Polk Scholastic Chess would like to recognize graduating seniors who have had an extended length of participation with Polk Scholastic Chess and who have made active contributions to their school and community. Polk Scholastic Chess exists to encourage academic growth through the game of chess. As part of this encouragement for academic growth we would like to award two scholarships in the amounts of $1,500.00 and $1,000.00 for continuing education.

Recipients of these scholarships will receive the award after confirmation of enrollment in college. Any recipient that does not provide proof of enrollment from the Registrar’s office for the first fall semester after graduation will forfeit their scholarship. At the same time fees for the semester must have been paid in the college of your choice. If the scholarship is not claimed within the first semester after graduating from high school, it will be forfeited. Checks will be mailed to the recipients in the month of October 2025 or later.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. All applicants must be graduating seniors of the current school year.
2. Intend on entering college for the fall semester after graduating.
3. Have a good record of sportsmanlike behavior.
4. Have a good record of school and community involvement.
5. Have been part of Polk Scholastic Chess for five or more years.
6. Should qualify for Championship and attend Championship tournament and be present at the final Award Ceremony in March. Otherwise, Scholarship will be forfeited and will awarded to the next student.
7. Student will provide their enrollment into the college by getting a letter from the Registrars' office for the fall 2025 semester and should be received by 30th Sept, 2025.

TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AND ESSAY, YOU MUST: 

A. Complete and submit this application for review by January 18th, 2025.

B. Compose and upload an essay (online only) titled “My Journey at Polk Scholastic Chess” based on the prompt provided below. Please ensure the essay does not exceed 500 words. 

1. Reflect on a specific moment in your chess journey with Polk Scholastic Chess that helped shape your personal growth and character development. 

2. How did playing at Polk Scholastic Chess improve your cognitive skills and academic performance.

3. Reflect on how Polk Scholastic Chess influenced your career aspirations, leadership style and abilities?

4. How did participating in community engagement and outreach through Polk Scholastic Chess impact you? List awards you have received, other activities you have participated in, and interests you have.

All applications must be received (online submission only) by Polk Scholastic Chess no later than Jan 18th, 2025.

No applications will be accepted after this date.