Apply for a Scholarship

Overview
The Vanderbrugh Community Foundation administers various scholarship funds established by individuals, families, and organizations to assist local students in their pursuit of advanced education. Together, these scholarships make up our Community Scholarship Program. Eligibility, criteria, and supplemental requirements are different for each scholarship as described below. Generally speaking, this page can be considered current from mid-November through the application deadline below. 

Application Deadline
3 p.m. on February 13, 2012

Application Form
A link to the online application form is provided below. Completion of this form is required to apply for each of the scholarships below unless otherwise noted. Be sure to follow all instructions provided here and in the application form. If the Scholarship Application Form link below is not active, the contents of this page are not current.

Scholarship Application Form
Note: This form cannot be saved for retrieval at a later time, so you should not begin entering data until you can devote sufficient time to completing the entire form in one sitting. You might find it helpful to print a blank copy of the form to complete by hand as time permits, and then use your handwritten "rough draft" to make completing the form online faster and easier.

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Before getting started on completing your application form, create a text file (Word, WordPerfect, etc.) to contain your work history, extracurricular history, and personal statements — then copy/paste to the appropriate fields in the application. This will allow you to have access to the information for other scholarship applications as well as give you the benefit of proofing tools available with most word-processing software. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cassin-David Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Stephen and Mary David.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of any accredited Vanderburgh County high school with a MAXIMUM 3.4 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale) planning to attend any accredited college, university, or technical/vocational school.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on demonstrated moral character and integrity, willingness to work to overcome obstacles, and a desire to give back to the community.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing challenges or obstacles faced in order to pursue past and/or future goals and describing successes at overcoming these challenges or obstacles (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

2.  Two letters of recommendation in support of applicant's moral character/integrity and community service activities. 

3.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $1,000.

Central High School Class of 1943 Evelyn Church Hatfield Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by the Central High School Class of 1943 in honor of Evelyn Church Hatfield, a former business teacher and a class sponsor.

Eligibility Criteria: Outstanding business education seniors at Central High School.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on academic ability and involvement in business classes at Central High School.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing involvement in high school business classes and how these courses will help prepare applicant for the future (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

2.  Letter of recommendation from a teacher or other school official in support of applicant's educational abilities and involvement in business classes.

3.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $1090.

NEW! Lois and Betsy Hamburg University of Evansville Scholarship
Annual scholarship created through the estate of Lois Hamburg to help worthy and needy students pursuing advanced education at the University of Evansville (UE).

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating high school seniors of any accredited Vanderburgh County high school and students at UE pursuing advanced education at UE.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on all sections of the application form, financial need, and required essay.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages) addressing the following: It is the wish of the founders of this scholarship that it be awarded to a "worthy" applicant. In what ways are you a "worthy" applicant, and why do you believe you should be awarded this scholarship?

2.  US Department of Education's FAFSA4caster Early Expected Family Contribution Estimator (online at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/). Follow the instructions for data entry as indicated on the FAFSA4caster website, print the FAFSA4caster Entry page (after entering your data but before clicking the Submit button) and the College Cost Worksheet page showing your calculated EFC (Expected Family Contribution) figure. Please use the "print preview" function prior to printing to ensure that all information contained in the documents is legible (write your name on every page). Current UE students should include a copy of their most recent Student Aid Report. 

3.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor (high school applicants) or from the Office of the Registrar (current UE students).

Award Amount: $3500.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on all sections of the application form, financial need, and required essay.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages) addressing the following: It is the wish of the founders of this scholarship that it be awarded to a "worthy" applicant. In what ways are you a "worthy" applicant, and why do you believe you should be awarded this scholarship?

2.  US Department of Education's FAFSA4caster Early Expected Family Contribution Estimator (online at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/). Follow the instructions for data entry as indicated on the FAFSA4caster website, print the FAFSA4caster Entry page (after entering your data but before clicking the Submit button) and the College Cost Worksheet page showing your calculated EFC (Expected Family Contribution) figure. Please use the "print preview" function prior to printing to ensure that all information contained in the documents is legible (write your name on every page). Current USI students should include a copy of their most recent Student Aid Report.

