Phil Robert Scholarship

The Phil Roberts Scholarship will be awarded to several worthy graduates of Eastern Jackson County high schools who would like to pursue a bachelor’s degree with a major in business, science or mathematics.  Three applicants may be selected each year with a preference for music or performing arts as a major field of study.  The scholarship is for $1,000 per semester or $2,000 per year.  The applicant must attend one of the following institutions:

• University of Missouri - Columbia
• University of Missouri at Kansas City
• Metropolitan Community Colleges (located in Jackson County)
• Missouri State University – Springfield
• University of Central Missouri– Warrensburg
• Northwest Missouri State University – Maryville
• Truman State University – Kirksville
• Missouri Western State University – St. Joseph
• Missouri Southern State University – Joplin

The students will be selected on the following criteria:

1. Certification by the applicant that he or she is a non-user of tobacco,

Alcoholic beverages or drugs in any form.

1. Demonstrate financial need.  Financial need is to be construed as including the financial

condition and resources of the parents or guardians of the applicant.

3.     Demonstrate evidence of academic ability to successfully complete goal.

1. Demonstrate the desire and determination to persevere in attaining

a stated goal.

1. Demonstrate meritorious character and leadership potential.
2. The applicant must declare a preference for a major in business, science, mathematics, and one applicant may be selected each year with a preference for music or the performing arts.  Students should respond in writing to these questions and submit the response along with the application and signed statement.

This scholarship is not available to students whose parents or relatives are employees or have been employees of the Independence School District or any other school district.

Any false or misleading information given to the Independence School District by any applicant at any time, written or oral, will result in the immediate rejection of the application or cancellation of continued assistance if such false representation is made after the student was accepted.

The scholarship will be awarded at the beginning of each semester with a check written to the student and to the university.   The scholarship will continue as long as the student remains in school showing an acceptable academic level and maintains appropriate behavior.  Prior to the beginning of each school year, the student must provide three letters of recommendation and a copy of the previous year’s grades.  The recipient authorizes the District to verify adherence to the criteria regarding academic achievement and compliance with expected behavior.  The scholarship may be continued until the student completes the bachelor degree, not to exceed a period of eight semesters.  One summer term is considered one semester.

James L and Nellie M Westlake Scholarship Program

The James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Foundation was established in 1981 pursuant to the provisions of the wills of James L. and Nellie M. Westlake for the purpose of assisting Missouri residents in pursuing a college education. Renewable scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited four-year institution of the student's choice.

This scholarship program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin.

Eligibility

Applicants to the James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program must:

• Be Missouri residents.
• Be graduating seniors at Missouri high schools who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the entire upcoming academic year at an accredited four-year college or university, 
  OR 
  Be students who have completed one or two full years at a Missouri community college with sufficient credits to transfer to an accredited four-year college or university at the sophomore or junior level, respectively.
• Demonstrate limited financial resources with a family adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less and an expected family contribution toward college of $7,000 or less.
• Have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale except community college applicants with one year transferable credits must have 2.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Awards

Scholarship awards will cover the cost of tuition, plus approximately $2,000 additional to cover the cost of fees, books, and supplies. For freshmen, awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Awards for community college students transferring to a four-year college or university are renewable up to two years for students entering at the sophomore level, up to one year for students entering at the junior level or until a bachelor’s degree is earned. Renewal is contingent upon full-time study, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for college freshmen, and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for college sophomores and juniors, and continuation of the program by the James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Foundation.

Awards are for undergraduate study only.

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