Spring Scholarship Applications Due January 4

If you would like to be considered for a PEL scholarship, the deadline to submit your application for Spring 2017 is Wednesday, January 4, 2017.

Only two things are required for the application:

• You must have a 2016-2017 FAFSA on file with the Eckerd College code (001487) in order to be considered.
• You must complete the application, which includes an essay portion, and return it to PEL Executive Director Amanda Hagood at hagoodca@eckerd.edu by January 4th. You may also fax (Attn: Amanda Hagood, 727-864-8422) or hand deliver your application. You may access the application and essay prompt here.

The PEL Scholarship Committee will notify via email students receiving awards before the first week of classes (the week of January 9th).

Be aware, too, that there are many opportunities for external scholarships funded by for-profit, non-profit, and state or national organizations. Check out PEL's Financial Aid page for links and information.

What criteria are considered in awarding PEL scholarships?

PEL scholarships are derived from a number of different funds (see more about this below), and each fund has different criteria to consider. In awarding scholarships, the committee works to make the best possible match between each applicant and available funds. Some scholarships, for instance, are intended to help adults who have been out of school for several years reenroll. Others are awarded to support students within a specific major (or majors) or students from a particular geographic area (such as Sarasota). Some are designated for single parents, and some can be awarded to any applicant. In every case, the committee considers both the academic performance and the financial need of the applicant.

Where do PEL scholarship funds come from?

PEL scholarships come from a wide variety of different sources. The Bernard Osher Foundation, which provides post-secondary scholarship funding to students, endowed a Reentry Scholarship for PEL students meant to assist those who are beginning or continuing their studies after a cumulative gap of five years or more spent outside of college study. (The Osher Foundation also supports Eckerd's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute--one of over one hundred located across the nation--which offers non-credit courses and field trips for students age 50 years and older.)

Other scholarships were endowed by members of the College community. The PEL Pruitt Endowed Scholarship for Creative Arts was given by a beloved local philanthropist, Dr. Crayton Pruitt, to support students in creative writing, visual arts, or humanities. (Dr. Pruitt is also the father of PEL Creative Writing professor Helen Pruitt Wallace.) The Tom West Memorial Endowed Scholarship honors Professor J. Thomas West, who played a pivotal role in founding both the College and the Program for Experienced Learners. The Daniel P. and Mary E. Miller scholarship was given by distinguished PEL alumna and Eckerd Trustee Emerita Mary E. Miller to support promising students in the field of Human Development.

Beyond endowed scholarships, many alumni have supported the program by contributing to the PEL Annual Scholarship fund, which may be awarded to any PEL student with a strong academic record and financial need.

Will scholarships be available this summer?

Scholarship funds will be available for students taking classes in Summer 2017, and a limited number of scholarships will also be available to support students who need to take directed and independent studies in Fall 2017.

Alumni and friends of PEL can have a direct positive impact on students working to complete their degrees by contributing to the PEL Annual Fund. To make a contribution, visit eckerd.edu/giving. Once there, use the box marked "Other" to specify that you would like your contribution to go to the PEL Annual Fund. You can also contact Arielle Purcell, Director of Annual Giving, at purcelam@eckerd.edu or (727)-864-7711.

Questions?

Contact Amanda Hagood (727)-864-8366 with any questions regarding scholarship applications.