PALCUS National Scholarship Applications open until July 31st!
The PALCUS Scholarship Program was established with the purpose of supporting Portuguese-American students in the pursuit of their higher education goals. The merit-based scholarships are awarded to students of Portuguese ancestry who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their academic careers and who show a commitment to completing an approved plan of study.
Since 2012, thirty-seven Portuguese-American graduate and undergraduate students from across the country have received PALCUS scholarships. The $1,000 scholarship awards are presented at the Annual Leadership Awards Gala.
Eligibility Requirements:
- PALCUS membership: Young Portuguese-American at $25 per year
- U.S. citizenship or a permanent legal U.S. resident (proof of I551 card with no restrictions required),
- Portuguese ancestry of an aggregate of least 25%, i.e. total Portuguese ancestry of the applicant;
- Full-time student attending a baccalaureate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States (high school seniors / entering freshmen are not eligible);
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of a minimum of 3.0.
Selection Criteria:
The Scholarship Committee of the PALCUS Board of Directors will have the sole responsibility for the selection of the scholarship award recipients based upon the following:
- Academic record
- Extra-curricular activities
- Community Service
- Essay
Application Requirements
The applicant must submit the following by the application deadline:
- the PALCUS Scholarship Application Form;
- an official college academic transcript (with official seal or registrar’s signature; not a screenshot) from all colleges previously attended;
- a one page typewritten (double-spaced 12 pt. font) essay addressing the questions:
What impact has your Portuguese ancestry had upon your own personal development?
What role do you anticipate that your Portuguese ancestry will play in your future?
Discuss any specific career goals for the future or any community involvement that might be pertinent to the question.
What additional information would you like the Scholarship Committee to consider in evaluating your application?
- one Instructor’s Recommendation submitted to PALCUS electronically in PDF format on the attached form by a teacher or professor in an academic setting.
Submission Instructions and Deadline:
1) Please complete application and submit all supporting materials in PDF format
2) Applications must be received in the PALCUS Office by July 31, 2021 with supporting materials, i.e.
- completed and signed application form with essay,
- official college transcript(s),
- Instructor’s Recommendation (see link below)
3) N.B.: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
4) Forward “Instructor’s Recommendation Form” to teacher/instructor/professor which he/she will email in PDF format directly to PALCUS at [email protected]
