Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation - Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE of CONTENTS

(click on the topic to read related questions and answers.)

#1 most asked question: “I am applying for your scholarship and intend to minor in a foreign language; how can prove it?”

® General Questions.

® Questions about the application process.

® Questions concerning high school & community college students.

® Questions about processing & receiving the Awards.

® Questions about supporting documents.

General Questions

► Are there any languages that are not eligible for consideration for the scholarship?

► I am currently a college student that will be going to a foreign country as a volunteer to help educate children. Am I eligible for the Scholarship to Study Abroad?

► How long will the foundation offer the scholarships?

► If I want to study abroad must I consider one of the European countries, or will any foreign country meet the foundation’s criteria?

► How many scholarships will be awarded each year?

► I am taking a foreign language in college, but I am not majoring in it, am I eligible for the award?

► I am a college senior, with a major in international studies and a minor in foreign language. I have been accepted to graduate school to pursue my masters in the foreign language. Am I eligible for the scholarships?

► I am an employee of a Girl Scout council. Many of us are struggling to serve girls with languages and cultures different from our own. Would the foundation consider providing scholarships for educating Girl Scout staff members in foreign languages and cultures?

► I have received my Girl Scout Silver Award, however, I am no longer a Girl Scout. Am I still eligible for the scholarship.

► I have been accepted into a study abroad program for the summer. I will taking on-site courses and studying at a various historical locations. Am I eligible to apply for the Scholarship to Study Abroad?

►  I am in the process of applying for your study abroad scholarship. As I got to the bottom of the Initial Application,

I noticed that you request the signature of a parent or guardian. If I am over 18, do I really need this signature?

► Are there any languages that are not eligible for consideration for the scholarship?

ALL languages, including ancient ones will be considered for the scholarships. It is the foundation’s intent to encourage the study of language and the cultures associated with them. Therefore, while modern languages may have an immediate application, the study of ancient languages provide insight into modern cultures and languages as well.

► I am currently a college student that will be going to a foreign country as a volunteer to help teach children English, am I eligible for the Scholarship to Study Abroad?

               The Scholarship to Study Abroad is meant to support a student that is studying abroad in pursuit of a degree (not necessarily a language degree, however).

While your activity is a wonderful service, it does not fit the foundation’s intent.

► How long will the foundation offer the scholarships?

The foundation plans to offer scholarships for many decades.

► If I want to study abroad must I consider one of the European countries, or will any foreign country meet the foundation’s criteria?

The Scholarship to Study Abroad is NOT limited to study in European countries, we will consider the submission based on answers to questions in the application, no matter what the foreign country may be.

► How many scholarships will be awarded each year?

The number of Academic Scholarships will increase each year for the first four years (2005-2008), after that the maximum number will remain the same each year. In 2005-06, for example, 7 Academic Scholarships were awarded. In 2006-07, the award recipients from 2005-06 were eligible to apply for a renewal of the awards (assuming they still met the qualifications), and NEW applicants received awards also. We are not limited to a specific number of new awards, but will make awards based on the quality of the applications (therefore, in 2006 there could be as many new awards as renewals – thus, the possibility of 14 awards). The same process will occur in each of the following years, so that by 2008-09 and after, the number of Academic Scholarships (renewals + new) per year will be frozen at a maximum number – at this time we do not know what that number will be.

Because the Scholarship to Study Abroad is not renewable the number will not grow. There is no specific number that will be awarded in any given semester or for the full year. Thus, depending on the quality of the applications there may be a disproportionate number given in a semester or for full year, however, each year the foundation will award a maximum of 10 Scholarships to Study Abroad.

► I am taking a foreign language in college, but I am not majoring in it, am I eligible for the award?

The Academic Scholarships are meant only for students that have a major or minor in a foreign language. However, the Scholarship to Study Abroad are meant for students irregardless of their major. (see Scholarships Application Guidelines)

Yes in both cases. The foundation supports silver or gold recipients that are pursuing a major/minor in a foreign language. Your decision to receive an advanced degree in a foreign language certainly fulfills this criteria. The Scholarship to Study Abroad is available, one time only, for each recipient (up to $1,000). The Academic Scholarship is renewable four times (for a maximum of $6,000), irregardless of whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

The foundation is aware of the needs of Girl Scout staff in this area. We do not currently offer such support. However, because such education would certainly benefit girls directly, and supports our mission “…to encourage Girl Scout staff training that incorporates the study of language leading to a better understanding of cultural differences”, we hope to offer such support in the future.

