Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Page 1

Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application

2020 - 2021

In memory of Elmer E. Smith, Ursula Smith, Virginia E. Smith and Cyril Smith

Cyril Smith Trustees

Smith Family Scholarship Office

632 West 13th Street, Room C-1 ▪ Merced, California ▪ 95341 ▪ (209) 381-6604

For additional information, questions or change of address, please contact:

Yolanda Campos or Elvira LopezPhone: (209) 381-6604

Email: CyrilSmith@mcoe.org

Applications available online at http://www.mcoe.org/smith

DUE DATE:

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020, AT 4:30 PM.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS OR MISSING REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

NO EXCEPTIONS!

Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Page 2

Virginia and Cyril, sister and brother, grew up in Merced between 1900 and 1924. Their family home still stands on Courthouse Square. Virginia went to Dominican High School and college in San Rafael and spent her adult life in San Francisco. Cyril graduated from high school in Merced and then studied in Europe and at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Ph.D. in History. Each honored Merced with the wonderful gift of a scholarship trust, both of which are in memory of the entire Smith Family.

Cyril Smith Scholarship Eligibility:

I. Did you attend a public high school in the City of Merced for at least three full years?

II. During those three years in high school, did you reside in Merced County?

III. Is your cumulative GPA 3.80 or higher for the last two years in secondary (high) school? If already in college, isyour cumulative GPA 3.25 or higher?

IV. Will you be a full-time student next school year? (12 units undergraduate or 8 units graduate, or equivalent)

V. Will you be attending a college, excluding community or junior colleges, in the State of California, accredited byW.A.S.C.?

If you answered “No” to any of the above, you do not qualify for this scholarship program.

Criteria for Selection:

Applicant must demonstrate that he or she is worthy, deserving, and in need of financial assistance.

Worthy: A student who demonstrates academic potential and has adequate or great merit, character or value.

Deserving: A student who has earned recognition through good citizenship and is qualified or considered as a result of one’s actions.

Needy: A student who lacks a financial advantage, being in want.

Scholarships are awarded in recognition of outstanding prior achievement, promise of future academic excellence and successful completion of studies. The circumstances of each case shall be considered individually and the decisions of the Trustees shall be final.

Scholarships to be Awarded:

To implement the requirements of this Trust, screening and selection shall be done by the Selection Committee and ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL. The number of scholarships to be awarded each year, the recipients and the amounts of the individual financial awards are based upon the earnings of the trust and are decisions of the Cyril Smith Trustees. The amount of each financial award made to each recipient will be based upon the applicant’s demonstration that he/she is worthy, deserving and needy. Priority will be given to those students who have proven their personal dedication to obtaining an education, those who have been self-supporting, especially those who have worked and/or volunteered while attending school and who have supported families.

The Scholarship Committee, or their delegates, shall perform such functions as may be deemed necessary to verify the information submitted by each applicant.

Applicants should be notified by June whether they have been awarded a scholarship.

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Scholarship Payments:

Scholarships are usually paid in two installments (August, January) when the school is on the semester system and in three installments (August, January, March) when the school is on the quarter system. All monies are sent to the Financial Aid Office of the recipient’s school.

The first scholarship installment shall be disbursed after the Trust receives the following documentation:

Proof of 3.80+ GPA for the last two years in secondary school OR 3.25+ GPA if already in college AND Proof of full-time enrollment for the award term at a public or private institution of higher learning, in the State

of California, which offers a baccalaureate degree and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools andColleges, excluding community or junior colleges.

The second/third installment(s) shall be disbursed upon receipt of proof of registration plus proof of completion of full-time studies the preceding term.

Any recipient not completing a semester/quarter must repay the funds allotted for that semester/quarter with the amount to be repaid to the scholarship fund on a pro-rata basis, depending upon the number of days actually spent in class during the incomplete semester/quarter.

Application Requirements:

Read all instructions carefully and save for future reference! DO NOT leave blanks. You MUST INDICATE you have read every question on the application by filling in the space with “n/a” if the question does not apply to you.

I. Applicant must have attended a public high school within the City of Merced for a minimum of three years andmust have been a resident of Merced County during the period of attendance. The period between date ofapplication and the end of the current school year may be counted as part of the same three-year minimum.

II. Applicant must have applied for admission to a public or private institution of higher learning, in the State ofCalifornia, which offers a baccalaureate degree and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools andColleges, excluding community or junior colleges.

III. Applicant must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of not less than 3.8 for the last two years insecondary school. If already in college, applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25. Thereafter, the criteriawill take into consideration GPA, type of courses taken and achievement results. If an uncharacteristic downturnin GPA occurred, explain cause, (i.e. death in family, prolonged illness, etc.), on a separate sheet and attach toyour application.

IV. New & renewal applicants must submit a signed letter of introduction which includes applicant’s personalhistory, why applicant is deserving of a scholarship and provide examples that speak to applicant’s character.

