EDUCATION KEY TO SOLVING POVERTY – Voice Of The Township

In the course of my tenure as Wayne Township Trustee I have come to feel strongly that education is the key to solving the problem of poverty in our community. That is why, four years ago, I established the Recognizing Achievement Scholarship. At the annual Holiday Celebration that was held in December 2015 we began handing out applications for this year’s scholarships that we award to students who demonstrate their potential by showing that they have put effort into improving and achieving academically.

Since we began this program Wayne Township has presented Recognizing Achievement Scholarships to twelve deserving students. I am proud to say that the scholarships are sponsored by individual donations, and are not funded with taxpayer dollars. Awards are given on the basis of financial need, scholastic achievement and/or improvement, community service, and educational aspirations. High school seniors who are residents of Wayne Township are encouraged to apply.

SELECTED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Scholarships are awarded to Wayne Township residents (Call 260 449-7000 x328 to verify that your address is in Wayne Township.) who are graduating from a public or private high school by the spring of 2016 and will attend an institution of higher learning in the summer or fall of 2016. The successful student will be able to show they have maintained a high grade point average or demonstrated measurable improvement over the history of their academic studies. An overall GPA must be at least 2.0 (C) to be eligible for the RAS. The candidate must show that his or her household comes in at or under the following income eligibility guidelines (based on the income guidelines for regular Wayne Township assistance).

Applicants are required to submit: 1) a fully completed RAS application form; 2) a high school transcript of grades (obtain from your high school); 3) SAT or ACT test scores; 4) a recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, coach, or other individual validating your academic improvements (Inform your recommender of this process as soon as possible in order to give him or her time to complete the recommendation before the application deadline.); 5) a one-page essay written by the applicant (discussing your most significant challenge or accomplishment and its value to your development as a student); and proof of household income.

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Applications may be obtained from a Fort Wayne Community Schools high school or they can be picked up at our office at 320 E. Superior Street, Fort Wayne IN 46802. You may also request an RAS Award Packet by sending an email to pbrewer@waynetownship.org. Completed applications must be returned to our office no later than noon on Friday May 13, 2016 to be considered for the award. If you have questions or would like to make a donation towards the RAS Award, please contact our office (260) 449-7000 X328.

Richard A. Stevenson, Sr.
Wayne Township Trustee
www.waynetownship.org