Midwest
Federation Scholarships
The Midwest Federation of American
Syrian-Lebanese Clubs, Inc., inaugurated a scholarship program for its
youth in 1940. It was the desire of the Federation to not only help
its talented young people continue their education, but, additionally,
to encourage the award winners to excel in their chosen fields, and
return to foster growth in the Federation.
Decades later, the scholarship program
is still in existence. Its initial goals and purpose are still being
met. Each year scholarships are made available to eligible students
seeking an undergraduate college degree. Past recipients have returned
to serve the organization in various capacities, and to serve society
in fields such as law, medicine, education, business, industry and politics.
Since the inception of the Midwest
Federation Scholarship Program, over $380,000 has been awarded to qualified
applicants, with as many as 21 recipients in one year.
Each year, at the Scholarship Banquet,
typically held on Friday evening, the recipients are recognized, and
presented with a scholarship certificate. Again, we plan to award scholarships
at our Annual Convention, to be held August 6-8, 2009, at the Minneapolis
West Marriot Resort, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Midwest Federation Scholarship
Program is divided into three areas of responsibility:
Scholarship Selection Committee
This committee is responsible to
do the following:
Provide for the application process,
including creation, distribution, receipt and review of the Scholarship
Applications.
Establish, review, and assure Scholarship Application Eligibility requirements.
Determine applicant selection criteria, through review of applicant
affiliation, activities, academics, goals, and financial need.
Establish award amounts for each award year.
Presentation and distribution of Scholarship Awards.
Scholarship Fund Raising Committee
This committee is responsible for
the fund-raising effort for both the General Scholarship Fund, which
is used to serve immediate, or current Scholarship need; and for the
Perpetual Scholarship Fund, which is used to serve the long term Scholarship
needs.
Fund raising is an ongoing effort,
with most donations* coming from either individual members, or member
Clubs of the Midwest Federation. Scholarship donors are recognized in
the following manner:
Bronze Level ($500-$999)
Silver Level ($1000-$4900)
Gold Level ($5000-$9999) - Also given Golden Eagle Award Trophy
Platinum Level ($10000 +) - Also given Platinum Eagle Award Trophy
Each individual member donor, or Member Club donor, is listed on an
inscribed brass plate, which is attached to a large corresponding level
plaque, and these plaques are displayed at each Annual Convention.
This committee encourages and welcomes
any and all donations, and is thankful for the past generosity of the
Midwest Federation Family.
*All donations are tax deductible.
Scholarship Alumni Follow-up
This is primarily and effort to
encourage former scholarship recipients to remain actively involved
in the Midwest Federation whether it is simply membership continuation
or some role of leadership. All applicants are encouraged to remain
linked to the Federation through individual membership, family membership,
or local member-club involvement.
Follow-up is achieved through mail
(letters, Federation Newsletter, etc.), e-mail, telephone, and website.
Application Eligibility:
Applicant must be an active 'individual'
or 'family' member, active YAN member, or the child or grandchild of
an active member of a Member Club, of the Midwest Federation, for a
minimum of 2 years prior to application.
Applicant must be a high school senior, or undergraduate collegiate
student.
Selection Criteria:
Based on participation in local
clubs and/or The Midwest Federation.
Ethnic/cultural related activities and/or studies.
Academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
Personal goals.
Financial need.
Application Process:
Submit completed application form
by due date listed on the application.
Provide official transcript (high school or college) with the application.
Provide two letters of recommendation, one from academic/school official
or employer, and one from local Member Club official or Midwest Federation
official, with the application.
Include a current photo of oneself. |