Scholarship Application

Scholarship Recipient Criteria

• Personality traits similar to those of Stephanie: strong work ethic, dedication to schoolwork and sports, always cordial and polite to others, puts others ahead of self, and desire for completion and success.

• High school Senior student with minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) and proven plans to attend four-year college.

• Completion of short essay incorporating the following: stating what adversities or hardships the applicant has encountered and what the applicant has done to transcend the hardship. Also, how he/she/they would be enlightened by Stephanie’s spirit. Give one example of a time when you put others before yourself.

• At least one letter of recommendation.

How it works

• Two or more scholarships will be awarded for $3000 each, subject to available funds. Historically we have been able to provide 4–5 scholarships each year.

• Scholarship recipients will be selected after applications are reviewed by Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund (SJMF) board members, according to which applicants best meet the criteria listed.

• If more applicants than available awards meet the selection criteria, applicants may be required to interview, and will be notified as such.

• Awarded monies must be used for college/university tuition or incidentals.

• Scholarships will be awarded directly to the recipient, in person at the award ceremony. Scholarship recipients should plan to attend and are welcome to bring two guests each. We expect each award recipient to be present in person because the sponsors of the awards would like to meet and greet the students. Some of the sponsors will travel long distances to attend this function to meet the students.

• All submitted applications are kept in strict confidence and reviewed solely by SJMF board members.

• Recipients may be asked, but not required, to attend a fundraising event in Stephanie's honor.

• Family members of the SJMF board are not eligible to apply.

Submission checklist

Your completed application will consist of the following, in paper form:

1. Application form (download below)
2. One or more letters of recommendation, which speak to your fulfillment of the selection criteria.
3. Essay, 1000 words maximum:
   • Part 1: State what adversities or hardships you have encountered and what you have done to transcend the hardship. Include how Stephanie's spirit would enlighten you.
   • Part 2: Give one example of a time when you have put others before yourself.
   • Part 3, optional: Provide any additional information about yourself that you would like the SJMF board to consider.

Please mail your completed application and essay to:

Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund
Attn: Scholarships
3 South 555 Winfield Rd
Warrenville, IL 60555

Applications for the 2025 awards must be postmarked by February 28, 2025. Should you have questions, please email [email protected].