A potential for $4,000 in academic scholarships is not something that would normally slip under the radar of college students.
But the relatively unknown Greek Endowment Scholarship could alleviate a large sum of tuition for a wide pool of eligible applicants.
The Inter-Fraternity and Inter-Sorority Councils are increasing publicity for two $2,000 scholarships awarded annually to one eligible IFC Greek male and one ISC Greek female.
IFC Alumni Relations Chair Alex Berrang said that, although the scholarship has been around for over a decade, it has not gotten as much publicity has they would have liked.
"This is a substantial amount of money that we are offering," Berrang said. "Our goal is to let everyone know about it, so we can boost up the amount of applications."
The Greek Endowment Scholarship is awarded based on merit and financial need. The recipients receive $2,000 a year toward tuition for the rest of their undergraduate education at the University, as long as they continue to meet the general Greek Academic requirements.
The IFC and ISC have made several announcements at their council meetings about the scholarship this year.
Every house is allowed to submit one application. Only third- and fourth-year members of the organization, in good academic standing, are eligible for the Greek Endowment Scholarship.
Applications require two brief essays. The first essay concerns involvement and leadership in the community, while the second asks the applicant to describe how he or she personifies "the values of brotherhood and sisterhood" within the University's Greek system.
The committee will be looking for leadership within the University and local Charlottesville communities, along with the applicant's leadership within the house.
"Usually first and second years don't have enough leadership background at this point," Berrang said. "But we're hoping that increased awareness of this scholarship will enable us to create one for first and second years as well."
The committee that selects the recipients is made up of two IFC and two ISC members, along with a representative from the dean's office.
The Greek Endowment Scholarship was created in the early 1990s in conjunction with Seig J.W. & Co, a local Charlottesville alcohol distributor. Seig J.W. & Co challenged the Greek system to a fundraiser and promised to match every penny that the Greek system raised if all the money went toward a scholarship.
No presidents or members of the IFC or ISC executive board are eligible for the scholarship.
Applications were distributed to each fraternity and sorority last week, and are due Oct. 10. Berrang said he hopes that final decisions will be made prior to Thanksgiving Break.
If the committee is unable to make a decision based upon the essays alone, then they will hold interviews on a need-basis.
IFC President Ryan Ewalt praised the scholarship as an opportunity for outreach.
"The Greek Endowment Scholarship is a way for the Greek community to give back to the University," Ewalt said.
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