December 29, 2005
December 28, 2005
December 28, 2005
December 20, 2005
December 20, 2005
FYI
—–Original Message—–
From: Mary Herrick [mailto:mherrick@waedfoundation.org]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2005 5:03 PM
To: Washington Education Foundation Contacts
Subject: Make it Happen, the College Experience – Applications Now Available!
Applications are now available for Make it Happen, the College Experience!
The Washington Education Foundation encouragesALL foster youth who are eligible to apply for this exciting and fun summer program to learn about college. Attached you will find the 2006 Make it Happen application. Please view the information below, and share it with other professionals and eligible youth.
Applications are due Monday April 3, 2006.
Happy Holidays!
Remember that the application (postmark) deadline is Monday, April 3, 2006! 1 2006 Application What is Make it Happen?
Make it Happen
is an all expense paid summer program that offers a series of workshops and fun recreational activities, and gives participants the opportunity to experience life on a college campus. Workshops cover why college is valuable, how to get into college, how to pay for college, and how to be successful in college. Participants will also have the opportunity to get to know other students who they can learn from and stay connected with in the future.
Who should complete an application?
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Currently one of the following:
A sophomore in a Washington State high school.
A junior in a Washington State high school.
*High school seniors who are eligible to apply for the Governor’s Scholarship should not complete the attached form and should instead complete the Governor’s Scholarship application. By applying to the Governor’s Scholarship, students are automatically considered for Make it Happen.
Priority will be given to first time Make It Happen attendees.
What types of activities will be at the program?
Students will experience life on a college campus for four days and three nights at
Make it Happen. They will get to know other students with similar backgrounds and similar goals, attend college lectures in classrooms together, and hear from many captivating and inspirational guest speakers. Participants will also learn about the college admissions process and how to apply for financial aid and other scholarships (free money that will help you pay for college). Students will get information that will help them go to college with confidence. And much more!When is the application deadline?
Applications must be mailed (and postmarked) by Monday, April 3, 2006.
When will I hear the results?
The Washington Education Foundation plans to notify all applicants, in writing, of the selection decisions by no later than Monday, May 1, 2006 (mail date).
Questions or concerns?
Call toll free 1.877.655.4097 or email makeithappen@waedfoundation.orgSummer 2006
Exact date and location to be determined
Remember that the application (postmark) deadline is Monday, April 3, 2006!
2 2006 ApplicationPart One – Eligibility Checklist_________________________________________
Applicants must meet the three eligibility requirements in Part One. Please type or neatly print all responses.
Name of high school:____________________________________________________________________
In a GED program or graduated from a GED program. Name of GED program:______________________*
High school seniors who are eligible to apply for the Governor’s Scholarship should not complete the attached form and should instead complete the Governor’s Scholarship application. By applying to the Governor’s Scholarship, students are automatically considered for Make it Happen.Part Two – Applicant Information_______________________________________
Please answer all questions on this application. If a question does not apply to you, write "not applicable" (N/A).
Applicant Name: ___________________________________________________________________
(First, MI, Last)Date of Birth: _________________
(Month/ Day/ Year) Age: ____ Current Grade: ____ Gender: Female MaleMailing Address: __________________________________________________ Apt #: _____ City: __________________
County: ___________________State: _____ Zip: __________ E-mail: _______________________@_______________
Home Phone: (___ ___ ___) ___ ___ ___ – ___ ___ ___ ___ Cell Phone: (___ ___ ___) ___ ___ ___ – ___ ___ ___ ___
Where did you hear about this program? _____________________________________________________
Did you attend
Make it Happen 2005? Yes NoPart Three – Voluntary Confidential Information___________________________
The following items in Part Three are optional and are collected for research and program development purposes:
Are you a U.S. Citizen?
