To many students, the Community Foundation is synonymous with the word scholarships. That would make sense, seeing that the Foundation awards over $500,000 in scholarship assistance each year to approximately 800 area students. Most of this scholarship assistance comes through the Foundation’s general scholarship process, which is, once again, on the horizon. This June 1^st is the deadline for all high school seniors to submit a scholarship application for CRCF’s general high school scholarship process.  

 

The general scholarship process for high school seniors is a great opportunity for any graduating student because the only criteria necessary to apply is that you graduate from a Chautauqua County High School. There are no other specific criteria that need to be met, no special tests to take, no auditions to complete, and no presentations to make. Simply fill out an application form and submit it to CRCF. By submitting one application for the general scholarship process, you become eligible for all CRCF general scholarship funds. This is why so many students take advantage of this scholarship process every year. 

 

To participate in the general high school scholarship process, a few steps need to be completed. First, you need to obtain and complete a general scholarship application. One way to do so is to visit your high school guidance department. Your guidance counselor should be able to provide you with an application, ideas, and expertise in completing your application. Second, you need to obtain the college financial aid form. This form can also be picked up at your school’s guidance office. You will need to complete and submit the college financial aid form with your scholarship application. Third, your guidance counselor will be required to fill out portions of the application so make sure you give yourself enough time to get this accomplished.  

 

All of the necessary instructions and paperwork you need can be found on the CRCF website at www.crcfonline.org. Click on the “Scholarships” link once you are at the site, and all applications and forms can be downloaded and printed right from your computer. Additionally, you can read about detailed instructions on how to complete the forms and also view a timeline of the Foundation’s overall scholarship process. If you do not have access to a computer, you can always stop by the Foundation office at 418 Spring Street, Jamestown, and pick up the necessary forms. 

 

After your application has been submitted, the CRCF staff will begin a review process and, ultimately, present all applications to the general scholarship committees in October. After the committees have reviewed the applications, through a completely anonymous process, awards will be recommended. Students who receive an award will be made aware in November, and the award monies will be available for the spring semester at college.  

 

If you have any questions along the way, please contact the Foundation staff at 661-3390. If nothing else, make sure you have your completed application and financial aid form submitted by the June 1^st deadline. Take advantage of this great opportunity that only comes once a year!