3.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor (high school applicants) or from the Office of the Registrar (current USI students). 

Award Amount: $3500.

Harrison High School Class of 1965 Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by the Harrison High School Class of 1965.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of Harrison High School with a minimum 2.5 grade point average (4.0 scale) planning to attend a two- or four-year college, university, or technical/vocational school.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on self-motivation and a strong desire to learn, moral character, school and community activities, and financial need.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing aspirations and educational goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

2.  US Department of Education's FAFSA4caster Early Expected Family Contribution Estimator (online at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/). Follow the instructions for data entry as indicated on the FAFSA4caster website, print the FAFSA4caster Entry page (after entering your data but before clicking the Submit button) and the College Cost Worksheet page showing your calculated EFC (Expected Family Contribution) figure. Please use the "print preview" function prior to printing to ensure that all information contained in the documents is legible (write your name on every page). 

3.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $840.

Robert T. "Bubba" Jochum Memorial Scholarship
Open only for renewal applicants in 2011-12 school year
Annual, renewable scholarship created by Leroy and the late Marilyn Jochum in honor of their son Robert Thomas "Bubba" Jochum.  Bub was born March 20, 1967, at Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota.  He graduated from F.J. Reitz High School in 1985.  Bub was an athlete and a great friend.  He played football at Reitz and played baseball at German Township.  He married Mindy Lutz-Jochum in 2002.  Bub worked for several years at the Boys and Girls Club of Evansville and at Ferro Plastics.  He was a terrific uncle, brother and son.  Bubs died in December 2003 due to complications from surgery. This scholarship recognizes Bubs' interest in the welfare of children and the diverse ways students can use college studies to improve the lives of children.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of F.J. Reitz High School planning to pursue advanced education at any four-year college or university pursing a degree in social work, psychology, education, juvenile justice, art and music, athletics management or administration, parks and recreation, ministry, sports medicine and therapies, or any major that would lead to serving children. 

Selection Criteria:  Selection is based on applicant's financial need, participation in youth serving volunteer activities or extracurricular activities/employment related to youth programming/education, the required essay (with special consideration given to applicants planning to pursue a course of study leading to a career that aims to reduce or eliminate poverty among youth), citizenship, and academic performance.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing your chosen course of study and why you decided to pursue a career affecting youth (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

2.  US Department of Education's FAFSA4caster Early Expected Family Contribution Estimator (online at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/). Follow the instructions for data entry as indicated on the FAFSA4caster website, print the FAFSA4caster Entry page (after entering your data but before clicking the Submit button) and the College Cost Worksheet page showing your calculated EFC (Expected Family Contribution) figure. Please use the "print preview" function prior to printing to ensure that all information contained in the documents is legible (write your name on every page).  

3.  Applicants may submit a maximum of two letters of recommendation or an explanation of special circumstances. Letters of recommendation are optional and may or may not be considered in the selection process.

4.  Official Grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $1270.

Renewal Criteria and Details:  May be renewable for consecutive sophomore, junior and senior years. Renewal applications may be considered provided recipient maintains full-time status and a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average with passing grades for all courses taken, continues to demonstrate financial need, and continues to pursue a youth related course of study. Renewal notice will be mailed to current recipient.

David A. Koehler Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Peggy J. Koehler and her family in memory of her husband.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of Central High School who have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) and have obtained the Gold and Brown rating for at least six semesters.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on applicants' participation and involvement in school activities and demonstration of exceptional support and loyalty to Central High School.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Two letters of recommendation from teachers or other school officials describing applicant's loyalty to Central High School and school spirit.

2.  Official documentation on school letterhead confirming applicant's achievement of the Gold and Brown rating for at least six semesters.

