Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to our guide on the Jake Olson “Courage” Scholarship Program, offered by the Huntington Beach Police and Community Foundation (HBPCF). This scholarship honors the remarkable journey of Jake Olson, a resilient individual who overcame childhood cancer and blindness to achieve extraordinary feats in sports, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. The scholarship aims to support graduating high school seniors in Huntington Beach, empowering them to pursue higher education despite facing adversities. Let’s delve into the details of this inspiring opportunity.
Background
Jake Olson, a local hero from Huntington Beach, exemplifies courage, determination, and resilience. Despite losing his sight at the age of 12 due to cancer, Jake defied the odds to become the first blind long snapper in Division 1 college football. Graduating from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2019, he has since established himself as a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and athlete in blind golf tournaments. The HBPCF, inspired by Jake’s journey, initiated the “Courage” Scholarship Program to recognize and support students exhibiting similar qualities of resilience and determination.
| Scholarship Name: | Jake Olson “Courage” Scholarship Program |
|---|---|
| Award Amount: | $4,000 per recipient |
| Eligible Recipients: | Graduating high school seniors in Huntington Beach, including residents attending high school outside the city |
| Application Deadline: | April 1, 2024 |
| Renewability: | Renewable annually with a maintained 3.0 GPA |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be graduating high school seniors from Huntington Beach or residents attending high school in Huntington Beach. They should have plans to pursue education at an accredited college or trade school. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate courage, determination, and a commitment to academic excellence.
Benefits
Four scholarships of $4,000 each will be awarded, with $1,000 disbursed annually for up to four years. The scholarship is renewable contingent upon maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and submitting a renewal application annually.
Application Process
The application must be submitted electronically via email to iono@hbpd.org. Required documents include a complete high school transcript, up to two letters of recommendation (optional), a brief statement of educational plans, descriptions of extracurricular activities, awards, volunteer efforts, and a personal statement.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
- Renewal Deadline (for renewable recipients): Annually
Conclusion
The Jake Olson “Courage” Scholarship Program represents a beacon of hope for aspiring scholars, honoring resilience, determination, and academic excellence. As you embark on your educational journey, remember that challenges can be overcome with perseverance and support. Seize this opportunity to pursue your dreams and make a positive impact on your community.
