2015 HRLA Scholarship Program
Supporting Future Leaders in Human Resources
Sponsored by the HR Leadership Awards of Greater Washington, the HR Leadership Scholarship Program isdesigned to develop strategic leadership in human resources. Up to three scholarships are awarded each year to support current and aspiring HR professionals pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management at accredited universities in the greater Washington, DC area.
The world in which we work is constantly changing and so do the roles and responsibilities of human resources professionals. Top management is looking to work collaboratively with human resources. Human resources professionals must be prepared to assist and lead organizations to success.
Eligibility
The scholarship program is open to practicing Human Resources professionals and current students who are pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree in Human Resources (HR). Students must reside in the greater Washington, DC area (e.g., Richmond up to Baltimore) and be registered in an HR program that is part of a regionally accredited university (e.g., Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or North Central Association’s Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement).
Applicants must provide evidence of acceptance or enrollment in a Human Resources program of study. Current students must demonstrate satisfactory academic performance, as defined by a grade point average equivalent to a “B” average.
Scholarship Guidelines
Up to three scholarships will be awarded. At least one scholarship will be awarded to a student attending Marymount University – one of the founders of the HR Leadership Awards of Greater Washington. Up to two other scholarships will be awarded to students attending an accredited university in the greater Washington, DC area. Scholarship winners will be announced on April 13, 2015.
Each scholarship will be in the amount of $4,000 and can be used towards any professional certification or educational activity that will enhance the recipient’s HR leadership capability.
Please refer to the FAQ section at the end of the application for more information.
Key Dates
March 13, 2015: Completed applications must be postmarked
April 13, 2015: Scholarship winners announced
May TBD, 2015: VIP Reception- scholarship winners honored
June 9, 2015: Scholarships presented at the HR Leadership Awards Annual Gala
Application Process
The application is comprised of six components:
1. Application Form (see below)
2. Current resume
3. Personal statement
4. Unofficial transcript demonstrating academic performance
5. Please submit only ONE reference letter (which must be from a recent professor). If you submit more than one, the extras might not be read by the judges.
6. Proof of acceptance or enrollment in an HR degree program
§ Send ALL SIX components above all together to the Executive Director of the HR Leadership Awards at the address below. Applications will be treated as INCOMPLETE if any one of the six components is missing and not accepted in pieces.
§ Your application and application materials will not be returned.
Selection Process
A panel of judges will review the completed applications. The panel will be made up of human resources professionals, including professionals in academia and recognized members of the profession representing the public and private sectors.
Selection will be based on a demonstrated commitment to a career in human resources, scholastic achievement and/or successful work experience.
Once the scholarship is awarded, the recipient must be ready to begin his/her studies within six months following notification of the award.
All decisions are final.
Questions?
For more information, please contact:Executive Director
HR Leadership Awards of Greater Washington
c/o Marymount University SBA
2807 North Glebe Road
Arlington, Virginia 22207-4299
email:
phone: 703.284.5916
fax: 703.527.3830
Scholarship Application Form
NamePosition / Company/Organization
Address
Telephone Number / Email
I have enclosed the required items:
____ Current resume
____ Personal statement: in two pages or 750 words, please describe your interest in human resources, your accomplishments as they relate to human resources leadership, your professional goal(s) as it relates to human resources and how this scholarship would assist in achieving that goal. Please use Times New Roman Font size 12 with Line spacing at 1.5. Personal statements longer than the stated limit will not be read.
____ Unofficial transcript
____ One letter of recommendation in a sealed envelope: please print a copy of the Recommendation Form and give to a current or recent professor to complete and return to you.
____ Proof of enrollment: acceptance or enrollment must be from an accredited university in the greater Washington, DC area.
My signature below certifies that all information contained in the application is factually correct and complete. I understand that a misrepresentation or omission of application information is sufficient grounds for canceling the scholarship and/or this application.
Signature:______Date:______
When you have completed your application package, please put all items into a single large envelope and
send to:
Executive Director
HR Leadership Awards of Greater Washington
c/o Marymount University SBA
2807 North Glebe Road
Arlington, Virginia 22207-4299
Scholarship Recommendation Form
Name of ApplicantName of Recommendation Writer
Writer's Position / Writer's Company/Organization
Writer's Telephone Number / Writer's Email
How long and in what capacity has the writer known the applicant?
In one page or 500 words or less, please describe the following:
1. The student’s interest in and goals relating to human resources leadership
2. The student’s human resources leadership-related accomplishments
When you have completed your recommendation, please:
§ Enclose your recommendation in a sealed envelope
§ Write your signature on the seal
§ Write the name of the student and “HR Leadership Scholarship Program” on the envelope
§ Give to the student to submit with their application
Thank you for your participation in this important program.
For more information, please visit our website at www.hrleadership.org or email us at .
HR Leadership Awards of Greater Washington
c/o Marymount University SBA
2807 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia 22207-4299
phone: 703.284.5916 / fax: 703.527.3830
www.hrleadership.org
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Am I eligible?
To be eligible, one must meet the following criteria:
a. Be enrolled in and provide documentation of being enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Human Resource degree program from an accredited regional institution.
b. You must live in the Greater Washington area.
c. You must demonstrate satisfactory grades of a “B” average.
2. What are some important deadlines?
a. Applications are made available October 15, 2014
b. Applications are due (postmarked) by March 13, 2015
c. All scholarship winners are invited to attend the HRLA VIP Reception on TBD.
d. All scholarship winners are invited to attend the HRLA Gala on June 9, 2015.
3. What should I include in my application packet?
The application is comprised of six components that should all be compiled into one packet for submission. Do not send each component separately or it will not be considered.:
a. Application Form (see below)
b. Current resume
c. Personal statement
d. Unofficial transcript demonstrating academic performance
e. One (1) letter of reference (which must be from a recent professor)
f. Proof of acceptance or enrollment in an HR degree program
4. When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced on April 13, 2015.
5. Will I be able to get feedback from my application submission?
No, feedback will not be available for applicants due to the number of applications we receive. Your application will be judged based upon your submission and how you stack up against other candidates.
6. If I do not win the scholarship this year, can I apply again?
Yes, you may apply again as long as you still meet the criteria.
7. Is the scholarship renewable?
No, the scholarship is awarded as a single year scholarship. Winners are not eligible to win the scholarship again.
8. If I am enrolled in an HR certificate program, do I qualify?
No, for the 2014-2015 season HR certificate programs do not qualify. You must be enrolled in a degree program. Please check back with us for 2015-2016 as we may open this up to include professional certifications.
9. Can I use the award money towards any professional certification?
Yes, you may use the scholarship towards whatever you wish including professional certification, loan payback, school expenses, etc.
10. Can professors’ recommendations be mailed/emailed separately?
No, all of the six components must be mailed together to ensure a complete packet for judging.
11. I am an international student, can I still apply?
Yes, as long as you are enrolled in a local HR degree program and meet the other criteria, international students may apply.