Dear Prospective Scholarship Applicant,

The Dr. William T. Syphax Charitable Foundation (WTSCF) is proud to offer the Syphax Scholars Scholarship, an annual award recognizing graduating male high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community service.

Our scholarship is more than just financial aid—it is an investment in future changemakers and a reflection of our belief in your potential to make a lasting impact.

About the Dr. William T. Syphax Charitable Foundation

The Dr. William T. Syphax Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering students through education, leadership development, and community engagement. Named in honor of Dr. William T. Syphax, a visionary leader in business, philanthropy, and community advocacy, the foundation is dedicated to uplifting the next generation through scholarship and service.

At WTSCF, we strive to:
✔ Empower through education – Providing access to scholarships and academic resources to uplift students.
✔ Build stronger communities – Engaging with schools, families, and community leaders to foster success.
✔ Cultivate leaders – Supporting students in developing confidence, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.
✔ Champion positive change – Investing in students who demonstrate a passion for learning and a commitment to making a difference.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Syphax Scholars Scholarship, applicants must:
✔ Be a male graduating high school senior
✔ Have a minimum GPA of 2.75
✔ Reside in the Washington Metropolitan Area (DC, MD, or VA)

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on a holistic review process that evaluates:
✔ Financial need
✔ Academic performance (high school GPA and transcript)
✔ Leadership and community involvement
✔ Strength of application responses, including the essay and short-answer questions

Required Application Materials:

📌 Completed online application (incomplete applications will not be reviewed)
📌 Official high school transcript
📌 Two letters of recommendation (one must be academic and on school letterhead)
📌 FAFSA Student Aid Report (if applicable)
📌 Professional headshot (solid color background—no selfies)
📌 Short-answer responses
📌 Personal Essay (see prompt below)

Personal Essay Prompt

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela

In 300 to 500 words, describe a change you would like to make in the world and how college and your educational pursuits will help you achieve that change. Discuss any obstacles you anticipate encountering along the way and how you plan to overcome them.

Application Process

📝 Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
📧 Notification: All applicants will be notified via email, so please use a valid email address on your application.
🎓 Scholarship Recognition Event: Selected recipients will be invited to attend our 2025 Scholarship Recognition Event (details will be provided upon selection).

📄 Acceptance Requirements:
If selected, recipients must:
✔ Sign a Scholarship Acceptance Agreement Form (provided upon notification) and return it within 10 days of receipt.
✔ Provide Proof of Enrollment at their college/university no later than Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Scholarship Award

📍 The Syphax Scholars Scholarship provides a one-time $2,000 scholarship to help finance post-secondary education.
📍 Scholarship funds will be issued directly to the recipient's college/university in one payment, awarded at the start of the student’s first semester.

Contact Information

For any questions or additional information, please contact:

📧 Mr. Philip Wilkerson III
Chair, WTSCF Scholarship Committee
📩 Scholarship@wtsyphaxfoundation.org

We look forward to reviewing your application and celebrating the next class of Syphax Scholars! Best of luck!

WTSCF Scholarship Committee