California-Hawaii Elks Association Vocational Grants

This scholarship program is a financial needs-based and academic-use scholarship. It is intended for undergraduate work at an accredited community college, four-year college, university, or licensed vocational school. The funds cover academic expenses only, which includes tuition, books, lab fees, and on-campus room and board.

Since 1981 the Elks have provided financial assistance to students with disabilities wishing to further their education. Utilized by dozens of qualified candidates, this program serves a dual purpose: 1) the students are aided in pursuing their goals in higher education; and 2) the students are aided in becoming part of the mainstream working community.

During the years in which this annual scholarship assistance competition has been in existence, the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities has increased from five scholarships of $1,000 to twenty to thirty scholarships of $1,000 to $2,000 each. Scholarship recipients may reapply each year. If qualified, they can receive up to a total of four years of assistance.

Individuals applying must be a United States citizen and a resident of California or Hawaii; have a physical impairment, neurological impairment, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and/or speech-language disorder; and be a senior in high school, a high school graduate, or have passed the General Educational Development (GED) Examination or the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE).

The applicant is responsible for properly executing and forwarding the completed application to the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc.

Obtain and complete a scholarship application:

Applications will be available from November 15th through March 15th from the website.

Application packets will be accepted in the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office beginning February 1st.

Application packets must be completed and postmarked on or before March 15th and received in the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office by April 1st.

SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE AWARD DETAILS:

• All awards are conditional upon confirmation of school enrollment, financial aid letter and adherence to scholarship policies and procedures.
• The number of awards offered is between 20 to 30 scholarships per year.
• The ratio of awards to number of applicants applying varies each year.
• The amount offered is normally $3,000 for four-year colleges and $1,000 for community colleges or vocational schools. Exceptions are determined by Scholarship Committee.
• After the initial award, a recipient may be eligible for a maximum of three renewals for a total of four years, or until undergraduate degree is achieved, whichever comes first.

INTENDED USE:

To cover academic expenses, which include only tuition, books, lab fees and on-campus room and board.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Severity of disability, financial need, grade point average, seriousness of purpose, and depth of character.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

• Applicant must obtain Elks sponsorship by contacting an Elks Lodge within the State of California or Hawaii and request an elected Lodge officer to sign and complete the Sponsoring Lodge information section found on the application.
• The application packet includes personal information forms, two specialist reports and financial analysis forms.
• Along with the application packet, a sealed official school transcript is required

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

INDIVIDUALS APPLYING MUST:

• Be a United States citizen.
• Be a resident of California or Hawaii
• Have a physical, neurological, visual, hearing impairment, and/or speech-language disorder.
• Be a senior in high school, a high school graduate, or have passed the General Educational Development (GED)
• Examination or the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE). Plan to obtain an undergraduate degree at an accredited community college, licensed vocational school, or four-year college.
• Demonstrate a financial need.

HOW DOES ONE APPLY?

OBTAIN THIS ACADEMIC YEAR’S SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION:

• Applications are available on the Elks website at www.chea-elks.org/youthactivities/scholarships starting Nov. 15th.
• Applications are not accepted in the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office until February 1st.
• Applications should be completed and postmarked on or before March 15th and received in the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office by April 1st.
• Applicant is solely responsible for properly executing and forwarding the completed application to the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office.