Rochester Recreation Club for the Deaf (RRCD)
Youth Scholarship Program
Created & Founded by Sara Smania, President of RRCD
Launch Date: December 1, 2024
We are thrilled to introduce the RRCD Youth Scholarship Program! This initiative is dedicated to offering Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth across New York State the chance to grow, learn, and thrive through a wide range of incredible camp experiences. Our scholarships are designed to empower the next generation of leaders by providing opportunities in leadership development, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and sports—fields that foster confidence, skill-building, and a love for lifelong learning. This program is all about helping young minds unlock their full potential, and we can’t wait to support you on this exciting journey. Let’s make it happen together!
Eligibility:
To qualify for the RRCD Youth Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
● Residency: Must be a resident of New York State.
● Age: Be a Deaf or Hard of Hearing student currently enrolled in middle school or high school.
● Academic Standing: Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
● Commitment: Show a passion for personal growth and an interest in participating in Deaf leadership, STEM, or sports camps.
Scholarship Opportunities:
The RRCD Youth Scholarship provides opportunities for the following types of camps:
● Deaf Leadership Camps: Build leadership skills, teamwork, communication, and personal growth.
● STEM Camps: Engage in hands-on activities and projects that focus on science, technology, engineering, and Mathematics.
● Sports Camps: Enhance athletic skills, teamwork, and have fun with sports activities.
Application Process:
Here’s how to apply, based on your grade level:
Middle School (Grades 5-8)
● Essay or Video Submission: Choose one:
○ A 500-word essay OR
○ A 3-minute video answering: “How will the financial support from the
RRCD impact my future?”
(If submitting a video, make sure it’s clear, thoughtful, and as impactful as an essay!)
● Recommendation Letter: From a teacher, mentor, or community leader who knows you well.
● Acceptance Letter: Include a copy of the acceptance letter from the camp you plan to attend.
High School (Grades 9-12)
● Essay or Video Submission: Choose one:
○ A 1,500-word essay OR
○ A 5-minute video answering: “How will the financial support from the
RRCD impact my future?”
(In your video, share your personal goals, aspirations, and how attending this camp will help you achieve them.)
● Recommendation Letters: Provide 2 letters from teachers, mentors, or community leaders.
● Acceptance Letter: Include a copy of the acceptance letter from the camp you plan to attend.
Registration Requirement:
Hey there, future RRCD Youth Scholarship recipient! We’re thrilled you’re interested in applying! Just a quick reminder: don’t forget to register at Click here to Register first before you send us your application materials. The best part? It’s completely free to apply!
Submission Guidelines:
● Essays: Keep it simple! Type your essay, single-spaced with 1.5 line spacing, using a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point. Think of it like a letter to your future self—be creative and let your true voice shine!
● Video Submissions: Upload your video to a secure platform (e.g., YouTube) and send us the link.
○ Keep it authentic—no editing or special effects needed. We want to see your personality and passion!
○ Captions are encouraged to ensure accessibility.
○ Ensure your video answers the prompt and clearly explains why this scholarship is important to you.
By submitting your application, you grant RRCD permission to share your video/essay/photo, full name, and city in RRCD communications such as social media, newsletters, and meeting minutes. This is a wonderful way for your story to inspire others in the community!
Deadline:
All applications must be submitted on or before 11:59pm Eastern Time on March 1, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Please send your completed application to:
● Email: RRCDYouthScholarships@gmail.com
Selection Criteria:
Scholarship recipients will be selected based on:
● Essay/Video Quality: How clearly and effectively you express your goals, passion, and how this scholarship will support your future.
● Leadership Potential:
A demonstrated commitment to personal growth and leadership, including involvement in school, community, or
extracurricular activities.
● Strong Recommendations: Letters that highlight your character and potential.
Award Notification:
Recipients will be notified by April 1, 2025 via email or phone. Winners will also be announced on our website and social media platforms!
Scholarship Amount:
The scholarship amount varies based on the camp chosen and available funding. Recipients will be notified of the exact award amount upon selection.
Responsibilities of Scholarship Recipients:
● Full Participation: Recipients must attend and fully participate in the camp for which they were funded, adhering to all camp rules and policies.
● Contribution to RRCD Community: After attending the camp, you may be asked to share your experience through a short presentation or report. This helps inspire future applicants!
● Communication with RRCD: Stay in touch with us, keeping us updated on your participation and any changes to your plans.
Authorization Form for Scholarship Recipients:
If your child is selected as a scholarship recipient, you will be asked to complete an Authorization Form. This form grants RRCD permission to contact the camp your child will attend to verify that they have participated in the camp for the entire session. This is an important step to ensure that the scholarship funds are used appropriately.
Please note: If the recipient does not attend the full camp session, RRCD will require the full scholarship amount to be returned, ensuring the funds can be reinvested in future scholarships. The Authorization Form will be provided to you upon scholarship acceptance and must be completed and submitted before we send out any funds.
A Quick Recap:
To complete your application, follow these easy steps:
1. Register at Click here to Register
2. Send an email to: RRCDYouthScholarships@gmail.com with the following items:
● Your Essay or Video Link
● Recommendation Letters
● Acceptance Letter from the Camp
Remember, if we don’t receive everything we’ve asked for, you won’t be eligible. So double-check your checklist! We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table. Thank you for being an integral part of making this program possible!
We can’t wait to see how the RRCD Youth Scholarship Program will help you grow, learn, and shine! For questions or more information, feel free to contact Sara Smania at presidentofrrcd@gmail.com
We look forward to receiving your application and supporting your journey toward personal and academic growth!