Fort Wayne Enterprise Zone Scholarship Program

The Fort Wayne Urban Enterprise Association (UEA) offers the Enterprise Zone Scholarship Program as a part of its mission to improve the quality of life for Zone residents. Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne administers the program on behalf of the UEA. In 2005, the UEA will select a scholarship award winner who will receive up to $2,000 a year for two or four years depending on the length of the degree program in which the student enrolls.

What are the Qualifications?

A scholarship applicant must demonstrate potential for successful completion of the degree program. The scholarship awards committee will consider past academic performance, work experience, volunteerism, leadership ability and financial need as it evaluates the candidates.

Who Can Apply?

• The applicant must have resided in the Fort Wayne Enterprise Zone Service Delivery Area for the past two years.
• The applicant must receive a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) prior to the start of the degree program chosen.
• The applicant must be accepted for admission in an accredited college or university located in the state of Indiana.
• The applicant must enroll in a course of study leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• The applicant must enroll as a full-time student in the college or university. The student must complete sufficient course work each year to graduate in the normal period of attendance for the program.

How are Scholarship Funds Disbursed?

Scholarship payments are sent directly to the college the student chooses to attend. Payment will be sent when the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne receives a request for payment form from the student.

How is the Scholarship Award Renewed After the First Year?

To receive continued financial assistance throughout the two-or four-year degree program period, students must maintain a “C” average or a 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. Students must submit transcripts annually for award renewal. The student should instruct the school to send a transcript to Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne at the end of each school year.

Under special circumstances, the scholarship award may be extended or transferred to another college or university. The student must apply to Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne for approval of any extensions or transfers.

Who Selects the Scholarship Award Winners?

A member of the Urban Enterprise Association Board of Directors chairs a selection committee of four community volunteers. The committee consists of a primary of secondary level educator, a college level educator, a school guidance counselor or academic advisor and a social worker. The UEA then notifies Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne of the award recipient and the Foundation manages all financial arrangements from that point forward.

Questions?

Questions about the Enterprise Zone Scholarship Program should be directed to Terry McCaffrey, UEA Administrator at 260-422-2304, terry@fwuea.org or Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne at 260-426-4083.