Scholarship Program
Society of Mayflower Descendants in Michigan Scholarship Program In an effort to preserve the history of our Mayflower Ancestors through genealogy, historical research and education, the Society of Mayflower Descendants in Michigan has created a Scholarship program. This program will provide educational assistance to both our Junior and General members up to age 26, who are planning to attend an accredited two- or four-year higher education program.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
There will be a maximum of three awards per academic year: one $3000 scholarship, one $2000 scholarship and one $1000 scholarship, all scholarships payable directly to the institution of higher education. However, the Committee reserves the right to not award any scholarships if it is determined that there are no qualified entries. All decisions by the Committee are final.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
All application materials must be received by May 1 of the year of entry. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 1. Scholarship applicants must be no less than high school seniors at the time of application 2. Scholarship applicants must be either a General member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in Michigan or a Junior member of said Society There are no restrictions regarding the state of residence of the applicant [i.e. the Junior member or General member] 3. Scholarship applicants must have confirmed plans to attend an institution of higher education [provide a copy of letter of acceptance] Applicant may not have a parent, grandparent, sibling or sponsor sitting on the committee that would evaluate the application.
APPLICATION PROCESS
E-mail Craig Rich and ask for the Application, Fill out the application and send it with your essay by email via pdf to Craig Rich.
Application,
Scholarship ApplicationThe Applicant must write an original essay of 750-1000 words discussing "My Mayflower Ancestor and What He/She Means to Me." The essay will focus on these three items:
1. Who is/are your ancestor's) on the Mayflower?
2. What personal characteristics or traits do you speculate your ancestor's) had? Why? (If you have more than one ancestor you may focus on one, but feel free to catalog any and all.)
3. As you see yourself going forward with your life and goals, how do (and will) those traits shine in you? The essay should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. The essay must have a cover page with the title of the essay, the date, and the name of the applicant on it. The essay must include a bibliography of cited sources and which resources they consulted during their research; also, names of family members who they interviewed in writing this essay.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This essay is to be in your own words. DO NOT incorporate text from secondary sources in your essay unless you properly cite them with footnotes and a bibliography. The Applicant must write at least one paragraph explaining how being awarded one of these scholarships will help him/her attain their career goals Two letters from educators must be submitted along with the essay: at least one being an English teacher, stating they have read the essay and have given their critique of its contents Judging Criteria for judging all Scholarship Applications equals 100 points with a minimum score of 60 points to qualify. Items and points, all information must be provided as specified and complete:
1. Application Preparation and Submission: 5 points
2. Essay: 95 points allocated as followed:
a. Organization: 15 points
b. Accuracy of facts/ideas presented: 20 points
c. Grammar: 15 points
d. Spelling: 15 points
e. Scholastic achievement 15 points
f. References provided: 10 points
g. Paragraph on how scholarship will help applicant achieve career goals: 5 points