Who is eligible to apply?

Those eligible to apply are high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are:

• Dependent sons and daughters of owners of MRA member businesses, or of full-time employees of Michigan Retailers Association member firms. The parent-employee must have been employed by a Michigan Retailers Association member firm for at least one year as of January 1 of the year the funds are awarded.
  OR
• Part-time employees of MRA member businesses who are full-time students. Part-time employees must have been employed by a Michigan Retailers Association member firm for at least six months as of January 1 of the year in which the scholarships are awarded.
  
  Note: The applicants or the parents of applicants must still be employed by a Michigan Retailers Association member firm at the time the winners are selected in April.

When is the deadline?

April 1, 2010

What are the details of the award?

• At least 30 scholarships are expected to be awarded annually and are not renewable.
• Students may reapply each year as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
• The award amount is $1,000 for four-year colleges and universities and $500 for community colleges.
• The scholarships will be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for course load.
• Institutions must be accredited, nonprofit two or four-year colleges/universities in the United States.
• A student may transfer from one institution to another and retain the award.

How long must a business be a member of MRA before it’s eligible to participate?

There are no limitations, other than the business must be a member at the time of application and still be a member when the scholarships are awarded.

Is my step-child eligible to apply?

A step-child is eligible to apply as long as he/she is considered a dependent of yours.

Are scholarships available to graduate students?

Scholarships are available only to undergraduates.

What are the selection criteria?

• An independent selection committee will evaluate the applications and select the winners.
• The committee will consider:
• Academic achievements and records
  o Community involvement
  o Extra-curricular activities, including, but not limited to, retail employment.
  Decisions of the selection committees are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be given.

I have several potential school choices. Which one should I list on the application?

You should list your first choice on the application. If you are chosen to receive an award, it will be your responsibility to make certain ISTS is aware of your final school choice so that your check can be issued accordingly.

What should I put on the application if I was home schooled?

Fill in “Home schooled” in the high school field.

How and when will I receive notification?

• Notifications are sent approximately two months past the deadline.
• Winner and non-winner notifications will be sent by email.
• Add info@applyists.com to your email address book or “safe senders list” so these important emails are not sent to your junk mail folder.
• Do not “opt out” of any email sent from info@applyists.com — you may not receive vital information regarding your scholarship applications.
  Your email address will only be used to communicate with you about your scholarship applications or other opportunities administered by ISTS for which you may be eligible to apply. We will not provide your email address to any third-parties.

What are my responsibilities if I am chosen as a recipient?

• You must enroll as a full-time undergraduate in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded.
• You must continue in school the entire academic year without interruption unless approved by Michigan Retailers Association.
• You must deliver your scholarship check(s) to the proper office at your institution.

How and when are checks issued?

• Checks will be mailed to each recipient’s mailing address as entered on the application.
• Checks will be made payable to the institution only.
• Checks will be issued in August and December.
• It is the recipient’s responsibility to notify ISTS should the check not arrive within 30 days of the issue date.

Is a high school transcript required with the application? If so, must it be an official transcript?

High school transcripts are required, but they do not have to be official. The transcript should have at least seven semesters of grades on it.

Where and when should I send my supporting documents?

• Upload your required documents online. If you are unable to upload them, mail or fax your supporting documents following the instructions printed from your online application. If you do not follow the instructions exactly your application may not be considered.
• Your submission must be complete by April 1, 2010.

Are scholarships taxable?

Tax laws vary by country. In the United States, scholarship funds used exclusively for the payment of tuition or textbooks are normally not taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against your scholarship award. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for more guidance.

Is there a list of MRA members to check if the business where I work is a member?

MRA does not publicize its membership list. You can find out if your employer is a member by contacting MRA’s Laura Schilling at 800.366.3699 or lschilling@retailers.com.

Program Administration

To assure complete impartiality in selection of winners and to maintain a high level of professionalism, the program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc., a firm that specializes in managing sponsored scholarship programs.

Questions

For additional information regarding the scholarship program, contact ISTS by email at contactus@applyists.com . When emailing please include the name of the scholarship program or sponsor.