Youth Scholarship Application

1. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and not older than 20. He or she must be a graduating high school senior who will receive a diploma from an accredited high school. Home schooled students and students attending military or boarding schools are also eligible to apply. Applicants must be accepted for admission to an accredited college or university, matriculating the following year.

2. Each eligible student must have a father, mother or natural guardian who meets the following qualifications: a. Parent must be a full-time paid member of the police or sheriff’s department or fire department. Parent/guardian may also be a volunteer member of a fire department. b. Parent or guardian must be an active duty police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or EMT (public sector). Children of administrative staff do not qualify. c. Children of DHS, FBI and other Federal employees do not qualify. d. Children of reserve officers, part-time sheriff’s deputies and retired, or deceased employees do not qualify.

3. Each student must submit a fully completed and signed application. Application and all other required documents must be received on or before the deadline to be accepted. Failure to follow instructions can result in disqualification.

4. Students must submit the following:

• Completed and signed application
• Essay (typed)
• Transcripts from the school (or parent if home schooled) that lists the student’s grade point average. GPA must be in a standard 4.0 or 0-100 percent scale or conversion method must be provided.
• Proof of acceptance to a college or university (letter/certificate acceptable; does not have to be the student’s intended college or university).
• Proof of parent’s occupation (copy of ID or supervisory letter on station letterhead acceptable).
• Résumé listing community service, academic prizes, awards, hobbies, extracurricular activities, and work history.
• Proof of verified community service.
• Letter of recommendation from a high school counselor, teacher or other outside agency which speaks to the student’s character.
• Optional-Copies of official SAT and/or ACT test score results. (These may be included on and sent with official high school transcripts).

5. All materials become the property of the Wisconsin Security Association (WISA). By submitting an application and essay, the student grants permission to publish any and all essays. Applicants also agree that if they win, they will cooperate in publicity efforts, including (but not limited to) participating in interviews with state and national communications, local, trade and national press, and submitting photos for inclusion in WISA (Rampart) publications, press materials and online. Applicants will make every effort to be present for the WISA award presentation — and if applicable — the national award ceremony. (Attendance at such an event is not a requirement but is encouraged.)

6. Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, national test scores, community service, extracurricular participation, and the essay. All decisions are final. The score is based on the following:

• 25 POINTS: Grade Point Average and SAT/ACT Scores if applicable (unweighted GPA submission required for consideration)
• 40 POINTS: Essay
• 20 POINTS: Verified Community Service
• 15 POINTS: Academic Prizes, Awards, Hobbies, School and Extracurricular Activities/Clubs