► I have received my Girl Scout Silver Award, however, I am no longer a Girl Scout. Am I still eligible for the scholarship?

Yes

► I have been accepted into a study abroad program for the summer. I will be taking on-site courses and studying at various historical locations. Am I eligible to apply for the Scholarship to Study Abroad?

Yes. We do consider summer abroad study applications as long as they award credit for a regular semester of study.

►  I am in the process of applying for the Scholarship to Study Abroad.  As I got to the bottom of the application,

I noticed that you request the signature of a parent or guardian.  If I am over 18, do I really need this signature?

               There is no legal reason to have the signature.  We do, however, need the contact information.  The reason is a practical one.

When the recipients reach their destination, and begin the study abroad courses, they are to notify us.  At that time we send the

award check, but we can't send the check abroad, it must be sent and cashed domestically.  In each case last year, the

recipients had us send the check to their parent, and they put it in their student's account.  Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to send

the award until they returned from abroad, which was at least a semester, and in two cases an entire year.

Questions about the application process.

► When are applications for the scholarships available?

► Why can’t I submit my application and materials on-line to the foundation?

► I see that all parts of the application must be RECEIVED by 5:00pm CST on the due date. What happens if the U.S. Mail doesn’t get the delivery to the foundation on time, even if I mailed it in time.

► How will I know that the foundation received my application and it is eligible?

► When are applications for the scholarships available?

Applications are currently downloadable from the foundation’s web site (see: Downloads).

► Why can’t I submit my application and materials on-line?

It is a convenience to the foundation to have hard copies “in hand” at the time of evaluation, rather than being responsible for any electronic glitches that may occur. In addition, several of the required items (e.g. transcript, letter of recommendation) need to be the “original” copies.

We regret that your application WILL NOT be considered if it is received after the deadline – irregardless of postmark. If you are concerned that your application might not arrive on time you may want to consider using a private service such as FedEx.

► How will I know that the foundation received my application and it is eligible.

If the application arrives by 5:00 PM CST on the deadline date, it is eligible, and we will send you confirmation that it was received and is being considered for an award.

Questions concerning high school & community college students.

► Are students that are still in high school after July 1 eligible for the scholarships?

► Are students that attend a community college eligible?

► Would a high school student who studied abroad during their senior year or over the summer be eligible for either the scholarships?

► I am interested in applying for a scholarship at the end of my Senior year (next year), what will the application deadline be at that time?

► I am applying for your scholarship. I fit all of the requirements and plan to minor in a foreign language, but I do not know how to prove it.

► I am a high school senior and plan to attend a foreign university next year, with a major in foreign language. The following year I plan to transfer back to my state university (I have been accepted to both universities). Am I eligible to apply for the scholarships?

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► Are students that are in high school after July 1 eligible for the scholarships?

No. The scholarships are intended to support applicants that are currently or will be attending an accredited four year college or university as a full-time student. Therefore, only a high school student that is a senior, with proof of acceptance to a four year college or university would be eligible. (see Scholarship Application Guidelines)

► Are students that attend a community college eligible?

Not while attending the community college. The scholarships are intended to support applicants that are currently or will be attending an accredited four year college or university as a full-time student. However, an applicant that has proof of acceptance to a four year college or university following their community college experience can apply. (see Scholarships Application Guidelines)

► Would a high school student who studied abroad during their senior year or over the summer be eligible for either the scholarships?

No. The scholarships are intended to support applicants that are currently or will be attending an accredited four year college or university as a full-time student. Therefore, only a high school senior that has proof of acceptance to a four year college or university would be eligible. (see Scholarship Application Guidelines) The Scholarship to Study Abroad will not be awarded to a student prior to beginning attendance at a four year college or university.

► I am interested in applying for a scholarship at the end of my Senior year (next year), what will the application deadline be at that time?

The application deadlines for the next ten years are listed on the applications. (see Scholarship Application Guidelines)

► I am applying for your scholarship. I fit all of the requirements and plan to minor in a foreign language, but I do not know how to prove it.

If you are currently a college student your transcript, which you need to submit along with the application, will list your major/minor and the course(s) you have already taken - thus, verifying that you meet the qualification.

