2009 Diversity Committee College Scholarships
Application deadline extended to May 22, 2009 at noon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose:
USTA Northern California is committed to promoting and developing tennis growth and participation in all communities and to creating an organization that is more inclusive. To support the Level One strategic priority of Diversity with a Multicultural focus, we offer scholarships to support and encourage multicultural participation among high school students entering college. Scholarships and awards are based on need and merit and are awarded based on availability.
Types of USTA Northern California Diversity Committee Scholarships:
Diversity Committee Junior Achievement Award- Arthur Ashe College Scholarships
On the 19th day of January 1994, the section enacted in perpetuity the USTA Northern California Diversity Committee Service and Junior Achievement Award in memory of the valuable contributions Arthur Ashe made to tennis and the world at large.
• A $2000/year scholarship will be awarded to a multicultural* player entering or enrolled in college, who best demonstrates the values and qualities embodied by the late Arthur Ashe. Recipients are eligible for up to four consecutive years, depending upon his/her enrollment status at either a two or four year accredited institution. Compliance to acceptable grade and course load requirements as defined by the USTA Northern California Diversity Committee and Awards Committees is mandatory.
Diversity Committee Michael Chang College Scholarship
On the 10th day of July 2003, USTA Northern California enacted the Diversity Committee Michael Chang Scholarship in honor of the valuable contributions Michael Chang has made to tennis for his play and his sportsmanship.
• A $2000/year scholarship will be awarded to an Asian-American player entering or enrolled in college, who best demonstrates the values and qualities embodied by Michael Chang. Recipients are eligible for up to four consecutive years, depending upon his/her enrollment status at either a two or four year accredited institution. Compliance to acceptable grade and course load requirements as defined by the USTA Northern California Diversity Committee and Awards Committees is mandatory.
Diversity Committee Pancho Gonzalez College Scholarship
In August 2005, USTA Northern California enacted the Diversity Committee Pancho Gonzalez Scholarship in honor of the valuable contributions Pancho Gonzalez made to tennis for his play and his sportsmanship. As the only Latino player of his time, Pancho Gonzalez experience great adversity and obstacles in his life. It could be argued that this helped his tennis career.
• A $2000/year scholarship will be awarded to a Latino/Hispanic player entering or enrolled in college, who best demonstrates the values and qualities embodied by Pancho Gonzalez. Recipients are eligible for up to four consecutive years, depending upon his/her enrollment status at either a two or four year accredited institution. Compliance to acceptable grade and course load requirements as defined by the USTA Northern California Diversity Committee and Awards Committees is mandatory.
Diversity Committee College Scholarship recipients will receive a check in the amount of $2000 for up to four consecutive years, provided each of the outlined criteria are met to the satisfaction of the USTA Northern California Diversity Committee. Payment will be administered through the university or college financial aid office except in the circumstance where such a process will negatively affect the overall financial aid status of the recipient. In such cases, scholarships will be paid directly to the student once sufficient financial documentation has been presented to the Diversity Committee.
Diversity Committee Althea Gibson College Scholarship
In December 2007, USTA Northern California enacted the Diversity Committee Althea Gibson Scholarship in honor of the valuable contributions Althea Gibson made as well as in honor of her memory, life, and achievements of this exceptional pioneer who paved the way for millions who followed.
• A $2000/year scholarship will be awarded to an African-American player entering or enrolled in college, who best demonstrates the values and qualities embodied by Althea Gibson. Recipients are eligible for up to four consecutive years, depending upon his/her enrollment status at either a two or four year accredited institution. Compliance to acceptable grade and course load requirements as defined by the USTA Northern California Diversity Committee and Awards Committees is mandatory.
Diversity Committee College Scholarship recipients will receive a check in the amount of $2000 for up to four consecutive years, provided each of the outlined criteria are met to the satisfaction of the USTA Northern California Diversity Committee. Payment will be administered through the university or college financial aid office except in the circumstance where such a process will negatively affect the overall financial aid status of the recipient. In such cases, scholarships will be paid directly to the student once sufficient financial documentation has been presented to the Diversity Committee.
Application Requirements: Please include this cover page.
- Essay of Application and details of the individual's participation in tennis. The essay should explain how the applicant's participation relates to the life of and values embodied by Arthur Ashe, Michael Chang, Pancho Gonzalez or Althea Gibson.
- Two letters of recommendation from persons other than parents or relatives.
- Most recent tennis record
- High School transcript/academic records.
- Current photograph
- Letter of intent and/or acceptance, or current transcripts from prospective or current college or university.
- FAFSA Application.
- Additional supporting materials, including letters, publicity, awards, etc. are welcome and encouraged.
Deadline and Schedule for 2009* Scholarships: All scholarship applications are due by noon of the date deadline.
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted
• Candidates may also be requested to attend a Diversity Committee meeting for a face-to-face interview.
Application Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2009 at noon
Application Review Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Personal Interviews: Times to be determined
Notification: Wednesday, August 5, 2009
*Dates subject to change
How to Apply:
Completed scholarship applications must be e-mailed, mailed or faxed by designated deadlines to:
Lita Anderson
Outreach Manager and Diversity Liaison
1350 South Loop Rd., Suite 100
Alameda, CA 94502
Tel: 510.748.7341, Fax: 510.748.7377
E-mail: anderson@norcal.usta.com