Connecticut Talent Assistance Cooperative Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by CONNTAC Inc.

Description

The CONNTAC, Inc. Scholarship recognizes participants who have overcome barriers in pursuit of an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. It is a targeted program designed to offset postsecondary costs and to support students who are advancing toward college credentials. The award is administered by the Connecticut Talent Assistance Cooperative (CONNTAC) and is discretionary in amount and distribution. This section summarizes the scholarship’s purpose and scope without outlining eligibility specifics.

- Key takeaways:
- Honors students who have surmounted obstacles to pursue A.A. or B.A. degrees.
- Administered by CONNTAC, Inc.
- Intended as a financial support to help with postsecondary costs.
- Awards are discretionary and vary in amount.

Eligibility

The scholarship has specific eligibility conditions that prioritize economic need and parental education background. Applicants must be low‑income and neither parent may have earned a Bachelor’s degree. Applicants also must be documented CONNTAC E.O.C. clients for the specified program year and must not be current clients of other Connecticut TRIO programs. Finally, applicants must be attending (or planning to attend) a postsecondary institution during the semester the award would apply to.

- **Parental degree requirement:** Neither parent may hold a Bachelor’s degree.
- **Income requirement:** Applicant must demonstrate low income or financial need.
- **Program exclusions:** Not eligible if currently a client of another Connecticut TRIO program (Talent Search, Upward Bound, Student Support Services, or Ronald McNair).
- **CONNTAC enrollment:** Must be a documented CONNTAC E.O.C. client for FY 2025–2026 (September 2025–August 2026).
- Key takeaways:
- Only for low‑income applicants whose parents do not have a Bachelor’s degree.
- TRIO program participants in Connecticut are excluded.
- CONNTAC E.O.C. documentation for FY 2025–2026 is required.
- Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in postsecondary studies for the award semester.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide verifiable documents that confirm income status, academic history, and professional references. Required items include official income verification, a recent transcript from high school, college, or vocational school (if attended within the last two years), and one professional letter of recommendation (no relatives or friends). The Statement of Intent is required but is described in detail in its own section—refer there for content and length requirements.

- **Income verification (one of the following):** parent/guardian recent tax form; applicant’s tax return (if adult/emancipated); official benefit statement (AFDC, Social Security, VA, etc.); an institutional statement of no income due to incarceration; or a signed statement of support including the supporter’s income information.
- **Academic record:** Transcript from current or last attended accredited high school, college, or vocational school within two years.
- **Reference:** One letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to academic or professional work (no relatives/friends).
- Key takeaways:
- Provide one form of income verification from the approved list.
- Submit an academic transcript from the last two years’ institution.
- Include one professional/academic recommendation letter.
- See the Statement of Intent section for essay requirements.

Statement of Intent (Required)

A concise, typewritten Statement of Intent is required and must not exceed 250 words. This single essay should outline your immediate educational plans and career goals and explain specific obstacles you have overcome. It must also describe how the CONNTAC‑EOC program and your counselor have supported your progress, how the scholarship will help you, and note any relevant extracurricular activities.

- **Length:** Maximum 250 typewritten words.
- **Core content to address:** institution you are/will attend; the degree program; obstacles overcome; how CONNTAC‑EOC and counselor helped; how this scholarship will assist your goals; and extracurricular activities.
- Key takeaways:
- Submit a single, focused essay of 250 words or fewer.
- Cover institution, program, obstacles, CONNTAC‑EOC support, scholarship impact, and activities.
- The Statement of Intent is a required component of the application package.

Award Value & Distribution

For FY 2025–2026 the Board anticipates awarding up to a total of $10,000 across recipients at its discretion. Individual awards are expected to range between $500 and $1,000 per recipient, with funds disbursed in two installments. The Board of Directors retains discretion over the number of recipients and the precise award amounts within the stated range.

- **Total pool:** Up to $10,000 anticipated for FY 2025–2026.
- **Per‑recipient range:** Typically $500 to $1,000.
- **Payment schedule:** Awards are issued in two installments.
- Key takeaways:
- Total anticipated funding is $10,000 for the year.
- Individual awards generally fall between $500 and $1,000.
- Payments are split into two disbursements and final award amounts are at the Board’s discretion.

Application Timeline & Submission

CONNTAC requires applicants to be documented clients for the applicable program year; contact the Central Office for current deadlines and submission procedures. Because timelines and submission logistics can change, applicants should confirm the application deadline, required formats, and where to submit materials directly with CONNTAC. For questions or to verify client status for FY 2025–2026, call the Central Office at (203) 634‑7669.

- **Documentation period:** Verify CONNTAC E.O.C. client status for the applicable program year.
- **How to submit:** Confirm format and submission address with CONNTAC Central Office (phone provided).
- **Deadlines:** Contact CONNTAC for the specific application deadline and any updates.
- Key takeaways:
- Confirm eligibility and deadlines directly with CONNTAC before applying.
- Call (203) 634‑7669 to verify requirements and submission instructions.
- Gather all required documents before initiating submission.

Use of Recipient Media & Privacy

Recipients selected for the scholarship may be asked to grant permission for their name, photograph, essay, or likeness to be used in CONNTAC’s promotional activities and media. Use of such materials is conditional on the recipient’s consent and is intended for outreach via newspapers, television, radio, websites, and workshops. If privacy or publicity concerns exist, discuss them with CONNTAC during the application or award acceptance process.

- **Promotional use:** Name, photo, essay, or likeness may be used only with the recipient’s permission.
- **Types of media:** Could include print, broadcast, internet, and workshop materials.
- **Privacy options:** Recipients can raise concerns or limit use when contacted for permission.
- Key takeaways:
- Media use of recipient information requires explicit permission.
- Promotional distribution may include multiple media platforms.
- Discuss any privacy restrictions with CONNTAC if selected.

History of the Award

The Board of Directors of the Connecticut Talent Assistance Cooperative established the CONNTAC, Inc. Scholarship to advance the organization’s mission by supporting students who have overcome obstacles to pursue higher education. The award was created to reflect CONNTAC’s commitment to access, equity, and support for underrepresented students working toward postsecondary credentials. Its design—including income and parental education criteria—aligns with the cooperative’s goal of helping students from first‑generation backgrounds and low‑income households.

- Key takeaways:
- The scholarship was established by CONNTAC’s Board to support students overcoming barriers.
- It advances CONNTAC’s mission of increasing access to postsecondary education.
- Eligibility criteria are intentionally aligned with first‑generation and low‑income priorities.

If you would like, I can convert this into a printable single‑page application checklist or a fillable checklist for applicants.