Apply here for SOS scholarships for trips in the summer of 2020.
Aside from personal information and short answer response questions, students will be required to submit an essay of at least one page, but no more than two, to be considered for scholarships. We recommend students write this essay in program like Word or Google Docs before beginning the application, as the essay is to be pasted into a box on the application..
The prompt of the essay is:
In your own words, what does it mean to you to be a“change maker” (please don’t simply copy/paste a dictionary-type definition)? How does SOS community service, and how will international travel, enhance your education and make you a “change maker” in San Antonio?
Students will also be asked to submit two letters of recommendation--one from a teacher/counselor, and one from a community leader or organization leader who can speak to your character. These letters must be received by SOS prior to the application deadline.
The prompt of the essay is:
In your own words, what does it mean to you to be a“change maker” (please don’t simply copy/paste a dictionary-type definition)? How does SOS community service, and how will international travel, enhance your education and make you a “change maker” in San Antonio?
Students will also be asked to submit two letters of recommendation--one from a teacher/counselor, and one from a community leader or organization leader who can speak to your character. These letters must be received by SOS prior to the application deadline.
The application deadline is midnight, CST on November 15, 2019.
The 2020 Scholarship Requirements
SOS is proud to announce the travel scholarship program for Summer 2020 trips!
The following scholarships will be awarded for an SOS International Trip for the Summer of 2020:[1]
We will begin accepting applications on October 15, 2019 and the application deadline is November 15, 2019 at midnight. Decisions will be announced by December 15, 2019.
Below is a list of important information when applying for a travel scholarship:
If you are the recipient of a scholarship, the following will be expected of you (and we will ask you, and your legal guardian to sign a commitment agreeing to these terms). This is important in “giving back” to SOS and making it possible for others to have the same opportunity to travel:
[1] In the event a recipient has a balance due for the trip that is less than the amount of the scholarship, the family will be issued a check for the difference to total the amount of the scholarship. For example, if the trip is $3,000 but the applicant has already paid $1,000, SOS will pay the remaining $2,000 owed for the trip and will reimburse the applicant $1,000.
[2] In the event SOS does not have a raffle in 2020, we will ask that the recipient volunteer a minimum of 10 hours for other fundraising events to be announced.
The following scholarships will be awarded for an SOS International Trip for the Summer of 2020:[1]
- One scholarship in the amount of $3,000
- One scholarship in the amount of $2,500
- One scholarship in the amount of $2,000
- One scholarship in the amount of $1,500
We will begin accepting applications on October 15, 2019 and the application deadline is November 15, 2019 at midnight. Decisions will be announced by December 15, 2019.
Below is a list of important information when applying for a travel scholarship:
- Applicant MUST have a minimum of 20 service hours with SOS and the hours must be documented in the SOS volunteer portal. All hours must be completed prior to November 15, 2019.
- Two letters of recommendation are required (one from a teacher/school counselor and one from a family friend, community/church leader, or someone who can speak about your character).
- A strong component of the selection process will be the number of hours volunteered with SOS events. You will have plenty of opportunities over the coming months to volunteer to increase your hours!
If you are the recipient of a scholarship, the following will be expected of you (and we will ask you, and your legal guardian to sign a commitment agreeing to these terms). This is important in “giving back” to SOS and making it possible for others to have the same opportunity to travel:
- After your Summer 2020 trip, you must appear at a minimum of two travel information meetings to talk about your travel experience with SOS.
- Must be an active volunteer with the next annual raffle which will include volunteering a minimum of 10 hours for the raffle which can include various events preparing for the raffle such as soliciting donations of raffle prizes, putting ticket packages together, helping distribute ticket packages, and volunteering at the actual raffle event.[2]
- Be an active participant in fundraising activities for the next year which can include formulating fundraising ideas, promoting an event and participating in fundraising events.
[1] In the event a recipient has a balance due for the trip that is less than the amount of the scholarship, the family will be issued a check for the difference to total the amount of the scholarship. For example, if the trip is $3,000 but the applicant has already paid $1,000, SOS will pay the remaining $2,000 owed for the trip and will reimburse the applicant $1,000.
[2] In the event SOS does not have a raffle in 2020, we will ask that the recipient volunteer a minimum of 10 hours for other fundraising events to be announced.