Sponsorship Program

for Talented Students in Arts, Sciences, and Math

 

Dedicated to furthering study and fostering achievement, the Garwin Family Foundation (GFF) sponsors approved enrichment opportunities for select, current Carbondale Community High School (CCHS), Carterville High School (CHS), Herrin High School (HHS), and Murphysboro High School (MHS) freshmen, sophomores and juniors who demonstrate:

  • academic aptitude;
  • outstanding skills in the arts, humanities, sciences, or mathematics;
  • sterling character; and
  • self-directed work ethic and goal setting.

The primary objective of this competitive program is to provide opportunities that help guide the very best and brightest students toward a lifetime of leadership, academic accomplishment and professional mastery.

Application Process

Students are selected by the GFF through a rigorous application and review process. To be eligible for consideration by the GFF, applicants must:

  • complete and submit an online application,
  • furnish a current copy of their official transcript,
  • have two letters of recommendation from faculty forwarded to the GFF on their behalf,
  • submit their resume,
  • provide a personal statement,
  • turn in a portfolio or a recording (audio and/or video, as appropriate) of best solo works, if the student is in the fine arts, performing arts, or writing,
  • submit links to a performance video where the student is speaking the language, if applying to a language program,
  • apply independently and as early as possible to one or more approved enrichment programs, as well as any scholarship and financial aid opportunities provided by the selected enrichment programs,
  • deliver official documentation of acceptance by the enrichment program into the program area/course(s) of interest to the GFF in a timely manner, and
  • comply with the deadlines for this program.

Students selected as finalists by the GFF then will be expected to participate in an in-person interview with the GFF Directors.

Students ultimately selected by the GFF to receive support also must:

  • have parental/guardian consent to attend the enrichment program;
  • complete, along with their parents/guardian, all forms required by the GFF and the enrichment program (as applicable) in a timely manner; and
  • agree, along with their parents/guardian, to participate in and comply with the GFF’s requirements, including the GFF’s monitoring of the student’s performance in the approved enrichment program. The student also will be required to provide the GFF with: a written reflection on his/her participation in the enrichment program, frequent and brief updates and photographs or short videos of the student at the locus of the program that are appropriate for use on the GFF’s Facebook page and website, any reports on student assessment provided by the program, a contact at the program who can provide independent assessment of the student’s enrichment program performance, and an exit interview. The student will agree to allow the GFF to use these materials on its website, FB page, and otherwise, as well. Additionally, the student will agree to acknowledge support by the GFF in any work product resulting from the student’s participation in the enrichment program.

NOTE: Acceptance by an enrichment program in no way obligates the GFF to sponsor the student applicant. As resources are finite, student sponsorship decisions are made at the GFF’s sole discretion.

Part 1 of the Application Form for the 2025 GFF Sponsorship Program is due 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

 

 

APPLY TODAY!