Per the ATPE Local Unit and Region Operational Standards, all local units and regions that expend funds through a scholarship program must have the program reviewed and approved by the state office prior to its implementation. Scholarships that are administered improperly can jeopardize the tax status of ATPE, the region, and/or the local unit.

Scholarship Guidelines 

1. All local unit and region scholarship programs must be reviewed by the state office whether the program is new or has been in existence. 

2. Once a scholarship program has been reviewed, the program need only be reviewed again should substantive changes be proposed. 

3. Scholarship programs for high school or college students must be made available to all students regardless of their relation to a member of ATPE or the student’s membership in ATPE. No preference or additional points shall be awarded to an applicant based on ATPE membership status. 

4. Scholarship programs for educators must be made available to all educators regardless of their membership in ATPE. No preference or additional points shall be awarded to an applicant based on ATPE membership status. 

5. Scholarships should be widely promoted, not just promoted to ATPE members (e.g., via district newsletters, emails, etc.). 

6. Scholarships must have printed guidelines and application forms. 

7. The local unit or region should appoint a scholarship committee to judge all applications and select recipients. 

8. It is suggested that local units and regions develop a rubric to assist with scoring/judging scholarship applications. 

9. All scholarship guidelines and applications must be submitted to the ATPE state office for approval prior to promotion of the scholarship. Please allow 10 business days for review and approval.