2011 Application Deadline Approaching for Race for Education's Horseman's Scholarship Program

The 2011 application deadline is fast approaching to apply for the Race For Education (RFE)'s Horsemen's Scholarship Program, through which students are eligible for up to $6,000 per year. The deadline was extended this year, but the final day RFE will accept applications for the program will be Friday, April 15th.

The National Horseman’s Benevolence and Protective Association (National HBPA) will be working in alliance with REF in administering the Horseman’s Scholarship Program. The National HBPA Education Committee will also serve as the selection committee with the participation of RFE President and Executive Director Elisabeth Jensen and Selection Committee Chairman John Ward.

The Horsemen's Scholarship Program is available to children of horse farm and backstretch employees. Students can pursue any field of study. Scholarships are for tuition only, up to $6,000 per year, for up to four years for an undergraduate student. Multiple scholarships will be awarded.

To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must

• be 24 years old or younger as of September 1 of the application year,
• have at least a 2.85 cumulative GPA,
• have an annual household income of less than $50,000 OR be financially independent from parents.*

Supporting materials that must be scanned and uploaded as PDF files include:

•  Essay on ONE of the following three topics (Please limit essay response to 500 words or less.
• What was the last book you read for enjoyment only, not for a class, and why did you choose that book and what did you learn from it?
• Tell us about a facet of Thoroughbred racing that interests you and why.
• What interests do you have outside the equine industry or chosen career field?

• Two letters of recommendation (must be signed but not in sealed envelope);
• Current official transcript (seal can be broken);
• Student Aid Report (from FAFSA)
• If you have NOT received your Student Aid Report, you must submit either your parent/guardian's previous year’s tax return and current year’s W2 form OR the current year’s tax return. (Additional years may be requested.);
• Financial aid award letter(s) (including other scholarship awards).

Applicants apply online ONLY. Applications will be reviewed by The Race For Education Selection Committee and finalists contacted for a personal interview. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Board of Directors, and all applicants will be notified by May 31st each year. Inquiries about the scholarships may be directed to The Race For Education at (859) 252-8648 or apply@raceforeducation.org

*To be considered financially independent, a student must be at least 23 years old OR married OR a veteran OR an orphan OR have dependents of his or her own. Applicants who have been legally emancipated must provide documentation indicating such. No exceptions will be considered.

For further application information, contact the RFE office at (859) 252- 8648 or go online to www.raceforeducation.org.