FEW Scholarship Training

Federally Employed Women (FEW) National Scholarship Program Good Evening: My name is Sheryl Coleman and I am the FEW National Scholarship Chair. The topic for discussion is FEW National Scholarships.

FEW ‘s scholarships are presented in four categories: National Training Program (NTP) Regular Scholarship: Recipients are entitled to a full expense paid week of training at the NTP held in July Retiree Regular Scholarship: Recipients are entitled to a full expense paid week of training at the NTP held in July Collegiate Scholarship for FEW members: Recipients will receive financial assistance with tuition and books, however they are not given assistance to attend the NTP Collegiate Scholarship for Family members: Recipients will receive financial assistance with tuition and books, however they are not given assistance to attend the NTP

The number of applicants selected in each category is based on the financial amount allotted by FEW for scholarships. The scholarship applications open in March and all applications must be electronically completed by April 7 th. FEW’s Executive Board makes the final decision on the winner’s in early May and all applicants are notified of their standing by mid-May. It is important you review the Scholarship portion of the FEW National Policy and Procedures Manual (NPPM). The Scholarship portion of the NPPM was recently updated. The updates included how to apply for the scholarship and the applications request additional information. The NPPM is located at FEW’s website and accessible to all FEW members.

Here are some important steps to note when applying for the scholarships: National Training Program Regular Scholarship Award Attach a copy of leave and earning statement Attach copy of recommendation letter from Chapter President or Regional Manager Make sure Chapter and Region name is listed Make sure date joined is within one year prior to April 7 th deadline National Training Program Retiree Scholarship Make sure you provide date of retirement Attach copy of recommendation letter from Chapter President or Regional Manager Make sure Chapter and Region name is listed Make sure date retired is within five years prior to April 7 th deadline

National Collegiate Scholarship for FEW members Attach essay “Why I Should be Awarded a FEW Collegiate Scholarship” Submit a copy of your official college transcript. Submit three letters of recommendation (chapter president, regional manager, community leader) all on letter. National Collegiate Scholarship for Immediate Family Members (children and grandchildren) Attach essay on “How receiving this scholarship will make a difference in your life and citing a woman in your life who has inspired or encouraged you and the difference she has made. Attach copy of letter of recommendation from Chapter President or Regional Manager for active FEW member. Submit a copy of official high school transcript Submit a copy of college or enrollment acceptance paperwork for entrance into a two or four year accredited college or university.

Please do not attach documents (pictures, certificates, etc.) that are not requested. Please fill in all areas on the application and do not say “see attachments.” When panel members have to review additional documents in search of information requested it is time consuming and the panel members may not find what you want them to know. Limit your attachments. Do not submit your applications without the required attachments. Attachments are key elements in rating your packet. The key to a good scholarship application is providing accurate information. Now is the time to look at applying for a scholarship. Get all your paperwork together, have a former FEW Scholarship Recipient, your Chapter President, or Regional Manager review it for accuracy or send an to requesting assistance. Don’t wait until the week of April 7 th to start applying. We all know computers are fantastic, however when everyone applies during the last week problems arise with the use of the online application. So do yourself a favor, be one of the early bird applicants.

FEW wants to make a difference to its Members, so don’t sit back and wonder “what if…” take a positive step and enhance your opportunities. Apply for a FEW scholarship. If you have applied previously and did not win, do not be discouraged, apply again. This could be your year.

Scholarships Training Important Contact Information National Office Website Scholarships Chair (Sheryl Coleman) March 15, 2012 FEW Webinar Presentation 9