Purpose

The NorCal WESTOP Leaders’ Scholarship financially assists a NorCal TRIO student/graduate to participate and attend 2021 COE’s Annual Policy and Leadership Seminar (Seminar is in-person, but due to COVID-19, Seminar may take place virtually). The Leaders' Scholarship recognizes the recipient as an emerging leader in our TRIO community. 

Award

One scholarship of $1,500.00 will be awarded to the recipient and is to be used to assist the sponsoring program by covering as many of the expenses associated with registrations fees and the recipient’s travel (transportation, lodging, food, etc.) to COE’s Annual Policy and Leadership Seminar from Sunday, March 21, 2021 to Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

NOTE: If Seminar takes place virtually, recipent is expected to virtually participate in the Seminar, schedule virtual legislative meetings (with support of sponsoring program) as well as provide a testimony letter to be shared with legislative staff. 

Eligibility

-Must be enrolled in or an alumnus of a NorCal WESTOP TRIO program.

-Must be attending high school or college full-time

-Unless graduated from college; if so, applicant cannot be employed by a TRIO program.

• The sponsoring TRIO program is required to provide the recipient with a TRIO staff chaperone for the seminar at their own expense.
• The sponsoring TRIO program and student are encouraged to procure additional funding (Note: scholarship may not cover all student expenses).

Application Checklist

1. Completed Application

Complete the application form. Include attachements if needed. The application begins when clicking "Next".

2. Personal Statement

Answer the following prompt: Describe a significant difference TRIO programs have made in your life. How has this difference influenced your educational pursuits? What would you say to someone to encourage the continued funding for TRIO Programs?

Submission Requirements:

1. 300 to 500 TOTAL words
2. Typed
3. Double Spaced
4. Times New Roman and 12-Point Font  

3. Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; Please include all coursework taken in high school and/or college.

4. Letter of Sponsorship

• One letter of sponsorship is required from a current paid member of WESTOP.
• The sponsor should address the applicant's leadership potential, ability to communicate, political awareness, and validation for sponsorship.

Application Deadline: January 22, 2021 by 11:50 PM 

Late submissions will not be accepted. Please make sure that all attachments submitted are working documents. Applications submitted with documents which are unable to be opened may eliminate the application from review.

For questions contact:

Gina Gutierrez

NorCal WESTOP Scholarship Chair 

norcal.westop.scholarship@gmail.com