NEW! Chamber Scholarship Program

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce (FCCC) Scholarship Program

1. The purpose of the FCCC Scholarship Program is to encourage continuing and/or higher education for Franklin County residents through financial assistance.
2. Scholarships are open to any resident of Franklin County who has resided in the County for at least the prior 12 months. Individuals may be asked to show proof of having Franklin County as their principal residence for the prior 12 months. Examples of such proof are a driver’s license or utility bills for a year showing a local address.
3. Scholarships may be awarded to any High School graduate (regular or home schooled) who is attending (or planning to attend) any accredited, post-secondary school. This may include recent HS graduates or older citizens returning to school. A High School equivalency test (GED) is acceptable.
4. Family members of the Franklin County Chamber  of Commerce Board or Franklin County Chamber of Commerce employees are eligible for the scholarships. Employees and Board Members themselves are NOT eligible.
5. The Chamber will offer Scholarships to two (2) individuals each year. Initially, each Scholarship would be for $750.00. The Scholarships may be for any year of post-secondary schooling providing the student attends full-time (approximately 12 credit hours/semester) or has matriculated in a degree program. Individuals may apply for a second Scholarship in a subsequent year. Individuals are limited to receiving no more than one Scholarship per 12 months and no more than two Scholarships in a lifetime. Scholarships may be used for any expense related to education including tuition, books, lab fees, and on-campus housing. There are no “major” requirements. Scholarships may be used for on-line courses if toward their degree.
6. Scholarships, although awarded in the spring, will be paid directly to the individual recipient upon successful completion of the fall semester. Payment is subject to proof of having paid tuition or related expenses in excess of the Scholarship amount. In addition, the student must have averaged a C+ or better (2.5 on a 4.0 scale) overall on all courses taken for the semester.
7. Applications will be available on-line at the Chamber website and at all local High Schools and Technical Schools. Applications can also be obtained at the Chamber office. Applications may be submitted anytime between January 1 and April 15 of any year. The applications are reviewed by the FCCC Scholarship Committee for a recommendation to the FCCC Board at the May meeting. The scholarships are awarded in early June. The award would be given at school or at a photo op with the Board. If awarded before graduation, the Scholarships are contingent on the student graduating from HS.
8. Recognizing that not all students and colleges fall neatly into the fall/spring semester schedule, the FCCC Scholarship Committee may adjust the timing of these requirements and payments as long as the intent of the program is followed.
9. Applications must include:
   1. An Application Form
   2. A most recent transcript
   3. A written reference letter from any adult non-family member
   4. A release to use the applicant’s name and application information in publicity
   5. A 200-300 word essay (about 2 double spaced typewritten pages) describing: "Your personal goals and aspirations after college and how your education and talents could benefit the business environment in Franklin County."

   Logic, research, practicality, spelling, grammar, accurate word count, and neatness all count.

10. The Scholarship Award will be primarily based on the point system below (all requirements above must be submitted before an application can be considered). It is expected that the Scholarship committee will reach consensus on the point scoring. The Committee (and the Board) may also consider other circumstances in giving award however, “need” should not be a consideration.
    1. Previous grades (10%) (assign points 1-10)
    2. Extra curricular activities, civic activities or relevant work experience (bonus points for leadership/officer positions)(50%) (assign points 1-50)
    3. Essay (40%) (assign points 1-40).
    4. Extra curricular activities, civic activities or relevant work experience (bonus points for leadership/officer positions)(50%) (assign points 1-50).
11. The Scholarship program will be reviewed annually and revised as necessary.
    The Board may modify these procedures and policy at any time.
    The Board also reserves the right to meet with a candidate when it is felt it would be necessary or appropriate to complete the decision process.