Background: Established in 2020, the Georgetown Promise Scholarship (GPS) is designed to financially assist Georgetown students to enhance the access and educational opportunities for students who identify as Black/African-American or Latino(a). Additionally, the major goal of this scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to students, who plan to attend an accredited institution of higher learning, in the areas of tuition, fees, books or vocational and technical training.

I Basic Information:

1. The GPS may provide up to two (2) awards per year:
   • Tuition, Fees & Books – This award will be offered to a student pursuing a college or university degree, annually in an amount up to $2,500.00 per year. As GPS’s funds are available, this award may be renewed for up to one year for a student who shows academic advancement and financial need.
   • Vocational/Technical – This award will be offered to a student pursuing a vocational degree or technical certification to acquire skills and/or training to enhance employment opportunities in the workplace. This award will be offered annually in an amount up to $2,500.00 per year. As GPS’s funds are available, this award may be renewed for up to one year for a student who demonstrates academic advancement and financial need.
2. This award is for the academic year beginning in Fall semester and ending in Spring semester or the equivalent of one (1) year of vocational/technical education. Scholarship award will be paid directly to the institution of higher learning.
3. RENEWAL REQUESTS: If a student wishes to renew his/her scholarship, he/she must send a letter by April 15, 2025 indicating his/her desire to renew for an additional year. Include information about continued attendance at the student’s institution of higher learning and program of study. Send this letter for renewal of financial support by April 15, 2025 to the address listed under section VIII below.Submit the following documentation by June 30, 2025 (see section VIII):
   • A copy of class schedule for Fall 2025 (showing number of hours enrolled).
   • An unofficial transcript of all grades from Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, showing a minimum GPA of 2.5 and the completion of 12 hours per semester.
   • Consideration may be given for part-time registered students.

II General Eligibility:

APPLICANT must:

1. Be a student of color (Black/African-American or Latino(a).
2. Be a resident of Georgetown, Texas.
3. Be registered as a full-time, first-year student at an accredited institution of higher education. Consideration may be given for part-time registered enrollees.
4. Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
5. Apply within 10 months after high school graduation.

III Application Procedure

1. All applicants must complete the Georgetown Promise Scholarship Application Form. In addition, each application must include no more than two (2) pages in length an essay statement outlining:
   • How the scholarship will help the applicant to achieve desired goals in the academic field or vocational/training program,
   • Ways that the applicant will contribute to the greater community,
   • Other contributing factors:
     • Impact of obstacles, if any, that have prevented accomplishment of academic and career goals,
     • Impact of family life (ex: number of children in the family; highest level of education reached by a family member)
     • If employed, say how many hours per week the applicant is working and if applicable, elaborate on the need to continue to work while attending a higher education institution.
2. Submit an unofficial transcript of all grades.
3. Submit a current resume.
4. Submit two (2) letters of recommendation from either of the following:
   • A high school faculty or administrative staff member who has known you longer than one (1) semester and who can address your academic performance and campus involvement.
   • A non-relative who has known you for longer than one (l) year and who can evaluate your professional or scholastic ability.

IV Selection Criteria

• • The essay statement, academic record, and reference letters will be the primary selection criteria.
  • Priority will be given to applicants based on financial need and obstacles that have been barriers to achieving academic and professional achievement.
  • Considerations include, but are not limited to:
    • Socioeconomic background
    • Cultural heritage
    • Race and ethnicity
    • Extracurricular activities
    • Community service
    • Work experience

• • Qualifying candidates will be contacted to take part in an interview, either in person or by Zoom.

V Selection Procedure

Applications will be reviewed and selected by the scholarship’s Guidance Committee. Applicants will be notified by May 15, 2025.

VI Conditions of Scholarship

Recipients must be full-time students (12 credit hours per semester) or registered as part-time students and remain in good academic standing. (Example: Minimum GPA average of 2.5). Failure to meet either condition of the scholarship may result in discontinuance of the award.

VII Public Announcement

Scholarship awardees will be requested to email a photograph (Example: student senior photograph) to Georgetown Area Community Foundation to be used for public announcement and recognition only.