Nordstrom offers $10K Scholarships for 'Exceptional' Community Involvement

Once again, Nordstrom is reaching out to high school juniors.

Acknowledging that college financing has become a “greater challenge than ever,” Nordstrom is funding 80 $10,000 college scholarships designed to recognize students across the country for exceptional academic achievement and community involvement.

Located in 28 states, Nordstrom is extraordinarily committed to the communities in which the company does business. “Helping students achieve their dreams of higher education is a meaningful way” to show this commitment.

Limited to students residing in specified states and the District of Columbia, these scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, awards/honors, leadership, school activities, community/volunteer activities, financial and employment history.

• Be a high school junior
• Live and attend high school in an eligible state (including Maryland, Virginia, and DC)
• Have participated in community or volunteer activities
• Have and maintain a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale) throughout high school
• Plan to apply for financial assistance to attend college
• Be eligible for and plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the US

Applications must be completed online, and an online recommendation from a current high school official  will be required by May 31  for applicants who become semifinalists. The recommender will be asked to discuss how the applicant meets the selection criteria.

Key to winning the scholarship will be a thoughtful, well-written essay on one of three topics as well as a personal statement addressing a character-defining moment, cultural awareness, or a personal hardship or barrier overcome.

The Nordstrom scholarship application may take a little time to complete, so try to get started as soon as possible. It will be great practice for completing those pesky college applications next summer!

Note that applications must be submitted by no later than 3:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on May 1, 2013. Semi-finalists will be notified by email, and all finalists will be interviewed in person or via video conference.

This is an amazing opportunity for a student anticipating financial need, who has a proven track record
of service to his or her community.

More information and the complete application may be found on the Nordstrom website.