Frequently Asked Questions About ETS's Scholarship & Recognition Programs (SRP)

Can a client retain SRP for a single service?

Yes. We offer fully flexible and customizable solutions for all clients. SRP works with some clients on a turnkey basis, overseeing all aspects of a client's scholarship and recognition program. In other cases, organizations have asked us to help them with just one or two elements of the program or to provide evaluation or consultation services.

Do you work with new scholarship and recognition programs or with programs already in existence?

Both. We have helped many organizations turn the idea of a scholarship into reality. And we have helped others enhance or improve well-known and longstanding scholarship programs.

Should I worry about the size of the award?

Any size award is meaningful to the student who receives it. Generally, however, individual awards should be large enough to draw attention but not so large that the number of awards is severely compromised. There are exceptions. SRP will work with you to ensure you're doing the right thing.

Should I manage a scholarship program using my organization's staff?

It's vitally important that your generosity pay off every time. That requires focused administration and flawless program execution.

While every organization is different, most do not have the staff to take on the details of managing a scholarship program. The scholarship program ends up competing with other, sometimes higher priorities. This lack of attention means the program may never reach its full potential or deliver the desired results.

A good rule of thumb for your organization might be to ask if you have sufficient staff available on a full-time basis to:

  • review applications and related materials
  • track and account for applications
  • process payments
  • notify winners and other candidates
  • process adjustments such as school changes
  • monitor ongoing academic progress
  • respond to individual information requests
  • manage review committees
  • conduct annual program planning

In addition to reducing the administrative burdens a scholarship program entails, SRP has the proven capability to deliver a valid, credible application review process that can make the fine distinction between qualified candidates. SRP not only delivers outstanding services that reduce your administrative burden, we also provide the peace of mind that comes from working with industry leaders.

What is a typical timetable for a scholarship program?

The scholarship program administrative cycle generally begins in August or September with an announcement timed to the opening of the school year. Scholarship awards are made in March or April so students can use the awards to help them decide which college to attend. There are some other scholarship timetables. SRP has the flexibility to accommodate them.

What scholarship selection criteria are important?

Your scholarship criteria have to match your corporate values, social mission and the objectives you establish for your program. These can be academic, geographic or focused on other factors such as community service or demonstrated leadership. SRP works closely with clients to understand fully the factors important to you and translate them into scholarship program criteria. We will design a program that is aligned with your values and meets your expectations.

What is a review committee?

A review committee is an outside panel of application reviewers. Using an outside committee adds credibility and objectivity to your program. It also helps avoid conflicts of interest that can occur when you use your organization's internal resources. Additionally, making the fine distinctions between similarly qualified applicants is not as easy as it might seem. Experienced reviewers have the academic credentials and the experience to evaluate applicants and make those decisions.

How does SRP choose a committee?

SRP has a pool of experienced and qualified committee members in the United States and Canada. We tailor committee membership to fit the particular needs and established criteria of your scholarship program. We can add members skilled in evaluating community service or other factors.

What factors does a review committee consider?

SRP employs a holistic review process. The review committee identifies the most well-rounded applicants, based on your program's criteria. Typically, this means reviewing academic records, writing samples, leadership experience, community service, employment and personal references. The committee members are experienced in these evaluations and are able to make the fine distinctions among candidates.

How does the scholarship help the student?

Your scholarship is part of a student's college finances or a financial aid package. A scholarship or recognition award can determine if a student attends school at all or is able to attend full time.

But there's more to a scholarship than the money. It also rewards a student's hard work and achievement.