The Schoharie ARC is accepting applications for the Jean Emerson Scholarship to provide financial assistance to Schoharie County residents enrolled in an accredited college or university in the human services fields.
Two scholarships of up to $1,000 per academic year will be awarded annually to individuals who plan to pursue or continue their career in providing care, education or assistance to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Eligible candidates must be accepted into an accredited college or university or be presently enrolled in an accredited college or university. The scholarship will be prorated for students who are attending school part time. Recipients are eligible to reapply for the scholarship annually.
The Scholarship Award honors Jean Emerson and her service to the Schoharie County ARC and the field of education.
Ms. Emerson was a pioneer in the field of education and higher learning.
During her career, she was chair of the Early Childhood Department at SUNY Cobleskill.
Under her direction, SUNY Cobleskill developed one of the first successful Head Start Programs, which became a national model.
Ms. Emerson often said that the key to knowledge is in the pursuit of education.
She was also a fierce advocate for the human and civil rights of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
To apply for the Scholarship, eligible candidates must complete an application form, submit two letters of recommendation (one personal and one professional), and an essay of no more than 1,000 words stating their reasons for pursuing a career working with people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities, as well as their professional goals.
Scholarship applications can be downloaded from the website at www.schohariearc.org or can be requested by contacting Tammy Ruise at (518)295-8130.