The R.W. Sorrell Scholarship Fund is a 501C-3 tax-exempt organization that was created to promote and support higher education goals for minority students of color. The Scholarship Fund holds its recipients in high esteem – and we have high expectations for them in the future. Our recipients are selected to represent Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley’s (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties) best in Community Service/Volunteerism coupled with academic achievement.  We hope these young people will represent future leadership in the communities they reside. The Fund values and prioritizes service to others.  That's why we have established Community Service/Volunteerism as a priority criteria for our scholarship recipients.

 

High School Student Applicant Requirements

The term of the scholarship is four years ($5,000 annually) as long as the student continues to meet eligibility requirements.  A completed application requires submission of the following documents to be considered as a recipient of our scholarship: 
 

• A completely filled out application form,
   

• An official, sealed high school transcript,
   

• Maintain a grade point average of B or better,
   

• Two (2) References (one should be from a teacher or counselor),
   

• A Resume,
   

• A 500-600 word essay summarizing your past, present and future volunteer and community activities.
   

Current College Scholarship Recipient Renewal Requirements

At the end of each academic semester/quarter, each recipient’s academic report will be reviewed. Renewal of the scholarship is not guaranteed.  Renewal is at the discretion of the R.W. Sorrell Scholarship Fund’s Board of Directors, but is primarily based on the following requirements being met each year:

 

• Complete a minimum of 12 hours each semester,
   

• Maintain a B cumulative grade point average,
   

• Provide a copy of your transcript,
   

• Submit a 1-2 page “Narrative” reviewing the past academic year, and highlighting community service and/or extra-curricular activities to the R.W. Sorrell Scholarship Fund by May 15 each year

 

• Notification of any changes in major or transfer to another university/college
   

• Adhere to the University/College’s rules of conduct

 

Internships

The R.W. Sorrell Scholarship Fund (RWSSF) offers recipients an opportunity to participate  in a paid summer internship program through our partnership with Independence Blue Cross (IBC).  Internships last approximately six weeks for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors and approximately 5 weeks for rising freshmen.  If the internship is accepted by the recipient, the expectation is that the recipient actively participates, follows IBC rules of conduct, be punctual and attend work each day. RWSSF may from time to time check with the corporation regarding the recipient's participation. RWSSF strongly encourages continued participation in community service/extracurricular activities as we believe service to others strengthen experiences, insight and our communities.