Yes No If no, are you a legal permanent resident? Yes NoEthnicity (how you best describe yourself; please read all choices and choose only one):
African American Indian Asian, Asian American Pacific Islander
Black American White or Caucasian Hispanic – of European ancestry
Hispanic/Latino—of Mexican, Central or South American or Caribbean (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican) ancestry
Multi-Racial (please specify) _______________________ Other (please specify) _________________________If you move prior to Make it Happen, please notify WEF of your new contact information by calling toll free 1.877.655.4097 or emailing makeithappen@waedfoundation.org.
OR
Summer 2006
Exact date and location to be determined
Remember that the application (postmark) deadline is Monday, April 3, 2006!
3 2006 ApplicationPart Four – Essay Questions___________________________________________
When writing your essays, please keep the following in mind:
Essay Questions:
Part Five – Expectations and Certification________________________________
I agree to (please initial after each line) :
I certify by my signature below that I have read, understand and will adhere to the expectations of the WEF at
Make it Happen. To the best of my knowledge, all information and statements submitted are current, complete, and accurate and that the essays accompanying this form are substantively my own work, although they may have been reviewed or proofread. I understand that if information is found to be false or inaccurate, it is sufficient cause for cancellation of my Make it Happen application. I give permission for my caregiver(s), social worker and the Department of Social and Health Services to release any information to the Washington Education Foundation in regards to this application and any other materials there of. I further understand that the information submitted in this application may be shared between the Washington Education Foundation (WEF) staff, the Make it Happen Advisory Committee, my caregiver(s), social worker(s), Washington State Independent Living Programs and the Department of Social and Health Service.Applicant Name: ___________________________________________________________________
(First, MI, Last)Applicant Signature: ______________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Summer 2006
Exact date and location to be determined
Remember that the application (postmark) deadline is Monday, April 3, 2006!
4 2006 ApplicationPart Six – Verification and Recommendation______________________________
To be completed by Caregiver/ Foster Parent for eligibility screening:
The student named below is submitting an application for the Washington Education Foundation’s
Make it Happen summer program. All youth who participate in this program will have peer mentors and adult supervision throughout the program. However, there will be times when each youth may be independently responsible for getting to and from sessions and activities on the college campus. Therefore, all youth will be expected to follow all rules and regulations, and to act in a safe manner at all times.Check the box(s) below if this student has any serious health or behavior concerns that may pose harm to himself/herself or others during
Make it Happen and attach a letter explaining these concerns (there will be an additional form to collect health information in the registration packet sent out after the selection process).
Health concerns Behavior concernsApplicant Name: ______________________________________________________________________
(First, MI, Last)Name of DSHS Social Worker: ___________________________________________________________
(First, MI, Last)DSHS/Social Worker Phone Number: (______) __________________________
DSHS/Social Worker Email: __________________________@__________________
DSHS Mailing Address: ________________________________ City: __________________State: _____ Zip _________
Total length of time in care: _____________________
(In Months) # of placements: _________________________Name of Primary Caregiver/Foster Parent: __________________________________________________
(First, MI, Last)Primary Caregiver/Foster Parent Phone Number: (_______) ______________________________
Primary Caregiver/Foster Parent Email: __________________________@__________________
By signing below, I certify that the applicant is recognized as a dependent youth in Washington State, federal or tribal out-of-home care and recommend this student for
Make it Happen, the College Experience.Primary Caregiver/Foster Parent Signature: __________________________________________Date:_____________
Please mail your completed application including your essay responses to:
Make it Happen!
Washington Education Foundation
1605 NW Sammamish Road, Suite 100
Issaquah, WA 98027
Fax: 425.416.2001
Questions or concerns? Call toll free 1.877.655.4097 or email makeithappen@waedfoundation.org.
Summer 2006
Exact date and location to be determined
December 20, 2005
Applications are now available for the Governor’s Scholarship!
Attached you will find our new Common Application for scholarships for foster youth in Washington State. This application can be used to apply for the Governor’s Scholarship, the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), the YMCA Transitions Scholarship and the Treehouse Coaching-to-College Scholarship. Please pass this information on to other professionals or foster youth/ alumni who may be eligible.
