Application deadline has been extended until March 8, 2013.

	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 by providing financial assistance as they pursue their higher education. The Award TUCOEMAS Federal Credit Union will grant one STEM Entrepreneur Award in the amount of $1,000. The 2013 STEM Award will be presented at the 2013 Gas Company Challenge for Student Entrepreneurs on March 13 at the Visalia Convention Center. This award is 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 applicant, 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. The scholarship recipient will be notified of the results of the competition at least one week prior to the presentation date — March 13, 2013. Application Process To submit an application, the following items must be included: The completed application/activity sheet and 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 Avenue Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 733-6101 Download and print the application. All documents must be received by Friday, March 8, 2013, 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.