GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AND ALUMNUS SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Cordova Lancers, Leaders & Legends (CL3) offers graduating High School Seniors at Cordova or Kinney High School who are also active members of the MACH program, and alumnus of Cordova or Kinney High School who are also alumnus of the MACH program, scholarships to acknowledge their achievements and to continue their education in the field of their choice at a college, graduate school, or vocational school.  Additionally, we have one scholarship that is open to all graduating High School Seniors at Cordova High that does not require participation in the MACH program. 

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AVAILABILITY CL3 scholarship funds are available to current or former participants in the Mentors at Cordova High (MACH) program; who are current seniors in high school or graduates of high school, pursuing studies to meet the requirements for an academic or professional degree or participating in a vocational training program to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.  Scholarships are to be used for pursuit of education at an accredited college or university, community college or trade/technical school to cover the cost of tuition or other related expenses.  CL3 currently has 6 different scholarships available to be awarded to active MACH members or MACH Alumnus, and 1 scholarship available to be awarded to graduating High School Seniors at Cordova High School:

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The Walter “Walt” Chambers Jr. Vocational Scholarship has been established in memory of Walter Chambers Jr., Cordova High Class of 1980. Walt worked in the sheet metal industry for 30 years and was an active member of the Sheetmetal Workers’ Local 104. Walt was a huge supporter of all things related to his former alma mater – Cordova High – and an even bigger supporter of youth from all walks of life. Walt previously served on the board and continued as a mentor of the Cordova Lancers, Leaders & Legends (CL3) organization and their Mentors at Cordova High (MACH) program, where he shared his knowledge and experience about vocational opportunities available to future graduates. If you are currently a senior at Cordova or Kinney High School and an active member of the MACH program, or if you are an alumnus of the MACH program, who will be pursuing a career in a vocational trade, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship.  Please see the scholarship application for deadlines and required documents to be considered for this scholarship.  $1,000 minimum scholarship award.

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The William “Bill” Ferreirae Jr. Educational Scholarship has been established in memory of William Ferreirae Jr., Cordova High Class of 1979. Bill, inspired by his father, pursued a career in education, teaching elementary school children for 30 years while also coaching softball to young women in high school and community college. Bill was a mentor to many and understood the importance of providing a solid foundation and support to youth of all ages, which was why his vision helped shape the future creation of CL3 and MACH. Although Bill passed in 2014, 2 years before CL3 and the MACH program were officially launched, without Bill neither would be in existence today. If you are currently a senior at Cordova or Kinney High School and an active member of the MACH program, or if you are an alumnus of the MACH program, who will be pursuing a career in education, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship.  Please see the scholarship application for deadlines and required documents to be considered for this scholarship. $1,000 minimum scholarship award.

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The Aric Wilt, Arts and Sciences Scholarship has been established in memory of Aric Todd Wilt, Cordova High Class of 1980.  During high school Aric enjoyed playing the French Horn and was instrumental in helping create Cordova High’s first marching band, leading a committee that designed their first uniforms.  As an adult, being an artist himself, Aric enjoyed all forms of theater, was a gourmet amateur chef, enjoyed traveling, hiking and fishing, photography, and supporting activities such as PFLAG, and was President of the Greater NYC Orchid Society.  Although Aric was passionate about many things, visual and performing arts were a consistent theme throughout his life.  If you are currently a senior at Cordova or Kinney High School and an active member of the MACH program, or if you are an alumnus of the MACH program, who will be pursuing a career in visual, performing, creative arts, or any of the sciences, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship.  Please see the scholarship application for deadlines and required documents to be considered for this scholarship. $1,000 minimum scholarship award.

