Charles Shelton Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Charles Shelton Foundation

Overview
The Charles Shelton Foundation awards two non-renewable scholarships of $2,000 each every year to students pursuing veterinary-related studies. Awards are paid to the recipient’s college or university after the student has enrolled and submitted proof of that enrollment.

Award distribution and timeline
- Two scholarships awarded annually; each is a one-time $2,000 grant (not renewable).
- Once a recipient has enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution and provided proof of enrollment, the Foundation issues payment as a check made payable to that institution.
- Proof of enrollment must be received by August 31. Scholarship funds are released in two installments: September 1 and January 1.
- If two applicants tie for first place, the award will be divided between the top two candidates.

Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (official transcript required in a sealed envelope).
- Self-identify as Black/African-American.
- Be either a graduating high school senior, a current college student, or a returning college student.
- Be a legal U.S. resident and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
- Complete the Veterinary Scholarship Form.
- Provide proof of full-time enrollment at a college or university (see program-specific details below).

Application requirements (all applicants)
- Two professional references that speak directly to your experience in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. One of the reference letters must come from a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) professor.
- Official transcript showing at least a 3.0 GPA (submitted in a sealed envelope).
- Resume listing achievements, honors, community service, and school involvement.

Additional requirements by applicant type

High school graduating seniors
- Two professional references addressing your veterinary-related experience; one must be from a STEM professor.
- Proof of full-time enrollment in a college or university (to be submitted by the deadline).
- An essay of 500–750 words responding to the prompt:
"Laboratory animal medicine and research are conducted to advance the field of human and veterinary medicine. Discuss the pros and cons of administering treatments to advance medical science but may cause pain or discomfort to research animals."

Post-secondary (current or returning college students)
- Two professional references that describe your experience in veterinary medicine; one reference must be from your current veterinary college.
- Proof of full-time enrollment in an accredited veterinary college.
- A minimum 1,500-word essay addressing the prompt:
"Laboratory animal medicine and research are conducted to advance the field of human and veterinary medicine. Discuss the pros and cons of administering treatments to advance medical science but may cause pain or discomfort to research animals."

Important deadlines and notes
- Proof of enrollment must be submitted on or before August 31 for award disbursement to occur.
- Scholarships are paid directly to the institution attended by the recipient.
- Awards are split into disbursements on September 1 and January 1.
- In the event of a tie, the scholarship amount will be divided between the tied applicants.

If you need clarification about any requirement or the submission process, contact the Charles Shelton Foundation for guidance before applying.