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Download the 2007 application >>
Background on Helene D. Stoneman
Helene D. Stoneman (1911-1986), child of German immigrants, earned an AB in English Literature from Vassar College and an MA at Radcliffe College, after which she taught school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After her marriage to Vernon C. Stoneman and the birth of three children (Elinor, William, and Dorothy), she devoted her energies to the League of Women Voters, whose aims were to make certain that information was available to the voters on the issues, on the candidates and their records, and on the
procedures of voting, in order to ensure a full exercise of democratic voting rights among women. President both of the Belmont League of Women Voters and then the Massachusetts League, and a longtime member of the board of the National League, she was an untiring worker for education, civic engagement, and voters’ rights. This scholarship has been established in her honor by her daughters, Elinor Stoneman Shaffer and Dorothy Stoneman.
Eligibility
Any graduate of a YouthBuild program that is a provisional or full member of the YouthBuild USA Affiliated Network is eligible for a Helene D. Stoneman Scholarship and Civic Leadership Program award. YouthBuild students who are expected to graduate within 90 days of the deadline for applications are also eligible.
Applicants should:
- be actively involved in local civic engagement and community service;
- hold a leadership position in their YouthBuild program, community, or college;
- have demonstrated academic excellence while in the YouthBuild program or in college; and
- plan to pursue or be currently pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree at an accredited college or university in the United States.
Application Criteria
YouthBuild programs that are members of the YouthBuild Affiliated Network will be invited by YouthBuild USA to encourage a graduate to apply who best exemplifies the dedication to civic engagement and community leadership, and the academic achievement and potential that the Helene D. Stoneman Scholarship and Civic Leadership Program seeks to recognize. The applicant should have a consistent record of academic success, be active in local civic engagement efforts, and be recognized by peers, YouthBuild program staff, and others as an effective leader. While civic engagement and community leadership are important factors in the selection process, the distinguishing characteristics of the nominee will be the student’s academic accomplishments and likelihood of success in college.
Application Process
Each applicant will complete the Application Form and return it to the appropriate local YouthBuild program staff person. The local YouthBuild program staff person will verify the information, prepare a recommendation for the applicant, sign the form, and forward it to YouthBuild USA to the attention of Charles Clark, Vice President for Asset Development. Application forms must be received on or before Monday, October 1, 2007. If a graduate wants to apply who is not known to the current staff at his or her YouthBuild program, he or she may apply with an explanation.
Selection Committee
The selection committee will review all applications and will award as many Helene D. Stoneman Scholarship and Civic Leadership Program awards as are available, based on the quality of applicants and availability of funds. All applicants and their respective YouthBuild programs will be notified of the selection committee’s decision. The selection committee will consist of Elinor Shaffer or her designee, YouthBuild USA’s Vice President for Asset Development, an individual external to YouthBuild USA who is familiar with the community college and post-secondary environment, and a YouthBuild graduate who has earned at least an Associate’s degree.
The members of the 2007 Helene D. Stoneman Scholarship and Civic Leadership Program Selection Committee are:
Elinor Shaffer
Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Germanic & Romance Studies, University of London
Project Director and Series Editor of the Reception of British and Irish Authors in Europe
London, England
Joel Miranda
YouthBuild Graduate
Youth Advocate, YouthBuild Just-a-Start
Cambridge, MA
Donnie Perkins
Dean of Diversity, Northeastern University
Boston, MA
Charles J. Clark
Vice President for Asset Development, YouthBuild USA
Somerville, MA
Announcement of 2007 Stoneman Scholars
The 2007 Helene D. Stoneman Scholarship and Civic Leadership Program Selection Committee anticipates announcing the selection of the 2007 Stoneman Scholars by October 31, 2007.
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