President’s Equal Access Scholarship
2015-2016
Dear President’s Equal Access Scholarship Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in the Portland State University President’s Equal Access Scholarship. We are pleased
to provide you with the 2015-2016 Application Packet.
The purpose of the President’s Equal Access Scholarship is to attract outstanding students from diverse
backgrounds and experiences, including racial and ethnic backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in
higher education. Portland State University’s President’s Equal Access Scholars maintain good standing, contribute
to the campus-learning environment, and share their unique strengths and diverse perspectives through their
involvement in on-campus activities and participation in community service.
If you wish to apply you may do so by submitting the attached Application and supporting documents by February
1, 2015.
The Office of Global Diversity & Inclusion and Diversity & Multicultural Student Services will be responsible for
administering the application, awarding, and monitoring of the requirements associated with the President’s Equal
Access Scholarship. Your completed Application Packet will consist of:
A completed President’s Equal Access scholarship application;
Three complete essays;
A high school and/or college transcript (unofficial are ok);
A copy of your financial aid award (if available) or a statement of financial need;
Two Letters of Recommendation.
LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.
Return to: Diversity & Multicultural Student Services
ATTN: President’s Equal Access Scholarship Committee
Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 425
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751
If you have any questions regarding the President’s Equal Access Scholarship please contact the Office of Diversity
and Multicultural Student Services at 503-725-4457 or the Office of Global Diversity & Inclusion at 503-725-5919.
Sincerely,
The President’s Equal Access Selection Committee
President’s Equal Access Scholarship Application
2015‐2016
COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.
Purpose:
The purpose of the President’s Equal Access Scholarship is to attract outstanding students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including
racial and ethnic backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Program participants are students who contribute to the
campus-learning environment. These students share their unique strengths and diverse perspectives through their involvement in on‐campus
activities and participation in community service.
Eligibility requirements:
o Meritorious academic record, and/or good academic standing;
Must be a prospective student who has applied for admission to Portland State and has been admitted, or be currently enrolled for at
least 12 credit hours each term.
If you are chosen as a recipient of the President’s Equal Access Scholarship you will be required to attend an information
session regarding volunteer opportunities and options. A set number of volunteer hours will be required to be completed by
each recipient.
Recipients must also remain in good academic standing with the University by maintaining a 2.0 cumulative undergraduate/3.0
GPA for graduate students.
Selection Criteria:
The scholarship is awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirements, submit a complete application, and who best exemplify the goals of
the Equal Access Scholarship. Priority for the President’s Equal Access Scholarship is given to students with demonstrated financial need [as
determined through financial aid award or a statement of financial need] who are “first‐generation” college students.
Are you a first‐generation college student? (First-generation means that neither parent has a 4‐year college degree from a U.S. university)
Yes
No
Have you been admitted to PSU?
Yes
No
If no, have you applied for admission?
Yes
No
:
For what term(s) are you applying for a scholarship (indicate year):
Fall ___________
Winter ___________
Spring ___________
Summer___________
Name: _________________________________________________________________________ PSU SID: ___________________
First
Middle Initial
Last
Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________ Preferred Phone: ____ /_____________
Street Address
_______________________________________________________________________ Alternative Phone: ____ /_____________
City
State
Zip
____________________________________________________ Birth date: ______‐______‐_____ Male (M) or Female (F): ____
Preferred Email Address
Date or Term Admitted to PSU_________ If admitted with conditions, please list the conditions: __________________
High School Attended: _______________________________________________ Graduation Date: _______________ GPA_______
Name
City/State
Page 2 of 5
College(s) Attended
Dates Attended
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
College Credits Total: ______ GPA: ______ Major:_______________________________________________________________
Intended Major(s):___________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you been formally admitted to the Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science?
Have you been formally admitted to the School of Business?
Yes
Yes
No
No
Please identify which college(s) you are a member of:
College of the Arts
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Urban and Public Affairs
Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science
Highest level in school your father or guardian completed:
Master’s/Ph.D./M.D./J.D.
Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. College or University
Some college/Associate’s degree
High school/GED
Did not graduate from high school
Unknown
School of Business Administration
School of Education
School of Social Work
Highest level in school your mother or guardian completed:
Master’s/Ph.D./M.D./J.D.
Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. College or University
Some college/Associate’s degree
High school/GED
Did not graduate from high school
Unknown
Race/Ethnicity: You are encouraged to supply this information. However, you may decline without prejudicing your application in
anyway. Please check any/all that apply:
A – Asian
PI – Pacific Islander
H – Hispanic/Latino
N – Native American or Alaskan Native
O – Other ___________________________________
ME – Middle Eastern
B – Black (Non‐Hispanic)
W – White (Non‐Hispanic
D – Decline to respond
I hereby authorize Portland State University to furnish copies of my academic record, this application, and
letters of recommendation to the President’s Equal Access Scholarship Committee to review in considering my
application. I further authorize release of information for publicity purposes (if selected for a scholarship).
Applicant’s Signature
Date
Page 3 of 5
A. Essay Requirement – Print or type your name and student identification number on each page of your essay
Please answer each question thoroughly.
Limit 250 – 500 words per question.
1.
Describe a specific instance when you felt marginalized or oppressed because of your social, economic, or
cultural background. How did this affect you and how did you respond? How will you be a leader and/or
advocate for others that have experienced oppression because of their social, economic, or cultural
background?
2.
A. Discuss how education will help you overcome oppression, surmount poverty, and/or fight discrimination.
2B. Please explain what specifically you did in the last 12 to 24 months to increase your own cultural competency
and assist other communities to overcome oppression and/or discrimination?
3.What are your educational goals and career plans?
NOTE: Please have your essay reviewed for grammar, content, and spelling by at least two individuals.
B. Please list all school and community activities in which you have been involved (Attach a separate sheet if necessary)
School (clubs, government, sports, etc.)
Dates
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Community (church, clubs, volunteer, etc.)
Dates
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 4 of 5
C. Please list all awards, honors, special talents or interests (Attach a separate sheet if necessary)
Awards and honors
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Special talents or interests
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D. Recommendations
Recommendations must be current and specific to your application for the Equal Access Scholarship.
Recommendation letters should come from people who are familiar with your academic abilities, achievements, community
involvement, and potential for college success. One recommendation must be from a teacher/professor, counselor/adviser, or
principal. The other recommendation must be from an employer or community member.
Please have the writer include the following information: academic capabilities, motivation, personal characteristics, experiences,
and achievements.
All Letters of Recommendation must include: student’s name, recommender’s name and title, relationship to student.
Please list below those individuals from whom you requested Letters of Recommendation.
Name: ______________________________________ Title: ________________________________ Date: ______________________
Name: ______________________________________ Title: ________________________________ Date: ______________________
Page 5 of 5