The grant may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies at a Community College or Technical School located within the State of Washington. It may be used only for the usual and required costs of applicant’s planned course of study and will be paid directly to the school they will be attending.
Who May Apply
Any graduating Senior High School student and/or General Education Development student, who is a U.S. Citizen is eligible, receiving a diploma or certificate during the current program year and planning to pursue an eligible Vocational/Technical Course, above and supplemental to High School or Preparatory School, may apply.
Definitions
Profession versus Vocation: While the terms profession and vocation are often used interchangeably, the following is provided as a general guide when reviewing applications:
A profession is one that is typically earned through a four year or longer course of study at the university level. Examples are accounting, law, teaching, architecture, nursing*, pharmacy, medicine, finance, the clergy and engineering.
A vocation is generally thought of as requiring a certain amount of physical skill along with technical knowledge. Examples are pipefitting, sheet metal, machinist, electrician, electronics, HVAC/heating and cooling specialist, auto and diesel mechanic, body and fender specialist, insulator, bricklayer, carpenter, cement mason, insulator, barber, hair stylist, etc. Technical knowledge is normally attained through a trade school or community college. Some trade schools offer a program that exceeds the normal two-year degree from a community college.
*Nursing at the LPN level, licensed practical nurse, can be accepted as vocational, but the RN, Registered Nurse, should be considered a profession.
This list is not all inclusive but is provided as general guidance when determining whether a person should be applying for a Most Valuable Student scholarship or a Vocational Grant.
Instructions
- Applications and all supporting documents must be in English.
- Incomplete applications may become ineligible.
- Late applications will not be considered.
- Letters of recommendation must be scanned originals in .pdf format, and no more than one side of a single sheet of 8.5” x 11” paper, signed and dated by the author and include the author’s contact information.
- Any supporting documents shall be submitted online in .pdf format.
Items to be Included
- Application form
- Statement by the applicant of not more than 250 words, summarizing their activities, accomplishments, needs and objectives which the applicant thinks qualifies them for a grant. The applicant must state their career goal.
- Letters of recommendation from educators in authority from schools attended by the applicant should cover applicant’s ability, schoolwork habits, leadership, personality and integrity.
Judging is Based On
- MERIT – grades, accomplishments, etc.
- COMMUNITY – service to the local community
- ACTIVITIES – extracurricular activities within or outside of school
- ENDORSEMENTS – Parent/Guardian/School/Employer/Community Leader/etc.
Grant Recipient Information
- Vocational Grant expires 17 months from the date of the award.
- Payment will be made directly to the school after proof of registration.
- Grant is subject to cancellation or withdrawal if student’s conduct is contrary to common law / morality.
- The recipient must be willing to have their name used in articles and photos related to this Grant Award.
Application Tips
- Start the application process early. Visit waelks.org to find the Elks lodge nearest to where you live. Contact the lodge for help with the application process.
- Read the Instructions. We include them for your benefit; knowing exactly what you need to do will make the application process go faster and easier.
- Don’t forget to save a copy of everything you submit.
Deadlines
Applications
NO LATER THAN THE FIRST FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY. Applications from the students MUST BE submitted through the Washington State Elks Association website, waelks.org, regardless of the applicant utilizing a lodge application system.
LOCAL LODGE JUDGING
NO LATER THAN THE THIRD FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY The State Vocational Scholarship Chair will email applications to lodges near applicants address for their own vocational grant purposes. There is no requirement to send applications to lodges without their own grant program.
FINAL JUDGING
NO LATER THAN THE FIRST FRIDAY IN APRIL The Vocational Grant Committee Chair and their working members will judge each application and mark on their scoring sheet. Scoring is dependent on the number of applications. Final scores will be tallied by the State Vocational Grant Committee Chair who will designate the 4 recipients of the State Vocational Grants.
ANNOUNCEMENT
NO LATER THAN THE WSEA APRIL QUARTERLY MEETING The State Vocational Scholarship Chair will report to the WSEA membership at the quarterly meeting that the award period is complete, report on the successes and failures of the year’s program and prepare for announcing the final winners at the upcoming summer convention in June.