The Helen Dix scholarship

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SCHOLARSHIP BACKGROUND
Background Information About This Scholarship
The League of Women Voters of Kent established a scholarship in memory of Helen Dix, a founding member of the League of Women Voters of Kent. When she died in Fall 2013, she was the last surviving charter member. The League of Women voters was formed in 1920 to help women take a larger role in public affairs as they won the right to vote. Helen was instrumental in furthering LWV’s mission in Portage County from LWV Kent’s organizational meeting in 1953 throughout the rest of her life. Helen was passionate about the importance of education and its accessibility to an informed citizenry. This scholarship will be available to non-traditional female students at Hiram College and Kent State University, institutions which she supported in a variety of ways for many years.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League influences public policy through advocacy and education. It never supports or opposes any political party or candidate.
The activities of the League and its Education Fund are based on the following beliefs: respect for individuals, value of diversity, and empowerment of the grassroots - both within the League and in communities. This leads the League to act with trust, integrity and professionalism, to operate in an open and effective manner to meet the needs of those the League serves including both members and the public, take the initiative in seeking diversity in membership, and to acknowledge the League's heritage as it seeks a path to the future.
Recipients of the Helen Dix Scholarship will be chosen with the hope and expectation that they will persist in their educational pursuits, and become successful leaders in their communities and in the career of their choice.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

OF KENT

scholarship award

A scholarship will be awarded to a non-traditional female student age 25 or above, US citizen, currently enrolled at the junior or senior level, and attending Kent State University or Hiram College. Current recipients may reapply for the scholarship in subsequent years. The Portage Foundation will disperse the scholarship award in a manner that ensures the funds are used for:
·  tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance, or
·  fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at the college or university, or
·  living expenses
For the academic year 2017-2018, the award will be $1,000 and payable in two installments – Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 - with proof of satisfactory academic progress.
APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2017

The helen dix scholarship

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The Portage Foundation is administering the scholarship and will review applications in conjunction with the League of Women Voters of Kent.
By June 1, 2017 return scholarship application to:
The Portage Foundation
138 East Main St. – Suite 201
Kent, OH 44240
Attention: Helen Dix Scholarship Selection Committee
Email:
Please contact The Portage Foundation, Linda S. Fergason Executive Director with any questions. 330-474-0480.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements: The scholarship recipient must:
1.  Be a female non-traditional student age 25 or more, currently enrolled at a junior or senior level, pursing a degree at Kent State University or Hiram College. Prior recipients may re-apply for the Helen Dix Scholarship.
2.  Provide with their application two letters of recommendation: one from a current or former teacher, and the other from a community member or employer who is not a relative of the applicant.
3.  Complete essay requirements and submit supplemental documentation, where indicated.
4.  Be available for a personal interview with the scholarship committee.

Essay questions / CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

ESSAY QUESTIONS and Criteria for Selection
This information to be included in essay form and submitted with the scholarship application.
1.  Self Introduction
·  Tell us about yourself and why, in general, you should be considered for the Helen Dix Scholarship.
2.  Academic Performance and Accomplishments
Note: The Helen Dix Scholarship is not based solely on GPA. The selection committee will also consider the student’s desire to achieve, to persist and to achieve her goals.
·  Provide information that addresses your academic performance and your ability to continue to make satisfactory academic progress.
·  List any life goals and accomplishments.
·  Submit an unofficial copy of your transcript.
·  Address any barriers you have faced related to your goals and how the Helen Dix Scholarship will help you with your education.
3.  Financial Need
The applicant’s financial need will be considered and it will be measured by the cost of the education as compared to the applicant’s financial resources.
·  Provide information that addresses your need of financial assistance through the Helen Dix Scholarship e.g. FAFSA.
·  Indicate how you will use the scholarship, if selected.
4.  Work and Community Activities
The applicant’s commitment to her community and school can be demonstrated through service, citizenship, or involvement activities related to the field of study.
·  Attach a resume, with dates, that includes your work experience, community service, leadership positions and awards.
5.  Field of Study
·  Express why you chose your field of study and describe your career goals and aspirations.
·  Indicate whether or not you are working or volunteering in your area of study.
6.  Other
·  Submit additional information if you feel it is applicable to your scholarship eligibility.
7.  No Prejudice
In making the selection, the scholarship committee will not consider the applicant’s race, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity or disabilities.

the selection committee

1.  The Committee will consist of representatives of the League of Women Voters of Kent and the Portage Foundation.
2.  The Portage Foundation will be responsible to publicize the scholarship availability and explain the application process in conjunction with the League of Women Voters of Kent.
3.  Donors, donors’ designees, and related persons shall not control the selection process.
4.  The Selection Committee will recommend to the Portage Foundation Board of Trustees who should receive a scholarship(s). The Selection Committee will also recommend the number of scholarships and amount of each scholarship to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The amount(s) of the scholarships shall comply with the Foundation’s distribution policy.
5.  The Foundation’s Board of Trustees will award the scholarship or scholarships after considering the recommendation of the Selection Committee.

the helen dix scholarship

APPLICATION CHECKLIST FOR YOUR USE
Includedü / Includedü
Essay / Unofficial Copy of Transcript
Resume / Letter of Recommendation #1
Financial Information / Letter of Recommendation #2
Completed, signed application / Other information, if desired
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name:
Date of birth: / / / E-mail:
Home Phone: / Cell Phone:
Address:
City: / State: / ZIP:

EDUCATIONal Information

Name of College or University / Credits Completed:
Attach Unofficial Transcript
Field of Study:
Estimated Completion Date:

Other FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

Are you receiving other student financial aid or scholarships? Please list name and amount:
1. / 2.
3. / 4.
WORK AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Attach a resume, with dates, that includes your work experience, community service, leadership positions and awards.
ESSAY
Attach an essay with supporting documents. See page 2 for criteria.
I fully understand that all information submitted to the Helen Dix Scholarship Committee will be used to determine the selection of applicants to be awarded scholarships. I give my consent to their use of this information and agree to abide by their decisions.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: / DATE:
APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2017

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