Educational Scholarships

The Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania offers scholarships to eligible persons to continue their education. Funding comes from donations made by chapters and individuals throughout the year as well as interest earned on an endowment fund. There are eleven (11) named scholarships established by individual chapters. Only the interest from endowment funds is used; the principal cannot be used without a vote of delegates at Grand Chapter.

Eligibility

• Applicants: Members of the Order of the Eastern Star in good standing, their children, step-children, or grandchildren
• Additional Eligible Parties: One member each from International Order of Rainbow for Girls in Pennsylvania, International Job's Daughters in Pennsylvania, and Order of the DeMolay
• Academic Requirements:
  • Must be a full-time student pursuing a professional or commercial educational program
  • Enrolled in accredited 3- or 4-year program, accredited nursing program leading to RN degree, or full-time post-graduate program
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better
  • Preference given to junior and senior year applicants
  • Must have completed at least one full year before applying (sophomore year minimum)
• Alternative Track: Applicants in 3+ year course of study with 9+ earned credits, GPA 2.5+, working full-time (35+ hours), and with no previous Eastern Star scholarship (receive only one scholarship)
• Character Requirements: Good moral character, limited financial resources, willingness toward self-help
• Award Limits: No applicant will be awarded more than two (2) scholarships

What They Fund

Scholarships for higher education in accredited institutions

Contact Information

Linda M. Larson (Central Section)

• Phone: H. (717) 339-0171 | C. (717) 377-5304
• Address: 17 North Steeple Chase, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Linda K. Jolly (Eastern Section)

• Phone: C. (610) 462-9262
• Address: 321 Aubrey Road, Nazareth, PA 18064

Martha J. Hunter (Western Section)

• Phone: H. 724-694-5465 | C. 724-331-5360
• Address: 101 Greenfield Road, Derry, PA 15627

Grand Chapter Main Contact:

• Email: gs@paoes.org
• Phone: 717-361-5203
• Address: 105 Freemason Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Application Process

1. Initial Letter (Deadline: February 1)
   • Applicant writes a letter to their chapter requesting consideration
   • Chapter must approve applicant's request through a vote
2. Chapter Secretary Submission
   • Chapter secretary sends letter under chapter seal to sectional committee member requesting application materials
3. Receive Materials
   • Sectional committee member responds with letter confirming receipt and provides application forms
   • Materials sent by email or regular mail
   • Student receives letter of instruction with website access details
4. Download and Complete Application
   • Download application forms from website
   • Password required to open application PDF
   • Complete and print form
   • Sign the completed application
   • Forms must be edited within Adobe or other PDF readers
5. Submit to Chapter Secretary (Deadline: March 1)
   • Return complete application package to chapter secretary
   • Allows secretary and chapter scholarship committee to review for completeness
   • Committee notifies applicant of any missing materials
6. Chapter Forwards to Sectional Committee (Deadline: April 1)
   • Chapter submits all application materials to Sectional Committee Member
   • Contact sectional committee member before April 1 if having difficulty gathering materials
7. Review and Notification
   • Educational Scholarship & ESTARL Committee meets in April
   • Committee chair notifies applicant and chapter secretaries of approval/denial
   • Denial reasons provided if applicable
8. Award Presentation
   • Scholarships and certificates presented at Grand Chapter Session (typically third week in June)
   • Presented by Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron
   • Checks mailed to student in July or August

Required Materials

• Completed and signed application form
• Letter of request to chapter
• Supporting documentation as specified in application instructions

Important Notes

• Adobe Version Required: Adobe 9.0 or newer for online submission
• Document Format: Use desktop/laptop to download; may not work on iPad/Tablet
• File Handling: Use "Save As" to save files; unzip downloaded files; do not double-click PDF in Windows 10
• Obligation to Return: If you do not return to school in fall or do not complete full semester after award, you must return funds within the award year