WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Applicants must be aged 16-22 and a full-time (at least 25 hours a week) paid or volunteer staff member of a 2009 summer youth program funded through the Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF.)   Eligible applicants must have: 

·   served in a 2009 SYPF-funded program a minimum of four weeks;

·   performed his/her assignment with skill and enthusiasm, served as a good representative of his/her program and demonstrated an understanding of good youth-work practices;

·   been a positive role model for children and his/her peers;

·   had no major infraction of program policy related to attendance, performance, or safety;

·   shown motivation to pursue high academic achievement;

·   not previously received the Excellence in Summer Service Education Award; and

·   been a permanent resident of  the state of Indiana during the 2009 summer.

Priority will be given in the selection process to young people who attended any training session provided for SYPF grantees in the spring of 2009.  However, this is not a requirement for award eligibility.  The award cannot be used for students heading to graduate school.

** Education-related expenses include:  buying books or computers, paying school tuition or fees for a special learning experience, or making a deposit to an education account or savings plan.  Education accounts and education savings plans (e.g. a 529 program) can be set up through local financial institutions.  Some saving plans allow you to deposit money tax-free.  Depending on the award recipient’s total income for 2009, the award may have tax consequences.   Award recipients will be responsible for any federal or state income taxes due.  The recipient may need to consult a tax adviser.