James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program
Scholarship America
The James L. and Nellie Westlake Scholarship Program’s main aim is to assist Missouri residents in pursuing a college education. The Scholarship was founded to satisfy the provisions of James L. and Nellie M. Westlake’s wills. It offers renewable scholarships to eligible students who wish to enroll in full-time programs at accredited four-year institutions.
The scholarship is only open to Missouri residents. Additionally, applicants can be graduating high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate studies at qualifying institutions or community college students who have completed at least one year of study and have sufficient credits to transfer to a four-year institution. Importantly, a candidate must demonstrate financial need by showing that their family’s adjusted gross income is not more than $60,000.
The scholarship award covers the winner’s cost of tuition as directed by their program of study. Additionally, scholars are granted $2,000 to cover supplementary costs such as fees, books, and supplies. A significant advantage of the Scholarship is that it is renewable each year as long as the winner meets certain requirements, for example, be enrolled in full-time study.
Scholarship Summary
The James L. and Nellie Westlake Scholarship Program’s main aim is to assist Missouri residents in pursuing a college education. The Scholarship was founded to satisfy the provisions of James L. and Nellie M. Westlake’s wills. It offers renewable scholarships to eligible students who wish to enroll in full-time programs at accredited four-year institutions.
The scholarship is only open to Missouri residents. Additionally, applicants can be graduating high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate studies at qualifying institutions or community college students who have completed at least one year of study and have sufficient credits to transfer to a four-year institution. Importantly, a candidate must demonstrate financial need by showing that their family’s adjusted gross income is not more than $60,000.
The scholarship award covers the winner’s cost of tuition as directed by their program of study. Additionally, scholars are granted $2,000 to cover supplementary costs such as fees, books, and supplies. A significant advantage of the Scholarship is that it is renewable each year as long as the winner meets certain requirements, for example, be enrolled in full-time study.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: High School Senior – Undergraduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: Missouri
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program
Study Details
Area of Study
Any
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Financial Information
- Grade transcript
- Standardized Test Scores
James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program Timeline
December 1
Application Open Date
Applications open in December.
February 1
Submission Deadline
All applications and supporting documents should be submitted by February 1.
April
Award Announcement Date
Scholarship recipients are notified by mail in April.
August
Award payment
Scholarship payments are made in one instalment in August.
How to ace the James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program
Provide all required documents
As part of the scholarship application process, you will be required to provide various documents, including your current complete transcripts in a specified format and a copy of your tax returns and status. Please note that your application will be considered incomplete unless you provide all the necessary documents.
Work with a recommender who knows you best
We strongly recommend that you seek your recommendation letter from a person who knows you, your work, characteristics, and ambitions well. Only then will you receive a letter that speaks of your strengths and suitability for the scholarship.
Showcase your leadership strengths
The scholarship looks for individuals with demonstrated leadership skills who are active contributors to their schools and communities. Ensure that you have projects or have completed activities that showcase your leadership abilities and your capability to give back to the communities to which you belong.
Have career and educational goals and plans
One of the scholarship requirements is a statement of educational and career goals, which you should write as clearly as possible. Don’t just submit your first draft, take the time to edit and rewrite it.
How the James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program is Judged
Applications are judged based on multiple factors including the strength of one’s academic performance, whether they are active leaders who participate in community and school engagements, and the quality of an applicant’s statement of educational and career goals. Additionally, recipients are selected on the basis of their financial need as well as on their recommendation letter.
Why We Love the James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program
Fair judging process
The scholarship is awarded with no regard to one’s gender, race, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or other discriminatory factors.
Intended for students with financial need
One of the unique and admirable aspects of the Scholarship is that it is intended for students who are in need of financial support to fund their college education. It is, therefore, important to demonstrate that, indeed, you fit this category.
Support for various courses
Scholarship winners can study any course at an accredited post-secondary institution.
5 Facts About The James L. and Nellie Westlake Scholarship Program
The scholarship was established in 1981
The James L. and Nellie Westlake Scholarship Program was established in 1981 and has been awarding scholarships to Missouri residents since then.
Scholarship administered by Scholarship America
The Scholarship is administered by Scholarship America, which is one of America’s largest scholarship management organizations for various entities.
Recipients selected by the Westlake Scholarship Foundation
While Scholarship America administers the Scholarship and even selects the finalists, the recipients are selected by a committee from the Westlake Scholarship Foundation.
Awards are for undergraduate study only
The Scholarship only funds undergraduate students and cannot be extended to cover graduate or postgraduate studies.
Terms for renewal vary
The terms of renewal for the award vary depending on one’s level of study, whether they are a university freshmen or community college student.