Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation Application:
DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025 (11:59PM)
The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation was established in 1980 to honor civil rights legend and longtime Michigander, Rosa L. Parks, and her historic stand against racial prejudice in the 1955-56 Montgomery Bus Boycott. The foundation awards non-renewable scholarships to Michigan high school seniors who believe in Mrs. Parks’ lifelong commitment to social justice and community service while maintaining a strong academic record and demonstrating financial need.
The equal-opportunity scholarship can be applied to tuition, books and fees for the first year of college only (not to room/board or other expenses).
Applicants who expect to receive full tuition scholarships from other sources should not apply.
STUDENT AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Graduate by spring 2025 with plans to enroll full-time in a higher education program in the fall of 2025*.
- 2.5 GPA or above.
- Complete the application form, including a short, 200-300 word essay on this topic: “Segregation was the defining social issue when Rosa Parks took her historic stand. Describe a social issue that you think should be addressed today. How will YOU use the principles of Rosa Parks to address it?”
- Describe financial need.
- Document honors received and community service.
- Provide an official copy of your high school transcript.
- Provide two letters of recommendation (at least one should come from a school representative. The other can be from a community or civic representative or member of the clergy).
*Participants in an Early College Program (with a 13th year of high school) are not eligible (in 12th year) for consideration. Students can only apply during the actual year of graduation.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
The application consists of two parts: a multi-page form requesting personal and financial information, followed by a one-page form for submitting either PDF or Word attachments. The following bullets provide more information on this process:
- The multi-page form doesn't auto-save, so click SAVE CURRENT PAGE button at any time to save each page
- The FIRST PAGE/PREVIOUS PAGE buttons are for navigation only; they don't save your work
- You may logout and return to the form later, as long as you save each page
- Once you press SUBMIT on the multi-page form, you cannot return to edit it
- The final step is the form to attach your files (PDF or MS Word): two reference letters; official transcript copy; honors and awards list, extracurricular activities, community service; and short essay.
- Click UPLOAD to submit your attachments.
- Now your application is complete and submitted.
- You should receive a confirmation email.
SELECTION CRITERIA AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
Applications are reviewed and evaluated in various categories based on a weighted average, with points awarded in each category. Failure to complete any portion of the application reduces your chances. For example, failure to list community service activities will reduce points awarded and can result in elimination from contention. Criteria include: Scholastic Achievement; Financial Need; Community Service; Academic Honors; Support Letters; Essay.
REVIEW BEFORE YOU SUBMIT:
Have someone proofread your essay before submission, assuring a better impression on the judges.
Submit only materials requested. Do not include copies of awards, certificates, etc.
Your cumulative grade point average should appear on the official transcript.
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The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation reserves the right to contact applicants via email throughout the screening process.
Add [email protected] to your contacts to avoid it being spam.
Scholarship winners will be notified in mid-May and listed on the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation website in early-June.
Concerns, problems and questions? Email: [email protected]