Purpose and Philosophy The Tulare County Student STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Entrepreneur Award program was established to raise awareness among Tulare County’s youth of the critical role that the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics plays in building entrepreneurship in America. The scholarship recognizes and honors students who receive them and provides financial assistance to students as they pursue their higher education. The Award The Tulare County Economic Development Corporation will grant one STEM Award annually in the amount of $1,000. The 2008 STEM Award is sponsored by Tucoemas Federal Credit Union and will be presented at the "Recognizing Excellence in Entrepreneurship" program March 6, 2008 at the Marriott Hotel in Visalia. These awards are non-renewable and not based on financial need. Eligibility Those eligible to apply for a STEM Award are Tulare County high school juniors and seniors interested in STEM activities. The applicant should demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, such as starting his or her own business, participation in organizations such as DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Junior Achievement and The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, among others, or through other initiatives. Selection Procedure An impartial Selection Committee, assembled by the Tulare County Office of Education and comprised of educators and small-business leaders, will be responsible for selecting the recipient of the scholarship. In evaluating the credentials of the applicants, the Selection Committee will consider each applicant’s academic record, extracurricular activities, leadership activities and character. Evidence of entrepreneurial spirit and initiative will be heavily weighted. As a general rule, applicants should be ranked in the top quarter of their high school class to receive serious consideration. All scholarship recipients will be notified of the results of the competition by March 3, 2008. Every effort will be made to notify the scholarship recipient earlier than that date. Application Process To submit an application, the following items must be included: The completed application/activity sheet and the completed essay. Your high school record (use provided form to give to your guidance counselor). All items must be packaged TOGETHER and mailed/delivered to: Tulare County Student STEM Entrepreneur Award c/o Randy Wallace Tulare County Office of Education 2637 West Burrel Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 733-6101 Download and print the application. All documents must be received by Friday, February 29, 2008, no later than 4:00 p.m. Incomplete or late applications will not be processed. Questions? Contact Randy Wallace at randyw@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6101. The application file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print. Download the freeware version here.