One of the objectives of TCA is to engage and cultivate a new generation of young Turkish American leaders. As part of this objective, TCA has established the TCAdvance Scholarship program for successful young Turkish Americans who aspire to a career in public affairs and the media. TCAdvance Scholarships are awarded annually and announced via TCA’s website each Spring for the subsequent academic year.
About
Each year, the TCAdvance Scholarship of $5,000 is awarded competitively to up to 15 Americans of Turkish and Turkic heritage with the objective to recognize the academic achievements, community service and leadership role of young Turkish Americans and to cultivate a new generation of leaders in our community.
Eligibility
Applicants for the TCAdvance Scholarship must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrate leadership commitment through participation in community service, particularly within the Turkish American community;
- Pursue a career in law, public policy, public affairs, political science, international relations, communications, journalism or public relations;
- Be a graduating high school senior, a college student, a college senior enrolled (or about to enroll) in graduate school, or a graduate student who is enrolled full time in a degree program.
- While financial need is not an eligibility criteria, special consideration may be shown to applicants who provide information about and prove financial need.
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be selected on the basis of academic achievement, interest in Turkish American issues as demonstrated by involvement in Turkish American community affairs, and individual leadership qualities conducive to pursuing a career in public affairs, media and public relations. Priority will be given to students who are admitted to top national universities or liberal arts schools.
How to Apply
- Completed Application Form: [Application form (pdf, external site)]
- Résumé: Each copy should be submitted on one single-sided 8.5 × 11 inch sheet of paper.
- Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation (at least two must be academic) must be mailed to TCA by the persons recommending the candidate.
- Official Transcript: Must be mailed by the applicant’s school.
Three (3) collated (please use paperclips only) copies of the first two items must be submitted via mail to:
Turkish Coalition of America
1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20036
Application deadline for the 2011 academic year is Friday, June 17, 2011.
Scholarships are awarded in October to commemorate the founding of the Turkish Republic.
All awards are subject to renewal upon the completion of renewal forms sent annually to each recipient.
For questions, please contact Zeynep Guven at zguven@tc-america.org.
Scholars
2010 TCAdvance Scholarship Recipients: in its fourth year, the TCAdvance Scholarships have been awarded to 12 Turkish American students for the 2010-2011 academic period.
Each year, American students of Turkish heritage, who pursue a career in public policy, international affairs, media and law compete for the TCAdvance Scholarships. The TCAdvance Scholarship Program aims to cultivate a new generation of Turkish American leaders, who are recognized for their academic achievement and commitment to our community.
In addition to the 12 students who will receive the TCAdvance Scholarship for the first time, 12 former recipients from 2007, 2008 and 2009 who met the renewal criteria will continue to receive scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year.