Polish-American Association of Sarasota Scholarship

The Polish-American Association of Sarasota scholarship program is designed to promote the knowledge of Polish culture among American students of Polish descent. Candidates must have at least one parent of Polish origin or descent and demonstrate interest in their Polish heritage through knowledge of Poland's geography, history, and literature. Multiple scholarships are available for graduating high school students or those attending institutions of higher learning who are residents of Sarasota or Manatee County. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must participate in an in-person interview with the Scholarship Committee. During this interview, candidates must demonstrate basic knowledge of Polish geography, history, and literature. Students must also submit a 300+ word essay on topics related to Poland, such as its contribution to European defense, Polish contributions to computer technology, great Polish composers, Polish geography and cities, or Polish Nobel Prize winners in literature. The scholarship is merit-based with a focus on students of Polish ancestry. It requires submission of transcripts, a resume describing family background and Polish ancestors, and completion of an application. Essays submitted become the property of the Polish-American Association of Sarasota and may be published. The program aims to foster cultural awareness and recognition of Polish heritage among the next generation of students in the Sarasota-Manatee area.