ECAA Scholarship Program Details

Established in 1985, the Eisenhower College Alumni Association Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who, in the judgment of alumni, best exemplify the goals of Eisenhower College, its World Studies program, and the ideals of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

To be considered for the scholarship, interested and eligible students should follow the process outlined below, and submit a 750-word essay along with the scholarship application.

The Eisenhower College Alumni Association Scholarship is funded by the alumni association through contributions designated for this purpose. The alumni association is a nonprofit organization.

ELIGIBILITY

The Eisenhower College Alumni Association Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors who plan to continue their studies in a liberal arts program at either a two- or four-year college. Relatives of Eisenhower alumni are encouraged to apply, but this is not a requirement.

AWARD

A one-time award of up to $5,000 can be used toward tuition and related expenses at the recipient’s college of choice. The scholarship award committee may opt to award more than one scholarship, totaling up to $5,000, in a given year. The award committee also reserves the right not to award a scholarship based on the quality of submissions received. The decision of the scholarship award committee is final.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants MUST SUBMIT BOTH the scholarship application and a 750-word essay. See below for details on the essay topic and regulations.

ONLINE:

  1. Complete, authorize, and submit the online scholarship application form.

BY MAIL:

  1. Complete and sign the scholarship application form, and mail the application and essay to: Eisenhower College Alumni Association, Inc., P.O. Box 876, Ithaca, NY 14851–0876, Attn: Scholarship Contest.

PRESENTATION PROMPT & GUIDELINES

Please Read Carefully!
The goal of the liberal arts education, as envisioned at Eisenhower College, was to assist students to “become sensitive to the world in every one of its aspects, to empathize with fellow individuals of all races, religions, and nations, and to contribute creatively with mind and body to the well-being of their fellow man, no matter what the chosen field of endeavor of the graduate.”

Using this definition of a liberal arts education, present your thoughts on the study of liberal arts in a 750-word essay. Consider the following as you develop your presentation:

  • How important is the liberal arts program at the schools you are considering and why?
  • In this time of STEM and focus on all things tech, is studying liberal arts in higher education still necessary? Why or why not?
  • How do you envision studying liberal arts will influence your overall educational experience?
  • How does studying liberal arts align with your career goals?
  • What are the ways in which liberal studies might affect your future employment, whether you use them directly or not? Consider the value of soft skills versus tech skills.
  • Imagine what kind of impact studying liberal arts now will have on your life in 20 years, and/or 50 years?

WRITTEN ESSAY MUST…

  1. Be original work.
  2. Conform to standard English rules of usage, including proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Such errors are not acceptable in a winning essay.
  3. Essays will be judged, in part, on the student’s ability to communicate their thoughts clearly and succinctly and appropriately address the writing prompt/topic.
  4. Include documented sources and all relevant reference materials with proper footnotes and bibliography. This is not just an opinion piece, please support your thoughts. There are many articles and studies that address this topic.
  5. Be typed. Handwritten essays will not be accepted.

IMPORTANT: The student applying for the scholarship must have no help from an adult or coach in developing their essay. It is acceptable to have your work lightly edited/proofread. However, if you use this option, you must supply the adult’s name on your application, and have them initial it.

 

2024 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS JUNE 1, 2024

Scholarships will be awarded during lunch at the Eisenhower College Reunion in Seneca Falls on Saturday, August 3, 2024.