If you are currently in high school and are going to college next year there are several alternatives to verify your major/minor. If you have a letter of acceptance from the college/university it should show your planned major/minor; or, if you don't have that, then a letter from the admissions person you are working with at the college/university, stating your intended major/minor, will do; or, finally, if neither of those are available, you can have your high school guidance counselor write a letter indicating the language you took in high school, and your intended major/minor language in college.

You are eligible to apply for both. The Academic Scholarship supports silver or gold recipients in their pursuit of a major or minor in a foreign language as long as it is at an accredited four year college or university – whether that accredited university is in the United States or abroad. Although most students pursue foreign study nearer the end of their academic training, studying abroad earlier in your education is alright.

Questions about processing & receiving the Awards

► How and when will I know if I have been awarded a scholarship?

► If I am awarded a scholarship how will I receive the money?

► If I receive a Scholarship to Study Abroad, how do I get my airline ticket?

► Why can’t I receive the money to purchase my ticket sooner, so I don’t have to pay from my own pocket?

► I see that the deadline for the Scholarship to Study Abroad application is May 15. My study abroad program starts on May 15^th – is there any way that the application can be reviewed early, or if I happened to get the Scholarship to Study Abroad, could I be reimbursed for the plane ticket?

► How and when will I know if I have been awarded a scholarship?

Successful applicants will be notified on July 1 (Corinne’s birthday), by a phone call, email, and letter. The awardees names will also be posted on the foundation’s web site.

► If I am awarded a scholarship how will I receive the money?

No money will be given directly to the individual recipient. Scholarship awards will be paid directly to the four year college or university the recipient is attending. This is a common practice for virtually all institutions of higher learning and we will work with the recipient and the institution to make sure the scholarship award is credited to their account.

► If I receive a Scholarship to Study Abroad how do I get my airline ticket?

Purchase your round trip coach ticket on your own. Then send us a copy of the ticket and/or documentation (e-tickets usually provide all such documentation through an email or on-line at the time you purchase the ticket). Upon verification that you have arrived at your destination we will immediately send your award

► Why can’t I receive the money to purchase my ticket sooner, so I don’t have to pay from my own pocket?

While we appreciate the financial situation faced by students, we also have to be sure that awardees use the ticket for the purpose that we awarded the Scholarship to Study Abroad. Thus, by verifying that you have arrived at your destination we can be sure the conditions of the Scholarship to Study Abroad have been met. We will work with you to establish the most efficient and quickest way to verify that you have arrived at your destination so you can receive your reimbursement just as soon as possible.

We won’t review applications early, but along with the others we receive. If you are chosen for one of the Scholarships to Study Abroad we would reimburse your airfare because of the timing of your start date.

Questions about supporting documents

► I have been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a Girl Scout that is applying for the scholarship.

Is there anything that you are particularly looking for me to include?

► Should my letter of recommendation from Girl Scouts be sent directly from the staff member who recommends me to the Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation?

► I am applying for the scholarship and have to provide proof that I have my silver award. Is a copy of the letter the council sent notifying me of my receipt of the award sufficient?

► Throughout my Girl Scouting activities, including my Silver Award, my mother was my leader. Can my mother, who is no longer an active member, write the letter of recommendation?

► I have been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a Girl Scout that is applying for the scholarship. Is there anything that you are particularly looking for me to include?

We are interested in "who she really is". What is her work ethic, what type of young woman is she, why do you think she is a good candidate? Please take a little time while visiting the web site to learn about Corinne - that may help you to understand the type of young women we want to support.

► Should my letter of recommendation from Girl Scouts be sent directly from the staff member who recommends me to the Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation?

No. ALL parts of the application – letter of recommendation, Council verification of your award, transcript, and so on – should come from you to the Foundation as a whole package. That way it is your responsibility for completing the application process properly, not ours.

► I am applying for the scholarship and have to provide proof that I have my silver award. Is a copy of the letter the council sent notifying me of my receipt of the award sufficient proof?

Yes.

► Throughout my Girl Scouting activities, including my Silver Award, my mother was my leader. Can my mother, who is no longer an active member, write the letter of recommendation?

As the troop leader your mother can certainly write a letter. But, we also need a letter from someone that does not have such a close relationship with you, and knows about your work and commitment to Scouts – your mother’s co-leader, one of the Council’s staff members, or one of the service unit members.