Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application

Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application 2017 2018 In memory of Elmer E. Smith, Ursula Smith, Virginia E. Smith and Cyril Smith Cyril Smith Trustees Smith Family Scholarship Office 632 West 13 th Street, Room C1 Merced, California 95341 (209) 3816604 DUE DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017, AT 4:30 PM. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS OR MISSING REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. NO EXCEPTIONS! For additional information, questions or change of address, please contact: Lori Ward Phone: (209) 3816604 Email: CyrilSmith@mcoe.org Applications available online at http://www.mcoe.org/smith Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Page 1

Virginia and Cyril, sister and brother, grew up in Merced between 1900 and 1924. Their family home still stands on Courthouse Square. Virginia went to Dominican High School and college in San Rafael and spent her adult life in San Francisco. Cyril graduated from high school in Merced and then studied in Europe and at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Ph.D. in History. Each honored Merced with the wonderful gift of a scholarship trust, both of which are in memory of the entire Smith Family. Cyril Smith Scholarship Eligibility: I. Did you attend a public high school in the City of Merced for at least three full years? II. During those three years in high school, did you reside in Merced County? III. Is your cumulative GPA 3.80 or higher for the last two years in secondary (high) school? If already in college, is your cumulative GPA 3.25 or higher? IV. Will you be a fulltime student next school year? (12 units undergraduate or 8 units graduate, or equivalent) V. Will you be attending a college, excluding community or junior colleges, in the State of California, accredited by W.A.S.C.? If you answered No to any of the above, you do not qualify for this scholarship program. Criteria for Selection: Applicant must demonstrate that he or she is worthy, deserving, and in need of financial assistance. Worthy: Deserving: Needy: A student who demonstrates academic potential and has adequate or great merit, character or value. A student who has earned recognition through good citizenship and is qualified or considered as a result of one s actions. A student who lacks a financial advantage, being in want. Scholarships are awarded in recognition of outstanding prior achievement, promise of future academic excellence and successful completion of studies. The circumstances of each case shall be considered individually and the decisions of the Trustees shall be final. Scholarships to be Awarded: To implement the requirements of this Trust, screening and selection shall be done by the Selection Committee and ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL. The number of scholarships to be awarded each year, the recipients and the amounts of the individual financial awards are based upon the earnings of the trust and are decisions of the Cyril Smith Trustees. The amount of each financial award made to each recipient will be based upon the applicant s demonstration that he/she is worthy, deserving and needy. Priority will be given to those students who have proven their personal dedication to obtaining an education, those who have been selfsupporting, especially those who have worked and/or volunteered while attending school and who have supported families. The Scholarship Committee, or their delegates, shall perform such functions as may be deemed necessary to verify the information submitted by each applicant. Applicants should be notified by June whether they have been awarded a scholarship. Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Page 2

Scholarship Payments: Scholarships are usually paid in two installments (August, January) when the school is on the semester system and in three installments (August, January, March) when the school is on the quarter system. All monies are sent to the Financial Aid Office of the recipient s school. The first scholarship installment shall be disbursed after the Trust receives the following documentation: Proof of 3.80+ GPA for the last two years in secondary school OR 3.25+ GPA if already in college AND Proof of fulltime enrollment for the award term at a public or private institution of higher learning, in the State of California, which offers a baccalaureate degree and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, excluding community or junior colleges. The second/third installment(s) shall be disbursed upon receipt of proof of registration plus proof of completion of fulltime studies the preceding term. Any recipient not completing a semester/quarter must repay the funds allotted for that semester/quarter with the amount to be repaid to the scholarship fund on a prorata basis, depending upon the number of days actually spent in class during the incomplete semester/quarter. Application Requirements: Read all instructions carefully and save for future reference! DO NOT leave blanks. You MUST INDICATE you have read every question on the application by filling in the space with n/a if the question does not apply to you. I. Applicant must have attended a public high school within the City of Merced for a minimum of three years and must have been a resident of Merced County during the period of attendance. The period between date of application and the end of the current school year may be counted as part of the same threeyear minimum. II. III. IV. Applicant must have applied for admission to a public or private institution of higher learning, in the State of California, which offers a baccalaureate degree and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, excluding community or junior colleges. Applicant must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of not less than 3.8 for the last two years in secondary school. If already in college, applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25. Thereafter, the criteria will take into consideration GPA, type of courses taken and achievement results. If an uncharacteristic downturn in GPA occurred, explain cause, (i.e. death in family, prolonged illness, etc.), on a separate sheet and attach to your application. New & renewal applicants must submit a letter of introduction which includes applicant s personal history, why applicant is deserving of a scholarship and provide examples that speak to applicant s character. V. New & renewal applicants must submit official transcripts of grades not previously submitted, including transcripts of the first semester/quarter of the current school year. New applicants must also submit an official high school transcript. Where latest transcripts are not yet available from the college, a copy of the student s grades will suffice until official transcripts are received from the college. VI. Applicants must submit a copy of their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application. A copy can usually be obtained once the FAFSA or California Dream Act application is filled out completely and submitted. VII. New applicants must submit a minimum of two (2) current letters of recommendation (written within three months of application deadline) from people who are not relatives of the applicant. The letters of recommendation must include the applicant s character or core values and must be signed and dated by the author. Renewal applicants who received a scholarship from Cyril Smith Trust in the preceding year are exempt and are not required to provide letters of recommendation. Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Page 3

