Student Scholarships

The Barbara and Steve Wilson Educational Foundation provides scholarships to support post-secondary students, particularly those who may face barriers to traditional financial aid due to citizenship status or other criteria.

Eligibility

• High school graduates (high school graduation requirement may be waived for vocational scholarship applicants)
• Undocumented students with current DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) classification
• United States citizens
• Students applying to or enrolled at a college, university, or vocational school with intent to continue education or train for a specific career path

Academic Requirements

• Cumulative B/90+ average grade during most recent academic year (may be waived for vocational scholarship applicants)
• Applicable SAT and/or ACT scores required

Financial Requirements

• Documented financial need, as evidenced by tax returns or other applicable programs
• Personal contribution of $1,000 per academic year toward educational costs by student or family
• Proof of application to at least one additional scholarship for the school year in question

Required Documents

• High school or college transcript including grades from most recent academic year
• At least two letters of recommendation (not from parents or family members)
• SAT and/or ACT scores
• Names and information of schools/programs applied to with acceptance letters and cost estimates
• Record of activities, community involvement, or volunteering
• Written career goal statement essay (1,000 words or less)
• Tax returns from parent(s)/guardian(s) and student (if available) from previous year

Selection Criteria

Applications reviewed for:

• Prior academic performance and standardized testing (SAT/ACT)
• Motivation, character, and community involvement
• Essay quality and supporting documentation

Scholar Responsibilities

• Participate in recruitment and support of new scholarship applicants
• Mentoring of new recipients (if requested, without compensation)
• Undocumented students required to live at home for first two years to avoid room and board costs
• Remain active in supporting the Foundation when financially possible

Renewal Requirements

• Annual application and interview required
• School transcripts from most recent academic/vocational period
• Maintenance of B/90+ cumulative average (or proof of passing in pass/fail circumstances)
• Proof of employment or volunteer work during academic breaks longer than 6 weeks
• Documentation of student or family financial contribution for prior academic year

Award Details

• Maximum award: $20,000 per academic year
• Duration: No limit on number of years funding available for qualifying scholars
• Funding available for multiple academic years with annual reapplication

Contact Information

• Phone: (479) 459-1226
• Email: info@wilsoneducationalfoundation.org
• Address: 301 Quay Commons #606, Sarasota, FL 32436

Organization Information

• Status: 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization, Florida Corporation #N1600000589
• Mission: Not-for-profit knowledge center for prosthetic urology and men's health; supports rising andrologists and post-secondary students

Application Process

The complete application consists of three parts:

Part One: Online Form

1. Complete the online application form in one session
2. Have required information on hand before beginning
3. Provide the following information:
   • Contact information for applicant and at least one parent/guardian
   • Most recent high school transcripts
   • SAT and/or ACT scores (if available)
   • Post-high school transcripts (as available)
   • Schools or programs applied to
   • Names and phone numbers for at least two recommenders
   • Summary of paid, volunteer, or extra-curricular work
   • Summary of applicant's financial situation and basis of need
   • List of alternate scholarships applied for
   • Summary of applicant's personal/family educational investment intentions

Part Two: Written Essay

1. Write a career goal statement essay of 1,000 words or less
2. Essay should outline:
   • Educational objective
   • Steps to be taken
   • Future goals (realistic and clear with reasonable milestones)
   • Applicant's strengths, personality, and desire
3. Format: PDF or WORD document
4. Submit by clicking the EMAIL button and attaching the document
5. Important: Indicate applicant name in email; use same name as submitted in form

Part Three: Letters of Recommendation

1. Obtain two letters of recommendation from non-family members
2. Submit letters via email attachments (PDF or WORD) to info@wilsoneducationalfoundation.org
3. Or click the EMAIL button and attach documents
4. Important: Indicate applicant name in email; use same name as submitted in form

Selection Process

1. Complete applications reviewed by Foundation board
2. Applicants selected to advance receive email or phone request for phone interview
3. Initial phone interview held
4. Authors of letters of recommendation contacted by phone for follow-up
5. Final formal interview (in person or by phone/telecom) held with applying student and parent(s)/guardian(s) and one or more board members

Required Materials Summary

• Online application form (Part One)
• Career goal statement essay (Part Two)
• Two letters of recommendation (Part Three)
• High school/college transcripts
• SAT and/or ACT scores
• Letters of acceptance and cost estimates from schools
• Tax returns from parent(s)/guardian(s) and student
• Proof of financial need
• Record of community involvement/volunteering
• Proof of application to additional scholarships