lao-american of elgin scholarshp packet

Lao-American Organization of Elgin

Scholarship Packet Academic Year 2010 - 2011

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A Gift of Education


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Scholarship Information Academic Year 2010 - 2011

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A Gift of Education


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Law Firm of Fichera & Miller

Scholarship Information Academic Year 2010-2011

A Gift of Education

The Lao-American Organization of Elgin (LAOE) is proud to award the youth of our community several scholarships. These scholarships are designed to assist talented young leaders within our community. Imagine receiving a gift so great that its value impacts a lifetime and can influence many lives. This scholarship can do just that. One of the core missions of LAOE is to develop programs to advance the education of our community. Scholarships are one of the programs we provide to help our children grow. LAOE takes great pride providing our youth the opportunity to develop leadership skills. The Lao Youth Leaders program encourages and develops our youth to become leaders of their world. LAOE encourage all youth and parents to shares in our common goal, which is to help our youth become great leaders. Law Firm of Fichera & Miller Scholarship The Law Firm of Fichera & Miller has sponsored a special scholarship to honor the great achievements of the Laotian community and youth. The Law Firm of Fichera & Miller shares the same vision as LAOE and believes that education is a gateway to great success and its value to society is priceless. We are honored to have this opportunity to present scholarships on behalf of the Law Firm of Fichera & Miller. Their support will help us grow and develop our youth and community. We encourage all eligible students to apply. There will a total of three winners. The scholarship amounts are $2,500; $1,500; and $1,000. The Law Firm of Fichera & Miller, P.C., has been practicing law in the Elgin and Chicagoland area for many years and has a combine experience of over 100 years. Fichera & Miller’s practice is concentrated in the area of personal injury litigation of all kinds, including automobile accidents, work injuries, and medical malpractice. Fichera & Miller also practices in all types of commercial litigation. A complete background can be found on the website at www.ficheramiller.com. Eligibility: Interested applicants who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

Student must be of Laotian ethnicity and/or have one parent of Laotian ethnicity

Student must be a resident of Cook, Kane, Du Page, McHenry, or Will County

Student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0

Student must apply and qualify for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming college term

Student must be enrolled in an accredited high school or college/university at the time of the application

o Student must be a graduating Senior in high school or must be in his/her first or second year in college/university

Student must show proof of acceptance into a college/university for the upcoming term of Fall 2011

http://www.ficheramiller.com/

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Screening & Selection Process: The Scholarship Committee believes in fairness and transparency. Applicants will be judged on the merit of the following criteria:

Academic achievement

Community Service involvement and achievement

Model Citizenship Character

Financial needs The Scholarship Committee will enforce strict policies to ensure an un-bias selection process without prejudice to the applicant’s identity.

Scholarship Application Documentation: The following documents must be sent to the address below and postmarked or emailed to May S. Hopkins at [email protected] on or before Friday April 15, 2011 by 5:00pm (late applications will NOT be considered):

Completed Scholarship Application with all supporting documents (Incomplete applications will be disqualified)*

A copy of 2009-2010 transcript (Showing cumulative GPA) or a copy of your most recent semester transcript (Showing cumulative GPA)

Essay (Minimum 250 words)

Letter of Recommendation (2 letters)

Proof of Admission to College/University (Copy of acceptance letter)

Lao-American Organization of Elgin Attention: Scholarship Committee

164 Division St., Ste. 503 Elgin, IL 60120

* We encourage early submission of applications. This will allow the Scholarship Committee to review all documents are completed and accurate. In case there is missing information we will be able to notify applicants and parents to submit the completed applications. We want to give every student the opportunity to qualify for these scholarships. Any incomplete scholarships will be disqualified. In order to avoid being disqualified, it is important to submit the applications before April 11, 2011.

