The Department of Education is pleased to announce the application process for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship program. Although the funding for this year's awards is not complete, it appears that we will be able to offer a minimum of 62 scholarships in the amount of $1,500 to students in the 1999 graduating class from public and private schools in our state.
Scholarship recipients will be selected on a competitive application basis within each of the four congressional districts in the state. To qualify for a scholarship the following criteria must be met:
1. Be a 1999 graduate of a public or private school or receive a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma;
2. Be a resident of the state of Arkansas;
3. Be admitted to an institution of higher education;
4. Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic achievement.
Screening of applications for criteria for the above will be based on the following:
1. Superior academic proficiency as demonstrated by standardized test scores on the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT;
2. High school grades with emphasis given to courses in chemistry, physics, advanced mathematics, foreign languages, and other college prep courses;
3. Leadership ability;
4. Involvement in school and community activities including acquired skills and achievement outside the realm of the usual high school academic achievement;
5. High goals and aspirations that reflect the promise of continued academic achievement.
Program guidelines now require coordination of awards with other scholarships and loans that may be received by the student. No awardee may collectively receive scholarship awards in excess of the total cost of a year's attendance. Prior to funding the scholarship award, the program administrator will coordinate with the Financial Aid Office at the recipient's college or university. Students who already have full scholarship awards may not receive a Robert C. Byrd Scholarship.
Submit completed applications (with grade transcript and teacher recommendations) postmarked no later than Friday, April 16, 1999, or delivered to our office no later than Monday, April 19, 1999, to:
Margaret Crank
Arkansas Department of Education
#4 Capitol Mall, Room 107-A
Little Rock, AR 72201-1071