Are you currently, or have you been, enrolled in the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS) program or the Henry Ford Learning Institute? If so, you could be eligible for a scholarship to help you to study with AFS for a summer abroad!
Thanks to a partnership between Ford Motor Company Fund and AFS-USA, Inc., scholarships are now available to Ford PAS students between the ages of 15-20.
Presented by AFS-USA in conjunction with Ford Motor Company Fund, Ford PAS students experience high-quality, interdisciplinary learning experiences that challenge them academically and develop their problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills. By building strong local partnerships with business and higher education, Ford PAS encourages and prepares students for success in college and professional careers in fields such as business, engineering, and technology. For more information, visit: www.fordpas.org
As a Ford PAS Scholar overseas you’ll have exciting opportunities. You’ll explore the daily life of your host family and their community. You’ll speak another language and make new friends. You may meet with Ford Motor Company employees, as well as share your AFS experience with your host community in public discussions. Returning home to the U.S. you’ll have a greater understanding of yourself, the world and your place in it.
Eligible Scholarship Candidates
• Are between the ages of 15-20.
• Are/were enrolled in a Ford PAS program as a part of their high school studies or a summer, weekend, or after-school program.
• Are registered on the Ford PAS website at www.fordpas.org or listserv.
• Have demonstrated academic achievement (3.0 GPA minimum).
• Have demonstrated leadership potential through involvement in school or community service.
• Have a strong passion for learning about other cultures, heritages, languages, and people.
• Are interested in a summer intercultural exchange experience in their choice of more than 40 countries around the world.
• Are committed to undertaking fundraising activities to finance the portion of the program tuition not covered by the scholarship.
Scholarship Details
• This is a competitive scholarship (not all applicants will receive scholarships) and will reflect standard AFS merit-and need-based criteria.
• Ford PAS scholars will complete pre-and post-program questionnaires and will write two letters to Ford Motor Company Fund: a thank-you letter once they receive their scholarship awards and a postcard at the mid-point of their programs describing their experiences abroad.
• Students are also required to write a personal essay once they return home. These essays provide anecdotes that speak to the power of the AFS intercultural exchange experience.
• The Ford PAS scholarships will be given as partial awards. Applicants may receive additional funds from other scholarships and will be expected to do some fundraising to contribute to their AFS experiences.
Important Dates to Remember
• Student nomination forms due January 30, 2009
• Student applications due March 3, 2009
• Scholarship winners will be announced by April 3, 2009
Nominated Students
Ford PAS Coordinators may nominate four [4] or fewer Ford PAS students for this scholarship using the Nomination Form. Print / make multiple copies for four or more students. All candidates must complete a full AFS application for admission, as well as the Financial Aid application.
Student applications will be reviewed by a panel of AFS and Ford PAS staff, as well as AFS Volunteers, on the basis of the application materials, financial aid application, and interview process, assessing students on academic achievement and leadership potential factors. AFS-USA’s Development Office has final sign-off on all scholarship award winners.