V. New & renewal applicants must submit official transcripts of grades not previously submitted, includingtranscripts of the first semester/quarter of the current school year. New applicants must also submit an officialhigh school transcript. Where latest transcripts are not yet available from the college, a copy of the student’sgrades will suffice until official transcripts are received from the college.

VI. Applicants must submit a copy of their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application. A copy can usually beobtained once the FAFSA or California Dream Act application is filled out completely and submitted.

VII. New applicants must submit a minimum of two (2) current letters of recommendation (written within threemonths of application deadline) from people who are not relatives of the applicant. The letters ofrecommendation must include the applicant’s character or core values and must be signed and dated by theauthor. Renewal applicants who received a scholarship from Cyril Smith Trust in the preceding year are exemptand are not required to provide letters of recommendation.

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VIII. Applicants must complete all divisions of the form in as much detail as possible. If you do not have the capability of completing the application using your computer, please print the application and use a typewriter or print in black ink. Complete all blanks on the application. If the item is not applicable, please enter “n/a”.

IX. Application Deadline: Monday March 16, 2020, 4:30 pm. All applications and accompanying data must be received on or before March 16, 2020, at 4:30 pm. Please understand that correct and complete information on this application is your responsibility. Your application will not be accepted/considered unless all instructions are followed and all accompanying data is received by the deadline. An original signature of the applicant and spouse (if applicable) or at least one parent, on the last page of the application is required.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

Do I need to send a high school transcript every year? The high school transcript is only required the first year that you are awarded the scholarship.

What happens to information I send in? The information is only used for evaluating your application for a scholarship for the year applied. All documents are shredded. We do not have any old records you may have sent in with a previous application, that is why we ask for these items each time you apply.

What is a "supporting party"? “Supporting party” refers to the person or persons who assist you in affording to go to school. This is typically your parent(s)/guardian(s) or your spouse, if married.

I am applying for several schools but am not sure which one I will attend. List the schools to which you have applied. If selected for a scholarship, you will need to let us know which school you select, as awards are mailed to the school, not the student. Don't forget to keep us informed of your mailing address at school.

What is considered "full-time"? Twelve (12) units undergraduate and eight (8) units in a graduate program, per semester (two quarters) or full-time enrollment in a professional school - (medical, dental, law, etc.). Summer school does not count toward a school year for this scholarship program.

When are payments sent? Students on a semester system receive two payments per year; those on the quarter system receive three. These are mailed only after all necessary documentation is received that a student qualifies at the time of the payment. If documentation is received during the summer, the first payment is typically sent in August, the second typically in January, the third in March. These dates may change.

Do I have to apply each/every year?

Yes, you must apply every year. This scholarship does not automatically renew.

Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship Application Page 1

Cyril Smith Trust

Scholarship Application

2020 – 2021

In Memory of Elmer E. Smith, Ursula Smith, Cyril E. Smith, and Cyril Smith

APPLICANT – PERSONAL INFORMATION

I am applying as a: new applicant renewal applicant – last year received: _______________

I will be a(n): undergraduate post graduate other _____________________

First Name: _______________________________ Last Name: _______________________________ Middle Initial: ________

Maiden Name: _____________________________ Other Name(s) Used Previously: ___________________________________

Permanent Address: _________________________________ Address While at School: _____________________________

_________________________________ ____________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________

College Student ID: _________________________________

Marital Status: single married divorced

Number of Dependents: __________ Gender: male female Current Age: _______________

APPLICANT – STUDENT STATEMENT

Other than your GPA, class rank and employment history, please describe with specificity, what you believe sets you apart from the other applicants

and makes you deserving of this scholarship. Attach extra sheets if desired.

APPLICANT – HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES

Attach a School Activity Sheet. Do not repeat if this is a renewal application. New applicants must provide an official high school transcript.

High School Name and Address: Period of Attendance Dates Attended GPA School Activities

1. 9th 10th

11th 12th

2. 9th 10th

11th 12th

Smith Family

Scholarships Office

632 West 13th Street Room C-1

Merced, CA 95341

Phone: (209) 381-6604

Fax: (209) 381-6767

widowed Date of Birth: _____________________________

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APPLICANT – COLLEGE(S) EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES

Please list most recent first. Attach a separate sheet if necessary.

College Name and Address: Units Completed Dates Attended Cumulative

GPA School/Service Club Activities

1.

2.

3.

Date of Graduation or Expected Date of Graduation from Undergraduate Studies – Bachelors and Major: __________

Date of Graduation or Expected Date of Graduation from Graduate Studies – Masters and Major: __________

Expected Graduation Date from Doctorate/Other Program(s): __________ List Major/Program: ________________________

APPLICANT – APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

List in order of preference.

Institution or School System Date Application Acceptance Received

Name & Address (City & State) Semester Quarter Submitted Yes No

1.

2.

3.

APPLICANT – EDUCATIONAL PLANS AND GOALS

List your major or the degree(s) you wish to obtain. Attach additional sheets if necessary.

APPLICANT – PROFESSIONAL PLANS AND GOALS

List your professional career goals and ambitions for the future. Attach additional sheets if necessary.

