Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia
Annual Scholarship 2010

About the Polish Heritage Society Scholarship

Founded in the 1970s by the Board of Directors of the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia to enhance the study of Polish culture and language among high school and college students, the Society's scholarship went into a period of non-award for over a decade. The original scholarship was funded almost entirely by two prominent women on the original board, Mrs. Wanda Dezwol and Mrs. Lottie Wojcich.

In the early 1990s, Dr. Stephen Medvec proposed to the board that the scholarship be resuscitated as a way to reach out to youth. The board agreed and the scholarship awards were started anew. We award scholarships in May of every year at the Society's annual mass at Czestochowa. Eligible applicants are high-school seniors or such high school graduates already pursuing higher education. These applicants must be either of Polish descent or students pursuing courses in Polish or Slavic language, history or culture in college. There are no citizenship requirements. In addition to an essay describing the student's interests in Polish or Slavic issues, we also reguire a statement of the student's professional goals.

Among our scholarship winners, one is pursuing a doctorate in biochemistry at Baylor University in Texas. Another obtained a Fulbright grant to conduct research in Poland on the reforms in Polish middle-school and secondary education for her doctoral dissertation at the University of Pennsylvania. Another recipient is pursuing her doctorate in pharmacy at Rutgers University, while another is pursuing a master's degree in Slavic studies at La Salle University. Yet others have completed their studies in engineering or in international business, and they are working in their fields. Other recipients are pursuing their bachelor's degrees in pre-medicine, journalism, and anthropology at various universities throughout the United States.

Sincerely,

Stephen E. Medvec, Ph.D.
Chair, Scholarship Committee
Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia

Instructions for Scholarship Applicants

  1. Eligible applicants are high-school seniors or students accepted to or already enrolled at a college or university. These applicants must be either of Polish descent or students pursuing courses in Polish or Slavic language, history or culture in college. The high school applicant must be college-bound in the subsequent autumn after graduation and attach proof of admission to an institution of higher education.

  2. Scholarship awards will be granted by the scholarship committee, giving due consideration to academic achievement and quality of essay. The amount is $500, perhaps more, depending upon quality of essay submitted. Lesser amounts may be awarded.

    3. Selection criteria:
    1. Academic achievement is based on a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Official transcript(s) or record must be submitted to the scholarship committee. There are neither financial nor citizenship requirements.

    2. A three- to five-page typed, double-spaced essay in English or Polish on your interests in Poland, Polish culture, history, language, as well as a statement of reasonable length and breadth about your academic goals and career pursuits, must be submitted. This applies both to those students of Polish background/descent (e.g., mother, father, grandparents) and to those of non-Polish background pursuing some aspect of Polish or Slavic studies. (type your name, address, telephone number, and the date at the top right-hand corner of the page, and your name only on each subsequent page.) Award area is limited to residents of New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania (Harrisburg Eastward).

    3. One letter of recommendation attesting to academic ability must be submitted to the scholarship committee. We also request the following in your application: one photo (passport style preferred); one page resume, with name, address (home address also if living at college); telephone; e-mail address; general description of academic/work experience; achievements; involvement in the Polish community/organizations, if any.

    4. One time only -- previous awardees not eligible.

    5. Completed applications are to be submitted to:

      6. D.M. Majka
      812 Lombard Street
      Lombard Mews
      Philadelphia, PA 19147

  3. Completed applications including:
    1.     Essay;
    2. One-page resume;
    3. Letter of recommendation;
    4. Transcript;
    5. Photograph
    Must be postmarked no later than January 30th in order for the application to be considered for the academic year beginning in September. Please ensure that the letter of recommendation and transcript(s) are received by January 30th, or your application will be deemed incomplete.

  4. Notices of acceptance will be mailed no later than May first. Winner(s) must be able to attend the award ceremony.

  5. Selection will be made on the basis of information submitted. An interview may be required.
[People Receiving Award]

Sholarship Recepients in 2002 with Dr. Steven Medvec; (from left) Jennifer Cimoch (Rutgers University School of Pharmacy) Agnieszka Salamon (Holy Family University, Communications), Danielle LaSalle (Drexel University, Engineering), Peter Obst (LaSalle University, Central and East European Studies)