The Datatel Scholars Foundation awards scholarships on a competitive basis to undergraduate and graduate students. Both full-time and part-time (minimum of 6 credit hours per semester) students can apply. Students are eligible regardless of their nationality. Four different scholarships are available. Students may apply for any and all for which they meet the eligibility requirements. Students apply online at www.datatel.com (go to Scholars Foundation). The deadline for completing and submitting the application online is January. Paper applications are not accepted, either by Datatel or by Willamette. All completed applications will be reviewed by Dr. Monique Bourque, Director of Student Academic Grants and Awards, who selects the semi-finalists.

Willamette can select up to two semi-finalists for the Datatel Scholars Foundation scholarship, up to two semi-finalists for the Angelfire scholarship, one Nancy Goodhue Lynch scholarship, and one Returning Student scholarship.

Important Dates

January 30	Last day to submit a complete online application at www.datatel.com.
February	Applications reviewed by Student Academic Grants and Awards office; semi-finalists selected. Semi-finalists will be asked to provide transcripts.
May	Scholarship awards are announced. All Applicants and institutions are notified of award status by mail; scholarship payments are made to the institution's financial aid office. Winner's names are posted on Datatel's Web site.

Who Are Datatel Scholars?
Datatel Scholars come from every conceivable major and reflect the diversity of society. And because the traditional student is no longer the only kind of student, full-time and part-time students as well as those of any age and financial situation are eligible.

Application Tips:

• Letters of recommendation can be from faculty or staff, and should include an academic and employer reference, if possible. Make sure references are from individuals who know you well and can provide specific examples of contributions you have made to your employer and/or campus community. Datatel Scholars are students who make a difference in the lives of others. The Review Committee also looks favorably on those who have worked steadily to help fund their education and may need a little extra help, although specific financial need is not a criterion for selection.
• Excellent grades are important. Virtually every Datatel Scholar is exactly that: a scholar. Most winners have a 3.7 GPA or higher. These students show a commitment to excellence in pursuing their studies. It should be noted, however, that some of the winners are "second timers." Their first attempt at pursuing higher education may not have been entirely successful, but after working a while and returning to school later, they have excelled.
• The personal statement is a reflection of you. Datatel Scholars have a clear direction in their lives. They are pursuing their studies to achieve specific educational and career goals. This is reflected in their studies, and supported by outside interests, showing a clear commitment to learning. Motivation is key, as backed up by facts. It is also very important that the personal statement essay is well thought-out, creatively presented, organized, neat, and well-written.
• When listing achievements, provide details on employment, activities, and volunteer work. Tell about what you did as well as where and when you did it. Why did you pick particular activities or employment? What did you learn from the experience? What did you contribute? How did you make a difference?