Dear President s Equal Access Scholarship Applicant: President s Equal Access Scholarship 2015-2016 Thank you for your interest in the Portland State University President s Equal Access Scholarship. We are pleased to provide you with the 2015-2016 Application Packet. The purpose of the President s Equal Access Scholarship is to attract outstanding students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including racial and ethnic backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Portland State University s President s Equal Access Scholars maintain good standing, contribute to the campus-learning environment, and share their unique strengths and diverse perspectives through their involvement in on-campus activities and participation in community service. If you wish to apply you may do so by submitting the attached Application and supporting documents by February 1, 2015. The Office of Global Diversity & Inclusion and Diversity & Multicultural Student Services will be responsible for administering the application, awarding, and monitoring of the requirements associated with the President s Equal Access Scholarship. Your completed Application Packet will consist of: A completed President s Equal Access scholarship application; Three complete essays; A high school and/or college transcript (unofficial are ok); A copy of your financial aid award (if available) or a statement of financial need; Two Letters of Recommendation. LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. Return to: Diversity & Multicultural Student Services ATTN: President s Equal Access Scholarship Committee Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 425 PO Box 751 Portland, OR 97207-0751 If you have any questions regarding the President s Equal Access Scholarship please contact the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Student Services at 503-725-4457 or the Office of Global Diversity & Inclusion at 503-725-5919. Sincerely, The President s Equal Access Selection Committee
President s Equal Access Scholarship Application 2015 2016 COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. Purpose: The purpose of the President s Equal Access Scholarship is to attract outstanding students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including racial and ethnic backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Program participants are students who contribute to the campus-learning environment. These students share their unique strengths and diverse perspectives through their involvement in on campus activities and participation in community service. Eligibility requirements: o Meritorious academic record, and/or good academic standing; Must be a prospective student who has applied for admission to Portland State and has been admitted, or be currently enrolled for at least 12 credit hours each term. If you are chosen as a recipient of the President s Equal Access Scholarship you will be required to attend an information session regarding volunteer opportunities and options. A set number of volunteer hours will be required to be completed by each recipient. Recipients must also remain in good academic standing with the University by maintaining a 2.0 cumulative undergraduate/3.0 GPA for graduate students. Selection Criteria: The scholarship is awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirements, submit a complete application, and who best exemplify the goals of the Equal Access Scholarship. Priority for the President s Equal Access Scholarship is given to students with demonstrated financial need [as determined through financial aid award or a statement of financial need] who are first generation college students. Are you a first generation college student? (First-generation means that neither parent has a 4 year college degree from a U.S. university) Yes No Have you been admitted to PSU? Yes No If no, have you applied for admission? Yes No : For what term(s) are you applying for a scholarship (indicate year): Fall Winter Spring Summer Name: PSU SID: First Middle Initial Last Mailing Address: Preferred Phone: / Street Address Alternative Phone: / City State Zip Birth date: Male (M) or Female (F): Preferred Email Address Date or Term Admitted to PSU If admitted with conditions, please list the conditions: High School Attended: Graduation Date: GPA Name City/State Page 2 of 5
College(s) Attended Dates Attended College Credits Total: GPA: Major: Intended Major(s): Have you been formally admitted to the Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science? Yes No Have you been formally admitted to the School of Business? Yes No Please identify which college(s) you are a member of: College of the Arts College of Liberal Arts & Sciences College of Urban and Public Affairs Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science Highest level in school your father or guardian completed: Master s/ph.d./m.d./j.d. Bachelor s degree from a U.S. College or University Some college/associate s degree High school/ged Did not graduate from high school Unknown School of Business Administration School of Education School of Social Work Highest level in school your mother or guardian completed: Master s/ph.d./m.d./j.d. Bachelor s degree from a U.S. College or University Some college/associate s degree High school/ged Did not graduate from high school Unknown Race/Ethnicity: You are encouraged to supply this information. However, you may decline without prejudicing your application in anyway. Please check any/all that apply: A Asian PI Pacific Islander H Hispanic/Latino N Native American or Alaskan Native O Other ME Middle Eastern B Black (Non Hispanic) W White (Non Hispanic D Decline to respond I hereby authorize Portland State University to furnish copies of my academic record, this application, and letters of recommendation to the President s Equal Access Scholarship Committee to review in considering my application. I further authorize release of information for publicity purposes (if selected for a scholarship). Applicant s Signature Date Page 3 of 5
A. Essay Requirement Print or type your name and student identification number on each page of your essay Please answer each question thoroughly. Limit 250 500 words per question. 1. Describe a specific instance when you felt marginalized or oppressed because of your social, economic, or cultural background. How did this affect you and how did you respond? How will you be a leader and/or advocate for others that have experienced oppression because of their social, economic, or cultural background? 2. A. Discuss how education will help you overcome oppression, surmount poverty, and/or fight discrimination. 2B. Please explain what specifically you did in the last 12 to 24 months to increase your own cultural competency and assist other communities to overcome oppression and/or discrimination? 3.What are your educational goals and career plans? NOTE: Please have your essay reviewed for grammar, content, and spelling by at least two individuals. B. Please list all school and community activities in which you have been involved (Attach a separate sheet if necessary) School (clubs, government, sports, etc.) Dates Community (church, clubs, volunteer, etc.) Dates Page 4 of 5
C. Please list all awards, honors, special talents or interests (Attach a separate sheet if necessary) Awards and honors Special talents or interests D. Recommendations Recommendations must be current and specific to your application for the Equal Access Scholarship. Recommendation letters should come from people who are familiar with your academic abilities, achievements, community involvement, and potential for college success. One recommendation must be from a teacher/professor, counselor/adviser, or principal. The other recommendation must be from an employer or community member. Please have the writer include the following information: academic capabilities, motivation, personal characteristics, experiences, and achievements. All Letters of Recommendation must include: student s name, recommender s name and title, relationship to student. Please list below those individuals from whom you requested Letters of Recommendation. Name: Title: Date: Name: Title: Date: Page 5 of 5