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Race is on for Third Round of Morton Bahr Scholarships
Empire State College, State University of New York, has announced the 2003 competition for the Bahr Scholars program.
These endowed scholarships honor alumnus CWA President Morton Bahr and assist workers and their families in using new networking technologies to further their educational goals.
Demonstrating his personal commitment to lifelong learning, Bahr, who was recently named to the board of US Airways as that CWA employer emerged from bankruptcy, announced he would contribute his entire director's compensation - $17,000 per year plus $1,000 per meeting – to help fund the scholarship program.
Recognizing that CWA members have agreed to concessions to keep the airline alive, Bahr said, "At least, this way, other CWA members or their children will benefit from their sacrifice."
Two new Bahr Scholarships for 2003-2004 will be awarded to selected workers registering at Empire State College for studies via distance learning.
Fifteen Bahr Scholarships were awarded in 2001, when the program was first announced, and an additional four students were named in 2002. Thirteen of these are continuing. Bahr Scholars receive full funding toward a two-year or four-year degree as long as students maintain satisfactory performance.
Reaching Out and Up
The Bahr Scholarship program strives to enhance educational access for union members and other workers through distance learning and to reach out to new and under-served audiences including women and minorities.
Bahr Scholars learn to use technology effectively in college studies, in the workplace and in lifelong learning as they prepare for the global and technological challenges of the 21st century.
Through distance learning, Bahr Scholars may reside anywhere in the world, completing their studies over the Internet or through the mail. The program is geared toward giving adult workers with full-time jobs an opportunity to pursue college studies in their spare time at home.
Each student receives a personalized program orientation and academic advising. Individualized assessments are given at the start of their project and at key transition points to identify and resolve any barriers to success or skills deficits, such as reading, writing and mathematics. Students are assigned a faculty mentor and an instructor for each course. Help is offered for developing or improving technical skills, for applying for other financial aid and for identifying credit worthy, college-level learning from work and life experience that may apply toward a degree. In addition, an online Bahr Scholars Roundtable will allow students to exchange information and pursue collaborative projects.
Application and Award Procedures
Scholars apply directly to Empire State College's Center for Distance Leaning, using a program-tailored application form. Scholarship recipients are selected by a committee consisting of a representative of CWA and Empire State College faculty and professional staff. Priority is given to applications by CWA members and their family members or domestic partners, although other workers will also be considered. Criteria include ability to succeed in college studies, program match with educational and career goals, leadership qualities, financial need and diversity.
Scholarship awards cover all fees for tuition and special services along with an allowance for study materials and books up to $130 per course.
Students who are accepted will be eligible for scholarship funding as long as they successfully complete at least one or two courses (four to eight credits). During their first term, scholars must also apply for any other federal, state, corporate or union financial aid for which they may be eligible.
Applications are due by July 1. Awards will be made July 25 for September enrollment.
How to Apply
Here are three ways to get Bahr Scholarship application forms and more information:
Call (800) 867-5941.
E-mail Evelyn.Smith@esc.edu.
Write to Special Programs for Distance Learning, Empire State College, Three Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
These endowed scholarships honor alumnus CWA President Morton Bahr and assist workers and their families in using new networking technologies to further their educational goals.
Demonstrating his personal commitment to lifelong learning, Bahr, who was recently named to the board of US Airways as that CWA employer emerged from bankruptcy, announced he would contribute his entire director's compensation - $17,000 per year plus $1,000 per meeting – to help fund the scholarship program.
Recognizing that CWA members have agreed to concessions to keep the airline alive, Bahr said, "At least, this way, other CWA members or their children will benefit from their sacrifice."
Two new Bahr Scholarships for 2003-2004 will be awarded to selected workers registering at Empire State College for studies via distance learning.
Fifteen Bahr Scholarships were awarded in 2001, when the program was first announced, and an additional four students were named in 2002. Thirteen of these are continuing. Bahr Scholars receive full funding toward a two-year or four-year degree as long as students maintain satisfactory performance.
Reaching Out and Up
The Bahr Scholarship program strives to enhance educational access for union members and other workers through distance learning and to reach out to new and under-served audiences including women and minorities.
Bahr Scholars learn to use technology effectively in college studies, in the workplace and in lifelong learning as they prepare for the global and technological challenges of the 21st century.
Through distance learning, Bahr Scholars may reside anywhere in the world, completing their studies over the Internet or through the mail. The program is geared toward giving adult workers with full-time jobs an opportunity to pursue college studies in their spare time at home.
Each student receives a personalized program orientation and academic advising. Individualized assessments are given at the start of their project and at key transition points to identify and resolve any barriers to success or skills deficits, such as reading, writing and mathematics. Students are assigned a faculty mentor and an instructor for each course. Help is offered for developing or improving technical skills, for applying for other financial aid and for identifying credit worthy, college-level learning from work and life experience that may apply toward a degree. In addition, an online Bahr Scholars Roundtable will allow students to exchange information and pursue collaborative projects.
Application and Award Procedures
Scholars apply directly to Empire State College's Center for Distance Leaning, using a program-tailored application form. Scholarship recipients are selected by a committee consisting of a representative of CWA and Empire State College faculty and professional staff. Priority is given to applications by CWA members and their family members or domestic partners, although other workers will also be considered. Criteria include ability to succeed in college studies, program match with educational and career goals, leadership qualities, financial need and diversity.
Scholarship awards cover all fees for tuition and special services along with an allowance for study materials and books up to $130 per course.
Students who are accepted will be eligible for scholarship funding as long as they successfully complete at least one or two courses (four to eight credits). During their first term, scholars must also apply for any other federal, state, corporate or union financial aid for which they may be eligible.
Applications are due by July 1. Awards will be made July 25 for September enrollment.
How to Apply
Here are three ways to get Bahr Scholarship application forms and more information: