Overall weighting of the application components:
- Volunteer experience, Reference letter and Essay: 65%
- Grades: 35%
Based on the number of people who apply each year, the competition for these scholarships can be high. The minimum requirements for volunteer hours, exam results, reference letter 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 applicants from across the UK, as chosen by the Selection Committee, can be selected as winners.
Volunteer
All applicants must have performed a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer work in the 24 months leading up to the application deadline.
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- Volunteered with Foresters in the past
- Been involved in volunteer activities that support family well-being, including public spaces, children’s health/wellness and other projects connected to a family togetherness
- Held leadership roles in their volunteer experience
Minimum Grades
Applicants completing secondary school must provide copies of certified exam results indicating scores of B (A-levels/AS-levels), 4/C (GCSE) or equivalent.
Applicants currently enrolled at university must have a minimum weighted average mark/grade point average of 70% (or institutional equivalent) in the last academic year of study before the year of the award.
If the applicant is considered a "Mature Student" as defined by the attending institution, academic eligibility for the entrance level will be based on proof of registration at an eligible institution. Such proof of registration will also be required if the candidate is awarded the scholarship.
References
All applicants must provide a recommendation from a person who is not related to the applicant and who is familiar with the applicant's volunteer experience.
The recommendation must be submitted by 5th March 2021. It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with the recommender to ensure that the recommendation is completed and submitted by the deadline.
Essay
In 250 words or less, all applicants will need to share a written response about their experience with a volunteer project where they gave back and supported a community. Why was it meaningful and how did it impact the community?
At Foresters we believe in enriching the lives of our members, their families and the communities where they live. Giving back and supporting local communities is part of our Purpose.