Contact Information: Questions regarding the scholarship should be directed to:

Ms. May Saengpraseuth Hopkins (847) 809-6391 – [email protected]

Mr. Norasing Kethdy (224) 402-0444 – [email protected]

Scholarship Awards Ceremony: Scholarship Award Recipients will be announced at the Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 11, 2011. Scholarship Award Recipients notifications will be sent out by Friday May 27, 2011. Privacy Disclosure: LAOE and the Law Firm of Fichera & Miller believe in protecting personal information and privacy. The Scholarship Committee collects, uses, and discloses your personal information only to a scholarship judging panel for the purposes of selecting scholarship recipients. No personal information will be disclosed by the Scholarship Committee without the written consent of the scholarship applicant.

mailto:[email protected]


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Scholarship Application Academic Year 2010 - 2011

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SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

A. Applicant Information (Please print): NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________________ FIRST M.I. LAST GENDER MALE FEMALE MAILING ADDRESS (MAIL WILL BE SENT TO THIS ADDRESS): STREET_____________________________________________________________________________ CITY __________________________STATE ________________ZIP _____________________ DAYTIME PHONE: (____) ______________________________ ALTERNATE PHONE: (____) ___________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: ___________ - __________- ______________ DATE OF BIRTH: _________________________________________________

MONTH DAY YEAR ARE YOU A U.S. CITIZEN? YES NO ALIEN NUMBER___________________________ CHECK YOU CURRENT CLASS: Graduating High School Senior 1

st/2

nd Yr College Student

WHAT IS YOUR ANTICIPATED MAJOR or AREA OF CONCENTRATION? (Also Check AA/AS or BA/BS) _____________________________________________________________________________ Associate Degree (AA or AS) Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS)

B. Parent or Legal Guardian Information: FATHER: ____________________________________________________________________________________ FIRST LAST STREET_____________________________________________________________________________ CITY __________________________STATE ________________ZIP _____________________ PHONE: (____) ______________________________ Email: _____________________________________

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MOTHER: ____________________________________________________________________________________ FIRST LAST STREET_____________________________________________________________________________ CITY __________________________STATE ________________ZIP ___________________________ PHONE: (____) ______________________________ Email: _____________________________________

C. Extra Curricular Activities: List services and activities in your school and/or community related to your interests or program. IE: special leadership roles or awards received.

Organization Name

Position Held/ Leadership/Awards

Dates Participated

D. Essay Question: Describe your long-term vision and how would it impact and influence the Laotian Community?

a. At least 250 words, Typed double spaced, 12 Font, Times New Romans

E. Letter of Recommendation (2): Please have your reference identify your Leadership qualities and Community involvement

a. References may include teachers, coaches, mentors, advisors, employer, etc. b. References may NOT be parent, relative, or friend

F. Scholarship Information: How did you first hear about this scholarship opportunity? (Mark only one box): LAO YOUTH LEADERS WEBSITE FLYER, POSTER or BROCHURE COLLEGE FACULTY MEMBER FRIEND OR RELATIVE COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR OTHER _____________________________________________________________________

G. Authorization: I understand that my scholarship application may be denied or withdrawn if any information reported on this application is found to be intentionally misleading or inaccurate. I authorize LAOE Scholarship Committee to use my name and school for the purposes of community relation and program evaluation.

_____________________________________________________________________________ Applicant Signature Date _____________________________________________________________________________ Parent Signature Date

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Frequently Asked Questions Academic Year 2010 - 2011

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible for the scholarship? Interested applicants who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

Student must be of Laotian ethnicity and/or have one parent of Laotian ethnicity

Student must be a resident of Cook, Kane, Du Page, McHenry, or Will County

Student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0

Student must apply and qualify for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming

college term

Student must be enrolled in an accredited high school or college/university at the time of the application

o Student must be a graduating Senior in high school or must be in his/her first or second year in

college/university

Student must show proof of acceptance into a college/university for the upcoming term of Fall 2011

Q: When is the deadline?

Completed application package must be received via postal mail and postmarked or emailed by

April 15, 2011, 5:00pm.

Q: How much is the scholarship amount?

First place prize will be awarded $2,500; second place prize will be awarded $1,500; and third

place prize will be awarded $1,000.

Q: How do you determine the winner of the scholarships?

The Selection Committee will judge applicants on the merits of 1) Academic Achievement, 2)

Community Service Involvement and Achievement, 3) Model Citizenship Character, 4)

Financial Needs.

Q: Can someone on the scholarship committee write me a letter of recommendation?

