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UNITED SQUARE DANCERS OF AMERICA 

FOUNDERS MEMORIAL

YOUTH FUND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

A program of the United Square Dancers of America, Inc.

 Upsilon Sigma Delta = Youth Square Dancer of America -
 Greek Letters to be worn only by Youth Dancers

PURPOSE

The United Square Dancers of America – the national dancers’ organization – awards a merit-based scholarship to a student who has shown their dedication to the promotion and perpetuation of the total square dance movement, including square dance, round dance, contra and clogging.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The United Square Dancers of America Founders Memorial Youth Fund expects to award one Foundation Scholarship on the basis of merit to a high school senior or college freshman who is an active square, round, contra or clog dancer, and

  • Has a record of volunteer service in square dancing, and/or school, sporting or other social organizations such as church, 4-H, FFA, scouting or similar groups.

  • Has outstanding leadership potential and communication skills.

CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY

Each nominee must be

  • An active square, round, contra or clogging dancer;

  • A high school senior or college freshman planning to continue their education;

  • Nomination Form signed by the President of applicant’s USDA affiliate organization, and;

  • Committed to the promotion and perpetuation of the total square dance movement.

NOMINATION DEADLINE

The complete nomination package must be received by February 1.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

A committee will review all nominations andselects the recipient on the basis of

  • Extent and quality of service to square, round, contra or clog dancing

  • Leadership record for all activities.

  • Demonstrated dedication to the promotion and perpetuation of the total square dance movement.

  • Future leadership potential, communication skills, and the likelihood of “making a difference” in square dancing.

NOMINATION PROCEDURES

The following items are required for each nominee:

  • Completed application.

  • Signed nomination form from USDA Affiliate Organization President (download form from USDA website)

  • Three letters of recommendation – One from your local square dance club, plus two more which can come from representatives of square dance clubs, schools, church, social clubs or long time acquaintances.

  • Applicant’s essay of approximately 500 words on the subject “The impact square dancing has had on my life.” 

SELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT

The recipient will be announced in June each year at the Annual USDA Board of Directors meeting held in conjunction with the National Square Dance Convention®.

SUPPORT THE SCHOLARSHIP

If you would like to support the scholarship program, please download a scholarship donation form from www.USDA.org.

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