Robbie and Jean Shaw Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The Robbie and Jean Shaw Scholarship was established in 2010 by the Shaw family to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to service. Each year, the scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving undergraduate students who demonstrate a blend of scholastic achievement and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on their communities.

Eligibility Criteria

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident currently enrolled in an accredited fouryear college or university.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
• Demonstrated leadership through student organizations, volunteer work, or professional experiences.
• Commitment to community service, as evidenced by a personal statement or letters of recommendation.
• Must be pursuing a bachelors degree in any field of study.

What the Scholarship Covers

The award provides up to $5,000 per academic year. Funds may be applied to tuition, books, fees, or other educational expenses. Some recipients may be eligible for a renewal award of $5,000 for up to three additional years, provided they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 and continue to meet the programs service and leadership requirements.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the following steps by the annual deadline (typically March 1st):

1. Fill out the online application form on the scholarship website.
2. Upload an unofficial transcript showing current GPA.
3. Submit a 500word personal essay describing how the scholarship will help achieve academic and career goals, and how past experiences reflect a commitment to service.
4. Provide two letters of recommendationone from an academic source and one from a community or employer reference.
5. Include a rsum highlighting leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work.

Selection Process

The Shaw Scholarship Committee reviews applications in three stages:

• Initial Screening: Verification of eligibility and completeness of materials.
• Committee Review: Evaluation of academic records, essays, and recommendations using a rubric that balances academic merit, leadership, and service.
• Final Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to a virtual interview with two committee members.

Decisions are announced by May 15th. Award letters are sent directly to successful applicants and their respective institutions.

Benefits Beyond the Monetary Award

Recipients join a vibrant network of past scholars, mentors, and industry professionals. The scholarship program hosts annual events, such as leadership workshops, communityservice projects, and careerdevelopment panels. These opportunities help scholars build connections and gain skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Alumni Success Stories

Since its inception, the Robbie and Jean Shaw Scholarship has supported over 150 students. Alumni have gone on to earn advanced degrees, launch startups, and lead nonprofit initiatives. Some notable achievements include:

• Maria Lopez (Class of 2014): Earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and now heads a research team at the EPA.
• David Chen (Class of 2017): Cofounded a healthtech startup that received a $2M seed round.
• Angela Patel (Class of 2020): Serves as the Director of Community Outreach for a national education nonprofit.

How to Get Involved

Even if you are not eligible for the award, you can support the scholarship in several ways:

• Donate: Contributions help maintain the award amount and expand programming.
• Mentor: Offer career guidance or host a workshop for current scholars.
• Volunteer: Assist with scholarship events, outreach, or communityservice projects.

Every contribution, big or small, strengthens the scholarships ability to empower students.

Contact Information

For questions about eligibility, application guidelines, or donation opportunities, please email scholarships@shawfoundation.org or call (555) 1234567.