Can I apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship if I am already part-way through my first degree/diploma?
Yes. You can apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship to help with any year of your first undergraduate degree or diploma. You should apply during the academic year (December 4 to February 28) to be eligible for a scholarship for the following year.
Can I apply for a scholarship under my legal guardian's membership?
Yes. As a child under the care of a legal guardian who is an eligible Foresters member, you can apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship.
Do I need to have a minimum contribution level on my Foresters certificate if I want to apply for a scholarship?
Yes. Your Foresters certificate must be in-force AND meet ONE of these criteria in order for you to be eligible for a scholarship:
Are insured under:
- A certificate issued before November 1, 2000; or
- A fully paid-up in-force certificate; or
- An in-force certificate with a face value of at least $10,000; or
- An in-force annuity with either a minimum cash value of $10,000 or a minimum contribution of $1,000 paid in the previous 12 months; or
- A rider under any of the certificates listed above; or
- Have an in-force Foresters Social Fraternal Membership.
For the purpose of determining eligibility for the Competitive Scholarship Program, a "certificate" includes a policy or annuity issued by The Independent Order of Foresters, or a certificate, policy or annuity issued by Foresters Life Insurance Company on or after April 2, 2008, except that it does not include Foresters Life funeral annuity certificates or creditors' group insurance certificates.
Does my Foresters membership need to be in-force in order to be eligible for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship?
All applicants must maintain an in-force Foresters membership that meets the minimum contribution levels throughout the entire application process and for as long as they continue to receive the Foresters Competitive Scholarship. If you decide to apply, the certificate number that you will be asked to enter in your online account must meet these requirements at all times. Membership status is verified at different stages during the application process and from time to time throughout the year.
If you think your Foresters certificate may expire soon, contact the Service Centre at 800 828 1540 right away. If you have made any changes to your certificate (e.g., address change, new term, switch to another Foresters certificate, etc.) check with the Service Centre to ensure that the status of your certificate is "in-force".
I am 24 now, but I will be turning 25 by the time winners are selected and notified. Am I still eligible to apply?
No. You must be 24 years of age or younger at the time of application through to the time of payment.
I completed over 40 hours of community service when I was in grades 9 and 10. Can I use this service to be eligible for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship?
No, your community service hours must be obtained in the 24 months leading up to the application deadline. You can contact your school guidance department, Connect America, Volunteer Canada or www.foresters.com to find out where you can volunteer to earn 40 hours of community service before the next application deadline.
I did more than 40 hours of community service in the last 2 years and achieved grades higher than a GPA of 2.8 or 70%. Does this mean I should have a good chance of being selected as a Foresters Competitive Scholarship winner?
Not necessarily. The minimum requirements for community service hours, grades, references and the essay are items all students need in order to just be considered for a scholarship. Meeting or exceeding these requirements does not guarantee that you will be chosen as a winner. Please keep in mind that only the top 250 applicants from across North America, as chosen by the Selection Committee, can be selected as winners.
The competition for scholarships varies each year because the achievements of each annual pool of applicants also vary each year. Many of the applications that are submitted already exceed the minimum requirements. For instance, many applicants have contributed more than 40 hours of community service, but some of them have also held leadership positions in those activities. Unfortunately, given the fact that the number of applicants is generally greater than the number of available scholarships, not everyone who exceeds the minimum requirements can be selected as winners.
I'm insured under a rider on my husband's certificate. Am I eligible to apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship?
Yes. As a legal or common-law spouse of an eligible member, you are eligible to apply.
My parents aren't Foresters members, but my grandparents are. Can I apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship?
Yes. Biological and/or legally-adopted grandchildren of eligible Foresters members can apply for a scholarship.
What types of programs are eligible for the Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program?
Eligible post-secondary programs must meet all of the following criteria:
- First degrees or diplomas
- Full-time program of study, as defined by the educational institution
- Minimum 2-year program, not including co-op time
- Educational institutions with recognized degree or diploma-granting powers, excluding university preparatory programs (e.g., CEGEP, pre-university diplomas)
Generally speaking, undergraduate degrees are granted by universities, while diplomas are granted by community colleges. However, this can vary depending on the school and the program of study. So, be sure to check with the educational institution to find out if it recognizes all students who successfully complete the program you are interested in.
Will I still be able to apply for a Foresters Competitive Scholarship if I can't obtain proof of my community service?
You can apply, but your application will not be considered unless all of the application components have been submitted. Community service is an important achievement requirement. Lack of proof of community service will eliminate an applicant from competition for a scholarship.