STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BOARD OF EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND

January 29, 2004

Greetings!

As an enrolled student or a potential college bound student, we are pleased to be able to offer you a unique opportunity. After much planning, we are ready to announce that the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship application is ready for distribution. This scholarship is sponsored by the Board of Education and Services for the Blind and the Connecticut Lions Clubs. The scholarships are made possible by people who buy products from the vending machines that B E S B operates throughout the state.

The Lions administer the scholarship program, drawing upon a wealth of experience in this area.

During the academic year 2004-2005, three scholarships will be available to Connecticut residents who are legally blind, and who are pursuing a full time education leading to a degree or certificate from an accredited institution of higher learning. Applicants must be legally blind in order to participate. The scholarships are not limited to high school students, but might also include, for example, the 30- year old non-traditional student who might be enrolling in September, and the person who is already enrolled now and will be continuing into the next academic year.

Scholarship awards will range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending upon the year of study. Renewal of individual scholarships is anticipated, as long as a student remains in good standing.

The first preference in awarding scholarships will be for students who intend to own and manage their own business. Second preference, “The Mary Brunoli Scholarship,” is intended for those students who are pursuing a degree or certificate enabling them to teach children or adults who are blind or visually impaired. If the scholarships are not awarded under the first or second criteria, the scholarships will be available for any course of study.

In general, scholarships will be awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement, financial need, extra-curricular activities, community service, and, when applicable, the student’s potential as a business owner, or teacher. The ultimate selection will be done by a review committee chosen by the Lions.

The scholarship process includes an eight- page application in addition to selected supporting documents. The application will be available to students in preferred formats. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the application through me or from the Lions Club. The deadline for submission of applications will be April 30, 2004. Completed applications and all required documents should be forwarded to: Lions Club Multiple District 23; c/o 126 Delmar Drive, Bristol, CT 06010

We strongly encourage all full-time legally blind students to apply. Thank you for your interest.

Donna R. Gore
Projects Coordinator
Division of Legislation Regulation and Communications
Connecticut Services for the Blind
Donna.gore@po.state.ct.us
860-602-4224