SikhProfessionals.org - Application Forms

General Information On the Sikh Education Fund

This Fund is one of the projects of the Association of Sikh Professionals, a tax-exempt, non-profit organization devoted to helping the Sikh Community. It began as the "Scholarship Fund" of The A.S.P. in 1989 with the primary purpose of helping Sikh students in the United States of America. While residents of U.S.A. are the main focus, students from other countries studying in U.S.A. are also considered for assistance on an individual basis.

The Fund is administered by a four-member honorary committee appointed by the Association. The A.S.P. also pays all administrative expenses and supports the Fund with an annual contribution. Additional funds are raised by requesting donations from the public. All contributions to the Fund are tax-exempt since the A.S.P. is a 501(c) (iii) entity. (Their tax number is 36-33827511.)

The SEF makes its awards once a year. Typically, awards have ranged from $400 to $2500 per year. While financial need is the most important criteria for eligibility, consideration is also given to academic ability and to involvement in Sikh activities. All applicants must be attending or should have been admitted to an accredited course of study. Applicants selected for the awards are usually high school seniors or college students. Awards are in the form of scholarships, grants through endowments, and interest-free loans for which repayment is expected after graduation. The repaid funds are re-invested in the SEF and more aid to students is thus generated.

Applications may only be made on the application form and must reach the SEF / ASP before the 1st day of June each year for first time applicants and June 28th for re-applicants (students those who have received awards in the previous year). Completed applications are reviewed by the Committee of the SEF and results are announced by early September. Successful students will be considered for funding in the subsequent years of study if they provide proof of satisfactory academic performance, inform the Fund regularly of their academic progress, change of address and demonstrate continuing financial need.

The Sikh Education Aid Fund of the Association of Sikh Professionals

Rules and Guidelines

1.	This fund has been set up to support financially deserving Sikh students, to recognize Sikh students of outstanding academic abilities, and to support those individuals doing research in the Sikh religion or engaged in Sikh studies. It will be administered by a Committee of the Association of Sikh Professionals.
2.	All applicants must show proof of acceptance into an accredited college in the U.S.A.
3.	Each applicant must submit an application form. The application form shall include appropriate financial documents, (as described below), proof of acceptance into a college or institution of higher learning, a recent photo of the applicant, copies of recent high school or college grade transcripts and names and addresses of five (5) Sikhs in their community. The Sikh Education Aid Fund may contact any of them to verify and confirm details, and inquire about the applicant. Only completed application forms will be reviewed and it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all questions are answered.
4.	Each applicant must provide financial information regarding his parents or guardians. This should include financial statements or earning records. Copies of the latest available tax returns, (form 1040 only) are acceptable. This information will be used to determine the degree of need of the applicant and all such information will be treated confidentially.
5.	Each applicant shall disclose all other financial aid that he/she is receiving.
6.	The amount of aid that can be awarded each year will be decided by the Fund, All decisions of the Fund shall be final and there shall be no appeal.
7.	All applicants must provide twice‑yearly progress reports from their college/ university indicating satisfactory academic performance. Failure to achieve satisfactory performance, as determined by the Fund, or failure to furnish progress reports may result in cessation of funding. The funds already awarded will have to be repaid in the manner outlined below.
8.	Repayment. All moneys awarded as loans to the applicant will be repaid to the Sikh Education Fund. Repayment shall begin 6 months after the applicant has started in a salaried position. It will be made on a monthly basis over a period equal to twice the period required to borrow the money. (e.g. If a candidate has been awarded $4000 over a period of four years, he will have to make a minimum repayment of $41.67 per month over a period of eight years ‑ 4000 divided by 96.)
9.	No interest will be charged on funds awarded, but all candidates are encouraged to make a contribution to the Sikh Education Fund, after they have completed repayment of the original amount borrowed. (A suggested additional contribution of 20% of the total amount borrowed.)
10.	Each candidate may be asked to present himself/herself for an interview with the Sikh Education Fund. Expenses for such an interview will be borne by the candidate. The Committee will endeavor to arrange such interviews to avoid any unnecessary hardship on the applicant.
11.	Canvassing any member of the Sikh Education Fund Committee, directly or indirectly, shall result in disqualification of the applicant.
12.	No child or close relative of an ASP officer or of any member of the Sikh Education Fund shall be eligible for benefits under this program.
13.	Applicants will be responsible for informing the Fund of any change in address.
14.	Each candidate shall provide the Sikh Education Fund with an essay on a topic determined by the Sikh Education Fund. The essay shall be typed or printed on regular 8 1/2 by 11 paper with double spaced lines. It shall be at least three complete pages long but no longer than six pages and shall be the original work of the applicant. Applicants will be provided at least 3 topics from which they may choose one.
15.	Each applicant agrees to be bound by these rules and shall so indicate on his/her application form. Funding may be terminated if, in the opinion of the Fund, the applicant has violated the rules or criteria of eligibility to the scholarship. In cases of dispute or should there be any clarification required, the ruling of the Committee of the Sikh Education Fund shall be final.
16.	All applications must be received by the due date to allow adequate time for review. The last date for receipt of completed application forms for first time applicants shall be June 1 of each year and re-applicants is June 28th. (Awards will be announced by early September)
I have read the rules and guidelines and would like an application form