SCHOLARSHIPS
In 2012 the Chapter will award up to $35,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in our local communities. The Scholarship Committee, supported by the Executive Committee, decided to offer one $5,000 scholarship, four $2,500 scholarships, and sixteen $1,000 scholarships.
Scholarship applications have been forwarded to high school counselors and the Scholarship Committee will be following up with them over the next few months to ensure the word is out to students. The application form can be found on our website.
I am transitioning out of the role of VP, Scholarships and Grants, a position I have held since the Chapter was re-formed and reconstituted. It has been a pleasure to serve you and the great students whom you have supported through your generosity and participation in Chapter events. Whoever succeeds me will do a great job representing and growing the Chapter’s Scholarships and Grants program – but only with your continued support!
Semper Fi,
Michael Wallace
VP, Scholarships and Grants
28 October 2011
GRANTS
In addition to scholarships, we provide educational grants. This funding is aimed at local Stafford County Middle Schools in the form of grants for Science Teaching Tools.
In 2010 the Chapter awarded two $1,000 grants, one to H.H. Poole and one to Fredericksburg Christian School. $1,000 of this funding was provided by AFCEA International, made possible by a donation from Booz-Allen-Hamilton. H. H. Poole used their grant to purchase Vernier LabQuest science lab data collection devices, and Fredericksburg Christian School purchased SMART Board interactive learning technology.
In December 2010, the Chapter awarded $500 to Twisted Botz, a robotics team. We applied to AFCEA International for an additional $2,000 for this team, and were very pleased to receive those funds. We conveyed the check to Twisted Botz in March 2011. As a result, they are able to move forward with plans to attend the World Championship. In appreciation for our support they listed us on their website, Facebook Page and Twitter account as their first Platinum Sponsor. See http://www.twistedbotz.org/sponsors.
The Chapter budgeted an initial $4,500 for grants in 2011. $500 to Twisted Botz left $4,000.
In March the Scholarship Committee met with Ms. Jerri Piacesi, Stafford County Schools Science Coordinator. The result of our meeting was a decision that we would judge Stafford County student science exhibits at the Virginia Piedmont Regional Science Fair on March 15, 2011 and decide upon the distribution of grant funding to schools based on their quality. Approximately 70 students participated.
On April 11th we awarded a total of $3,500 to select Stafford Middle Schools at a reception hosted by Stafford County Public Schools. We also gave a $50 gift certificate to each of the 10 students whose exhibits we judged the best, and $50 gift certificates to each of the 20 teachers who mentored students. We will post complete results and pictures taken at the reception in coming days.
We intend to expand our grant program to Prince William County middle schools in 2012, again commensurate with funding availability.
SUMMARY
Your participation and your company’s sponsorships in Chapter activities allows all of us to recognize and support deserving students and teachers in our community and to give back to the Educational Foundation at AFCEA International.
On behalf of the Chapter Executive Committee, and the Scholarship & Grant Committee, I thank you for your continued support.
Semper Fi,
Michael Wallace
VP, Scholarships and Grants