VIII. Applicants must complete all divisions of the form in as much detail as possible. If you do not have the capability of completing the application using your computer, please print the application and use a typewriter or print in black ink. Complete all blanks on the application. If the item is not applicable, please enter n/a. IX. Application Deadline: Friday March 17, 2017, 4:30 pm. All applications and accompanying data must be received on or before March 17, 2017, at 4:30 pm. Please understand that correct and complete information on this application is your responsibility. Your application will not be accepted/considered unless all instructions are followed and all accompanying data is received by the deadline. An original signature of the applicant and spouse (if applicable) or at least one parent, on the last page of the application is required. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Do I need to send a high school transcript every year? The high school transcript is only required the first year that you are awarded the scholarship. What happens to information I send in? The information is only used for evaluating your application for a scholarship for the year applied. All documents are shredded. We do not have any old records you may have sent in with a previous application, that is why we ask for these items each time you apply. What is a "supporting party"? Supporting party refers to the person or persons who assist you in affording to go to school. This is typically your parent(s)/guardian(s) or your spouse, if married. I am applying for several schools but am not sure which one I will attend. List the schools to which you have applied. If selected for a scholarship, you will need to let us know which school you select, as awards are mailed to the school, not the student. Don't forget to keep us informed of your mailing address at school. What is considered "fulltime"? Twelve (12) units undergraduate and eight (8) units in a graduate program, per semester (two quarters) or fulltime enrollment in a professional school (medical, dental, law, etc.). Summer school does not count toward a school year for this scholarship program. When are payments sent? Students on a semester system receive two payments per year; those on the quarter system receive three. These are mailed only after all necessary documentation is received that a student qualifies at the time of the payment. If documentation is received during the summer, the first payment is typically sent in August, the second typically in January, the third in March. These dates may change. Do I have to apply each/every year? Yes, you must apply every year. This scholarship does not automatically renew. Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Page 4

Smith Family Scholarships Office 632 West 13 th Street Room C1 Merced, CA 95341 Phone: (209) 3816604 Fax: (209) 3816767 Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application 2017 2018 In Memory of Elmer E. Smith, Ursula Smith, Cyril E. Smith, and Cyril Smith APPLICANT PERSONAL INFORMATION I am applying as a: new applicant renewal applicant last year received: I will be a(n): undergraduate post graduate other First Name: Last Name: Middle Initial: Maiden Name: Other Name(s) Used Previously: Permanent Address: Address While at School: Phone Number: Email: College Student ID: Soc. Sec. Number: Marital Status: single married divorced widowed Date of Birth: Number of Dependents: Gender: male female Current Age: APPLICANT STUDENT STATEMENT Other than your GPA, class rank and employment history, please describe with specificity, what you believe sets you apart from the other applicants and makes you deserving of this scholarship. Attach extra sheets if desired. APPLICANT HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES Attach a School Activity Sheet. Do not repeat if this is a renewal application. New applicants must provide an official high school transcript. High School Name and Address: Period of Attendance Dates Attended GPA School Activities 9 th 10 th 11 th 12 th 9 th 10 th 11 th 12 th Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application Page 1

APPLICANT COLLEGE(S) EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES Please list most recent first. Attach a separate sheet if necessary. College Name and Address: Units Completed Dates Attended Cumulative GPA School/Service Club Activities 3. Date of Graduation or Expected Date of Graduation from Undergraduate Studies Bachelors and Major: Date of Graduation or Expected Date of Graduation from Graduate Studies Masters and Major: Expected Graduation Date from Doctorate/Other Program(s): APPLICANT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING List in order of preference. List Major/Program: Institution or School System Date Application Acceptance Received Name & Address (City & State) Semester Quarter Submitted Yes No 3. APPLICANT EDUCATIONAL PLANS AND GOALS List your major or the degree(s) you wish to obtain. Attach additional sheets if necessary. APPLICANT PROFESSIONAL PLANS AND GOALS List your professional career goals and ambitions for the future. Attach additional sheets if necessary. Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application Page 2

