College Assistance Award

The Vaird Foundation – Police Officer Lauretha Vaird #5897 – College Assistance Award was created in 2008 in memory of the Philadelphia Police Department’s fallen hero, Police Officer LaurethaVaird #5897 who is the only female in the history of the department to be killed in the line of duty. The purpose of this award is to assist students who are underprivileged and are enrolled in a higher education institution (college or university) in any field of study.

Scholarships of $5,000 (approximately ten (10) months while enrolled – monthly stipend of $125.00) each will be offered to students who meet the requirements.

CRITERIA

• Qualities and traits of leadership, citizenship and service to school and community.
• Financial need.
• Recommendation from school principal and/or disciplinarian must accompany the application.
• Applicants must be enrolled and in good standing at a college, university or technical school as of September 2009 and must intend to enroll in classes at that school the next semester following the application deadline.
• Written Essay

Download a current application

Guidelines for Applicants:
The Vaird Foundation – Police Officer Lauretha Vaird #5897, completed College Assistance Award application, official transcript and recommendation must be received by the Vaird Foundation on or before March 30. Members of the committee will receive copies of the application with name and address deleted, so they can determine that all questions have been answered. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.

Winners will be chosen by an impartial Vaird Foundation Selection Committee selected by the president and approved by the Founder and Foundation Board of Directors.

The number and amounts of scholarships to be awarded each year will depend upon the availability of funds. A recommendation will be made by the College Assistance Committee to the Vaird Foundation Founder and Board of Directors for approval.

Final selection will be made by April 30. Announcement of the winner(s) will be made at the annual Vaird Foundation dinner. Payment of scholarship will begin and made directly to the student monthly, upon written notification of the student’s acceptance in a college or university.

The format of the application form may not be changed in any way. All materials submitted shall become the property of the Vaird Foundation. Failure to follow the guidelines may be grounds for forfeiting the college assistance award.

Contributions, questions, or requests should be directed to any of the following Vaird Foundation officials:
Mr. Sylvester M. Johnson, Founder, (215) 301-3113
Ms. Kimberly Byrd, Co Founder, (215) 519-2710
Ms. Saundra Russell, Chief Executive Officer, (215) 651-0882