Scholarship News

2021-2022

Introduction

The Pennsylvania Equine Scholarship (PEC) program was created to assist individuals in the opportunity to further their education. An applicant can be furthering their education in any area of interest and in any type of educational menu, but a strong emphasis is given on those who have vigorous involvement in the horse industry. Scholarship applications must be received by June 1st and scholarship applicants are notified by mid Aug. The recipient must complete their first semester of higher education by maintaining a 2.5 grade point average and must verify enrollment for the following semester year.

Applicants must be PEC members by March 31 of the year of applying and demonstrate a strong involvement in various activities, especially within the horse industry.

 Leah Hepner earned one of the Pennsylvania Equine Council’s 2020 scholarships.  She is a member of the Pennsylvania Equine Council, a student of Slippery Rock University, and maintains her membership with her home 4H club.   She is a dual major of Public Health and Non-Profit Management with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy.  She is working towards a doctorate in physical therapy who administers their patients’ needs in a barn setting.  In addition to her PEC scholarship, Leah was awarded several academic honors through the university based on her excellent 3.84 GPA as a freshman.   She rides on the University English Equestrian team with the winner of highest points for the year with an invitation to participate in regional and national competitions, both of which were canceled due to the pandemic.  She is an avid volunteer who works with a Therapeutic Riding program and Special Olympics.

Pennsylvania Equine Council booth at the 2020 PA Horse World Expo in Harrisburg

*click each image to enlarge

Apply for the Pennsylvania Equine Council Scholarship

Scholarship Application

  • At least one scholarship of a minimum of $500 will be awarded in the 2021-2022 academic year.
  • Must have a current individual or family membership in the Pennsylvania Equine Council (by March 31st of the application year).
  • Applicants must have been accepted to a college, university, community college, vocational institute or institute of higher learning (any academic program).
  • Deadline for application is June 1.
  • Applicants should be active participants in the equine industry and committed to future involvement in the industry.
  • Applicants must meet criteria for applying.

Guidelines & Information for Applicants

Eligibility

  • Applicants must have a current individual or family membership in the Pennsylvania Equine Council (PEC) as of March 31st.
  • Applicants must have been accepted to a college, university, community college, vocational institute or institute of higher learning (any academic program).
  • Applicants should be active participants in the equine industry and committed to future involvement in the industry.

Application Process

  • The application, guidelines and selection criteria are available from the
    Scholarship Committee: gailrobin52@aol.com  or amandapec@penn.com
  • Any PEC Director can assist you in locating an application.
  • Applications must be received by June 1.
  • Submission of application by email is preferable. Mailed applications must be mailed to the address included on the application page.

The completed application must include:

  • Application (three pages) includes contact information, participation in activities/organizations, and personal statement topic about influence of equine activities on career goals (no more than 500 words).
  • Three letters of reference. Letters must include the contact information of the reference person and signature. Please avoid using references from relatives.
    • Two from an adult or equine industry professional (Examples: adult leader, PEC member, trainer, etc.).
    • One from a community leader (Examples: 4-H leader, teacher, pastor, coach, etc.).
  • Letter of acceptance from college, university, community college, etc., and/or current year billing statement (must include applicant’s name and institution’s name and address).
  • Interviews may be conducted for top candidates (by phone or in person).

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated on: participation in PEC programs/activities, involvement in equine organizations/activities, personal statement, application form, reference letters, community service and interview (if conducted).

See score sheet for details.

Selection Process

  • A panel of volunteer judges will be responsible for selecting award recipients.
    Judges will be selected by the Youth Committee and will include persons representing a variety of equine disciplines and backgrounds.
  • Judges will score and rank applicants according to stated criteria. Highest scoring applicant will be awarded the scholarship.
  • Applicants must receive a minimum score of 85 points to be eligible for a scholarship.
  • Incomplete applications or applications lacking all requested items will not be eligible for consideration.

Award Amount

Funding for the scholarship varies from year to year and is contingent upon availability of funds. The amount available will be determined by the PEC Board with a minimum amount of $500.

Award Presentation

Award to be presented at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo or other designated PEC event with the scholarship recipients receiving a certificate and congratulatory letter.

The scholarship check will be presented to the winner after submission of his/her semester grades of at least a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and proof of enrollment for the next semester (send an official copy of selected class schedule for the upcoming semester).

The scholarship check will be made out to the applicant.

Scholarship Application