The deadline for the Governor’s Scholarship application is March 1, 2005.
A General Instructions – Please Keep
Washington State Scholarships for Foster Youth
Use this application to apply for the following scholarships:
Complete Pages: Deadline:
Washington State Education and Training Voucher (ETV) 1-4 None
YMCA Transitions Scholarship (for program participants in King County only) 1-4 None
Application Directions
Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete this application and seek assistance from a school counselor, social worker, teacher, foster parent, or other adult when filling it out. In order for your scholarship applications to be complete, please photocopy and mail your Common Application and all supporting documents to EVERY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM you apply for and keep one copy of all documents for yourself.
completed Common Application (pages 1-4) for each scholarship you are applying for (including your essay).
Official copy of your current high school transcript (in a sealed envelope), or your GED score report
Copy of a letter from your social worker on their agency’s letterhead documenting your ward of the court/ foster care status, and the dates which you have been a ward of the court/ in foster care.
STOP HERE and submit your completed ETV and/or YMCA Transitions Scholarship applications.
To apply for the Governor’s Scholarship and Treehouse Coaching-to-College Scholarship, you will need to complete the supplemental application (pages 5-7) and submit the following documents in addition those listed above:
REFER TO THE SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION ON THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE LOCATION TO SUBMIT EACH SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION.
B
Scholarship Programs – Please Keep
Washington State Governor’s Scholarship for Foster Youth
The Governor’s Scholarship provides
up to $5000 per year for emancipating foster youth to attend an eligible college in Washington State and can be renewed for up to four additional years, until completion of the student’s program of study. The application deadline for the Governor’s Scholarship is Wednesday March 1, 2006. For important Governor’s Scholarship details, see pages C & E. With questions, contact the Governor’s Scholarship Program at 1-877-655-4097. To apply for the Governor’s Scholarship, complete and submit both the Common Application (pages 1-4) and the Supplemental Application (pages 5-7). Mail your Governor’s Scholarship application to: Washington Education Foundation; Governor’s Scholarship Program; 1605 NW Sammamish Rd, Suite 100; Issaquah, WA 98027-4097.
Washington State Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
ETV is a grant funded by the federal government that can provide up to $5000 per year to young adults who emancipate from the Washington State foster care system (or who were in foster care and adopted after the age of 16) and are enrolled or plan to enroll in an accredited post-secondary education or training program anywhere in the United States. There is no deadline for ETV applications, and students must reapply each year. To apply for ETV for the 05-06 school year, use the 05-06 ETV application instead of the 06-07 Common Application. With questions, please contact ilskids@dshs.wa.gov . To apply for the ETV program please complete and submit the Common Application (pages 1-4) and the supporting documents listed on page 1. Mail your ETV application to your Independent Living/Transitional Living representative (if you have one) or call (360) 902-8243 for information on where to send your application.
YMCA Transitions Scholarship (for YMCA program participants in King County only)
To apply for the YMCA Transitions Scholarship you must be enrolled in the YMCA Transitions program. YMCA Transitions provides housing, independent living skills development, career development and educational supports to young adults who have been in foster care. To learn more about the YMCA Transitions program contact (206) 749-7450. Participants of the YMCA Transitions Program are eligible to receive
up to $4000 per year based on the participant’s financial need. There is no deadline for YMCA Transitions Scholarship applications, and students must reapply each year. To apply for the YMCA Transitions Scholarship please complete and submit the Common Application (pages 1-4) and the supporting documents listed on page 1. Give your YMCA Transitions Scholarship application to your Independent Living Specialist or the YMCA Education Coordinator.
