or idea that has captured your curiosity. Explain why it interests you, how you have explored it further, and how it has influcenced your perspective or goals.

2. What is the most difficult thing you have ever done, and why? What did you learn from this experience?

3. Describe a time you served as a leader in the classroom, on a team, or in the community. What personal attributes were most helpful to you in your leadership role? What assistance did you need from others?
Upload essay

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Nondiscrimination Policy

CIS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarships, and in-school or extracurricular activities.
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