NEWS RELEASE
ARC THRIFT STORES
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Arc Thrift Stores, one of the state’s largest employers of and advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, today announced the creation the Arc Thrift Exceptional Scholar Award.
The $10,000 award will be given to a Colorado student or continuing education professional with a chosen career path that advances the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Applications are being taken through July 31st.
“Arc Thrift Stores was created to help Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their fullest potential and enjoy the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as others,” said Lloyd Lewis, president and CEO of Arc Thrift Stores.
“It is our hope that this $10,000 Arc Thrift Exceptional Scholar Award will change the life of an aspiring student who also believes in this mission, helping them achieve their professional dreams while also advancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” he added.
To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Be a Colorado resident (defined as residency of two years or greater)
- Have attained at least 11th grade standing in high school
- Is, will be, or is currently attending a Colorado institution of higher learning
- Have selected a career path that will advance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Can commit to a mentorship opportunity for the duration of their award
The most competitive applicants will:
- Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with exemptions made for those who demonstrate exceptional potential
- Have a letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, or community leader that affirms their potential and sincere commitment to advancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Have already demonstrated leadership in their commitment to helping others, either through advocacy for people with disabilities or by serving other disadvantaged populations.
To apply, please visit arcthrift.com/scholars
The $10,000 award may be used for tuition or on-campus living expenses for any accredited post-secondary institution in Colorado, including graduate school. Applicants may also apply for the purpose of continuing education if the intent is to acquire additional credentialed endorsements or certifications and they meet the original eligibility guidelines. Funds will be dispensed directly to the educational institution and will be awarded within a single academic year.
To help achieve equity in higher education, Arc Thrift Stores encourages applications from students of color, who have a disability, are from rural or underserved neighborhoods, have demonstrated financial need, and/or will be first-generation college students.
Applications are due by July 31, 2021. The 2021 arc Scholar will be notified no later than August 31, 2021.
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