About the Fund
About NAEHCY's LeTendre Education Fund Scholarships
Applications accepted: December 1, 2012 - June 14, 2013
*Note earlier submission deadline for 2013*
Children and youth in homeless situations face numerous barriers to educational success. Deep poverty, high mobility, and school requirements often make attending and succeeding in school a challenge. Despite these challenges, many students who experience homelessness not only graduate from high school, but wish to pursue a college education.
What is the LeTendre Education Fund?
The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth provides scholarship assistance to students who are homeless or have experienced homelessness through the LeTendre Education Fund for Homeless Children, established in 1998 in memory of André E. LeTendre, husband of Mary Jean LeTendre, former Director of Compensatory Education for the U.S. Department of Education.
Who was André LeTendre?
During his lifetime, André LeTendre was a teacher, debate coach, radio announcer, public relations specialist, director of human resources, a Congressional staff member, and a White House staffer. André was a friend and mentor to many young people and was especially committed to helping children in homeless situations. In the spirit of André's desire to help children in homeless situations, the LeTendre Education Fund supports their efforts to pursue higher education.
Who administers the LeTendre Education Fund?
The LeTendre Fund is administered by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth.
Who selects the recipients?
A national advisory board including local, state, and national educators, as well as family, friends, and associates of the late André LeTendre, reviews the applications and makes the selection.
How many scholarships are awarded?
There will be a minimum of two $2,000 scholarships awarded annually. The scholarship is a one-time award. Additional financial support may be available for scholars in subsequent years.
How may the LeTendre Education Fund scholarship be used?
Upon submission of evidence that you have enrolled in a post secondary program, the scholarship will be provided and may be used to help defray the costs of college tuition, fees, books, prep courses, or other educational expenses.
How many scholarships have been awarded in the past?
To date, the Fund has awarded scholarships to more than 220 recipients.
When will the scholarships be awarded?
The scholarships will be awarded on Sunday, November 3, 2013, at the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Who is eligible for the scholarship?
LeTendre scholarship funds are available to students who are homeless or who have been homeless during their K-12 school attendance, and who have demonstrated average or higher than average achievement.
According to federal law, a person who “lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence” is considered homeless. This includes people living in shelters, cars, motels, campgrounds, or places not meant for human habitation, as well as children and youth who are living with friends or relatives temporarily because they lack permanent housing.
Students who have not reached their 21st birthday by September 1, 2012, and who have completed no more than one year of college are eligible to apply. Applicants may be high school seniors, students enrolled in a GED or other alternative education program, or recent graduates/GED recipients. If you are in high school and not yet enrolled in a post secondary program, the committee will hold your scholarship for you pending your enrollment.
LeTendre Scholarship Application
View the 2013 LeTendre Scholarship Application.
To receive an application via e-mail or fax, please contact Barb Dexter, NAEHCY LeTendre Chair, at (907) 742-3834 or barb_dexter@asdk12.org.
How do students apply?
Applicants must submit:
1) A completed application form;
2) An essay about the impact of homelessness on the their lives and their desire to attend college (500-1,000 words; please see essay evaluation criteria listed below);
3) An official school transcript (include class ranking, if available); and
4) A minimum of one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other adult who can speak to the applicant's qualifications and experiences
This packet must be sent to:
Barb Dexter
The LeTendre Education Fund
5530 E Northern Lights Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99504-3135
Materials also may be faxed to: (907) 742-3830.
What are the criteria for reviewing the applications?
Students' applications will be evaluated on:
1) Demonstrated commitment to education during the experience of homelessness;
2) Academic achievement and accomplishments;
3) Potential impact of the scholarship for the student’s educational career and discussion of how the scholarship money would be used.
4) Statement of goals and career interests; and
5) Grammar and use of language.
Applicants should write essays with these criteria in mind. The essay is the most important component of the application; letters of recommendation are also very important.
When is the deadline for the 2013 applications?
*Note earlier submission deadline for 2013*
Submissions will be accepted by mail or by fax from December 1, 2012 - June 14, 2013. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm EDT on Friday, June 14, 2013.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Questions?
The LeTendre Education Fund is dependent on donations for its existence. For more information about the Fund, please contact the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth:
Barb Dexter
LeTendre Education Fund
Ph: (907) 742-3834
Email: barb_dexter@asdk12.org
