The John W. Hancock Jr. Scholarship Awards

The Western Virginia Foundation for the Arts and Sciences operating as Center in the Square in Roanoke, Virginia, offers The John W. Hancock Jr. Scholarship Award to recognize the many contributions made by Mr. John W. Hancock, Jr., to the establishment and operation of Center in the Square, a cultural and educational complex. Center in the Square has made a significant difference in the education and knowledge of the citizens of the region through the exhibits, programs, performances and outreach services of its museums, theatre, opera, ballet and arts council. The John W. Hancock Jr. Scholarship Award is intended to encourage talented students who need financial assistance to attend a two-year or four-year college or university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and located in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Scholarship applicants are expected to be U.S. citizens and Virginia residents and to be enrolled at the academic institution of their choice on a full-time basis (15 or more credits) during each academic semester of support. Support will be made in two equal payments, one-half of the total award at the beginning of each of the two semesters of the academic year the scholarship is awarded.

Scholarship support shall be provided for direct educational expenses (tuition, books, required equipment and other school fees).

Scholarship applicants must have a high school diploma and a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.2 out of a possible 4.0 points to qualify. Exceptions may be made in the case of scholarship applicants holding an equivalent to a high school diploma. This diploma equivalent must be an equivalent generally recognized by educators, such as a GED or an Associate Degree or higher degree earned at a school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or other regional accrediting organization.

Preference will be given to scholarship applicants who have a financial need as determined from standard financial aid instruments used at the institution and so certified by the financial aid officer of the institution. In addition to the financial need requirement, consideration will be given to first-generation college students.

Preference will be given to scholarship applicants enrolled in, or intending to enroll in, a major in art, history, performing arts, science, theatre, museum studies or creative writing. Other majors related to art, history, science, theatre, museum studies or creative writing may be considered. In order to receive the second semester scholarship award, the scholarship recipient must obtain a grade point average of at least 2.5 in major courses and at least an average of 2.0 in other courses taken during the semester of the first award.

Recipients who finish the award year with a grade point average of at least 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 points automatically qualify for additional scholarship support which must immediately follow the current academic year and will be governed by the same conditions of the prior academic year. No more than a total of two academic years' scholarship assistance will be granted any one recipient.

Other factors taken into consideration by The John W. Hancock Jr. Scholarship Award Selection Committee are:

• Previous association with Center in the Square and/or its beneficiary organizations (museums, theatre, opera, ballet and/or arts council) such as volunteer service, employment or frequent attendance.
• Strength of commitment to chosen major and career.
• High school extracurricular contributions including any after school work experiences and experiences which may be related to selected field of study such as participation in drama activities, historical societies, art exhibitions, science fairs, museums, creative writing, etc.
• Three letters of reference, at least two from teachers, principal, counselor or other school official.
• Commitment to reasonably assisting self in meeting financial need such as participation in college work-study programs, part-time employment and/or application for other student assistance.
• Commitment to full-time study for the duration of the time required to obtain the selected degree.
• Performance during personal interview(s).