Community Service Scholarship
Download scholarship applications at the bottom of the page
Community Service Scholarship Information and Requirements
I. General. For the 2009-2010 school year, Peter’s Wish, Inc. will award scholarships to selected public high school seniors for the following areas and amounts:
Gloucester County, New Jersey – two $1,500 scholarships
Camden City, New Jersey - one $1,500 scholarship
Gloucester County - Applications are due October 30, 2009. Peter’s Wish will notify scholarship recipients by Friday, November 20, 2009. Selection will be conditional until the recipients complete 30 hours of community service by Friday, May 28, 2010.
Camden City - This scholarship is being offered as a joint venture with the Rutgers-Camden Honors Advisory Board. Due to the later offering of the scholarship, application timelines are different. The application and community service requirements are the same. Applications are due November 30, 2009. Peter’s Wish will notify scholarship recipients by Tuesday, December 15, 2009. Selection will be conditional until the recipients complete 30 hours of community service by Tuesday, June 15, 2010.
II. Purpose. Inspired by Peter Darryl Colucci, Peter’s Wish, Inc. was founded to empower and inspire youth to grow into greatness. Greatness can be achieved through higher education and a solid commitment to making a difference in the community. Therefore, Peter’s Wish would like to reward dedicated and motivated youth for volunteer community service by providing scholarships for higher education. The students benefit from the rewarding experience of giving back to their community and earn financial aid in their pursuit of higher education. The community benefits from the short-term volunteer hours and gains invaluable long-term benefits from a well-educated individual who can add to the overall productivity of society.
III. Eligibility and Selection. This scholarship is about heart and character. It’s about developing an early awareness to the vital importance of community involvement and selfless service. It’s the realization that the beauty of life is not about the pursuit of personal interests, rather, it’s about the positive impact that a person can have on the lives of others.
Any senior who plans to attend either a two or four year degree accredited college or university or an accredited trade school is encouraged to apply. Applicants must have at least a 2.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). The intent is to award the scholarships to the most inspired individuals; therefore, the highest emphasis is not placed on previous academic performance. However, applicants need to have at least the ability and motivation to pursue and succeed at higher education beyond high school.
Family members and relatives of the Board of Peter’s Wish are not eligible. Family members and relatives of substantial contributors to Peter’s Wish are also not eligible. Selection will be based on the letter of recommendation, projected impact of the planned community service, and the content of the essay. The Board of Peter’s Wish, Inc. will make the final selections. Peter’s Wish reserves the right to not award the scholarships if applicants do not meet the criteria.
IV. Process.
1) Applicants will submit the following to their high school guidance office:
A) Application (format attached). The application requests basic information and a community service plan. The plans should describe the following: community service to be performed, agency information, representative with contact information of who will oversee efforts, anticipated impact on the community, schedule for completion of the 30 hours, and future educational plans.
B) Letter of Recommendation (format attached). One letter of recommendation by a current or former teacher who can attest to the applicant’s character must be provided. The focus for selection will be on individuals who possess the heart and genuine intent to make a difference in their community. Other traits evaluated are responsibility, maturity, and commitment. Letters of Recommendation are confidential and will be submitted directly to the Guidance Office by the teacher. Applicants do not have the right to view the letters unless the providing teacher allows it. Recognizing the heavy workload of teachers, a format for the LOR is provided. A separate letter outside of the provided form does have any additional weight for selection.
C) Essay. “The measure of a person is in the affect they’ve had on the people around them.” - Jackie Robinson. Applicants should discuss what this quote means to them. In answering this question, applicants can tie in concepts of the overall importance of community service, any previous volunteer efforts, and how they plan on contributing to society with their education. The essay is the opportunity for the Board of Peters Wish, Inc. to assess the character and genuine intent of the applicant. The essay should not be longer than two pages double-spaced and written in size 12 Arial font.
2) The high school guidance office will recommend three nominees from the school and send all applications via mail to the following:
Peter’s Wish, Inc.
c/o Craig Colucci
PO Box 5786
Carmel, California
93921
or email to peterswish@peterswish.org not later than Friday, October 30, 2009.
3) Notification letters will be mailed on November 20, 2009. The scholarships are conditional pending the completion of the 30 hours.
4) Each conditional recipient will have six months (November 20, 2009, to May 28, 2010) to complete 30 hours of community service.
5) At least 15 hours must be completed not later than February 1st, 2010. After 15 hours of completed service, conditional awardees will submit a progress report (attached) that indicates satisfactory progress. Any possible changes to the plan will be indicated by the student at that time. Any negative report will lead to disqualification from conditional awardee status.
6) Upon completion of 30 hours, the conditional awardees will submit a final report (attached) that indicates satisfactory completion. Again, any negative report will lead to disqualification from conditional awardee status.
7) Conditional awardees will be acknowledged at the high school graduation award ceremony at the end of the academic year.
8) Awardees will submit letters of acceptance and tuition bills to the high school guidance office before scholarship funds are released. Funds will be sent directly to the institution, not to the student.
V. Guidelines and Limitations to Community Service. Community service does not have to be with the same agency for the duration of time. It can be accomplished through service with the following:
- State recognized non-profit (public charity)
- Local government agency
- Healthcare facility (non-profit)
- School sponsored program
- Community sports program (activities beyond playing on a team)
- Support for the elderly or handicapped within the community
The following activities do not apply to this scholarship and will not be considered as community service to the Board of Peter’s Wish, Inc.
- Service for a for-profit company like a business
- Service for friends and family
- Service for an organization that does not contribute to the good welfare of the community. Peter’s Wish, Inc. reserves the right to decide on the legitimacy of the volunteer service.
- Service cannot be during school hours
- Service where compensation is received
VI. Payment. The $1,500 scholarship will be paid as a lump sum directly to the accredited school. Proof of acceptance and tuition bill must be presented to the high school guidance office. It is the responsibility of the student to coordinate with guidance office for the payment due date and address.
VII. Point of Contact. Questions pertaining to this scholarship or Peter’s Wish, Inc. can be directed to the President and Treasurer of the organization, Craig Colucci, at the following: Cell: (808) 285-6362, craigcolucci@hotmail.com,
Address: Peter's Wish, c/o Craig Colucci, PO Box 5786, Carmel, CA 93921
Download the Gloucester County application here
Download the Camden City application here