The Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarship AVRE, a private, non-profit organization that assists people who are blind or visually impaired of all ages, in seven New York and three Pennsylvania counties, is offering The Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarship Program to individuals who meet the legal definition of blindness or have a severe vision disability. Below please find the details of applicant criteria. The Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarship Program For individuals who are blind or visually impaired pursuing post high school education. Offered through the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc. Supported by Binghamton Lions Club Charities and A.V.R.E. individual donors. Education is a journey, not a destination. Mr. Charles Costello served as a member of the board of directors of the Association. He was known for his astute leadership, warm hospitality, and wonderful sense of humor. He encountered a vision disability later in life. This allowed him to bring personal knowledge of Association services as well as business and community acumen to his board service. In a career spanning six decades, Mr. Costello served innumerable non-profit, professional and community causes and organizations. He was an internationally recognized expert on water quality and treatment systems and traveled to many other countries as a consultant. He served as Superintendent of the Binghamton City Bureau of Water from 1963 to his retirement in 1978. Mr. Costello had a deep personal interest in higher education, having returned to college after military service during WWII. He assisted and encouraged many others to pursue or return to post high school education. It was his community service, dedication to the Association, and love of education that led to the creation of this scholarship program. Mrs. Beverly Costello and A.V.R.E. established the Memorial Scholarship Program in 2002, to honor the memory and contributions of her husband. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to blind or visually impaired individuals in the pursuit of career-directed post high school education or training. Awards (if any) are competitive within the eligibility and priority criteria of the scholarship program. The program is focused on assisting qualified applicants who are pursuing a degree or certificate in the sciences, technology or business fields. However, all eligible individuals are encouraged to apply. All levels of post high school education or training will be considered. Award Amounts and Number The program intends to make at least one award per year at the $500 level. Efforts will be made to increase either, or both, the among and number of awards. However, the program reserves the right to increase, decrease, not issue, or otherwise change the number and amount of awards at its discretion. Factors impacting these decisions include, but are not limited to, fund availability, number of eligible applicants and quality of applications as determined by the program. Applicant Eligibility (Must meet all criteria.) Residence Students whose home residence is in the New York Counties of Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland. Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins may apply. Students whose residence is in the Pennsylvania counties of Bradford, Susquehanna, or Tioga may also apply. These applicants may attend a post high school college or training program within or outside these counties. Students who are currently enrolled at and attending a post high school college or training in the above New York and Pennsylvania counties, but whose home residence is elsewhere are also eligible to apply. Degree of Vision The program is limited to individuals who meet the legal definition of blindness or have a severe vision disability. Legal blindness is defined as vision of 20/200 or less with best correction in the better eye, or a field of vision restricted to 20 degrees or less. A severe vision disability for this program is defined as vision of 20 over 70 or less with best correction in the better eye, or the inability to read regular newsprint without the aid of special optical devices. Academic Standing Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school (or be in the final portion of high school senior year), or have obtained a GED. Enrollment or Acceptance Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited post high school education or training institution. High school seniors may submit proof of acceptance and intention to enroll for the coming fall semester. Priorities Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited post high school education or training institution. High school seniors may submit proof of acceptance and intention to enroll for the coming fall semester. Priorities The program will use the following priorities as guides in its decision making and selection process: 1. A priority will be offered for applicants who are legally blind. 2. A priority will be offered for applicants pursuing a degree or certificate in the sciences, technology, or business fields. 3. A priority will be offered to applicants based on a higher grade point average or equivalent. 4. A priority will be offered to applicants whose home (non-school) residence is in any of the 10 counties listed under the residence eligibility criteria. Applicants must include the following items: 1. Proof of acceptance of current enrollment at an accredited post high school education or training institution. 2. Proof of blindness or vision disability. Current consumers of the Association may request that we use proof on file at the Association. 3. Proof of home residence. 4. A one-page description of reasons for pursuing the chosen field and career goals. 5. A transcript showing most recent or current grade point average. How, When, and Where to Apply Submit a complete application package to: The Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarship c/o A.V.R.E. 174 Court Street Binghamton, NY 13901 Applications must be received by July 15 for consideration for the following fall semester. A.V.R.E. The Association is a private, non-profit organization that assists people who are blind or visually impaired, of all ages, in seven New York and three Pennsylvania counties. Originated in 1926 by a group of blind people and incorporated in 1929, the Association provides a range of independent living, learning, and employment services. The Association generates its income through manufacturing and service contracts, its endowments, donations from the public, and grants. It does not receive direct financial support from any government agency. Funding for the Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarship The program is funded through the generosity of Mrs. Beverly Costello, Binghamton Lions Charities, private donations, and interest earned. Contributions to this fund or other programs of the Association will be gratefully accepted and acknowledged. Any such donations may be tax deductible. For more information, contact Teri Chamberlin at 607-724-2428, or email [email protected].
Posted on: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:29:25 +0000
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