VSSF and Virginia Cottey College Scholarship Fund
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Table of Contents
- What is VSSF and what is the minimum amount of a scholarship?
- Does the VSSF provide scholarships for Virginia residents attending schools?
- Does VSSF provide a scholarship for women attending Cottey College?
- How are our scholarships funded?
- What are the five named scholarships managed by the P.E.O. Foundation?
- Can High School Seniors receive a VSSF award?
- How are the recipients selected ?
- Can a student receive a VSSF or Cottey College award more than once?
- When are applications due?
- What is the designated scholar program?
- How can we better support our designated scholar?
- How can our chapter find qualified applicants?
1 - What is VSSF and what is the minimum amount of a scholarship?
Virginia State Scholarship Fund; scholarship minimum is $1500.
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2 - Does the VSSF provide scholarships for Virginia residents attending schools out-of-state?
No, scholarships are provided only to students domiciled in Virginia and attending an accredited school in Virginia or Cottey College.
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3 - Does VSSF provide a scholarship for women attending Cottey College?
Yes, a separate fund provides a maximum scholarship amount of $2500.
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4 - How are our scholarships funded?
a) Donations from local P.E.O. chapters and individuals. All state VSSF funds received are dispersed annually.
b) Interest from funds invested in the P.E.O. Foundation (the five named scholarship funds) is dispersed annually.
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5 - What are the five named scholarships managed by the P.E.O. Foundation?
 | Jeannette McDonald State Scholarship Fund is given to the applicant with the highest GPA. At least $2500. |
| Mary Pinkerton Memorial Fund is given to the second highest GPA. At least $2000. |
| Janice H. Bruner Scholarship Fund is given to the third highest GPA. At least $2000. |
| Robert E. and Jean M. Stout Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarded to a woman in a health or medical related field of study. At least $2000. |
| Lottie E. Driver Fund is awarded to a woman studying in the field of education. At least $2500. |
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6 - Can High School Seniors receive a VSSF award?
Yes, up to 30% of the Virginia State Scholarship Fund scholarships awarded may be given to high school seniors.
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7 - How are the recipients selected ?
The VSSF Committee selects recipients based on, the applicant’s GPA with a minimum of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale, financial need, well-rounded activities, solid life and career goals, and three strong character references. P.E.O.’s or relatives of a P.E.O. are given preference if all other factors are established equally.
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8 - Can a student receive a VSSF or Cottey College award more than once?
Yes, she is eligible for one renewal if she continues to meet the qualifying criteria.
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9 - When are applications due?
Completed VSSF applications must be postmarked by March 15th of each year. Cottey College applications are due within 30 days following acceptance
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10 - What is the designated scholar program?
P.E.O. Chapters or individuals who donate at least $500 to the VSSF or the Virginia Cottey College Scholarship Fund will have the privilege of having a designated scholar. The chapter or individual will be sent her name and address and have the pleasure of communicating with her throughout the year.
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11 - How can we better support our designated scholar?
Get in touch with her as soon as you have been notified of her name and address. In most cases she will also have an e-mail address. Send her cards and/or small gifts on special occasions and a “care” package at exam time. If she is close by, invite her to a special event, perhaps a reciprocity lunch
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12 - How can our chapter find qualified applicants?
Spread the word about our scholarships to your relatives, friends, and neighbors. Visit your local high school or college. Make an appointment with the guidance counselor and leave him or her copies of the brochure and application. Leave your name and phone number and offer further assistance if needed..
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Your VSSF and Virginia Cottey College Scholarship Fund Point-of-Contact is:
Beth Gehring, AL
10668 Oakton Ridge Court Oakton, VA 22124-1642 703-319-8556