Burt-Steele Pathfinders Scholarship:
~ A merit scholarship to support High Rocks leaders that are committed to education and service in their pursuit of post-high school educational opportunities ~
Who is a High Rocks leader?
A High Rocks leader is any young person who has taken the pledge, has substantially participated in High Rocks programs during high school and is committed to taking the spirit and power of High Rocks out and into the world.
How much is it, and what can I use the scholarship money for?
If you are awarded the Pathfinder Scholarship you will receive $900 a year for up to five years, as long as you maintain a GPA of 2.0 and complete all the yearly requirements. College, a technical training program, a certification course or test, a class…you can use your $900 for anything you need to help you succeed. It may be used for tuition, a new computer, books, to help buy a car if you need one for school, for child care, etc. We ask Pathfinders to use their money wisely and prudently under our honor code system. We would like to know how the money helped you, and we ask that you send us an email letting us know. We love hearing from you!
How do we select recipients?
The Burt-Steele Pathfinders Scholarship is competitive so we do not take to selection process lightly. We give priority to any High Rocks for Girls participant pursuing their undergraduate studies. Anyone who has worked with High Rocks through other programs is welcome to apply, but this scholarship was founded with the intention of supporting participants in High Rocks for Girls. The more a participant is involved in our program, the higher they are on our selection list. We also will make selection decisions based off of applications being fully completed on time.
Once I have my scholarship, how do I keep it?
In order to keep your scholarship, you need to complete these THREE REQUIREMENTS:
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Volunteer a minimum of 8 hours a year at a High Rocks location or help High Rocks with an event or trip.
You can work a day or two of camp, help organize a college trip, or volunteer at the Hub or High Rocks Lodge. Younger girls need you as a role model and the staff needs your help and your insight!
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Submit proof of enrollment and your GPA from the current year every year.
We ask that you
maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
, or your scholarship will be lost. If your GPA is above 2.0, we will send your scholarship check as soon as we have received your grades and proof of enrollment. (PLEASE note that most schools will not issue proof of enrollment until 3-4 weeks into the semester, therefore you will not receive a check from High Rocks until after this time; please financially plan accordingly!) If your GPA has fallen below the 2.0 cut-off, you may submit a petition for exceptional circumstances to the director of High Rocks.
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Write a thank-you letter to Naomi and Harvey Cohen
, sponsors of the Pathfinder scholarship, updating them on your progress in school and how the scholarship has helped you in your academic pursuits.
I’ve been out of school for a while. Can I still be a Pathfinder?
Of course! High Rocks knows that life isn’t always a straight path; in fact, it almost never is. If you’ve been out of school – congratulations on getting motivated to continue your education. We want to do everything we can to support you.
What is a merit scholarship?
A merit scholarship is one that is based on your accomplishments, not on your financial need. This merit scholarship is designed to recognize excellence and commitment among the High Rocks girls, while strengthening the connections between recent alums and younger girls.
The Burt-Steele Pathfinders Scholarships are made possible with the loving support and best wishes of Naomi and Harvey Cohen as an investment in High Rocks, in women’s leadership, and in each of you. The Pathfinders Scholarships are given in honor of Susan Burt and Virginia Steele, the original High Rocks girls.