The Mitchell-Beall Memorial Scholarship Contest

NASA Federal Credit Union is proud to sponsor The Mitchell-Beall Memorial Scholarship contest. This contest is open to graduating high school seniors from within the Credit Union membership who will be pursuing four-year or two-year undergraduate degrees or vocational studies.

Scholarships in amounts of up to $7,000 may be awarded to assist with the costs of tuition, books and living expenses.

This scholarship contest does not require school specification, repayment, intended major, letters of recommendation or demonstration of financial need. If awarded a scholarship, students may be required to provide proof of full-time enrollment in an accredited university, college or vocational school.

Eligibility

Each Mitchell-Beall Memorial Scholarship contest applicant must be:

• The primary owner of a NASA Federal Credit Union account (joint ownership does not meet eligibility requirements.)
• A high school senior with an average grade of C or above
• Under the age of 21

Selection

Scholarships are awarded based on evaluation of a written essay and a personal interview conducted by the Scholarship Committee. Applicants' identities are withheld from the judges until the finalists are selected.

The Essay

Scholarship applicants must submit an original essay titled:

Format

Essays must be 12 pt. typed, double-spaced and no more than 1,000 words. Essays and applications must be postmarked by February 12, 2010.

Essays are judged on content, writing style and creativity.

Content (40%)

Essays should address the applicant's educational goals, the costs associated with and plans for financing higher education and the ways NASA Federal Credit Union can help meet these goals and challenges.

Writing Style (30%)

This element determines how effectively an applicant communicates in writing. Writing style includes: adherence to rules of English grammar and spelling, clarity, organization, effective transitions and proper sentence and paragraph structure.

Creativity (30%)

Essays should reflect original concepts, new ideas and creative stories relevant to acquiring and financing an education.

About The Mitchell-Beall Memorial Scholarship

The Mitchell-Beall Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Wilfred B. Mitchell and Donald V. Beall and their dedicated service to NASA Federal Credit Union and its members.

Wilfred Mitchell joined NASA Federal Credit Union in 1959 serving as a volunteer director and as Credit Union president from 1968 to 1972.

Mr. Mitchell used his strong sense of moral values and civic responsibility to promote the philosophy of "people helping people." He received great satisfaction in helping young people prepare for the future - encouraging them to continue with higher education and to practice financial responsibility.

Donald Beall served NASA Federal Credit Union for many years as Credit Union president from 1965 until his death in 1991.

Mr. Beall was known for his strong commitment to the credit union movement. But it was his local commitment to members that most remember, including his advocacy for higher education.

Established in 1983, the scholarship contest recognizes the dedicated service and commitment to our young members that Wilfred Mitchell and Donald Beall conveyed throughout their lives.