E-Mail all questions, clarification requests, and submissions to the Scholarship Chair1. General InformationThe Merrimack Valley Section of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) has established a scholarship program to: - Promote education in Quality - Encourage consideration of the Quality profession as a careerThe scholarship is for an undergraduate or graduate student to be used towards earning a degree at an accredited college or university. There are two scholarships each $1,000.2. Eligibility RequirementsCandidates must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree or graduate program at an accredited college or university in the United States. Candidates are expected to continue in school the entire academic year without interruption. A candidate cannot receive both scholarships the same year, but may apply multiple years.3. Application ProcessASQ Merrimack Valley (ASQMV) will advertise the availability of the scholarships and the means to obtain the rules governing the applications via the ASQMV website prior to May 30th. By June 30th the application including supporting material must be submitted in electronic format to the Scholarship ChairThe following items are required:1. A cover letter (or one page essay) from the applicant stating career objectives and describing their understanding of and commitment to the importance of Quality as it applies to their field of study2. Letter from one character reference who is in a position of authority3. An official transcript from the most recently completed school year4. Award Selection ProcedureA Scholarship Award Committee will be appointed by the Section Chair based on their ability to remain unbiased in selecting awards. The committee will consist of ASQMV members who are not a relative, close friend or current applicant for the Scholarship.The Scholarship Award Committee judges will rate the applicants who have submitted complete applications based on the following criteria:Academic achievement: 25 %Expressed knowledge of/commitment to Quality: 50%Character reference: 25%There will be at least two judges. In addition to these judges, the Section Chair will serving as a tiebreaking judge. Scholarship recipients will be selected by August 1st and notified soon after this date.All submissions are confidential and decisions of the Scholarship Award Committee are final.5. AwardThe selected candidates must present proof of enrollment (Student full name, student ID and address of business office for the institution) to receive the award.Payment will only be made directly to the educational institution. The student can request the funds be applied to books when other financial aid may be impacted.6. Non-Discrimination StatementIt is the policy and practice of Merrimack Valley ASQ to treat all candidates for scholarships with dignity and respect and to provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to color, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other category protected by law.Candidates for scholarships with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination in the scholarship award process are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the ASQMV Section Chair immediately so any such questions or concerns may be addressed promptly.