Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
I think it's fairly typical to keep the qualifications broad -- ie a senior who demonstrates outstanding character, leadership, and academic achievement. If you want to make it more specific, how about a student who has shown leadership in community service? Another possibility, some parent groups offer their scholarship to a student planning to major in education. One important note: Create a selection board that includes, say, the principal, two teachers, and the PTO president, or let the school make the choice entirely. That way you'll keep your group out of controversy over who gets chosen, especially if it's the child of an officer.

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Community Advice

ROCKPORT writes:
Our PTO Scholarships awarded to HS graduating seniors are unique in the sense that any student can apply and earn it by simply "being involved"! The criteria that must be met is that the parents must be a standing member (paying $5 membership per year). The parents who sit on Executive Board and "put in their time" by providing volunteerism throughout the student's 12 years of education will take precedence. It is a community based scholarship. It is simple, "If you are involved with the PTO, your essay will be considered at graduation" We award $750 to students. If the parent has not shown commitment to volunteering (which may include auctions, bake sales, or any fundraising and school community events) but the student has throughout HS years, that student will be considered. The uniqueness of this is that students who have a "financial need" will be awarded through Financial Aide. The Honor students will receive "merit" based scholarships. PTO scholarships in a sense are made available to every student graduating, depending on how much they and/or their parents "GET INVOLVED" throughout the years. It offers lots of opportunities and fairness, and is quite simple. It is "incentive" to families to make a difference in getting involved in your child's education outside the classroom.

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Community Advice

ROCKPORT writes:
Our PTO awards scholarships at graduation night. But, they are not paid out until the following January after the students submit schedules for 2nd semester at school, along with their transcripts from 1st semester at school. The checks are made payable to the student. If a student does not return to school for 2nd semester, they do not receive the scholarship. If that student returns to school the following year and submits transcript and schedule, then the scholarship will be paid out at that time. The student can use the award for whatever is needed. (tuition, books...)

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Community Advice

ROCKPORT writes:
Our PTO awards scholarships at graduation night. But, they are not paid out until the following January after the students submit schedules for 2nd semester at school, along with their transcripts from 1st semester at school. The checks are made payable to the student. If a student does not return to school for 2nd semester, they do not receive the scholarship. If that student returns to school the following year and submits transcript and schedule, then the scholarship will be paid out at that time. The student can use the award for whatever is needed. (tuition, books...)

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