Scholarship Program

Each year, the Fairfax County Council of PTAs proudly administers a scholarship program for FCPS high school graduates who are furthering their education in fields they first studied in our Career & Technical Education (CTE) program.   This scholarship program is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from our member PTAs/PTSAs.  Since 1986, our local units have collectively raised over $30,000 to help many deserving students further their education in programs as diverse as nursing, graphic design, automotive technology, hospitality and tourism, animal sciences, computer engineering, and culinary arts.  

What is the CTE program?

Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses are electives offered by FCPS that provide students with opportunities to explore technical careers.  As evidence of their popularity, last year over a third of all FCPS secondary school students were enrolled in one or more CTE course.  CTE courses are grouped into six areas:  Business and Information Technology; Consumer and Family Sciences; Health and Human Services; Industrial Technology; Trade and Industry; and Marketing.  Many of the advanced courses are offered at our five High School Academies or at other special locations.  

Why do we target CTE students for scholarships?

While perhaps not widely known, a vast majority of our CTE students pursue post-secondary education.  Many attend specialized trade schools, while many others attend 2-year or 4-year colleges and universities.  Unfortunately, a significant number of these students come from families with only modest incomes, and many need financial assistance.  While there are a large number of civic and religious organizations in our community that provide scholarships for higher education, few explicitly target these students.  Our program helps to fill this void.

Who is eligible and where is the application?

The Fairfax County Council of PTAs Scholarship Program is open to graduating seniors from any high school in Fairfax County who are furthering their education in fields they first studied in our Career & Technical Education (CTE) program.  An application for the program can be obtained by clicking here.   The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2008.

How much should we give?

Donations to the FCCPTA scholarship program are voluntary.  Local units are only encouraged to contribute amounts they deem appropriate and within their own budgets.  That being said, FCCPTA scholarships are funded entirely by contributions from our member PTAs and PTSAs.  When you discuss this matter with your local unit, consider the following:  If every PTA/PTSA in the county were to contribute just $50, we would raise almost $10,000. 

How to contribute to the FCCPTA Scholarship Fund?

To contribute to the FCCPTA Scholarship Program, simply print out the Scholarship Donation Form found on this website and mail the completed form and your contribution to the address listed on the form.  Or, as an alternative, you may include your contribution on the FCCPTA Dues Form. 

Who do we contact for more information?

Contact our Scholarship Chair, Jan McKeever at  JaniceMMck@aol.com.   

Or Contact Juan Lopez at 1stVP@fccpta.org.

 

 

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