SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW

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The Reach for the STARS Scholarship Fund of Electa Chapter No. 14, Prince Hall Order Eastern Star, New York, awards the following scholarships:

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• Margaret Harris Reach for the STARS Scholarship ($1,000)

• Ruth E. Miller Book Scholarship ($500)

• Past Matrons/Past Patrons Leadership & Service Scholarship ($800)

 

These awards support high-need, college-bound high school students from under-served communities who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and a commitment to community engagement.

 

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

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• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or B average equivalent)

• Demonstrated financial need

• Evidence of community involvement and service

• Participation in extracurricular activities Commitment to leadership and serving others These scholarships recognize students attending high school in New York State who exemplify dedication to service and leadership for the benefit of their communities.

• Must be. graduating HS student with residence in NY State.

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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

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All materials must be submitted by May 1, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

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• Submit a recent photo suitable for marketing and inclusion in the scholarship program. Senior or graduation photos are welcome. A fully completed and signed online application form is required. An official transcript must be submitted. Transcripts may be: Emailed directly by your school to electa14scholarship@gmail.com, OR Scanned and uploaded with your application. Electa Chapter No. 14 reserves the right to contact your school for verification.

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LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:

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• Submit two letters of recommendation that specifically address your character, involvement, leadership, and academic aptitude. Letters from friends or family members will not be accepted. At least one letter must be from a high school teacher or administrator. The second letter may be from an employer, mentor, coach, or community leader. Letters may be: Uploaded via the scholarship portal (link provided on website) OR Emailed to: electa14scholarship@gmail.com All letters must be received by the May 1, 2026 deadline.

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ESSAY:

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Each applicant must submit a Succinctly Written Essay (2-3 pages) by YOU, the Applicant. Essays must be written by the applicant. Applicants whose essays are detected to be 25% of more written by Artificial Intelligence will not be considered in the judging of their application. Feel free to use your creativity but the strongest essays will contain the following information, we strongly encourage you to use the questions as a guide to write your essay:

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1. Tell us about yourself and your future goals.

2. Why do you want to receive a college education and what would it mean to you to receive this scholarship?

3. From a financial standpoint, what impact would this scholarship have on your education/future?

4. Share some of your extracurricular/community service activities; and describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability both in and out of school.

5. Who in your life has been your biggest influence and why?

6. Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart.

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SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION PROCESS

 

Each application will be reviewed by a selection committee. Final decisions will be based on the information provided in the application and all supporting documentation submitted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered or returned. Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload all required materials through the application portal. If you experience technical difficulties, you may contact the Scholarship Committee by email before the deadline. Electa Chapter No. 14 reserves the right to verify all information submitted.

 

By submitting your application, you affirm that all information provided is accurate and that all materials represent your original work.