How do I apply?
Applicants must submit all of the following:

• a completed application form
• a typed (double-spaced) 2-4 page essay on how community service experiences have shaped your life and how you will use your college education to build communities in a manner consistent with Pat Charnon's values of compassion, tolerance, generosity and respect;
• an official transcript from the school you've most recently attended;
• 3 original letters of recommendation from adults who have known you at least one year, addressed to the Charnon Scholarship Selection Committee.

The due date for applications
Applications must be postmarked on or after January 15 and on or before March 31.

How do I get an application form?
There are two ways to obtain an application form.

1. You may download and print the application form from our website (www.cesresources.org/apply.html)
2. You may send a stamped, self-addressed, number 10 envelope to:

How many scholarships are awarded?
One scholarship is granted each academic year.

What is the dollar amount of the award?
The scholarship award is $1,500 U.S. dollars.

How many years does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship is for one year. Recipients may re-apply in subsequent years to be considered again for the award.

What are the eligibility requirements for the award? Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in a full-time bachelors degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States; you must be in good standing; and you must be making progress toward a degree.

Are graduate students eligible for the award?
No. Students must be enrolled full-time in bachelors degree programs.

Are international students eligible for the award?
Yes, provided they meet the other criteria.

Are students attending accredited schools outside the United States (e.g., American Universities in other countries) eligible for the award?
No. Students must attend accredited colleges and universities in the United States.

Are students studying abroad eligible for the award?
Yes, provided you are receiving credit for your studies as part of a bachelors degree program in the United States.

Are non-traditional students eligible for the award?
Yes, provided you meet the other criteria.

Are part-time students eligible for the award?
No. Applicants must be attending school full-time.

Are community college, vocational school or specialty program students eligible?
No. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate program at an accredited college or university.

May applicants submit copies of official transcripts or printouts from registrar's websites or unofficial transcripts?
No. All transcripts must be certified as official by the school.

May transcripts and/or letters of recommendation come separately from the application form and essay?
Yes. While we strongly prefer to receive complete application packages, we will accept transcripts and letters of recommendation mailed separately. Your application is not considered complete, however, until all parts have been received.

Will you accept letters of recommendation from professors or others who have known the applicant for less than a year if they would provide a strong recommendation?
No. References must have known applicants for at least one year.

What should the letters of recommendation say?
Letters of recommendation should support the application in the most appropriate way.

Should the letters of recommendation address academic performance?
Letters of recommendation should support the application in the most appropriate way.

How many students apply for the award?
The number of applicants varies each year, but in 2002 we received over 1,500 applications. We now limit the number of applications to 250. The first 250 complete applications we receive will be considered.

Is financial need a consideration for the award?
No. The primary consideration is community service.

May applicants apply for the award electronically?
No. All applications must be mailed to the address on the application form.

May applicants fax their applications?
No. All applications must be mailed to the address on the application form.

How will applicants be informed of the scholarship award?
The Center for Education Solutions will contact the recipient near the beginning of the academic year and post a profile of the recipient on its website.

Please contact us via email at scholarship@cesresources.org if you have additional questions.