back to Scholarship and Leadership Training Program
Nomination Requirements
- Scholarships are currently offered in the following city school districts in Tennessee: Bristol, Elizabethton, Greeneville, Johnson City, and Kingsport; and the following county school systems: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington.
- Applicants to the Niswonger Scholarship must be nominated by their school, church, scout troop or other community group.
- Individuals may not apply directly for this scholarship.
- Generally, nominees are in their senior year of high school. Nominations for other classifications of undergraduate students will also receive consideration.
- Please note: Niswonger Scholars are required to sign a contract stating that for each year of financial support, the Scholars will return to their home communities for at least one year of service in the career of their choice.
Nomination Deadline
The nomination deadline is September 30 of the year prior to the planned year of study. Nominations should be mailed or delivered to the following:
The Niswonger Foundation
16 Gilland Street
Tusculum College
P.O. Box 5112
Greeneville, TN 37743
423.798.7837
The Nomination Packet Must Include the Following:
- A letter of nomination of not more than two pages explaining why the nominee should be considered.
- An official copy of the nominee’s most recent academic transcript, including TCAP, and ACT and/or SAT scores.
- A completed Scholarship and Leadership Training Program Nomination Form (download form);
- A resume listing the nominee’s extracurricular accomplishments and community involvements;
- A writing sample explaining what he or she envisions for his or her future; an
- A copy of the parents’ last income tax return (1040 form) or the report from the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Selection Criteria
- Leadership ability – including character, drive, energy, initiative, and work ethic. We are looking for students who are going to make a positive contribution to their communities.
- Academic ability – be demonstrated through grades, coursework and standardized test scores.
- Financial need – may be represented through evidence of a low family income. Many middle-class families are unable to afford the tuition at elite colleges and universities, particularly if more than one child is attending college.
- Return to Northeast Tennessee – a signed contract to return to the 1st Congressional District at some future date for work and service in their chosen professions.
- Character – evidence of the highest personal integrity and care and concern for others. This may be exhibited through community service, church related activities, honors and awards for service, etc.
Selection Process
Screening and Interviews
- The initial nominee screening process will begin upon receipt of the completed nomination packet.
- The nominee may be invited for a personal interview by a member of the Niswonger Staff upon receipt of the completed nomination packet.
- The nominee may be selected for interview with the Niswonger Selection Committee in November.
Final Selection
- Nominees will be notified, in writing, of the final decision by early December.
For Further Assistance
Barbara Bates
423.798.7837
barbara.bates@niswongerfoundation.org
Dr. Nancy Dishner
423-384-9000
nancy.dishner@niswongerfoundation.org
