Educational awards
Scholarships
If no cycle is funded, no scholarship cycle is open. When one opens, rules post first: eligibility the board allows, non-discrimination, essay or hours file, adult reader, board vote, payment to an institution where possible. A scholarship is not payment for legal work. Filled applications stay in the officer file.
Purpose
TYCP may award small educational scholarships when the Board has set aside funds for that purpose. An award is not a job, not legal representation, and not a right. This policy exists so money goes to students by published rules, not by friendship.
Help a youth pay a concrete education cost connected to civic learning: textbooks, dual-enrollment fees, a civics or debate program, college-application fees, or similar documented school costs.
Do not advertise an amount until the Treasurer confirms the cash is reserved. On a $5,000 operating year, scholarships are optional and should not spend the $2,000 reserve.
Who may apply
Age 13–19 at the deadline.
TYCP member in good standing, or a student in any U.S. state who has completed the published membership acknowledgments.
Not a current voting Director. Directors oversee; they do not apply in the same cycle.
Not a person who sits on that cycle’s reading panel. Immediate family of a sitting Director or of the Founder is ineligible that cycle, to avoid private benefit.
Award size
The Board sets the pot before the cycle opens. Suggested first cycle if extra money exists: one or two awards of $100 to $250 each. The public notice states the exact number and dollar cap.
TYCP pays the school, bookstore, or program when possible. A check to a family is used only if the vendor cannot take payment, and only against receipts.
Scoring (100 points)
Short essay (why civic education matters to you): 40. TYCP learning or volunteer record: 25. Documented need or clear use of funds: 20. Completeness and honesty of the packet: 15.
Readers use the same sheet. Ties may be split or given to the higher need score.
Process and conditions
The Board names a reading panel of at least two people, including one adult 19 or older. Applications are numbered. The panel recommends; the Board votes. Conflicts of interest require recusal.
Notice of the cycle stays public at least 21 days. Results are posted as first name and award amount only, and only with the winner’s permission.
Funds are for the stated education use within 12 months. Unused money returns to TYCP. Fraud or a fake receipt voids the award and may end membership.
Keep applications, score sheets, the Board vote, and proof of payment at least seven years with other financial records.
Application
Type the packet here. Attach invoices by describing them until file upload is connected. Under 18 needs a parent or guardian named below.