By Holly Walker
An exciting scholarship opportunity is available to John Tyler students who will be completing their first year of a degree program at the end of the Spring 2015 semester. Starting at 12:00 p.m. on March 30, the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education will be taking applications for the Valley Proteins Fellows Program.
The mission of the Valley Protein Fellows program is to help promising, second-year, full-time students, in any degree program, pursue their academic goals and strengthen their leadership skills. In addition to receiving $5,000 to help cover tuition, books, fees and other educational expenses, the Fellows participate in a unique curriculum of activities designed to expand their community involvement and cultivate a strong foundation for a successful future.
Applicants for the Valley Proteins Fellows Program must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need. The applicant must be a legal resident of Virginia and plan to be enrolled for a full year.
In addition, if the Fellow successfully meets the program requirements during the academic year, he/she is eligible to apply for a summer stipend of $3,000 to support a 9-week work internship or community service project.
Eligibility Requirements
• Be currently enrolled full-time at a Virginia Community College with first year completed by end of spring semester 2015.
• Plan to be enrolled full-time for the full 2015-16 academic year with intent to transfer to a Virginia public or private college or university.
• Demonstrate evidence of academic excellence (GPA of 3.5), leadership potential, and personal integrity.
• Demonstrate evidence of community service or faith-based endeavors.
• Have unmet financial need as determined by an application that includes student and family income and student and family contributions to tuition, books and fees.
• Be nominated by a faculty member and endorsed by the president of the college or campus provost through a letter of recommendation.
• Be available to participate in an interview in Richmond on either May 18 or 19, 2015.
Students interested in applying, may go directly to http://vccsscholarships.awardspring.com or to www.vccs.edu/giving/scholarships/, which offers scholarship information plus a link to the application.
The deadline to apply is April 29.
Recipients will be notified by June 1, 2015.