Scholarship Program

The Midwest Federation of American Syrian-Lebanese Clubs, Inc., inaugurated a scholarship program for its youth in 1940. It was the desire of the Federation to not only help its talented young people continue their education, but, additionally, to encourage the award winners to excel in their chosen fields, and return to foster growth in the Federation.

Sixty two years later, the scholarship program is still in existence. Its initial goals and purpose are still being met. Each year scholarships are made available to eligible students seeking an undergraduate college degree. Past recipients have returned to serve the organization in various capacities, and to serve society in fields such as law, medicine, education, business, industry and politics.

Since the inception of the Midwest Federation Scholarship Program, over $380,000 has been awarded to qualified applicants, with as many as 21 recipients in one year. This past summer, at the Federation's 68th Annual Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois, the federation awarded $19,000 in scholarships, to 19 outstanding college students.

Each year, at the Scholarship Banquet, typically held on Friday evening, the recipients are recognized, and presented with a scholarship certificate. Again, we plan to award scholarships at our 70th Annual Convention, to be held August 4-7, 2005, at the Lincolnshire Marriot Resort, Lincolnshire, Illinois.

The Midwest Federation Scholarship Program is divided into three areas of responsibility:

Scholarship Selection Committee

This committee is responsible to do the following:

• Provide for the application process, including creation, distribution, receipt and review of the Scholarship Applications.
• Establish, review, and assure Scholarship Application Eligibility requirements.
• Determine applicant selection criteria, through review of applicant affiliation, activities, academics, goals, and financial need.
• Establish award amounts for each award year.
• Presentation and distribution of Scholarship Awards.

Scholarship Fund Raising Committee

This committee is responsible for the fund-raising effort for both the General Scholarship Fund, which is used to serve immediate, or current Scholarship need; and for the Perpetual Scholarship Fund, which is used to serve the long term Scholarship needs.

Fund raising is an ongoing effort, with most donations* coming from either individual members, or member Clubs of the Midwest Federation. Scholarship donors are recognized in the following manner:

• Bronze Level ($500-$999)
• Silver Level ($1000-$4900)
• Gold Level ($5000-$9999) - Also given Golden Eagle Award Trophy
• Platinum Level ($10000 +) - Also given Platinum Eagle Award Trophy

Each individual member donor, or Member Club donor, is listed on an inscribed brass plate, which is attached to a large corresponding level plaque, and these plaques are displayed at each Annual Convention.

This committee encourages and welcomes any and all donations, and is thankful for the past generosity of the Midwest Federation Family.

*All donations are tax deductible.

Scholarship Alumni Follow-up

This is primarily and effort to encourage former scholarship recipients to remain actively involved in the Midwest Federation whether it is simply membership continuation or some role of leadership. All applicants are encouraged to remain linked to the Federation through individual membership, family membership, or local member-club involvement.

Follow-up is achieved through mail (letters, Federation Newsletter, etc.), e-mail, telephone, and website.

Application Eligibility:

• Applicant must be an active 'individual' or 'family' member, active YAN member, or the child or grandchild of an active member of a Member Club, of the Midwest Federation, for a minimum of 2 years prior to application.
• Applicant must be a high school senior, or undergraduate collegiate student.

Selection Criteria:

• Based on participation in local clubs and/or The Midwest Federation.
• Ethnic/cultural related activities and/or studies.
• Academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
• Personal goals.
• Financial need.

Application Process:

• Submit completed application form by due date listed on the application.
• Provide official transcript (high school or college) with the application.
• Provide two letters of recommendation, one from academic/school official or employer, and one from local Member Club official or Midwest Federation official, with the application.
• Include a current photo of oneself.