Hmong Community Higher Education Scholarship

Background

The Hmong Community Higher Education Scholarship was established in 2007 by the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association (WAHMA) with the primary objective of supporting higher education and rewarding academic excellence among students of Hmong descent. The recipients must be good citizens, good role-models for others and active members in the schools or the community.

Purpose

Education is the key to success. The purpose of the Hmong Community Higher Education Scholarship is to award scholarships to outstanding graduating Hmong high school seniors and current college students who are pursuing or will be pursuing a college education.

Scholarship Award

A scholarship award of $500 each will be given to two high school seniors and two current college students pursuing an undergraduate degree in an approved program of study at an accredited college or university.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

A Scholarship Selection Committee designated by the WAHMA Board of Directors will review the applications and choose the most qualified scholarship recipients. Candidates for this scholarship must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a full-time college student in the Fall of 2011;
  • Be a resident in Marathon, Lincoln andShawanoCounties;
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (green card);
  • Be of Hmong descent;
  • Be a graduating high school senior with a GPA of 3.5 or higher or a current undergraduate student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher;
  • Demonstrates concern and commitment to improving the Hmong community; and
  • Must not be a recipient for this scholarship award in the past.

Application Process

Applications are available in the high school guidance, college admission or student advisor offices. Applications can also be downloaded via the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association website. Students must submit completed applications with a school transcript of their grades and two reference letters to the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association no later than 4:30 p.m. on March18, 2011.

Announcement and Payment

In May, all scholarship applicants will be notified of their final status in the selection process. The recipients will receive a congratulatory letter from the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association with instruction relative to the scholarship disbursement process. The high school students’ awardsmay be announced at his /her senior awards ceremony. Awards may also be announced at an appropriate local community eventor on the local Hmong radio.

Scholarship funds will be paid by the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association directly to the college or university the student is attending. Award recipients must request their school to submit a proof of class registration to the Hmong Association office for payment to be issued.

For more information, please contact:

Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association, Inc.

1109 Sixth Street

Wausau, WI54403

Tel: (715) 842-8390

Hmong Community Higher Education Scholarship Application

Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association, Inc.

This application must be fully completed in order to be considered for the Hmong Community Higher Education Scholarship. The application can also be downloaded through the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association website at Please read the eligibility and selection criteria on the guidelines before completing this application. Please type or print in ink. Include two letters of reference (not from a family member) and your most recent school transcript of grades. Applications must be received by the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association office no later than 4:30 p.m. on March18, 2011.

Please complete the following information as accurately as you can:

Name of Student: ______

Home Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Contact Phone: ______E-Mail Address: ______

Date of Birth: ______Country of Birth: ______

Citizenship Status:____ U.S. Citizen____ Permanent Resident

High School Students:

Name of High School Attending: ______City: ______

Expected Date of Graduation: ______

Accepted for Admission by a College/University:____ Yes____ No

College/UniversityPlanning to Attend in the Fall: ______

Anticipated Major: ______

College/University Students:

Name of College or University Attending: ______

City: ______State: ______

Major: ______

Expected Date of Graduation:______

Briefly describe your educational goals as they relate to your career choice:

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

Please answer the following questions in three (3) pages or less:

  1. How do your anticipated career goals contribute to the improvement of life and well-being of the Hmong community?
  1. Describe your personal and/or family circumstances that make it necessary for you to seek this scholarship for your education.
  1. Provide a list of any activities or work experience you have participated, either in school or outside of school, including offices or positions of leadership held, honors or awards received, extra-curricular activities and community involvement. A brief description can be included for each item where necessary. A resume may be used in place of this list.

The Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association reserves the right to request additional information or documentation in order to verify any relevant facts. A personal interview may be requested of the applicant.

I affirm that all records and information I have provided are accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

______

Signature of ApplicantDate

Application package, including all required documents, must be received no later than4:30 p.m. on March 18, 2011 to qualify for consideration. Late or incomplete application will not be considered. You can mail, fax, or hand deliver your application package to:

Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association, Inc.

1109 Sixth Street

Wausau, WI54403

Phone: (715) 842-8390

Fax: (715) 842-9202