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APPLICANT – COMMUNITY SERVICE, SERVICE CLUBS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

List community service activities and approximate dates and hours per week.

APPLICANT – EMPLOYMENT/INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

List the last three years of work/internship experience. Please include work with family business and volunteer.

Employer Name and Address (City & State)

Past:

From

Mo./Yr.

To

Mo./Yr.

Approx.

Hrs Per Week Pay Per Hour

Approximate Total

Earnings Per Month

1.

2.

3.

Current: (include summer)

1.

2.

Future: (while in school) Anticipated Earnings

1.

2.

APPLICANT – ADULT DEPENDENTS

List names and ages of adults you are financially responsible for.

Name Age Name Age

APPLICANT – REFERENCES

List persons other than family who can support information in your application. References DO NOT have to be restricted to school officials.

Name, Title, Business/Organization Address Telephone Number

1. ( ) -

2. ( ) -

3. ( ) -

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SUPPORTING PARTY – PERSONAL INFORMATION

To be completed by dependent and independent students.

Applicant’s supporting party: parent(s)/guardian(s) – if supporting party is parent(s)/guardian(s), then applicant is dependent.

spouse/self – if supporting party is spouse/self, the applicant is independent.

Applicant must include yours'/parents’/guardians’ Expected Family Contribution (as determined by FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.

Father’s/Guardian’s First Name: Occupation: Telephone Number

Father’s/Guardian’s Last Name: ( ) -

Mother’s/Guardian’s First Name: Occupation: Telephone Number:

Mother’s/Guardian’s Last Name: ( ) -

Spouse’s First Name: Occupation: Telephone Number:

Spouse’s Last Name: ( ) -

SUPPORTING PARTY INFORMATION – EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

List the last three years’ employment information for supporting party, most recent first. Attach a separate sheet if necessary.

Employer

Name & Address From To Telephone Number

1. ( ) -

2. ( ) -

3. ( ) -

4. ( ) -

SUPPORTING PARTY INFORMATION – DEPENDENTS

List information about supporting party’s dependents including children/applicant’s siblings. Do not include applicant.

Name Age Currently Pursuing

Post-secondary Education? Name & Location of Institution (City and State)

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

List all financial information for parents/guardian(s) and applicant if applicant is dependent.

List all financial information for spouse/applicant if applicant is independent.

Assets Liabilities

Real Estate Real Estate Mortgage

Securities Loans

Cash (checking/savings) Other Obligations

Other Misc.

Total Total

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APPLICANT – ESTIMATED FINANCIAL NEED

Please list anticipated expenses at school of first choice. Attach a separate sheet if necessary.

Where Will you be Living? Expenses Amount

At Home On Campus

Off Campus Relatives

Total Cost: List anticipated amount you will need for the year. Include the cost of tuition and expenses such as books, transportation and

housing. How will you pay for school? (Attach a separate sheet if necessary.) List grants, scholarships and all other financial assistance including employment, gifts and parental/guardian assistance.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Net Amount Needed for School. Calculate the new amount you will need by subtracting your funding from the

total cost.

EXPECTED CHANGES

Please list any expected changes in the 2020-21 school year and briefly explain expect change(s). List approximate month and year if applicable. Attach separate sheet if necessary.

UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Please list any unusual circumstances not previously mentioned in the application and briefly explain. Attach separate sheet if necessary.

By signing below, I certify that the information provided in this application is a statement of fact.

Applicant’s Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Spouse’s Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Supporting Party’s Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Supporting Party’s Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Cyril Smith Trust Scholarship

Application Checklist

2020 - 2021

DEADLINE: MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020, 4:30 p.m.

*Completed application AND all supporting documents must be received in the Trust Office by the deadline.*

NO EXCEPTIONS.

NEW APPLICANTS - Final Checklist:

Filled in all questions that did not apply with “n/a”

Included official high school transcript

Included official transcripts from ALL colleges attended (if applicable)

Included a copy of applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (as determined by FAFSA or California

Dream Act Application)

Listed all colleges attended (if applicable)

Listed all scholarships, grants, income and/or financial assistance on page 5 of the application

Included a signed letter of introduction

Included 2 – 3 signed letters of recommendation

Provided your address, telephone number and e-mail address while attending school in space provided

Signed application and obtained signatures of all other parties

RENEWAL APPLICANTS - Final Checklist:

Included most current official transcripts

Included a copy of applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (as determined by FAFSA or California

Dream Act Application)

Listed all scholarships, grants, income and/or financial assistance on page 5 of the scholarship

application

Included a signed letter of introduction

Provided your address, telephone number and e-mail address while attending school in space provided

Signed application and obtained signatures of all other parties

For additional information, questions or

change of address, please contact:

Yolanda Campos or Elvira LopezPhone: (209) 381-6604

CyrilSmith@mcoe.org

Submit completed application and

Supporting documents to:

Cyril Smith Trust

Merced County Office of Education

632 West 13th Street Room C-1

Merced CA 95341