Team Horse Power Scholarship - Guidelines

Eligibility

• Applicant must be at least a 2nd year Team Horse Power member in good standing
• Applicants must be active participants in the Team Horse Power program & fulfill all the expectations of the program
• Team Horse Power members who have been previous winners of this scholarship are not eligible to apply

Application Process

• The application, guidelines and selection criteria are available from:

• The PA 4 - H Horse program website
• Extension educator in your home county
• Applications must be received no later than September 16, 2019 (as noted on application)
• Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted and will not be considered for a scholarship . Fax entries will not be accepted.
• Submission of application by e-mail is preferable
• The completed application must include:
• Application form
• Resume
• Personal Statement
• Two reference letters:
• Reference letters from applicant's relatives will not be accepted
• One letter from an adult or equine industry professional ( adult leader, trainer, farrier, veterinarian, etc. )
• One letter from a community leader (4 - H leader, teacher, pastor, coach, etc.)

Resume should include:

• Team Horse Power Activities
• 4 - H Activities
• Other Equine Activities and Organizations
• Youth Leadership Programs
• Community Service

Selection Criteria

• Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership skills, and the ability to produce programs with the team and individually. Participation and evaluations throughout the year will be taken into account when applications are reviewed.
• See score sheet for more details

Selection Process

• A panel of volunteer judges will be responsible for selecting award recipients.
• Judges will be selected by the scholarship committee and will include representatives of a variety of equine disciplines and backgrounds.
• Judges will score and rank applicants according to selection criteria. The 5 highest - scoring applicants will be invited for the final phase of the selection process. The final phase will be a ground handling skills and horsemanship knowledge test held during the Pennsylvania State 4 - H Horse Show
• Interviews may be conducted for top candidates (by phone or in person)
• Applicants must receive a minimum score of 75 points to advance to the final phase.
• All applicants will be notified by email whether they will advance to the final phase of the competition.

Award Amount

• Two scholarships will be awarded based on applications and fulfillment of obligations to the program
• Funding for the scholarship varies from year to year and is contingent upon fund availability
• The award amount (up to $500 each) will be determined by the PA 4 - H Horse Program Development Committee .

Award Presentation

• All scholarship finalists will be recognized
• Awards will be presented at t he Recognition Ceremony held at the Pennsylvania State 4 - H Horse Show