Student Application
2024-2025 School Year
Application deadline – June 30th, 2025
[Please Submit only one application]
I. APPLICATION QUALIFICATIONS – Each applicant:
A. Must be an African American student who is a U.S. Citizen and is currently enrolled in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade at a junior or senior public high school in one of the following school districts in Tacoma/Pierce County: Bethel, Clover Park, Franklin Pierce, Puyallup, Steilacoom, Tacoma, or University Place.
B. Must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or better at the end of the 2024-2025 academic school year.
II. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS – Each applicant must submit to the Committee:
A. A certified & signed copy of school transcript reflecting final grades of the 2024-2025 academic year is needed by Friday July 18th.
B. A completed PERSONAL / SCHOOL INFORMATION FORM containing statements about his/her involvement in school activities; participation in community activities and organizations; receipt of any awards, certificates or special recognition; future educational/career goals; and church affiliation, if applicable.
C. THREE (3) letters of recommendation: (a) ONE from applicant’s parent/guardian; (b) ONE from a school staff person, and (c) ONE from a community representative (for example: clergy, employer, youth group leader, etc.).
D. A well-structured, well-researched, essay of at least 250 words but no more than 750 words on the following subject:
Current Year Essay Question:
"How do you envision using your voice and talents to leave a legacy in the world...what would you like your legacy to be?"
Career Goals (Non-Essay question) The Elizabeth Wesley committee would like to learn more about your plans after high school in regards to your career aspirations. Please answer this question in as much detail as needed to explain what your plans are. What post-secondary education and/or training will you need to meet your career interest & how do you plan to acquire the education, training & experience needed to obtain your career goal?
III. EVALUATION CRITERIA – Each applicant will be evaluated on:
A. The quality of school transcripts and grade point average in the specific areas of Mathematics, Science and English.
B. The degree to which the student is involved in school activities.
C. The scope of involvement in community activities (for example: any volunteer work at church and/or community-based organization).
D. The content of the letters of recommendation.
E. The content and quality of the essay.
IV. INCENTIVE AWARDS
A. The ELIZABETH WESLEY YOUTH MERIT INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM will give each award winner THREE HUNDRED FIFTY ($350.00) DOLLARS.
B. The Committee will present the award directly to the student for their use.
C. Award winners must participate in recipient orientation – Wednesday September 3rd, 2025.
D. Award winners must attend the awards ceremony – Saturday October 4th, 2025.
E. All awards must be claimed no later than October 31st, 2025 or they will be forfeited.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must submit all required documents listed in Section II (Applicant Requirements) above to the Awards Committee no later than June 30th, 2025. Applications received or postmarked after the closing date will be returned.
Completion of the application process does not guarantee an award. Awards will be limited by the financial resources of the program.
E Wesley Award
Student Application
2024-2025 School Year
Application deadline – June 30th, 2025
[Please Submit only one application]
I. APPLICATION QUALIFICATIONS – Each applicant:
A. Must be an African American student who is a U.S. Citizen and is currently enrolled in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade at a junior or senior public high school in one of the following school districts in Tacoma/Pierce County: Bethel, Clover Park, Franklin Pierce, Puyallup, Steilacoom, Tacoma, or University Place.
B. Must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or better at the end of the 2024-2025 academic school year.
II. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS – Each applicant must submit to the Committee:
A. A certified & signed copy of school transcript reflecting final grades of the 2024-2025 academic year is needed by Friday July 18th.
B. A completed PERSONAL / SCHOOL INFORMATION FORM containing statements about his/her involvement in school activities; participation in community activities and organizations; receipt of any awards, certificates or special recognition; future educational/career goals; and church affiliation, if applicable.
C. THREE (3) letters of recommendation: (a) ONE from applicant’s parent/guardian; (b) ONE from a school staff person, and (c) ONE from a community representative (for example: clergy, employer, youth group leader, etc.).
D. A well-structured, well-researched, essay of at least 250 words but no more than 750 words on the following subject:
Current Year Essay Question:
"How do you envision using your voice and talents to leave a legacy in the world...what would you like your legacy to be?"
Career Goals (Non-Essay question) The Elizabeth Wesley committee would like to learn more about your plans after high school in regards to your career aspirations. Please answer this question in as much detail as needed to explain what your plans are. What post-secondary education and/or training will you need to meet your career interest & how do you plan to acquire the education, training & experience needed to obtain your career goal?
III. EVALUATION CRITERIA – Each applicant will be evaluated on:
A. The quality of school transcripts and grade point average in the specific areas of Mathematics, Science and English.
B. The degree to which the student is involved in school activities.
C. The scope of involvement in community activities (for example: any volunteer work at church and/or community-based organization).
D. The content of the letters of recommendation.
E. The content and quality of the essay.
IV. INCENTIVE AWARDS
A. The ELIZABETH WESLEY YOUTH MERIT INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM will give each award winner THREE HUNDRED FIFTY ($350.00) DOLLARS.
B. The Committee will present the award directly to the student for their use.
C. Award winners must participate in recipient orientation – Wednesday September 3rd, 2025.
D. Award winners must attend the awards ceremony – Saturday October 4th, 2025.
E. All awards must be claimed no later than October 31st, 2025 or they will be forfeited.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must submit all required documents listed in Section II (Applicant Requirements) above to the Awards Committee no later than June 30th, 2025. Applications received or postmarked after the closing date will be returned.
Completion of the application process does not guarantee an award. Awards will be limited by the financial resources of the program.