India Association of Minnesota

Student Fellowship Program

For High School graduatesof 2009

India Association of Minnesota (IAM) invites applications from Minnesota based high school students to apply for its Student Fellowship Award. This is an annual scholarship that has been instituted to recognize bright students who have demonstrated sustained and dedicated service to the Asian Indian community. This scholarship is designed to recognize current role models and potential thought leaders who are closely involved with the Asian Indian community and it is hoped will continue to be involved with and contribute to the community. Through this program, IAM also seeks to meet its charitable goals.

ABOUT IAM & THE SCHOLARSHIP:

IAM Mission Statement: “The India Association of Minnesota, a not-for-profit organization, represents people with an interest in the culture and heritage of India to build a sense of cohesiveness within this community, represent the community to the population at large, and serve as the focal point for advancing the educational, cultural, and charitable interests of the community”.

IAM has been in existence since 1973 in the Twin-Cities and is the only organization promoting higher education of Asian Indians by awarding scholarships to qualified students attending college for the first time. IAM will award two (2) scholarships of $1,000 value each year to students who must meet the criteria given below.

APPLICATION DEADLINE & ADDRESS:

  • Application need to be postmarked IAM on or before Aug 20, 2009
  • Send completed applications to “IAM P.O. Box 130158, St. PaulMN55113
  • Applications can be downloaded from or can be requested from President, IAM at the above address.
  • Award Announcement: SUN Sep 13, 2009.

SELECTION & INTIMATION PROCESS:

  • The applications Review Committee will consist of 5 people, of whom 2 members will be from the current IAM Board, 2 from The Advisory Council (TAC) of the India Association of Minnesota and 5th person will be a long time IAM member;
  • Family members of the review committee are excluded from the award process and are not entitled to apply;
  • The IAM President or a designated Board Member will receive and collect all applications. Copies of the applications will be delivered to the Selection Committee members for individual review;

Information Page: 1 of 3

  • The Review Committee members will then meet for a joint review and rating across all applications and recommend the names of selected scholarship awardees to the IAM President;
  • IAM President will inform the award winners and the actual awards will be made during the Festival of India celebrations. The award can be collected by the applicant or their representative at the Festival from the IAM President;
  • IAM awards the scholarships at its sole discretion and the decision of IAM will be final;
  • Results may also be published on the IAM website ( the day after the IndiaFest as well as in the issue of the IAM Newsletter that is published after the IndiaFest.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applicant must be a legal US resident;
  • The Applicant does NOT need to be of Indian origin;
  • Applicant must be a resident of Minnesota at the time of applying or must have graduated from a MinnesotaHigh School in the year 2009;
  • Applicant must be a first-time degree seeking freshman in the fall of 2009 at a two or four-year degree program in the United States;
  • Applicant must have a high-school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
  • Applicant must have completed and submitted the paperwork by the application deadline;
  • Applicant must have a track record of service to the Indian community and / or have demonstrated interest in India for at least 1 year prior to application. This could in any one or more of the following ways:
  • Studying at any one of the Twin Cities institutions that promote Indian Languages or Culture (such as SILC, ChinmayaSchool, various dance schools etc);
  • Volunteering at any one of the India oriented camps / events (such Festival of India, CampMasala, CampNamaste, etc);
  • Being a “bridge-builder”, by bringing Indian culture and heritage to the community at large or have worked in other ways to improve understanding between the cultures;
  • Applicant must have a track record of leadership / service within their school system
  • Applicant should submit at least 1 letter of reference from a person familiar with the applicant’s community involvement, and who is not related to the applicant.
  • Application Submission Checklist:
  • Completed Application Form (The form itself can be photocopied)
  • Copy of Official Transcript
  • Recommendation Letter
  • Personal Statement / Essay

QUESTONS? Contact:

Information Page: 2 of 3

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. I am part Indian. Can I apply?

Yes. As long as you meet all other criteria

  1. I am a continuing student. Can I apply

No. At this time this scholarship is open only to first-time degree-seeking freshmen.

  1. My parents are here on a special Visa (H1, L1, etc). Can I apply?
    Yes. There are no immigration status restrictions on who can apply for this scholarship.
  1. Is there any special consideration for individuals who are physically challenged or disabled?

No.

  1. Are there any limitations on the use of the scholarship funds?

Yes. The scholarship funds are expected to further the higher education of the selected applicant. The funds can be used to cover only the cost of education, which includes – tuition, fees, books, supplies, living expenses and meals.

  1. Is the scholarship check made out to me or to the school?

The check is made out to the school and sent to you or directly to the school.

  1. I need some clarification about the application form. Who can help me?

Please send all questions . Someone will contact you.

  1. Is this scholarship taxable?

The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against your scholarship award. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance.

  1. Where do I send the completed application packet?

Mail your completed application, postmarked on or before the deadline date to the following address: “IAM P.O. Box 130158, St. PaulMN55113”.

Information Page: 3 of 3

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

IAM Student Fellowship Application Form

(For High School graduates of 2009)

Application Deadline: Thu Aug 20 ‘09 / Please send application to:
President, India Association of Minnesota
P.O. Box 130158, St. PaulMN55113
  1. PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name:______

Address:______

City:______

State:______

Phone(s):______

Email:______

  1. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

High School:______

Graduated Date:______

GPA:______

  1. SHARE WITH US YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH INDIAN ORGANIZATIONS & EVENTS (Dates, Organizations, Event, & a Brief Description of your involvement. Use extra sheets of paper if necessary)

______

______

______

______

______

  1. SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS / HONORS & RECOGNITION (Sports, Clubs, Academic & Extra-Curricular, with Dates) – Attach extra sheet if needed

______

Application Form: 1 of 2

  1. TELL US ABOUT YOUR INTEREST IN SPORTS & GAMES (Indoor & Outdoors)– Attach extra sheet if needed

______

______

______

______

  1. RECOMMENDATIONS

Attach a sealed recommendationletter from at least 1 person, other than a family member, who are familiar with and speak about your community involvement.

  1. PERSONAL STATEMENT/ESSAY QUESTIONS

On separate sheets, please respond to the following two topics. The responses should be typed and no longer than 1000 words, combined.

How do you think the Indian American generation of today can contribute to India and the world at large?

  1. TRANSCRIPT

Attach an uptodate transcript of your academic record.

I certify that the above information is true and complete. I understand giving false or incomplete information makes me ineligible for this award.

Signature: ______Date: ______

Application Form: 2 of 2