Instructions for applicants
Please read the eligibility requirements carefully prior to submitting an application. This is the first step in the evaluation process in order to ensure you qualify as a candidate.
All scholarship applications must include the following components:
- Proof of enrollment from an academic institution;
- Most recent academic transcript;
- A reference letter;
- A point form list of volunteer/civic engagement activities; and
- A three-part essay (see instructions below).
Instructions for proof of enrollment
Your proof of enrollment from an academic institution must contain:
- Institution name;
- Student name;
- Program name and length of program; and
- Program start date.
Instructions for recent academic transcript
An official or unofficial transcript is acceptable. If taken from an online student portal, your transcript must include your name, date, program and institution name.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their
most recent academic document for evaluation.
If your transcript is not available at the time of submission, please upload a word document stating that you will send it via email as soon as it is available. Follow-up transcripts should be sent to
scholarships@cfmws.com (Subject line: Applicant’s Name – Transcript) and it will be filed accordingly.
Instructions for reference letter
Your reference letter should be written by someone who knows you well and can accurately tell us more about you and why you deserve this scholarship. They can speak to your:
- Character;
- Volunteer service; and
- Academic commitment.
If your referee agrees to write you a reference letter, please ask them to write a maximum one-page letter of reference addressed to the Support Our Troops 2024 Scholarship Application Committee and to include their name and current contact information.
*Please note that for the purpose of this scholarship application, your selected referee should not be a family member.
Instructions for civic engagement/volunteerism
Provide a list (in point form) of your civic engagement and volunteer work (paid/unpaid community activities you have participated in) with a short description of each.
Consider including activities such as:
- Helped with or worked at an event or events;
- Worked/volunteered as a lifeguard;
- Worked as a camp counselor;
- Volunteered or worked at a community organization in any capacity.
Tell us about your experiences, even if you are not sure they count. We are looking for well-rounded applicants.
Step 2: Instructions for three-part essay
Please provide an essay that answers each of the following three questions. Each question response should not exceed
150 words, for a total word count of no more than
450 words.
All answers must be typed & submitted in a PDF or MS Word or Google document.
Question 1: Describe how your connection to military life has helped to shape and prepare you for the future.
Question 2: Discuss your academic and career goals and explain how you plan to achieve them.
Question 3: Please indicate, and then discuss, any challenges you currently encounter or may experience while pursuing your educational goals:
- Special Needs
- An ill or injured family member
- Financial support
- Applicant’s mental health
- Posting / deployment
Scoring Rubric:
| Essay: |
Proficient | Adequate | Poor |
| Question 1: Connection |
Applicant describes connection to military and how it has helped to shape and prepare them for future |
| Question 2: Goals |
Applicant discusses academic and career goals and how they plan to achieve them |
| Question 3: Challenges |
Applicant indicates and discusses any challenges they currently encounter or may experience while pursuing their educational goals |
| Essay structure: |
Proficient | Adequate | Poor |
| Writing style, sentence structure and word choice |
Applicant’s use of sentence structure, control of word choice and writing style |
| Grammar, spelling and punctuation |
Applicant’s use of grammar, spelling and punctuation |
Best Practices:
- Read each of the three questions and be sure you understand them before you start writing.
- Think about what you are going to write and organize your thoughts before you start writing.
- Use clear, concise and simple language throughout the essay. Write how you speak.
- Check your spelling and grammar. Spell check is not going to let you know that you spelled ‘form’ instead of ‘from’!
- Read the three questions again and then read your essay thoroughly to be certain that you have addressed every point.
- Have someone proofread your writing before you submit it.
Accuracy counts! If your information is entered incorrectly during the application process, we may not be able to contact you.