Friends of the Orchard Park Public Library
2024 Scholarship
The Friends of the Orchard Park Public Library is happy to announce our annual scholarship with an award amount of $1,000. The scholarship competition is open to any graduating senior from Orchard Park Public High School OR any parochial/private high school, where the applicant’s primary residence is within the OP Town/Village OR within the Orchard Park Central School District, and the applicant is continuing their education the following academic year by working toward a bachelor’s or associate’s degree at an accredited college or university OR is pursuing a technical certificate or professional license through a recognized organization OR will start a skilled trade apprenticeship under a mentor/manager.
The Friends’ intent for this award is to assist in the purchase of items such as textbooks, course materials, digital devices, transportation, housing, food, etc.
Determination for the award is based principally on the essay. Scholastic achievement will be used as a secondary criterion. We also require that each applicant has a library card.
In addition to the requirements above, applicants need to ensure the following items are submitted with this application:
- Essay of 500 to 750 words answering the following:
What does the library mean to you, and why is the library an important civic institution in Orchard Park? - Copy of official transcript from Orchard Park High School or a Parochial/Private High School
- Proof of residency within the OP Town/Village OR within the OP school district if not an OPHS student (e.g., driver’s license or or signed letter from a parent or caregiver that includes address and attests to residency)
- Copy of letter of acceptance to higher education institution OR document showing enrollment in technical/licensure program (must include name of organization, contact information, certificate/license type, length of program), OR letter from manager/mentor attesting to skilled trades training (must include company name, contact information, trade being pursued).
Applications can be submitted online, dropped off at the OP Library or mailed to:
Friends of the Orchard Park Public Library
c/o Scholarship Committee
4570 South Buffalo Street
Orchard Park, NY 14127
Alternatively, applications may be emailed to [email protected].
You can fill out the online application by clicking the button below. Please have required documents in PDF form before completing the online application.
To download a PDF version of this letter and the application, click here.
Application Deadline is Monday, April 1, 2024.
Essay Directions: Please answer the following question:
What does the library mean to you, and why is the library an important civic institution in Orchard Park?
Please use a separate page and DO NOT include your name on the essay. Your essay must be between 500 to 750 words.
See Scholarship Rules below.
Scholarship Rules:
Immediate family members of the Friends of Orchard Park Public Library Board of Directors are not eligible for this scholarship.
A completed application with all required materials must be postmarked, dropped off at the library or received via email or online submission by the application deadline. Deadline for application is Monday, April 1, 2024.
Applications arriving after the deadline date or those that do not contain the required documents will not be considered.
The Scholarship Committee will only consider submitted materials when making their determination.
Students may not submit more than one application.
All applications submitted remain the property of the Friends and will be treated as confidential. No personal information will be shared outside the Scholarship Committee, except where the rules allow.
Selection of the scholarship recipient will be at the complete and sole discretion of the Scholarship Committee.
Essays and/or selected portions and/or direct quotes may be published by the Friends or the Orchard Park Public Library with full name attribution.
The award winner, and the award winner’s educational plans will be announced publicly.
The award may not be transferred to another student and will be rescinded if there is evidence of deceit, false, and/or intentionally incorrect information submitted on the application.
If the scholarship is rescinded, the recipient must return all scholarship funds provided by the Friends.