Change Agent*

Scholarship:  $1500 +Mentoring
Number of Scholarships Granted:  1

Eligibility: 

• Demonstrated academic promise

• A grade point average of 2.5 with at least 3 letters of recommendation from school staff (one of which may be from a community member that they have worked with or for).

• Or a grade point average of 3.0 with at least 2 letters of recommendation from school staff (one of which may be from a community member that they have worked with or for).

• Applicants with financial need will be considered.

• Subsequent field of study in one of the following: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Mathematics), education or human services.

Scholarship Description:  Established in late 2021 by class of 1994 alumna, Dr. Sharitta F. Gross, The Change Agent scholarship will annually assist two SOTA seniors from underrepresented populations in their pursuit of post-secondary education in STEAM, education, or human services. It is the hope of Dr. Gross that every recipient of this scholarship will recognize the change(s) that need to occur within their community and be willing to lend their time, as well as their talents to the cause.

Individuals who identify as Black (this is inclusive of students who identify as being a part of the Caribbean or African diaspora) Latino/a are representative of the term ‘underrepresented’ for the purposes of this scholarship. Should there not be any applicants from underrepresented groups, the scholarship will then defer to the other listed criteria, thereafter, returning to preference being given to underrepresented populations.

Change Agent Scholarship recipients have the option of being mentored by Dr. Gross.

Required Documentation:

• General Application (only fill out one time for all awards and/or scholarships)

• A grade point average of 2.5 with at least 3 letters of recommendation from school staff (one of which may be from a community member that they have worked with or for).

• Or a grade point average of 3.0 with at least 2 letters of recommendation from school staff (one of which may be from a community member that they have worked with or for).

• Attach a personal statement about your future educational and/or career goals. Within your essay, articulate how you plan to utilize your anticipated college degree to positively contribute to the community, whether in Rochester or elsewhere.

• Proof of acceptance into a post-secondary institution.