California-Hawaii Elks Association Vocational Grants

The program is open to anyone residing in California or Hawaii who is a citizen of the United States of America and planning to pursue an eligible vocational/technical (voc/tech) course resulting in a certificate or two-year degree and leading to employment opportunities.

The program is open to male and female applicants who will be judged on an equal basis. While graduating high school seniors may apply, it is not limited to high school students, in fact, it is open to all prospective students who require training or retraining to compete in the workplace.

The Vocational Grant is for one academic year, with an option to renew for one additional academic year. This grant may be used only for usual and required costs of student’s course of study; that is, for tuition and fees, room and board (if living on campus) and books & supplies. Payment will be made to the school. Awards will be between $500 and 2,000 for an academic year depending on length of course.

The definition of an eligible program shall be comparable to that contained in the federal vocational legislation. That is defined as a two-year or less vocational/technical program culminating in a terminal Associate degree, diploma or certificate, but less than a baccalaureate program (Bachelor’s degree). Students planning to transfer to a four year school to pursue a Bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply.

Grants range from $500 to $2,000 for the first and second year(s).

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Application Signed and Dated by BPO Elks Lodge Scholarship Chairman, or the Exalted Ruler, or the Secretary
• Statement from Applicant – A signed and dated letter from the applicant of not more than 350 words, summarizing the activities and accomplishments which the applicant thinks qualify him or her for a grant.
• Include needs and objectives and outline career goals and course plans.
• Transcript of grades or work record for the past 2 years. (Armed Forces, Vocational Aptitude test scores, may also be included). If you have been out of school or work for more than 2 years write a statement explaining the circumstances and attach it to this application.
• A letter from the school you have selected to attend, attesting that the vocational course of study is available and that you are qualified to enter on the dates you have selected.
• Pamphlet or letter from school showing details of the course of study you want to take.

Vocational Grant Program

WHO MAY APPLY: Any prospective student, residing within the jurisdiction of the California-Hawaii Elks Association (CHEA), who plans to pursue an eligible vocational/technical course may apply. Persons enrolling in a 4-year course leading to a Bachelor's degree are not eligible. All applicants must be citizens of the United States of America on the date the application is filed.

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE ELIGIBLE? 

An eligible program shall be defined as a two-year or less vocational/technical program, culminating in an associate degree, diploma, certificate, or other evidence of completion. This grant may not be used for courses at or below the high school level. If work-related certification or recertification the job must require a high school diploma or equivalent and the school must be in the United States and have received accreditation within the industry, or by either the federal Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.