NASP Home > About NASP > Awards & Grants > NASP Minority Scholarship Fund > NASP Minority Scholarship FAQs
Frequently Asked Minority Scholarship Questions
1. With the exception of the transcripts, does everything need to
be an "original" or can I send copies?
Answer: Transcripts must be originals. Letters of reference
should also be originals with signatures. We prefer originals of all
other documentation, but we understand that sometimes that is not possible.
If you are selected for the scholarship, the Selection Committee reserves
the right to see originals of your documents or may need to contact
the document's source to verify its authenticity.
2. Can you return my original copies to me?
Answer: Unfortunately, we are unable to return originals to you.
3. The application states to submit "two letters of
recommendation." If I send more than two will that be viewed more
favorably by the Selection Committee?
Answer: No. Do not send more than two letters of recommendation.
4. Is this a need‑based scholarship?
Answer: While the scholarship is intended to relieve some of the
financial burden on selected students, there are several criteria used
by the Selection Committee to determine the best candidate.
5. What criteria does the Selection Committee most use in deciding
on a worthy candidate?
Answer: All criteria are used for selecting the candidate. No
one piece of information has greater value than another for the selection
process.
6. Can I send any of my application materials after the deadline?
Answer: For obvious reasons of fairness to all applicants, your
application will not be considered after the deadline. Again, if the
application is not received at the NASP office on or before the deadline,
your application will not be considered for any reason. You are responsible
for ensuring that your materials arrive on or before the deadline.
7. Will you accept alternative financial documents beyond the Student Aid Report (SAR)?
Answer: No. The SAR is required without exception.
8. When will the selection be made?
Answer: The selection will be made by December 1. Each candidate will be notified of their application status within 2 weeks of the selection.
9. Will I be notified either way, once the Selection Committee makes
their decision?
Answer: All non-selected applicants will be notified within 2 weeks after the selection. It
is preferred that we notify you via e-mail. However, if e-mail contact
is not feasible, traditional mail will be used.
10. How many awards are given each year, and for what amounts?
Answer: Currently, five awards of $5,000 each are granted. It
is anticipated that the number of awards will eventually increase with
successful fundraising efforts.
11. If I am not from a minority listed on the application, can I
still apply? For example, I am from Saudi Arabia - is there a category
for me? I am from Russia, etc.
Answer: The scholarship is an ethnic minority scholarship program.
Ethnic minorities are determined by the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
Therefore, only those categories indicated on the application are currently
considered.
12. Do the minority categories ever get revised as immigrant populations
change in the country?
Answer: There are no current plans to change the group eligibilities.
13. What does "school financial statement" mean?
Answer: The school financial statement is whatever your school
can provide which helps document that you are a student of financial need.
This will vary from school to school and from student to student. For
example, if you work part‑time on‑campus to help defray school
expenses, if your school provides you with a stipend for books, if you
live on‑campus in subsidized housing, if your school has provided
you with any other subsidies or accommodations to assist your financial
situation or has knowledge of your financial situation. These are some
examples of, but are not limited to, what your school might consider to
include in a "school financial statement."
14. How do you want my application package assembled?
Answer: Please put your materials in the order listed under "Application
Deadline and Procedures". DO NOT use special packaging such
as notebooks, sheet protectors, title pages, special bindings, or any
other items to organize or market your application. Staples/clips are
okay. We really need the materials to be presented with minimal distraction
as we make multiple copies of each item, and the items listed above significantly
slow down the copying/distribution process.
15. How do I determine whether I am a qualifying minority?
Answer: Generally, by the time you are of an age to apply
for this scholarship, you and/or your guardian/s have affirmed your ethnicity
on many legal forms (e.g., tax forms, school enrollment forms, insurance
forms, etc). Qualifying minorities for the NASP minority scholarship
are listed on the application. Specifically: Black/African American,
American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic
are the minority groups.
16. Why are doctoral students not eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Answer: The NASP Minority Scholarship Program was established in 1995 to support minority students who are at the initial entry point of the profession. In addition, institutional financial support for students seeking the specialist (or its equivalent) degree is not available at the level it is for doctoral studies. The NASP Minority Scholarship Program award is the only scholarship designed specifically for the specialist level students. Students in doctoral programs have multiple other sources/opportunities for financial support from universities, foundations, APA, federal and/or local grants, etc. The Program’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board certainly support and encourage students to seek the doctorate degree if they so desire. However, since this is the major scholarship source for specialist level students we remain committed to sponsoring scholarships at this level exclusively.
17. Is the scholarship available to students who do not attend NASP Approved School Psychology Programs?
Answer: Yes. However, the program must be approved by NASP, NCATE, and/or regional accrediting boards.
18. Can I still apply for the scholarship if I am an intern?
Answer: An applicant who is applying for the scholarship and will be completing their internship during the scholarship year is eligible to apply. For example, if you apply for the scholarship to be awarded in February 2008, you will need to be on your internship in the Fall of 2008, ending in Spring 2009. The scholarship is for the upcoming academic year.
19. Do I need to be a US Citizen at the time I submit my application, or by the time of the selection?
Answer: You must be a US Citizen (Permanent Residency is insufficient) at the time you submit your application.