At our 2019 Annual Business Meeting the Executive Board proposed that as a 501c3 charitable Not for Profit organization, we should develop a modest annual scholarship program as an alternative to the Annual Grants. After an extensive discussion with many ideas and suggestions, the delegates unanimously voted to initiate a modest scholarship program to include all member choruses with the following steps and suggestions as a guide:

1. Each Spring our Treasurer will send a check for $100.00 to each active chorus to be administered by the chorus as a NYSSB Scholarship to High Schools Seniors or active college students in their region.

2. Each chorus will be responsible for selecting the criteria for the scholarship, but the criteria should not be so limited that only one or two schools could participate. (German language or heritage the only criteria.)

3. On or before one month prior to our annual meeting each participating chorus must submit a short report for our records, to the NYSSB 2nd Vice President describing the criteria and the name of the recipient of the scholarship in their region. This is not optional.

Note: If your chorus already supports a scholarship program please include our New York State Saengerbund Scholarship with it as a second additional award. If your chorus does not yet have a scholarship program use some or all these suggestions as a start.

Criteria: During deliberation, several items for criteria were suggested. They are presented here as a guide, additional criteria may be developed and used by each chorus:

♥ Study of the German language, playing a musical instrument, or participating in chorus, band, or orchestra.

♥ The student may be home schooled, but must be a graduating high school senior or college student.

♥ School transcripts with grades. The student must have an average grade of 85 or better.

♥ The student must plan to attend a U.S. institution of higher education in next semester. This includes apprenticeships, occupational trades and vocational careers.

♥ A cover letter describing yourself and your family. Why would you like to be considered for our scholarship. What makes you happy and where do you see yourself in 10 years. List any extra-curricular activities, whether in school, the community or as part of a religious organization, as well as any work experience.

♥ Short essay about the applicant's Germanic heritage. Or their travel experience in Europe

♥ Short essay about a contribution to society of a well known German-American who has made lasting contributions to American culture in a field that interests you or that you are planning to study.

Typically, the scholarship process starts in January with the gathering of school and education information followed by the distribution of Scholarship Applications and Cover Letters.

You may use the Sample Letters below to develop your own:

School Request, Student Application, Congratulations,
School Acknowledgement, and Rejection Letters.