Rockin’ Scholar Scholarship - Eligibility Requirements

Rock the 21 established our “Rockin’ Scholar” Scholarship Program in 2023 to help finance higher education and/or employment training for people with Down syndrome (DS). 

Eligibility 

Applicants must be a person with a DS diagnosis who is enrolled in a certificate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university of the student's choice for the upcoming academic year -or- will be attending a work program and/or an employment/vocational training program. The applicant should reside in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or the greater tri-state area.

The applicant must complete the online application and provide two letters of recommendation – one by an instructor or teacher; and the other by a non-family member.

Program

The Rock the 21 Scholarship applicants are selected via an objective review process by no less than three selection committee members who are not affiliated with nor on the Rock the 21 Board of Directors. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or national origin. 

Scholarship Awards

Up to two, $5,000 scholarship awards will be granted annually*. Awards will be for higher education (certificate or undergraduate) study program and/or for employment/vocational training program. Students may re-apply to the program each year should they continue to meet eligibility requirements. 

Recipient Selection

Scholarship recipients are selected via Rock the 21’s confidential evaluation process based on academic achievements and transcripts; leadership and participation in school and community activities; statement of education goals; and two recommendation letters (one by an instructor or teacher; and the other by a non-family member).

Awards will be based on Rock the 21 application questions. Selection of recipients will be made by the objective selection committee. Board members of Rock the 21 will not participate in or influence the selection process.

All applicants will be notified of their status in the fall of 2024. Non-recipients will be notified via email at the email address on their application.

Payment of Awards

Payments will be made by January 1, 2025. Rock the 21 will mail checks (payable to the educational institution) to the student recipients or will send funds via EFT directly to participating institutions. Amount of award not to be greater than the costs of the program.

Obligations

Scholarship recipients must enroll in their educational programs no later than fall of the year in which the awards are given. Recipients will provide a photo and  further allow Rock the 21, Inc  to use that photo or any other photo, video, or film likeness to be used for any legitimate purpose by Rock the 21, Inc. and participate in a congratulatory Zoom call with board members of Rock the 21. Recipients will have no further obligations to Rock the 21. They are, however, required to provide Rock the 21 with current transcripts and other pertinent information should the student apply for another scholarship.

Contact

For more information on the Rock the 21 Scholarship Program, please email: info@rockthe21.org 

Rock the 21 reserves the right to modify or terminate this scholarship program at any time. Recipients that provide false information will be at risk of forfeiture of the scholarship.