Adult Degree Program Scholarships

 

Applications for the Dwight M. Sours Endowed Scholarship and the Elizabeth M. Finlayson Scholarship are now available. All ADP students who have completed 20 graded credits at JMU are encouraged to apply.  Award recipients will be announced at the annual Senior Banquet in April.

 

Below is information on both scholarships, scholarship criteria, and the application process. For further information, contact the ADP office at 540-568-6824.

 

There is a combined application for both scholarships that you may download here.

 

Mail your completed application to Bill Wilson, ADP Scholarship Committee Chair, James Madison University, Outreach and Engagement, 800 South Main Street/MSC 5729, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, or fax to 540-568-2352.

 

The deadline to apply for both scholarships is February 15, 2014.

 

The Dwight M. Sours '97 '03 Endowed Scholarship 

Dwight M. Sours, former president of the BIS Alumni/Student Chapter, received his Bachelor of Individualized Studies degree in 1997 with a concentration in Environmental Science and Management and his Master in Public Administration degree in 2003. Dwight died in December 2003, but his legacy of enthusiastic support of the Individualized Study Major/Adult Degree Program continues through this endowed scholarship.

 

The Dwight M. Sours '97 '03 Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding undergraduate ADP student scholars who demonstrate financial need, superior scholarship ability, actively participate in the BIS Alumni/Student Chapter events, and are involved in his/her local community.

Eligibility

Applicants must

• have completed a minimum of 20 graded credit hours at JMU
• have a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 earned entirely at JMU
• be in good standing at the time the application is submitted
• have Individualized Study declared as their major
• demonstrate a financial need that limits their opportunity to attend college

 

Elizabeth M. Finlayson Scholarship 

The JMU BIS Alumni/Student Chapter created the Finlayson Scholarship Fund to assist new and enrolled Individualized Study Major students. The scholarship recognizes the effort involved for adult students to return to college while juggling families and jobs.  The scholarship, established in 1998, honors Dr. Elizabeth M. Finlayson who was the catalyst in implementing the Adult Degree Program (ADP) at JMU.  The Fund was endowed at $25,000 in 2002. 

 

One or more scholarships in the amount of $500 are awarded during the annual ISM Spring Banquet.  Scholarships are non-renewable and may be awarded to either part time or fulltime students.  Funds will be disbursed by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships according to their established procedure.  The Finlayson Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that recognizes exemplary academic achievement.

Eligibility

Applicants must

• have completed minimum of 20 graded credit hours at JMU.
• have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.25 must have been earned on all credit earned at JMU.
• be in good standing at the time the application is submitted.
• have declared Individualized Study as their major.
• have an approved program of study. 

Award Criteria

• Preference will be given to students with a higher grade point average (25 points).
• The applicant's personal statement of commitment, involvement, and service to the Adult Degree Program will be scored (25 points).
• Documentation of community service and leadership development will be considered (25 points).
• In the event of tied scores on the above criteria, successful candidates will be interviewed (25 points).