In order to ensure an un-bias and fair screening and selection process, members of the

Scholarship Committee are prohibited from writing a letter of recommendation. It is the goal of

the Scholarship Committee to deliver an un-bias, fair, and transparent process to award deserving

students without any prejudice.

Q: When will I receive the actual award?

If you are the recipient of a scholarship award, you and your parents will be invited to a meeting

with the Scholarship Committee shortly after the Scholarship Awards Ceremony to complete the

processing of the award.

Q: What happens if I do not follow with the required format for my essay?

We may ask you to resubmit your essay with the required format due to the fact that we would

like for all essays to be consistent in its format upon review from the selection committee. It is

best to follow the format we requested to avoid delaying your application.

Q: Can I fax my application to the office?

No, we request that you either use US Postal Mail or email your completed application via email

to [email protected] or postal mail to the address below. All documents must be

received or postmarked by 5:00 P.M., April 15, 2011.


ATTENTION: SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE


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164 Division St. Ste 503

Elgin IL, 60120

Q: How will I know if I won a scholarship?

Scholarship recipients will be announced at the Scholarship Awards Ceremony scheduled for

Saturday, June 11, 2011. Notifications will be mailed out to all recipients by Friday, May 27,

2011.

Q: Would I still be able to submit my application even if I am unable to obtain all the

required documents by the deadline date?

It is strongly recommended that you submit your completed applications early before April 11,

2011. This will give the Screening Committee the opportunity to review your application for

completion and accuracy. In case there is missing information, the Screening Committee will

notify you and ask you to send the corrected document(s).

Please keep in mind that your application may be dismissed or it may decrease your chances of

receiving any of the scholarship awards without all the required documents.

In the event that you anticipate any missing documents it is your responsibility to contact the

screening commitment before Monday April 11, 2011 for your application to be considered. You

will receive an email and/or phone call regarding any missing document(s) and be asked to

submit the document(s) within a certain timeframe.

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about the process?

It is strongly recommended if you have any questions to contact the individuals below instead of

sending something you are unsure about. Questions regarding the application, screening, and/or

selection process, you may contact Ms. May Saengpraseuth Hopkins at 847-809-6391 or email at

[email protected]. If you have questions about the sponsorships, you may contact Mr.

Norasing Kethdy at 224-402-0444 or email at [email protected].

Q: What organizations are awarding the scholarships?

Lao-American Organization of Elgin (LAOE) and the Law Firm of Fichera & Miller.

Q: Do I have to be a member of LAOE to qualify for this scholarship?

No, you or your parents do not have to be members of LAOE to qualify for this scholarship.

LAOE is proud to make this opportunity available to all qualifying students. LAOE encourages

all students to apply.

Q: Why is the Law Firm of Fichera & Miller sponsoring this scholarship?

The Law Firm of Fichera & Miller proudly serves the greater community of Elgin. LAOE and

Fichera & Miller believe that education is a gateway for students to achieve great success in their

lives. The Law Firm of Fichera & Miller would like to help the Laotian community grow and

develop our future leaders through the scholarships.



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Suggested Timeline Academic Year 2010 - 2011

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Suggested Timeline

Early Submission Timeline

Saturday March 12th

Attend Scholarship Informational Session at the LAOE office 164 Division St. Ste 503, Elgin IL

60120

Week of Monday March 14th

Ask at least 3 individuals for letters of recommendations and give them a two weeks deadline.

Start drafting the essay for the scholarship and have someone proof read it when you are done for

grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc. Remember it has to be at least 250 words, typed

double spaced, and Times New Romans.

Go to the Main Office (High School Students) or the Office of Records and Registration (College

Students) and ask for a copy of your most recent transcript with your accumulative GPA

You can also ask for a letter verifying your acceptance into the school (you may have to pay so

bring at least $10 with you). Make a copy of your acceptance letter.

Week of Monday March 21st

Send out a thank you card to individuals who agreed to write a recommendation letter for you

(this is also to remind them that they are writing you one).

o For example – “Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to write

me a recommendation letter for the scholarship I am applying for. Just a reminder that the

deadline is fast approaching, and I would like the recommendation by next week if

possible. Once again thank you!”

Week of Monday March 28th

Ask for the completed recommendation letter

Do final edits for the essay and have someone proof read it before you submit it for grammar,

punctuation, sentence structure, etc.