Treehouse Coaching-to-College Scholarship (for CTC participants in King County only)
To apply for Treehouse’s Coaching-to-College (CTC) Scholarship you must be enrolled in the Treehouse CTC program. The CTC program assists King County youth in foster care to graduate from high school and plan for appropriate post-secondary opportunities. Participants of the Treehouse CTC Program are eligible to receive up to $1500 per year. With questions or to enroll in the CTC program, please contact Treehouse CTC staff at (206) 267-5147. There are two deadlines for the Treehouse Coaching-to-College Scholarship: March 1, 2006 and September 29, 2006. To apply for the CTC Scholarship, complete and submit both the Common Application (pages 1-4) and the Supplemental Application (pages 5-7). Refer to page D & E for additional scholarship information. Mail your Coaching-to-College Scholarship application to: Treehouse; Coaching-to-College Scholarship; 2100 24th Avenue South, Suite 200; Seattle, WA 98144-4632
Important Program Details for Governor’s Scholarship Only Please Keep
C
Dependent youth – To be eligible for this scholarship the applicant must be (or have been until emancipation) a dependent youth in state, tribal or federally recognized foster, group, or kinship care in the state of Washington. For the purposes of this program:
not eligible for the Governor’s Scholarship.
not eligible for the Governor’s Scholarship.
High school senior – Applicants must be enrolled as a Washington State high school senior at the time of application, plan to graduate from that high school during the 2005-06 academic year, and must submit their current high school transcripts. GED graduates are not eligible for this scholarship program.
Required documents –
For Governor’s Scholarship applications to be complete, applicants must submit all documents listed on page 5. Applicants must submit their current high school transcripts. Any additional documents will not be considered in the selection process. If a student is unable to obtain a letter from their social worker, WEF may verify their ward of the court/ foster care status with DSHS. The purpose of this letter is to show evidence that the applicant was or is a ward of the court/ in foster care. If the applicant is selected as a scholar, WEF may send this letter to the student’s college to verify they were in care.
Full-time enrollment
– To receive this scholarship, students must plan to enroll full-time (12 or more credits per term) and enroll in a college program of study towards the completion of a two or four-year degree or certificate.
Attend an eligible college
– To receive this scholarship, students must plan to attend college beginning the fall 2006 term at any of the 56 eligible, public or private, non-profit accredited colleges or universities in the state of Washington. This includes all of the public community and technical colleges, as well as most public and private nonprofit four-year colleges and universities.
Scholarship award amounts and receipt of other scholarships
– The scholarship award amount will vary dependent upon each recipient’s financial need and the amount of financial aid that the student receives from other sources. It is expected that Governor’s Scholarship recipients will receive a combination of scholarship, grant, loan and work-study employment assistance and the Governor’s Scholarship award amount will be determined after considering all other sources of financial aid and scholarships that have been awarded to the. Scholarships range between $1000 and $5000 per year, with the average award expected to be approximately $4000 per year. Awards will be limited to five years for students working on four-year college degrees, or the normal duration of programs that are less than four years. Should an applicant receive other significant private scholarships (such as the Washington State Achievers Scholarship, the Gates Millennium Scholarship or the Orphan Foundation of America Scholarship), WEF reserves the right to withdraw or reduce the amount of the Governor’s Scholarship. If an applicant has already been selected as a Washington State Achievers Scholar, he/she is not eligible for the Governor’s Scholarship.
Additional Student Services and Mentor Support –
WEF will work with the colleges that Governor’s Scholarship recipients are admitted to in order to help facilitate their financial aid and scholarship awards. Each recipient must do his or her part in completing all necessary WEF, college, and federal financial aid forms, such as the FAFSA, on a timely basis. WEF will work with each college to provide a mentor to each Governor’s Scholar for at least the first two years of the recipient’s enrollment.
Scholarships for Foster Youth –
visit our website for information on scholarships for foster youth at http://www.waedfoundation.org/studentresources.
Scholarship Notification Date
– WEF plans to notify, in writing, all applicants of the selection decisions by April15, 2006 (postmark date).
Mandatory
Make it Happen Summer Program – WEF will hold a four day, three night residential summer program during July 2006, and all Governor’s Scholarship recipients are required to attend. All expenses will be paid and transportation will be provided. Students who apply for the Governor’s Scholarship are automatically considered for Make it Happen and do not need to submit a separate Make it Happen application.
