Scholarship Requirements

The Portuguese Foundation, in conjunction with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, uses the common scholarship application form for the program. The application form is used by fifteen diverse scholarship programs. Along with the application, the student must submit a number of documents to ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation is made:

1. Proof of Portuguese Ancestry
   At least one Great Grandparent



2. Financial Need
   Family or Applicant Income
   Special Needs (i.e. Disability)



3. Citizenship Status
   United States Citizen or Permanent Resident



4. Residency
   State of Connecticut



5. Academic Status
   Full time student or applying as a full time student in a degree-conferring program. Part time student in a Masters or Doctoral Program.



6. Number of Awards
   Limited to no more than 4 previous awards from the Portuguese Foundation, Inc.



7. Applicant Submittals
   Failure to include all of the following will result in rejection of the application
   
   • An essay, not to exceed 300 words, describing Financial needs.
   • An essay detailing proof of Portuguese Ancestry, interest in the Portuguese language and culture, and plans for contributing to the Portuguese-American Community after the completion of studies
   • Two (2) letters of recommendation
   • High School and/or College Transcripts
   • FAF or FAFSA or, if not available, a copy of most recent Federal Income Tax return for parent and student
   • SAT Report
   • Recent 2" x 2" Photo of Applicant


8. Deadline: Postmarked by March 15, 2006 to The Portuguese Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 331441, West Hartford, CT 06133-1441



9. Attendance at Scholarship Banquet is mandatory to receive the award. Proper dress required.

The scholarship committee evaluates all of the submitted materials with emphasis given to financial need and student academic performance. Eighty percent (80%) of the total potential score is decided on an objective basis through the use of pre-established rating criteria approved by the Foundation's Board of Directors. The remaining twenty percent (20%) is scored on a more subjective basis.

Financial need is determined by income level. Transcript scores are based on grade point average. These two factors carry the greatest weight in the evaluation process. The SAT scores are given the second highest consideration. The items scored on a more subjective basis are the essays, the preparation of the application form, and the two letters of recommendation.