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The Robert “Neal” Ivey Service to Others Scholarship has been established in memory of Robert Neal Ivey, Cordova High Class of 1979.  During middle school Neal was often teased and bullied by his peers. Despite this, Neal always had a kind word for others and was quick to offer assistance wherever needed. His strength of character carried him to a successful high school experience, making those who bullied him his life-long friends.  After high school, Neal went on to join the Air Force.  He received many awards and decorations during his military service including Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Resource Advisor of the Year, and SNCO of the year.  At the time of his death, he achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. A position where he advised the commander on matters influencing the health, morale, welfare, and effective utilization of more than 160 reserve enlisted members within the unit and served as the commander’s representative to numerous committees, councils, boards, and military and civilian functions.  Neal is best known for the kindness he showed others throughout his life, and his willingness to give so much of himself in service to others. If you are currently a senior at Cordova or Kinney High School and an active member of the MACH program, or if you are an alumnus of the MACH program, who will be pursuing a career in the military or another field of service, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship.  Please see the scholarship application for deadlines and required documents to be considered for this scholarship.  $1,000 minimum scholarship award.

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The Jeanene Namisnik Childhood Development Scholarship has been established in memory of Jeanene Mari Namisnik. Jeanene worked as an instructional assistant for 20 years in FCUSD and had four children who are Alumni of Cordova High. She loved learning and education; as well as teaching, and had a heart for special education.  If you are currently a senior at Cordova or Kinney High School and an active member of the MACH program, or if you are an alumnus of the MACH program, who will be pursuing a career in Childhood Development, Teaching, or Education in general, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship.  Please see the scholarship application for deadlines and required documents to be considered for this scholarship.  $1,000 minimum scholarship award.

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The Cordova Lancers, Leaders & Legends Alumni Scholarship has been established specifically to provide support to MACH Alumni who are furthering their education in college or through a trade school.  If you are an alumnus of Cordova or Kinney High School and an alumnus of the MACH program, who is or will be enrolled in college or a trade school, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship.  Please see the scholarship application for deadlines and required documents to be considered for this scholarship.  $1,000 minimum scholarship award.

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The Belka & Hagan Families Student Athlete Scholarship has been established to provide support to graduating student athletes from Cordova High School who have demonstrated leadership on and off the field/court while regularly participating in community service. Both the Belka and the Hagan families have a long standing reputation in Rancho Cordova for their participation in sports, coaching, and community service.  If you are currently a senior at Cordova High School who participates in sports and community service, who will be furthering your education at community college or a four year university or a trade school. we encourage you to apply for this scholarship (note: participation in MACH is not a requirement for this scholarship).  Please see the scholarship application for deadlines and required documents to be considered for this scholarship.  $1,000 minimum scholarship award.

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QUALIFICATIONS Criteria for scholarship grants may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prior academic performance

• Participation and length of time spent in MACH

• Community service hours

• Recommendations from instructors or mentors of such applicant and any others who have knowledge of the applicant’s capabilities;

• Additional biographical information regarding an applicant’s career, academic and other relevant experiences, financial need; and

• The Scholarship Committee’s conclusions as to the applicant’s motivation, character, ability, or potential.

DUE DATE AND SELECTION TIMELINE

• January 31: Application available online

• March 30: Application and reference forms/letters must be submitted online no later than this date in order to be included for consideration of scholarship awards

• April 30: Applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions no later than this date

• May 6: Scholarship presentations will be made to current Cordova High School seniors at the CHS Awards Night

• May 15 thru May 30: Scholarship presentations will be made to scholarship recipients who are not current  Cordova High School seniors

APPLICATION The application and accompanying reference forms or letters are to be submitted online.

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The final application packet must include: 

1. A completed application form;

2. Reference forms and/or letters; 

a. reference form or letter written specifically for this scholarship application

b. reference form or letter completed by a community volunteer leader with whom student applicant has served 

(May not be related to student); or

 c. reference form or letter completed by a member of the high school faculty

Note: Each completed reference form and/or letter should be given to the applicant directly.   Applicant will then need to upload the reference form or letter within the online scholarship application form.  

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Submission instructions: 

The application must be completed online and reference forms and/or letters must be uploaded online as well.

Application will not be considered if received after due date or if any of the required materials are missing.  

SELECTION Recipients are selected by members of the CL3 Scholarship and Grant Committee. All applicants will be notified of their standing by letter or email. 

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FOLLOW-UP Scholarship recipients must provide proof of enrollment and completion of coursework to the CL3 Scholarship and Grant Committee.