The available awards, totaling $77,000, are as follows:
- One scholarship of up to $72,000 (distributed as a renewable scholarship of up to $18,000 per year, for up to three consecutive years)
- Five $1,000 one-time scholarships
“The EQT Foundation strives to identify opportunities that impact the communities we serve in powerful ways. And, what better way to shape the future than by supporting the education of tomorrow’s leaders and innovators,” stated Ellen Rossi, EQT Foundation Manager. “We are pleased to offer our EQT Students of Excellence scholarship program to the Washington County community through the assistance of the WCCF, and we look forward to learning more about the exceptional achievements and professional aspirations of this year’s scholarship recipients.”
To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must pursue either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in a field utilized in the energy industry (e.g., computer science or information technology; civil, chemical, or petroleum engineering; energy or land management; environmental science; geology, safety science; or welding). Additionally, scholarship applicants must demonstrate excellence in the following areas: academic performance, community involvement, extra-curricular activities, and leadership.
WCCF Chairman of the Board Lynne Stout remarked, “Education is the foundation for a successful future, and the scholarships provided by the WCCF are an avenue for students to help defray the costs of their chosen post-secondary program. Through the creation of the EQT Students of Excellence Scholarship Fund, not only will the Foundation be able to issue five more $1,000 scholarships this year, but we will also have the extraordinary opportunity to present one of the brightest and most hard-working students in our community with a significant academic award. It is very exciting for everyone involved.”
The EQT Students of Excellence Scholarship Fund’s top award represents the WCCF’s single largest post-secondary scholarship to date.
“We are very grateful to the EQT Foundation for entrusting us with this extraordinary scholarship. The WCCF’s relationship with EQT extends well over a decade, and this is just the latest in a long list of generous contributions made to enhance educational experiences for students county-wide. At a time when the cost of post-secondary education has become so prohibitive, it is amazing to consider just how life-changing the $72,000 EQT Students of Excellence Scholarship award could be for a deserving high school graduate,” said Betsie Trew, WCCF President & CEO.
Applications must be submitted electronically using the online post-secondary scholarship application available on www.wccf.net. The application should be reviewed thoroughly to ensure all requirements are being met. A FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) student aid report, one letter of recommendation and a written essay are required for this scholarship. Hardcopy documentation must be provided to the WCCF office at: 1253 Route 519, P.O. Box 308, Eighty Four, PA 15330. Applicants need only supply one copy of their transcript, SAT and/or ACT scores, even if they are applying for more than one WCCF scholarship. All applications and supporting documentation must be received by the WCCF by April 1, 2019, in order for students to be considered for a scholarship.
About the EQT Foundation
The EQT Foundation was established by EQT Corporation, one of the nation’s premier natural gas producers, and is committed to the social and economic vitality of our operating regions. The EQT Foundation believes in meaningful engagement with the communities it calls home and takes great pride in the role as both a responsible and responsive corporate citizen. The EQT Foundation has developed strong partnerships with a variety of nonprofit organizations to enrich the diversity and viability of our communities, sustain the principles of continuous learning, and focus on environmental protection efforts. Read more at: www.eqt.com/our-communities/eqt-foundation.
About the WCCF
The WCCF promotes and facilitates local philanthropy and is the largest publicly supported grant-making foundation headquartered in Washington County. In addition to administering a broad grant-making program for local charities, the WCCF awards scholarships to post-secondary students, pre-kindergarten students, as well as students in kindergarten through grade 12 attending non-public schools. Cumulatively, more than $2,250,000 has been awarded from all of the Foundation’s scholarship funds. To learn more about the WCCF’s scholarship opportunities, please visit www.wccf.net.