APPLICANT COMMUNITY SERVICE, SERVICE CLUBS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES List community service activities and approximate dates and hours per week. APPLICANT EMPLOYMENT/INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE List the last three years of work/internship experience. Please include work with family business and volunteer. Employer Name and Address (City & State) Past: From Mo./Yr. To Mo./Yr. Approx. Hrs Per Week Pay Per Hour Approximate Total Earnings Per Month 3. Current: (include summer) Future: (while in school) Anticipated Earnings APPLICANT ADULT DEPENDENTS List names and ages of adults you are financially responsible for. Name Age Name Age APPLICANT REFERENCES List persons other than family who can support information in your application. References DO NOT have to be restricted to school officials. Name, Title, Business/Organization Address Telephone Number ( ) ( ) 3. ( ) Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application Page 3

SUPPORTING PARTY PERSONAL INFORMATION To be completed by dependent and independent students. Applicant s supporting party: parent(s)/guardian(s) if supporting party is parent(s)/guardian(s), then applicant is dependent. spouse/self if supporting party is spouse/self, the applicant is independent. Applicant must include parents /guardians most recent 1040 income tax form and accompanying schedules or spouse s, along with your own 1040 to verify such status. Father s/guardian s First Name: Occupation: Telephone Number Father s/guardian s Last Name: ( ) Mother s/guardian s First Name: Occupation: Telephone Number: Mother s/guardian s Last Name: ( ) Spouse s First Name: Occupation: Telephone Number: Spouse s Last Name: ( ) SUPPORTING PARTY INFORMATION EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE List the last three years employment information for supporting party, most recent first. Attach a separate sheet if necessary. Employer Name & Address From To Telephone Number ( ) ( ) 3. ( ) 4. ( ) SUPPORTING PARTY INFORMATION DEPENDENTS List information about supporting party s dependents including children/applicant s siblings. Do not include applicant. Name Age Currently Pursuing Postsecondary Education? Yes No Name & Location of Institution (City and State) Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No FINANCIAL INFORMATION List all financial information for parents/guardian(s) and applicant if applicant is dependent. List all financial information for spouse/applicant if applicant is independent. Assets Real Estate Securities Cash (checking/savings) Other Liabilities Real Estate Mortgage Loans Other Obligations Misc. Total Total Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application Page 4

APPLICANT ESTIMATED FINANCIAL NEED Please list anticipated expenses at school of first choice. Attach a separate sheet if necessary. Where Will you be Living? Expenses Amount At Home On Campus Total Cost: List anticipated amount you will need for the year. Include the cost of tuition and expenses such as books, transportation and Off Campus Relatives housing. How will you pay for school? (Attach a separate sheet if necessary.) List grants, scholarships and all other financial assistance including employment, gifts and parental/guardian assistance. Net Amount Needed for School. Calculate the new amount you will need by subtracting your funding from the total cost. EXPECTED CHANGES Please list any expected changes in the 201718 school year and briefly explain expect change(s). List approximate month and year if applicable. Attach separate sheet if necessary. UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES Please list any unusual circumstances not previously mentioned in the application and briefly explain. Attach separate sheet if necessary. By signing below, I certify that the information provided in this application is a statement of fact. Applicant s Signature: Spouse s Signature: Supporting Party s Signature: Supporting Party s Signature: Date: Date: Date: Date: Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application Page 5

Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application Checklist 2017 2018 DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017, 4:30 p.m. *Completed application AND all supporting documents must be received in the Trust Office by the deadline.* NO EXCEPTIONS. NEW APPLICANTS Final Checklist: Filled in all questions that did not apply with n/a Included official high school transcript Included official transcripts from ALL colleges attended (if applicable) Included copies of your most recent tax returns and accompanying schedules Included parents /guardians /spouse s most recent tax returns Included a copy of applicant s Expected Family Contribution (as determined by FAFSA or California Dream Act Application) Listed all colleges attended (if applicable) Listed all scholarships, grants, income and/or financial assistance on page 5 of the application Included a letter of introduction Included 2 3 letters of recommendation Provided your address, telephone number and email address while attending school in space provided Signed application and obtained signatures of all other parties RENEWAL APPLICANTS Final Checklist: Included most current official transcripts Included copies of your most recent tax returns and accompanying schedules Included parents /guardians /spouse s most recent tax returns and accompanying schedules Included a copy of applicant s Expected Family Contribution (as determined by FAFSA or California Dream Act Application) Listed all scholarships, grants, income and/or financial assistance on page 5 of the scholarship application Included a letter of introduction Provided your address, telephone number and email address while attending school in space provided Signed application and obtained signatures of all other parties For additional information, questions or change of address, please contact: Lori Ward Phone: (209) 3816604 CyrilSmith@mcoe.org Submit completed application and supporting documents to: Cyril Smith Trust Merced County Office of Education 632 West. 13 th Street Room C1 Merced CA 95341