Call toll free 1-877-655-4097 for assistance with the Governor’s Scholarship application.
The Governor’s Scholarship application postmark deadline is Wednesday, March 1, 2006.
Important Program Details for Coaching-to-College Please Keep D
Foster care status
– To be eligible for this scholarship the applicant must have been a foster youth in King County foster care between the ages of 15 – 18, for a minimum of one year and have not reached their 22nd birthday. Or, they must currently be a dependent youth in state, tribal or federally recognized foster, group, or kinship care in King County. For the purposes of this program:
not eligible for the Coaching-to-College Scholarship.
Educational Status – Applicants must be enrolled as a high school senior or GED program participant residing in King County (or if not residing in King County, having an open case file in King County or have been a foster youth in King County foster care between the ages of 15 – 18, for a minimum of one year and have not reached their 22nd birthday) at the time of application and plan to graduate from high school or receive a GED during the 2005-06 academic year. Applicants may also have graduated from high school or have received a GED in previous years to apply.
Required documents –In order for the Coaching-to-College Scholarship application to be complete, applicants must submit all documents listed on page 5. Any additional documents will not be considered in the selection process. If a student is unable to obtain a letter from their social worker, Treehouse Coaching-to-College program may verify their current or former ward of the court status with DSHS. The purpose of this letter is to show evidence that the applicant was or is a ward of the court/ in foster care. If the applicant is selected as a scholar, Treehouse Coaching-to-College may send this letter to the student’s college to verify they were in foster care. Any additional documents will not be considered in the selection process.
Enrollment Requirements – To receive this scholarship, students must plan to enroll full-time (12 or more credits per term) or half-time and enroll in a college program of study towards completion of a two or four-year degree or vocational certificate.
Attend an eligible college – To receive this scholarship, students must plan to attend college during the 2006-07 academic year.
Scholarship award amounts and receipt of other scholarships – The scholarship award amount will vary dependent upon each recipient’s financial need and the amount of financial aid that the student receives from other sources. It is expected that Treehouse Coaching-to-College Scholarship recipients will receive a combination of scholarship, grant, loan and work-study employment assistance and the Treehouse Coaching-to-College Scholarship award amount will be determined after considering all other sources of financial aid and scholarships that have been awarded to the recipient. Scholarships are up to $1,500 per year. Awards will be limited to five years for students working on four-year college degrees and three years for students pursuing two-year degrees or certifications. Adjustments in the amount of annual CTC scholarship funding will be made in accordance to the student’s verified financial need.
Required Coaching-to-College program enrollment and Coaching Support
– All students receiving Treehouse Coaching-to-College Scholarship funds must be enrolled in the CTC program and be matched with a Coaching-to-College Educational Coach for at least the first two years of the recipient’s enrollment in post-secondary education. Students will also be required to participate in educational workshops to support their success in post-secondary education and submit feedback information when requested for program evaluation purposes.
Additional Student Services – Treehouse Coaching-to-College program will work with Scholarship recipients to help facilitate scholarship awards. Each recipient must do his or her part in completing all necessary Coaching-to-College, and federal financial aid forms, such as the FAFSA, on a timely basis. Treehouse Coaching-to-College program will provide an Education Coach to each Treehouse CTC Scholar for at least the first two years of the recipient’s enrollment in post-secondary education.
Scholarship Notification Date
– Treehouse Coaching-to-College plans to notify, in writing, all applicants of the selection decisions by April 15, 2006, or October 31, 2006 (postmark dates).
There are two deadlines for the Treehouse Coaching-to-College Scholarship: March 1, 2006 and September 29, 2006. Call (206) 267-5147 for assistance with the Treehouse Coaching-to-College Scholarship application.
