The Best Buy @15™ MS Scholarship is an award designed to encourage young teens affected by MS to stay on track toward post-secondary education and remain active and involved in their school and community.
To apply for the Best Buy @15™ MS Scholarship with the National MS Society teens must:
- Be in ninth grade
- Live in the Chapter service area at time of application
- Have MS or have a parent with MS (verification of diagnosis required)
- Submit required application form and related materials by April 1, 2011
- Selected student must verify high school graduation by sending final transcript to chapter after graduation
- Within 12 months after high school graduation, selected student must enroll at least half-time (two classes per academic term or equivalent) in an accredited, post-secondary institution.
Download the application now
Will a scholarship be given out every year?
Yes, one $1,500 Best Buy @15™ MS Scholarship will be awarded each year.
Where can I get an application form?
Download the application now. Hard copy applications can be picked up at the chapter office (200 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415) or you may call 612-335-7900 to request that an application form be mailed to you.
Is there an application fee?
No, we do not charge students to apply.
When’s the deadline?
Your application and all supporting documents must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2011. If you plan to hand deliver your application, it must be received at the Chapter office (200 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415) by 5 p.m., April 1, 2011. There will be no exceptions.
I have some questions about how to fill out the form – whom do I ask?
Contact Shannon Wolkerstorfer at swolkerstorfer@MSsociety.org or 612-335-7928.
How much money is given to the recipient?
A one-time scholarship of $1,500 will be awarded at the time of enrollment in an accredited post-secondary institution. Scholarship payment will be made upon verification of enrollment into an accredited, post-secondary institution. Payment will be issued jointly in the name of the student and their post-secondary institution and will need to be endorsed by both.
What are the criteria that will be used to select the recipient?
All applicants must meet the basic eligibility criteria, fully complete the application and supporting materials and meet the April 1, 2011 deadline. The Best Buy @15™ MS Scholarship recipient will be selected on the basis of a review conducted by chapter volunteers examining components of the applications such as an applicant’s goals and aspirations, community involvement, personal essay, references and the impact MS has made. Decisions are not affected by a person’s race, color, creed, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Who selects the recipients?
The National MS Society, Chapter convenes a special volunteer panel to review applications and make award decisions.
Must I plan to be a full-time post-secondary student?
We understand that full-time study may not be possible for everyone due to health concerns or family care responsibilities. You must be enrolled in at least two classes per academic term (or equivalent) to be eligible as a part-time student. The scholarship is intended for students who are pursuing a degree, license or certificate and is not for those who want to take an occasional personal enrichment course.
I want to go to technical school and not to college. Can I still apply?
Any post-secondary, undergraduate school is fine as long as it meets national, state or professional accreditation standards. You must plan to attend school at least part-time (at least two classes per academic term or equivalent).
How and when will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?
When you send your application, you will receive confirmation acknowledging receipt of your application. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, you will be notified by June 1, 2011. Communication with recipients is done by mail and eemail. We will also announce the recipient on our Web site.
What will be required of me if I am selected to receive a scholarship?
We will request that you provide a current photo and write a thank you note to our donor, Best Buy @15™. Further, you will be invited to attend a scholarship celebration to be publicly recognized. As the Best Buy@15™ MS Scholarship recipient, you will be granted membership in the Chapter’s Teen Council and invited to become actively involved in the council’s work. You will be encouraged to participate/volunteer with the chapter in at least one activity or program annually. You will be required to keep the chapter informed of your current address and contact phone number.