5/12 Scholarship

Action Plan

This scholarship will operate on a continuous basis beginning with Grade 5 and following the student through Grade 12. A maximum of three (3) scholarships per year are awarded. Implementation began in the 1999-2000 school year.

• $200 will be deposited in the student’s scholarship fund at the end of 5th grade; $100 will be deposited each successfully completed year from 6th–11th grades; $200 will be deposited at the end of their 12th-grade year for a total scholarship amount of $1,000.
• If a student has difficulty one year, they will have an “honor” year, which means no money will be deposited in their scholarship account. If they have difficulty a second year, the scholarship money will go back in the general scholarship fund.
• Students moving out of the DeForest Area School District, or electing not to continue their education immediately upon high school graduation, forfeit their scholarship. The funds will be placed back into the scholarship program.
• Students will receive the scholarship to assist with the cost of tuition. Checks will be made out jointly to the student and the post-secondary institution.

Responsibilities

The DeForest Area Business & Education Partnership Committee is responsible for selection procedures and monitoring processes (confidential financial information will be verified by school personnel before submitting to the Committee; any other information will NOT be shared). Sponsors for the program will be community organizations and businesses. The DeForest Area School District operates as the fiscal agent.

Scholarship Criteria

• Financial Need - Based on criteria used for free or reduced lunch or individual circumstances.
• Demonstrates Potential - Based on teacher and principal recommendation.
• Academic Achievement - Grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
• Personal Involvement - Can include school, community and/or work activities. No minimum or maximum number of activities.
• School Attendance - Student should not have a pattern of absences which cannot be accounted for with illness or extenuating circumstances.

Selection Process

1. Students may apply based on the above criteria. Teachers may nominate students; however, it is the student/parent’s responsibility to submit all application materials.
2. Student nominee completes an essay (maximum of one page) describing why he/she feels they would be the best candidate for receiving this scholarship.
3. Student applicant must request a minimum of two letters of recommendation from a current 5th-grade teacher or guidance counselor. The teacher letter of recommendation should be sent directly to the Office of School/Community Relations at the District Administrative Center (may also be emailed).
4. Application forms and associated materials are to be submitted to the School/Community Relations Coordinator by April 1 of each year.
5. The DeForest Area Business & Education Partnership Committee will select up to three students per year to receive scholarships. The number of students selected for the scholarship program may vary each year due to financial conditions of the scholarship fund.
6. Notification of awards will be made to principals, students, and parents/guardians.

Monitoring Process

• Scholarship criteria, along with selection and monitoring processes, will be evaluated each year for effectiveness. Input from businesses and community organizations is welcome.
• The School/Community Relations office will annually review student evaluation materials and determine continuation in the scholarship program (based on scholarship criteria). If needed, consultation will be sought from the Superintendent, Directors of Instructional Services (4K-6 & 7-12), and/or the appropriate school principal.
• Principals, students and parents/guardians will be notified each year of scholarship status.