December 14, 2005
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The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS), funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding low income African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander American*, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest. Continuing GMS Scholars may request funding for a graduate degree program in one of the following discipline areas: education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science. The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence by providing thousands of outstanding students, who have significant financial need, the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation established the initiative to encourage and support students in completing their college education and earning a graduate degree (Masters and/or doctoral degree) in disciplines in which their racial and ethnic groups are currently underrepresented. The Gates Millennium Scholars award enables young Americans to attend undergraduate and graduate institutions of their choice. In addition to increasing access to higher education for these underrepresented groups, GMS also provides leadership training. Through participation in a comprehensive leadership development program, Scholars enhance academic and leadership skills, which prepare them to assume important roles in their professions and in their communities. FOOTNOTE: *Asian Pacific Islander American ethnic group includes persons having origin from Asia and or Pacific Islands. Asian includes persons having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, but not limited to: Bangladeshi, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Indonesia, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Laotian, (including Khmu, Lahu, Mien, ThaiDam and other ethic groups from Laos), Malaysian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Thai and Vietnamese (include Montagnards and Khrmer Khong). Pacific Islander includes persons having in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands, including, but not limited to: Carolinian, Chamorro/Guamanian, Fijian, Maori, Marshallese, Micronesia, Native Hawaiian, Palauan, Samoan, and Tahitian. Citizens of the republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are eligible to be nominated. Below are functions provided for submitting or downloading the Nomination, Recommendation and Nominee forms for the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. You must complete all required fields on each page before the system will allow you to save, submit, or move to the next page. Eligibility: Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they:
We expect that Nominees who meet all of the eligibility requirements and who are selected as GMS candidates will have a federal Pell Grant as part of their financial aid package for the 2006-2007 academic year in order to be confirmed as a Scholar. Eligibility for Federal Pell Grant can only be determined through the submission of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid Programs. Nominees are urged to file a 2006-2007 FAFSA at the earliest opportunity and no later than February 1, 2006. Federal Pell Grants typically are awarded to families demonstrating the greatest need. Eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant is a function of many factors, including dependency status, family income, family size and the number of students in the family. To determine if a student is likely to be eligible, the student and his or her parent or independent student should consult with the student’s high school counselor or the financial aid officer at the college or university he or she plans to attend. Please visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to establish eligibility. This is a highly competitive process, and students are urged to submit their nomination packets as soon as possible to ensure that their packets are complete and meet all requirements. FOOTNOTE: * In order to be eligible for the GMS scholarship, the student must matriculate at a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The following are accreditation resources: Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education Programs Candidates, American Council of Education- published in consultation with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; Higher Education Directory published by Higher Education Publications, Inc. |
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| The Deadline for Submission of Nomination Materials is January 13, 2006 11:59 P.M. (EST). |
| Note: We strongly recommend that you type your essay responses in a word processing document, so you may copy and paste the answer into the online form. This important step will reduce the possibility of losing data due to a timeout situation. |
December 8, 2005
The Kaiser Family Foundation’s Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings talented African American, Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., during which time the Scholars are placed in Congressional offices in order to learn first-hand how health policy is developed and implemented.
Through the nine-week program (May 23- July 28, 2006), Scholars will learn about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills.
In addition to gaining experience in a Congressional office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to enhance their knowledge of health care issues.
Upon completion of the session, Scholars write and present a health policy research memo.
PURPOSE
The Kaiser Family Foundation established the Scholars Program to honor the legacy of late U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who was a Foundation Trustee, and to expand the pool of students of color interested in the field of health policy.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2006. Currently enrolled law, medical, and graduate students are not eligible to apply.
Successful applicants will show evidence of academic achievement and will demonstrate the following:
* Be a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial or ethnic health disparities; and
* Have experience working in or with programs that address health disparities (e.g. local health departments, community health centers, inner city/ rural hospitals or organizations that conduct research on or develop policy related to health or healthcare disparities) or have done previous academic work (e.g. taken courses, written papers or participate in research projects) related to health disparities.
