HOME
Message from Lilya & Semir Sirazi
Mission Statement
Guidelines for North America
Guidelines for Foreign Countries
Eligibility
Information
Get Application
FAQ

Eligibility Requirements for Sirazi Scholarship, Fellowship and Grant Fund (SSFG)
The following sections will describe the overall requirements for this application:

Geographical Requirements

No geographical limitation apply for this program. Any

Student of Syriac Orthodox Descent from residence of any country can apply for consideration.

Criteria of Eligibility (General and Specific)
  1. All applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited college, university, community college, Junior college or preparatory school in the United States or in a foreign country as full-time students for the entire academic year.
  2. Students must be enrolled in a program that will lead to a bachelor or graduate degree.
  3. All applicants from the University of Illinois, other Universities, colleges, community colleges and preparatory schools shall be considered. However, preference shall be given to those students who are enrolled in or plan to attend the University of Illinois.
  4. The applicant must be of Syriac Orthodox descent.
  5. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation (please refer to the information section).
  6. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from his/her guidance counselor, teacher or college professor. Students reading for a degree leading to a Ph.D. must submit a letter of recommendation from their research professor.
  7. Scholarship applicants must have a minimum 3.0(B) overall grade point average (GPA) from high school and/or 3.0 cumulative (or its equivalent) from College. Grant applicants who are currently in college must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA.
  8.  Applicants who have been turned down are eligible to reapply for scholarships and grants every year thereafter.
  9. Qualified applicants who were awarded scholarships or grants can reapply in subsequent years upon submittal of complete application material.

Submittal Requirements

  1. High school students applying for a scholarship must submit a copy of their latest SAT or ACT and/or TOEFL scores (valid only for students from North America). Achievement Scores will only be accepted if the school does not require you to take the SATs.
  2. Grant Applicants must submit a copy of his/her Student Aid Report (SAR) (valid only for students from North America). If the applicant has not received his/her SAR, then the applicant must submit - a copy of the field Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) until the SAR is received. Grant applicants which reside in the US must submit an equivalent document(s). (Grants will be given to those applicants that can adequately convey financial need)
  3. Official high school or college transcripts must be submitted by the application deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that these materials meet the application deadline.
  4. Applicant must submit the Scholarship & Grant Application and a min. 200 and a max. 250 word typed essay explaining why he/she should be considered for a scholarship or a grant.
  5. In order for the application to be considered, all material related to the application process must be submitted in full by the set deadline indicated earlier in this handbook.

Conditions for scholarship or grants continuation

  1. Scholarship or grant recipients must maintain the minimum GPA in college during the year in which the scholarship or grant being distributed.
  2. Scholarship or grant recipients must submit copies of their grade report(s) at the end of each semester/ quarter of study to allow us to track the recipients academic performance.
  3. Scholarship or grant recipient must meet attended school rules and regulations. Any disciplinary action against the student by the school may be grounds for scholarship or grant revocation.
  4. The scholarship or grant shall be terminated immediately upon violation of any of the rules and regulations.

Financial Arrangements (student from foreign countries)

  1. Payments will be made directly to the representative of SSFG program by Archdiocese of Syriac Orthodox Church of the Eastern United States. This representative will coordinate the financial arrangements and distribute the funds accordingly.
  2. The payments can also  be applied towards other expenses such as housing, books, etc..
Financial Arrangements (students from North America)
  1. Payments will be made directly to the School Bursar prior to each academic year. The School Bursar information must be provided with the application .
  2. Under conditions where the scholarship or grant amount exceeds the student's school balance, only the balance amount will be paid. In case of grants, the remaining amount will be applied towards other expenses such as housing or books.
  3. Applicants must disclose all other types of financial support that they are or will be receiving.
  4. Under circumstances where the student withdraws from the school and is refunded money, the scholar ship or grant must be returned to SSFG.
  5. Students that have less than a full academic year left prior to graduation must disclose this information to the SSFG. Scholarship or Grant amounts will then be reduced to the remaining enrolled time prior to graduation.

Selection Procedure
  1. Scholarships and Grants will be distributed every year for the following regular school year.
  2. Selection criteria will include completed applications, academic achievements, interests, extracurricular activities in and out of church.
  3. Financial need is a factor for grants but not for scholarships. All financial information shall be kept strictly confidential.
  4. Selection of applicants and administration of the program shall be performed by the Selection Committee. The disbursement of funds will be managed by Sirazi Foundation under the direction of the Selection Committee.
  5. The Selection Committee is comprised of qualified individuals with outstanding educational and occupational backgrounds. This committee will evaluate the packages and determine the finalists.

Unusual or unforeseen circumstances

  1. In a case of any unforeseen circumstances, matters or issues arising outside these guidelines will be made at the discretion of Selection Committee.
  2. Selection Committee of SSFG shall be notified in the event of any changes that may adversely effect the recipient's ability to comply with the afore-mentioned Eligibility Requirements.