Purpose
To honor Senior Airman Mark Forester and his sacrifice through the presentation of annual scholarships to deserving and eligible applicants.
As an enlisted CCT with a bachelor’s degree, Mark believed strongly in education and set an example for all others to follow; this ideal will be captured through the presentation of this scholarship.
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. A family member (dependent) of any retired or active duty enlisted Combat Controller, Combat Control Officer, or Special Tactics Officer.
2. A family member (dependent) of any current Combat Control Association Regular, Life, or Associate member.
3. Have applied to an institution of higher learning.
4. Have a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) or better (from high school or college) with records showing college-level abilities and preparation.
5. Completed scholarship application in accordance with the application procedures listed below.
CCA Policy
1. Scholarships are based on scholastic achievement, financial need, extracurricular activities, and interest.
2. The amount awarded will vary based upon current donations received by the CCA. The goal is to award at least one scholarship of $2,500.00 each year.
3. Official, written verification of the recipients registration/enrollment from the institution of higher learning must be received by the scholarship committee prior to distribution of funds.
4. The CCA will mail the scholarship check directly to the individual winners.
5. If the winner ceases to attend classes at the school of choice and does not transfer to another school, the scholarship winner must return any remaining funds to the CCA.
6. The winner(s) will be notified prior to receiving the award. If the original winner declines acceptance of the scholarship, a subsequent winner will be notified as soon as possible. Failure to respond to the CCA Scholarship Committee within 20 days of notification with acknowledgment of acceptance of the scholarship constitutes a declination of the scholarship.
7. Any student planning delayed school enrollment must notify the CCA Scholarship Chairperson and the scholarship money will be held in the student’s name for up to 12 months after notification.
Judging
1. Judging will be by an impartial committee of five people (to include one CCA board member, once active duty STO, one retire STO/CCT Officer, one active duty CCT, and one retired CCT). The Board member will be the tiebreaker if necessary; otherwise the board member will not vote.
2. The scholarship committee members will work independently, without collusion, and present their tally sheet, clearly identifying each candidate in rank order.
3. No committee member will be related to any applicant.
4. Judges will base their selections only on the applications submitted.
5. Applicant’s name, race, and sex will not appear on any portion of the application seen by the judges.
6. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Verification of eligibility
- Application completed in full
- Scholastic achievement (class rank, ACT or SAT scores, GPA, Academic course, etc.)
- Extracurricular activities and interests (honors and awards, school and community involvement, JROTC, outside employment, internships, etc…)
- Considerations will be given for number of high schools attended when there was limited opportunity to participate in activities due to frequent transfers
- Financial need
- Judges overall evaluation of the application data
Application Procedures
1. Complete the online application to include sending a participation request to the applicant’s guidance counselor or appropriate school official.
2. Approved by the students parent or legal guardian.
3. The CCA will receive a copy of the applicants transcripts.
4. Complete the process before the announced deadline. October 1, 2018, Midnight Easter Time