SELECTION
Candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and interest in health policy.
A distinguished National Advisory Committee guides the program’s highly competitive selection process and strives to select a class of Scholars who are academically, geographically, and culturally diverse.
COMPENSATION
Scholars receive approximately $7,000 in support, which includes a stipend, daily expense allowance, airfare, and lodging.
While in Washington, D.C., Scholars reside at Howard University.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Application materials will be accepted starting November 1, 2005.
Please be advised that applications will be processed and reviewed as they are received.
APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 9, 2006.
Application forms and additional information about the Scholars Program are available online (http://www.kff.org/about/jordanscholars.cfm).
For further information, contact program manager Jomo Kassaye at (202) 238-2385 or bjscholars@howard.edu.
The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health care issues to policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public.
The Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.
December 7, 2005
December 1, 2005
UW law school gets $33.3 million gift from Gates Foundation
Scholarships will go to students planning public-service careers
By CHRISTINE FREY
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is giving the University of Washington $33.3 million to provide full-ride scholarships for law students willing to pursue public-service careers.
The catch: They have to work as modestly paid non-profit or government lawyers for seven years, or they’re on the hook for paying it all back.
The scholarship program — named after Bill Gates Sr. — is set up to pay the tuition and living expenses of five law students each year for the next eight decades.
Bill Gates, philanthropist and Microsoft Corp. co-founder and chairman, announced the program Wednesday as an 80th birthday present to his father.
Scholarships will go to students who intend to work in the public sector in such careers as law clerks, public defenders and government prosecutors.
The program might encourage more students to consider careers in the public sector, said Bob Boruchowitz, director of The Defender Association, a non-profit public-defender office in King County.
"There are some lawyers that never apply to us because they feel they can’t afford it and some who do and can’t accept because of the difference (in pay)," he said.
"The financial sacrifice is real, and so doing away with three years of law school debt is a tremendous advantage and will make a real different for those people."
The contributions of the public sector are important but often go unrecognized, the elder Gates said in an interview Wednesday.
"You just look around at what happens in the world, and so much of it is a consequence (of) the activities and the convictions of the public sector," he said. "The people who run the Attorney General’s Office, the people who run the Salvation Army, those people are having, in my judgment, more to do with how our society runs and the immense success of our society than the people who are devoted to the private sector."
Gates said he learned about the program during a meeting of the Seattle-based Gates Foundation, where he is co-chairman. He was told it was an opportunity for employees to talk with him and other Gates family members, including Bill and Melinda.
"It was a complete and total surprise," the elder Gates said. "I was stunned and absolutely delighted. It was a very emotional moment."
The $33.3 million gift is the largest scholarship endowment given to the UW, a university spokesman said.
Students have until February to apply for one of the scholarships. The winners will be announced in April.
Recipients don’t have to pay back the scholarships if they work in a job that pays the "prevailing public-service wage" or lower for at least seven years following graduation. Those that make more money will have to repay the scholarships as loans.
New York University’s law school offers similar scholarships for students, each year providing full tuition to 20 students who want to pursue public-service careers.
In recent years, about one in five UW law school graduates have gone to work in the public sector, said law school dean W.H. "Joe" Knight Jr.
UW law school tuition and living expenses for in-state residents runs about $30,000 a year.
"For the next 80 years, we will have law students who will have Bill Gates Sr. as a role model for what can be done in life," Knight said.
Gates graduated from the UW law school in 1950 and went on to become a partner at Seattle law firm Preston Gates & Ellis. He serves as a member of the university’s Board of Regents.
The top five endowments for scholarships to the University of Washington:
$33.3 million: William H. Gates Public Service Law Scholarships
$25.2 million: Mary Gates Endowment for Students
$7.1 million: Durward A. Huckabay, M.D. Endowed Fund
$6.7 million: Ellen Stray Valle Endowment
$4.4 million: The Deette McCauslan Stuart Scholarship Endowment
Dr. Terri and TJH Consulting 