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2007 Career Enhancement Grant Announcement

The National Organization of Professional Hispanic NRCS Employees
(NOPHNRCSE) is offering financial grants to members in good standing
interested in furthering their education. A total of 14 grants will be
offered this year. Each grant is limited to \$500 per person, per year.
Awards will be distributed equally among the seven NOPHNRCSE regions.

Guidelines for selection and priority will be based on:

-   Applicants must be members in good standing (current dues are paid).

-   Applicants must be willing to become involved with NOPHNRCSE as a
    conference planning member, committee member, committee chair or
    officer.

-   Education for upward mobility and series qualification (such as 457
    series) will take precedence over education for personal
    development.

-   A passing grade or a certificate of completion must be attained as a
    result of using the grant money.

-   Applications must be postmarked July 30, 2007.

Enclosed are the application form for 2007 and guidelines for completing
and submitting the application.

For more information, visit our website at
<http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/hispanic/> or contact Kristin
Graham-Chavez via email at <kristin.grahamchavez@az.usda.gov>, or by
phone at 602-280-8842.

> Please complete this application (print legibly) and submit it with
> all of the items requested to:
>
> Kristin Graham Chavez
>
> 230 North 1^st^ Avenue, Suite 509
>
> Phoenix, AZ 85323-1733
>
> Complete application package must be postmarked by [July 30,
> 2007]{.mark}. Incomplete or late applications will not be evaluated.
>
> Circle one: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms.
>
> Name:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Permanent Address:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> City, State, and Zip:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Mailing Address:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(if different from above)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

> Telephone: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Birth
> Date (Mo./Day/Yr.): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Birth Place (State and Country):
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Name and address of High School or
>
> College you are currently attending:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

GPA (on a 4.0 scale): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ U.S. Citizenship:
\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_ No.

Note: [Your Grant Application will not be processed without proof of
U.S. Citizenship]{.underline}.

Name of the college, organization or person from which you received this
application.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

> Name:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> The following items must be submitted along with this signed
> application form. Failure to submit a complete 2007 NOPHNRCSE Career
> Enhancement Grant Application package will result in you forfeiting
> any opportunity to be selected for a 2007 NOPHNRCSE Grant.
>
> The following items constitute a complete 2007 NOPHNRCSE Career
> Enhancement Grant Application package:

1.  Submit this completed application with your signature.

2.  Submit a personal statement of 350 to 500 words in length
    (double-spaced). Please include information such as personal
    background, name of school(s) you plan to attend or are attending,
    personal and career goals, and extra curricular activities. State
    how this grant will enable you to contribute to the organization.
    You may also include other information that you feel is important
    (remember not to exceed 500 words).

3.  Submit two letters of recommendation from college professor(s) or
    other individuals who can give a character reference on your behalf.

4.  Submit proof of U.S. citizenship (copy of birth or naturalization
    certificate).

5.  Submit proof of course registration or admission to certificate
    program from the college/program you plan to attend.

> \*\* Note: Receipt of a NOPHNRCSE Career Enhancement Grant does not
> constitute a guarantee of future employment with the USDA - Natural
> Resources Conservation Service or any other federal agency.

**Certification:** I certify that all of the information provided is
complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Purposely providing
false information may result in the recall of any scholarship granted or
in the forfeiture of any scholarship awarded.

I am aware that any grant awarded by NOPHNRCSE will be disbursed on a
reimbursement basis. I will be paid as soon as a passing grade or
certificate of completion is attained.

If I am selected to receive a NOPHNRCSE grant, I will utilize the
NOPHNRCSE award toward expenses related to my college or career
enhancement program attendance. Also, I understand that if I receive an
award, there is no guarantee of renewal. I must reapply for a new
scholarship each year.

I understand that proof of college enrollment will be required, if
selected, and that I must notify my university financial aid office and
NOPHNRCSE of any changes to my enrollment status. I further understand
that changes to my enrollment status may result in the cancellation of
any award provided. I hereby acknowledge that it is my responsibility to
keep my institution's financial aid office and NOPHNRCSE informed of all
address changes.

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to submit a complete
application package to NOPHNRCSE in compliance with the posted deadline.
Incomplete or late application materials will result in my Career
Enhancement Grant application package not being considered for any
award. All application materials become the property of NOPHNRCSE. I
hereby give NOPHNRCSE permission to share this information for the
purpose of recruitment, public relations, or possible employment.

I hereby certify that I have read the application information and
guidelines, as well as this certification, and that I understand and
accept all of the conditions specified. Failure to sign this
certification will result in my ineligibility for this Career
Enhancement Grant.

Signature:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_