Robert C. Byrd Scholarship now open
A total of 39 Robert C. Byrd scholars will be selected this year, the highest count so far, after the Federal government allowed the Public School System to use previous funding for the fresh batch.
Fiscal and Budget Officer William Matson said as the local lead agency for the scholarship grant, PSS has traditionally named 10 scholars each year. However, PSS was given the green light to use past scholarship money that were not spent the years before.
The Robert C. Byrd scholars can expect $1,500 each year and until the student completes the four-year degree with a B grade point average. This funding will be used to help the student pay the tuition and other school fees.
In a memorandum sent to public and private high schools last month, Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos invited students to file their applications for the grant. Deadline for submission is set for next week.
Based on the criteria listed by the federal government, each applicant will need to submit an essay discussing the reasons why he or she is pursuing college education, defending the choice of the school and the value of a college degree. It will constitute 30 percent of the total scholarship grading.
Minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 and will mean 50 percent in the entire scholarship decision. However, as the applicant’s GPA exceeds 3.0, his score will likewise increase.
The scholarship will also require two letters of recommendations.
Since it started in 1991 in the CNMI, the Robert C. Byrd grant has helped local 40 scholars complete their college education.
Named after former U.S. Senator Byrd, the grant does not require students to return to the CNMI after they have completed their degrees.
