TURKISH AMERICAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

TURKISH COALITION OF AMERICA
May 4, 2007
TURKISH AMERICAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

We take this opportunity to introduce a new organization founded in February 2007, the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA).

Based in the nation’s capital, TCA’s objective is to

Educate the general public about Turkey and Turkish Americans and voice their opinion on critical issues to interested parties.
Engage and cultivate a new generation of young Turkish American leaders.
Promote and advance the interests of the Turkish American community and Turks.
Foster friendship, understanding and cooperation between the United States and Turkey.
Protect the character and ensure a realistic portrayal of Turkey and Turkish Americans in the media and the arts.
Serve as a think tank of expertise and a clearinghouse of information on Turkey and Americans of Turkish descent.
Identify and recognize the achievements of Turkish Americans in academia, arts, business, education, government, public service and science.
In carrying out its mission, TCA is committed to building coalitions and working with all like minded organizations, based on shared values and goals, on the local, state and national levels in the sponsorship and organization of

Educational programs on Turkish American issues, Turkish heritage and Turkey.
Civic consciousness seminars on issues affecting Turkish Americans and the importance for Turkish Americans being involved in the political process.
Scholarships and internship programs for Turkish Americans interested in political science, public administration and communication.
News dissemination about the Turkish American perspective on critical issues and the activities and achievements of Turkish Americans.
Educational and cultural tours between Turkey and the United States.
Sister city relationships between Turkish and American cities.
One of the programs that we are proud to announce is a Scholarship Program for Turkish American Youth. This program is designed to encourage and support young Turkish Americans to study public policy or public affairs, political science, international relations, communications, print or electronic journalism or public relations and pursue a career in these areas. The scholarship awards $ 5,000 per year for undergraduate and graduate students. More information about eligibility and application forms may be downloaded from our website at www.turkishcoalitionofamerica.org.

We look forward to working with organizations and individuals in the Turkish American community and beyond to strengthen the Turkish presence in the United States and to create a better future for generations to come.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
have and maintain through the course of the scholarship period a cumulative minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale;
evidence of leadership commitment through participation in community service, particularly within the Turkish American community; and
be a
high school senior applying to an accredited college or university; or
a college student who plans to continue undergraduate study; or
a college senior or graduate enrolled or about to enroll in graduate school; or
a graduate student who is enrolled in a degree program.
Graduate students who apply for the TCA must plan to pursue studies and a career in public affairs.
While financial need is not an eligibility criteria, special consideration may be shown to applicants who provide information about and prove financial need.
Selection CriteriaCandidates will be selected on the basis of academic achievement, interest in Turkish American issues as demonstrated by involvement in Turkish American community affairs, and individual leadership qualities conducive to pursuing a career in public affairs, media and public relations. Priority will be given to students who are admitted to top national universities or liberal arts schools.
How to ApplyPlease read the following instructions carefully. Submit three (3) collated copies of each of the following items. Use paperclips, not staples.
1) COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM (see attached) 2) RESUME: Each copy should be submitted on one single-sided 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper.3) OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: One must be original, two may be copies. Transcripts may NOT be sent separately.4) TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (see attached form) 5) SHORT ESSAY: The essay should not exceed 500 words, must be typed and double-spaced. Please respond to the following: Describe any involvement or interest you have in the Turkish American community. If you were awarded a TCA scholarship, propose how you would contribute to the Turkish American community now and in the future.
Applications are due by June 8, 2007. Scholarship Recipients will be notified on the 4th of July, 2007 and scholarships will be awarded on October 29, 2007.
All applications must be sent via mail to:
Turkish Coalition of America1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1000Washington, DC 20036
Application Form
Referral Form