3.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $1,090.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on the applicant's school activities and work history, motivation to attain personal goals, and difficulty of the applicant's high school curriculum.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing the applicant's aspirations and educational goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages). 

2.  Official grade transcript obtained from high school guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $4,000

Russ Mason Memorial Golf Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Constance J. Mason in memory of her husband.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors who are residents of Vanderburgh County or are graduating from an Evansville high school and who are planning to play college golf.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on scholastic achievement, character, sportsmanship, leadership, golf ability, and the required essay.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Documentation of activities and achievements relating to the sport of golf (no more than two pages).

2.  Essay of approximately 500 words on a single sheet of paper describing aspirations and educational goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

3.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $950.

Rease Henry McDaniel Memorial Scholarship
Annual scholarship created in memory of Rease Henry McDaniel, a 1985 graduate of Harrison High School, who passed away in 1986 after a courageous battle against cancer during his four years of high school. Determined to conquer the disease, he not only maintained a high scholastic average but also was involved in many activities including marching band, Boy Scouts, and newspaper delivery. He traveled extensively during high school, making trips to Yugoslavia, Italy, the 1985 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and Washington, DC, with the Close-Up Foundation. At graduation, Rease earned several scholarships and entered the University of Evansville as a pre-med student. Three weeks later he was forced to withdraw because of medical problems. Before his death, Rease expressed his desire to help others with the money he had earned for college as a newspaper carrier and from various scholarships awarded to him. Rease's contribution, together with those of friends and relatives, made this ongoing scholarship possible.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of Harrison High School who have or have had cancer, a physical handicap, or a serious medical problem. Applicants must have maintained a scholastic letter grade average of C or above and demonstrate good citizenship, participation in school and community activities, personal achievement, and good personal qualities.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on all sections of the application form and on the supplemental documents.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing aspirations and educational goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

2.  Statement from physician or medical professional documenting applicant's health status.

3.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $1,000.

Melba Jean Racener Scholarship
Open only for renewal applicants in 2011-12 school year
Annual renewable scholarship created through the estate plan of Melba Jean Racener.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of any accredited high school whose home residence is in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, or Warrick counties in Indiana. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale) and be planning to pursue post-secondary education in advertising, marketing, communications or a related field. 

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on academic performance and financial need, with preference given to applicants who demonstrate active participation in extracurricular activities, especially as they relate to the applicants' major. 

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing aspirations and educational goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

2.  US Department of Education's FAFSA4caster Early Expected Family Contribution Estimator (online at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/). Follow the instructions for data entry as indicated on the FAFSA4caster website, print the FAFSA4caster Entry page (after entering your data but before clicking the Submit button) and the College Cost Worksheet page showing your calculated EFC (Expected Family Contribution) figure. Please use the "print preview" function prior to printing to ensure that all information contained in the documents is legible (write your name on every page).

3.  Official Grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $1670.

Renewal Criteria and Details:  May be renewable for consecutive sophomore, junior and senior years. Renewal applications may be considered provided recipient maintains full-time status and a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average with passing grades for all courses taken, continues to demonstrate financial need, and continues to pursue education in advertising, marketing, communications or a related field. Renewal notice will be mailed to current recipient.

Dorothy Rapp Music Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by the First Baptist Church of Evansville in honor of Robert and Dorothy Rapp to assist young people with their pursuit of education or development of music skills consistent with Christian principles.

Eligibility Criteria: Active members of any Baptist church in Evansville, Indiana.  Applicants must plan to pursue education or development of music skills consistent with Christian principles and lifestyle for the furtherance of church music. Past recipients may reapply; however, renewal awards are not guaranteed.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on all sections of the application form and on the supplemental documents.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing how the scholarship will be used to further the applicant's development of music skills and participation in music for the church (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

2.  One letter of recommendation from the applicant's music teacher/instructor and one from the pastor of the applicant's church.

