Vets and Cadets Endowed Scholarship Award

Application Instructions

 

Amount: $750 - $2,000 (multiple awards, subject to funding) Term Awarded: Fall

 

Application Deadline: March 1^st

Established by:  This award was established by CSUF alumnus Gregory Wirzbicki, his wife Cheryl, and their daughter Kathryn to provide scholarship awards honoring and aiding student Veterans and other CSUF students of United States military background. The award is meant to assist the student in meeting educational and personal expenses while enrolled in college.

  
Open to:  This scholar award is open to new and continuing enrolled students at CSUF who are pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree and have served or are serving in the U.S. armed forces, including the ROTC program at CSUF. Specifically included are CSUF ROTC cadets who graduated and commissioned as 2^nd Lieutenants in the fall semester preceding the announcement of awards in May. Also eligible are current cross-enrolled CSUF Cadets pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or a sister service ROTC commission at a partner college or university.

Criteria: The award is designed to recognize Veterans and other qualifying CSUF students who emulate strong leadership as evidenced through military service, academic success, initiative, altruistic values, and desire to make a difference. Demonstration of such leadership qualities might be observed in activities such as:

• Past or Present U.S. military service, including National Guard and Army Reserves
• Past leadership activities in the community, ARMY ROTC, and/or the university.
• Strong academic performance; Students must have a minimum CSUF GPA of 2.5 or overall GPA of 2.5
• Initiative shown in academic classes, labs, student clubs, or organizations
• Contributions made via independent study, research projects, internships, or club/team activities that made an impact on individuals or organizations
• Pursuit of advanced degrees/career goals
• This is an annual scholarship, and all students must apply on a yearly basis.

Application materials should include either:

     - A resume prepared by the student applicant or

     - Highly recommended: a personal statement or essay by the student describing relevant achievements, life experiences, and future plans. See below for essay guidelines

Awardee is expected to attend the recognition event and formally accept the award. Non-attendance is subject to possible forfeiture of an award.

Application Procedure:

1. Log in to your CSUF portal and click on the “Scholarships” button. Follow the onscreen instructions, and complete the Scholarship Application.
2. To ensure receipt of your application, Applicants are encouraged to send at least a notice of their application, or the entirety of their submission and any supplementary information for consideration, to the Military Sciences Office, Administrative Support Coordinator, at Armyrotc@fullerton.edu.

Essay Guidelines:

The selection committee will strongly consider personal statement essays from those seeking an award through the Vets and Cadets Fund. Although merit is the ultimate determinant, the fairest evaluation of any candidate requires consideration of his/her personal circumstances.  The essay thus becomes the candidates’ opportunity to humanize themselves and communicate their motivation and goals, as well as relate any achievements attained and/or adversities overcome.  The selection committee will consider the candidate’s past U. S. military service and future plans, if any, to enter or continue U.S. military service.  In the essay, the selection committee encourages applicants not to be shy.  Repeat, DON’T BE SHY ABOUT EXPRESSING YOURSELF.  The essay should be about the candidate as a person, as well as his or her desire for military service or achievements in military service.   There is no directed or required format (e.g., simple narration, bullet points, numbered paragraphs). The essay should be 1-3 pages and include any or all of the following:

1) Past or Present US Military Service :    For U.S. veterans or current and ex-US Military, consider providing dates of service, the military branch you served in, current or final rank, and any medals received or other recognition of achievement in the US military.  Feel free to discuss your time in service, e.g., where you served and the details of what you did in the service of your country.  Copies of citations or proof of past service can be included as attachments.  For ROTC cadets without prior military service, relate your experiences in the ROTC program thus far.

2) Current Obligations: Your current life situation and financial situation are important considerations.  Please detail your personal situation and any family obligations (e.g., support of other family members, such as spouse, children, parents, or siblings). 

3) Current or Intended Major (s) (and minor(s), if applicable) at CSUF, your reasons for pursuing a degree in those fields, and your current GPA.

4) Future Goals: whether or not of a military nature.  If, upon graduation, you plan to continue military service through the CSUF ROTC program, or otherwise, identify what you’d like to do in the US military.  If undecided, identify 2 or 3 options you’re considering.

5) Life Experiences: Achievements and accomplishments in life that you care to share or Adversities you’ve overcome and how you overcame them. Please also consider sharing the circumstances of your upbringing, including any financial difficulties involved.

6) Other Considerations: In addition, the candidate is free to inform the selection committee of anything else that would be helpful in considering your candidacy for an award.  Again, don’t be shy!

7) Attachments: The candidate is free to add attachments to the essay, for example, copies of document(s) showing prior military service, awards earned, recommendations, etc.