Application Opens: May 10

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Purpose

The goal of the PACC Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship is to provide students who demonstrate leadership skills and involvement in activities that promote awareness of the Palestinian culture, with college tuition assistance and guidance to continue such leadership at their college/university. The PACC Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship strives to enable students to serve as leaders at their college/university campus through participation in relevant campus organizations and community service; skills which would help students excel throughout their academic years and as they enter into their careers. Furthermore, the PACC Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship also assists deserving students presenting a financial need and encourages their excellence in academics.

Scholarship Details

This scholarship is only available during the student’s time studying for their undergraduate degree and does not roll over into any higher education endeavors.

All scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college or university and shall be disbursed at the start of every semester.

Winners will not need to reapply; they must, however, continue to meet eligibility criteria to obtain all funding.

Amount Distribution

Year 1: $2,500
Year 2: $2,000
Year 3: $1,500
Year 4: $1,000

Eligibility

Application Requirements

1) Applicant should be able to demonstrate leadership skills and involvement in activities that promote awareness of the Palestinian culture.

2) Applicant must be a high school senior applying for a bachelor’s degree at a college or university in the state of Texas or a current undergraduate student enrolled in the 2021 academic year as a full-time student at a college or university in the state of Texas.

3) Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 at the time of application.

4) Applicant is required to submit the below application, including essay responses, an updated resume, and an unofficial transcript from the most recently completed semester.

5) Applicants are encouraged to include a letter of recommendation in their applications. Recommendation letters will be considered but are not mandatory as part of the application. A letter of recommendation must be sent directly from the recommending party to PACC at scholarships@pacchouston.org. The letter cannot be written by a family member.

6) Applicant must disclose whether they are an immediate relative of any PACC Board or Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship committee member.

Funding Requirements

Once the scholarship is awarded, the Applicant must comply with the following requirements to avoid scholarship forfeiture.

1) Student must maintain a cumulative GPA of least at 2.75.

2) Student must be enrolled in school full-time.

3) Student must actively participate in one of the following:

A campus student organization related to their major,

A cultural or activist student organization,

Community service (minimum 2 events a semester), or

Be employed part-time

2022 Application


Deadline to Apply:
June 21, 2022

    Applicant Information

    First Name
    Middle Name
    Last Name
    Street Address (U.S. only)
    City
    State
    Zip Code
    Email Address
    Phone Number
    How did you hear about the scholarship?
    List any relatives involved with the PACC Board or PACC Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship Committee and your relationship to them.


    High School Education

    High School
    Full Address
    From Year
    To Year
    GPA (based on a 4.0 scale)
    Have you graduated or obtained a GED? YesNo


    Applying or Enrolled Higher Education (Texas Only)

    Institution
    Full Address
    Start Year
    Number of Remaining Semesters
    Degree Plan (Associate, Bachelor, MBA, etc.)
    Major
    GPA (based on a 4.0 scale)
    Percent of total tuition due that applicant is responsible for (adjusted for scholarships, family contributions, loans, etc.)
    Residency (TX Institutions only) In-StateOut-of-StateInternational Student


    Former Higher Education (If Applicable)

    Institution
    Full Address
    From Year
    To Year
    Degree Obtained (Associate, Bachelor, MBA, etc.)
    Major
    GPA (based on a 4.0 scale)
    Did you graduate? YesNo



    Optional: Short Answer (200-400 words)

    Please describe how you have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.



    Personal Statement 1 (400-600 words)

    Describe an initiative or occasion where you shared the Palestinian cause, culture, or history with others. What was the outcome and what did you learn from the experience? How do efforts to promote awareness, like yours, help positively influence the narrative for Palestinian liberation?



    Personal Statement 2 (400-600 words)

    Share an experience when you contributed to a positive change in your community through service. What value does community service provide for those involved and those served by the work?



    Upload CV (extended Resume)

    Prior to uploading your CV, please ensure the following topics and subtopics are also included:

    Education

    - Highlight your role on any projects, experiments, or studies.

    - List any awards or recognition you received for academic excellence.

    Extracurricular Activity/Community Service

    - This section is meant to highlight your activities both in school and outside of school. The more details you provide, the better we can fully assess your commitment to extracurricular activities and community service.

    - Describe your involvement in school clubs/activities. Include a short description of the club/activity, start/end dates, roles and any specific initiatives you had a significant role in.

    - External community service activities, including start/end date, any leadership roles, and details of specific initiatives.

    Work Experience

    – Be sure to include: Company Name, start/end dates, and number of hours you work per week. Also provide your title with a description of your role and how you contribute(d) to the company.

    - Describe the most significant ways you have contributed to the company and any promotions or awards you have received.

    - Describe any other ways you have displayed growth at the company.




    Upload Transcript

    Attach a copy of an unofficial transcript from your current high school, college, or university containing the most recently completed semester.

    Only PDF files are accepted.


    OPTIONAL: FAFSA

    Attach a copy of a completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form to help support your case for financial assistance

    Only PDF files are accepted.


    Acknowledgements

    If I intend to have a letter of recommendation submitted on my behalf by a non-relative, it will go directly from the letter writer to scholarships@pacchouston.org.

    I acknowledge the information provided in my application is, to the best of my knowledge, complete and accurate, and I understand that false statements on this application will disqualify me from the scholarship.



    If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact scholarships@pacchouston.org