2023   SEDCC Scholarships Announcement and Call For Nominations for Educator of the Year

The Southeast Dallas Chamber of Commerce (SEDCC) proudly announces this year’s scholarship application process for graduating seniors. The SEDCC College Scholarship Fund will award twelve (13) $1,000 in scholarships:

•        Five (5) scholarships will be awarded to five graduating seniors from high schools located within zip codes 75180, 75210, 75217, or 75227 (one award per school)

•        One (1) scholarship will be awarded to an Eastfield College TRiO Upward Bound or TRiO Talent Search Program participant from one of the three DISD schools: W. W. Samuell, Skyline, or H. Grady Spruce.

•        One (1) scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from W. W. Samuell, Skyline, or H. Grady Spruce, majoring in a STEM-related field.

•        One (1) scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from a high school located within zip codes 75180, 75210, 75217, or 75227, majoring in a Business-related field.

•        One (1) scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from H. Grady Spruce high school.

•        Four (4) scholarships will be awarded to the highest-scored applications (maximum of two awards per school)  

The scholarship will be awarded to full-time students attending any 2-year, 4-year college, university, or career/technical/trade school in the fall semester. The $1,000 scholarship will be mailed to the institution where the student will attend. 

In addition, this year, the SEDCC will recognize outstanding teachers and principals whose efforts and example have inspired their students, their colleagues, and the community of Southeast Dallas.

The Education Committee of the SEDCC will select one teacher and principal from a public high school and one teacher and principal from a charter/private high school based on two categories: 1) Best nomination entry and 2) majority of votes from participating high schools. See the nomination criteria on page three.

Please direct questions about these procedures or announcement to the chair of the Education Committee, Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez, at [email protected]

Sincerely,

Ricardo Rodriguez, Ph. D.

Dallas College –Pleasant Grove Center

SEDCC Board of Directors Chair  SEDCC Education Chair [email protected]

Scholarship Requirements

All of the following categories will be considered in determining scholarship recipients:

1.       Completed scholarship application form:  Scholarship Application

2.       Minimum GPA of 2.7 and/or a 75-grade average  

3.       A 700 to 1,000-word essay (on a separate file, in Times New Roman font and 12 pt font) describing the following:

•      A brief biography about yourself

•      Your educational and career goals

•      Any school activities or extracurricular activities in which you have participated

•      Any honors which you have received during your high school career

•      Any volunteer activities or social activities outside of school

•      Explanation of financial need

4.       Two (2) letters of recommendation. One letter must be from one of your teachers. The second letter must be from a member of the community (pastor, counselor, employer, coach, neighbor, or another adult who can share about your academic successes and/or life situation)

5.       A current copy of your high school transcript

Note: Applicant will email their essay, letters of recommendation, and transcript to               [email protected]. 

Completed applications must be submitted on or before Monday, April 24th, 2023.

Educator of the Year Nomination Criteria

The nominee should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled educator (teacher or principal) in any of the following high schools: A+ Academy Secondary School, H. Grady Spruce High School, Inspired Vision Academy Secondary, Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Skyline High School, Texas Texas Can Academy, and W. W. Samuell High School. In addition, the educator must be:

•        Someone who inspires students of all backgrounds to learn 

•        Someone who is respected and admired by students, parents, and colleagues

•        Someone who plays an active role in the community as well as in the school

Note: Only students or staff from participating high schools may submit a nomination. A teacher or principal can nominate themselves. 

Submit a Nomination Here: Nomination Form

Completed nominations must be submitted on or before Monday, April 24th, 2023.