DuPage County NAACP Sydney Finley Memorial Scholarship 2017 

Thank you for your interest in registering for the 2017 Sydney Finley Memorial Scholarship. This essay competition is open to high school seniors who reside in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties. Please complete this form to register today! Your application is not complete until we receive all the documents in the check list via email.

Sydney Finley Memorial Scholarship – Essay Submission Date

Open Date:  January 15, 2017
Close Date:  February 12, 2017 11:55pm

Winners will be notified via email and will be our guest at the 2017 NAACP Gala on February 25, 2017. Parents and supporters can access 2017 Dupage County NAACP GALA and ticket purchase information at: http://conta.cc/2iemFWx.

Eligibility Requirements:

• High School senior in good academic standing with a minimum overall GPA of 2.50
• DuPage County NAACP Youth Membership for applicant and one parent by 2/01/2017
  • DuPage County NAACP Youth Member ($10) 
  • DuPage County NAACP Adult Member ($30)

Submission of Supporting Documents Required
Must be received by NAACP Sydney Finley Scholarship Committee by 5pm on Sunday, February 12, 2017).  No exceptions will be considered. Submit via email to dcnaacp.sydfinley@gmail.com.

• A current headshot picture (to appear in the NAACP 2017 Gala Program Book)
• Official sealed copy of high school transcript emailed from school to dcnaacp.sydfinley@gmail.com or mailed to PO Box 475, Wheaton IL 60187
• Proof of application and/or acceptance to an institution of higher education
• Copy of membership card or email confirmation of membership payment from NAACP
• 2 letters of reference supporting your commitment to academic success and community service:
  • One reference from an educator or counselor from your high school who can support your academic excellence and extracurricular activities
  • One reference letter from one of the following:
    • Leader of a community organization that you provide community service (church, youth organization, non-profit organization, etc.).
    • An employer at a company that you provide a service for (paid position, unpaid internship, etc.).

Essay – Please write an essay in response to the essay question provided.  Place ticket number (emailed to you when you register for the scholarship) in the upper left-hand corner of your essay.  DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME ON THE ESSAY.

Essay Question

Throughout the history of our country, African Americans have consistently faced challenges that have resulted in lost lives and setbacks.  However, their journey towards freedom propelled them to overcome many of those challenges, becoming influential in the growth and prosperity of our country.

The theme for the 2017 DuPage County NAACP Freedom Fund Gala is “Steppin’ Up.” As a teen American facing such challenges as police brutality against youth and minorities, increased education cost, and the recent political unrest, how will you step up your game to overcome the challenges you face as you strive to reach your goals?

Write a 500 – 750 word essay that states a challenge you faced and had to overcome to attain one of your individual goals.

 Tips to writing a successful essay

• Takes the audience into account
• Has a clear introduction
• States a focus/position statement clearly, precisely, and thoughtfully
• Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support and develop the position and explains that evidence logically
• Takes into account what people who disagree with you might think and tries to respond to that
• Concludes effectively
• Uses precise language
• Shows control over conventions 

 

 

Register Now!