Complete you scholarship application.

Friday April 1

Review the Completed Check-List and make sure all documents are thoroughly completed and/or

typed and presentable.

Send the application via email to [email protected] or postal mail

o Lao-American Organization of Elgin

ATTENTION TO SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE


Elgin IL, 60120

If you are mailing your application via postal mail make sure you notify the Screening Committee by

emailing [email protected]. For example – “Hello Screening Committee, I am writing to inform

you that I have sent my scholarship application via postal mail on Friday, April 1, 2011. Please contact

me to verify you have received my application information. You may contact me via email at

_________________ or my phone number is ___________________. Thank you for your

consideration. Sincerely, (your name).”

*It is best NOT to wait until the deadline date of Friday April 15th

* It is strongly recommended

to submit your application early to ensure completeness and accuracy.



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Normal Submission Timeline

Sunday March 20th

Attend Scholarship Informational Session at the LAOE office 164 Division St. Ste 503, Elgin IL

60120

Week of Monday March 21st

Ask at least 3 individuals for letters of recommendations and give them a two weeks deadline.

Start drafting the essay for the scholarship and have someone proof read it when you are done for

grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc. Remember it has to be at least 250 words, typed

double spaced, and Times New Romans.

Go to the Main Office (High School Students) or the Office of Records and Registration (College

Students) and ask for a copy of you most recent transcript with your accumulative GPA

You can also ask for a letter verifying your acceptance into the school (you may have to pay so

bring at least $10 with you). Make a copy of your acceptance letter.

Week of Monday April 4th

Send out a thank you card to individuals who agreed to write a recommendation letter for you

(this is also to remind them that they are writing you one).

o For example – “Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to write

me a recommendation letter for the scholarship I am applying for. Just a reminder that the

deadline is fast approaching, and I would like the recommendation by next week if

possible. Once again thank you!”

Week of Monday April 11th

Ask for the completed recommendation letter and do final edits for the essay and have someone

proof read it before you submit it for grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.

Complete you scholarship application.

Thursday April 14th

Review the Completed Check-List and make sure all documents are thoroughly completed and/or

typed and presentable. Send the application via email to [email protected] or postal

mail:

o Lao-American Organization

ATTENTION TO SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE.


Elgin IL, 60120

If you are mailing your application via postal mail make sure you email [email protected] to let

the screening committee know you application is coming. For example – “Hello Screening Committee, I

am writing to inform you that I have sent my scholarship application via postal mail on Friday, April 1,

2011. Please contact me to verify you have received my application information. You may contact me via

email at _________________ or my phone number is ___________________. Thank you for your

consideration. Sincerely, (your name).”

* It is best NOT to wait until the deadline date of Friday April 15th

*

The date your application is received will be noted on your file by the screening committee. Early

submission is strongly recommended and highly looked upon.



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Documents Checklist Academic Year 2010 - 2011

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Completed Documentation Check List

Completed Scholarship Application (2 sheets)

Make sure you and your parent sign “Authorization” at the bottom of the second page of

the scholarship application

A copy of 2009-2010 transcript (Showing cumulative GPA) or a copy of your most

recent semester transcript (Showing cumulative GPA)

Typed Essay (Minimum 250 words) Must answer the question “Describe your long-term

vision and how would it impact and influence the Laotian Community?” Remember it has

to be at least 250 words, typed double spaced, and Times New Romans

Letter of Recommendation (2 letters)

Proof of Admission to College/University (Copy of acceptance letter)

Send completed application package via email to [email protected] or postal

mail to:


Attention: Scholarship Committee

164 Division St., Ste. 503

Elgin, IL 60120

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Questions regarding the application, screening, and/or selection process, you may contact Ms.

May Saengpraseuth Hopkins at 847-809-6391 or email at [email protected].

If you have questions about the sponsorships, you may contact Mr. Norasing Kethdy at 224-402-

0444 or email at [email protected].

****We look forward on receiving your application. Thank you for your efforts.****




lao-american of elgin scholarshp packet

Documents

collegeuniversity student

lao youth leaders program

county student

great leaders

special scholarship

scholarship amounts

laotian community

application o student