3.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount: $800.

Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of Harrison High School who demonstrate the greatest potential for leadership in public affairs and contributions to the community.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on all sections of the application form and on the supplemental document(s).

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing aspirations and educational goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

2.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor. 

Award Amount: $1,000. 

Thomas F. Walls Youth Hockey Scholarship
Annual scholarship created in loving memory of Thomas F. Walls by his parents, Lee Ann Shafer and Dennis Walls, as well as other family and friends, to support the efforts of the Evansville Youth Hockey Association (EYHA) to develop a competitive and respected hockey program for young men and women and to encourage the highest levels of academic excellence, sportsmanship, and leadership.

Eligibility Criteria:  Graduating high school seniors who participate in the Evansville Youth Hockey Association, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale), and provided that the high school ranks its students, be in the top 20% of their graduating class.  Applicants must be planning to pursue post-secondary education at any accredited college, university or technical/vocational school. 

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on academic achievement, level of participation in the EYHA and/or other high school sports, and evidence of excellent character and leadership skills.  If there are no qualified EYHA applicants, the scholarship may be made available to other graduating high school seniors who are involved in any sport.

Supplemental Requirements: 
1.  Two letters of recommendation — one from a teacher and one from the applicant's coach — addressing the applicant's sportsmanship, character, and leadership skills.

2.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor.

Award Amount:  $1,000.

Consideration for the following scholarships requires completion of a separate application form as indicated.

Mark Kniese Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by August Neal in memory of Mark Kniese, who had been a counselor with her at Camp Carson in Princeton.

Criteria: Applicants must be Camp counselors at YMCA Camp Carson located in Princeton, IN, planning post-secondary education at an accredited college or university. In addition to demonstrating dedication to and rapport with campers, applicants must exhibit the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Contact for Application and Deadline: YMCA Camp Carson at the beginning of the 2012 summer camp season.

Minimum Award Amount: $4,060. Multiple scholarships may be awarded from the total amount listed.

Jeremy A. Weil Memorial Art Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Mark and Deborah Weil in memory of their son. Jeremy was born in Evansville, Indiana on July 26, 1980. Even at an early age, Jeremy excelled in art. His early drawings were cartoons — his first was a mouse. His talent was obvious, even in second grade, and his parents encouraged his abilities. It is said that artistic talent is not in the hand but in the eye, and Jeremy had a keen eye. Jeremy progressed to pastel charcoals through B.J. Goetz and private art lessons, but he did not stop there. He also took lessons in photography and pottery, and his work was exhibited at several art and science expos, where he won first-place awards. While attending the University of Southern Indiana, he continued to study all artistic media, such as wood, pottery, photography, and graphic design. Several of his pieces were sold at USI's annual art show. Jeremy made jewelry and origami, and he could carve intricate designs on pumpkins. He also did graphic design work for a small business by creating its letterhead. While visiting Florida with friends, Jeremy died in an accidental drowning. He is now in the hearts and memories of those who love him. Before he entered the water someone asked Jeremy why he was in Florida and his response was, "to experience life." Jeremy's favorite motto was carpe diem, or "seize the day." Jeremy was kind, intelligent, and, his friends believe, genuine. It is for these reasons that his parents created this perpetual scholarship for artistic students.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of any Vanderburgh County high school who have completed a minimum of three full years of high school art classes and plan to enroll in art training at a college/university, vocational school, summer school/camp, or private lessons to be used for tuition, fees, or books.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on the applicant's grade point average from his or her high school art classes, the number of art classes taken, and participation in juried or competitive shows resulting in recognition/awards. No school or community activities or work history unrelated to art will be considered. No school nomination or endorsement of an applicant is allowed.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Essay describing applicant's artistic talent and how it will be used in the future (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

2.  Official grade transcript obtained from your guidance counselor. 

Application Form: Click here for the Jeremy A. Weil Memorial Art Scholarship Application.

Award Amount: $650.