Community Scholarship Program

The PremierWest Bank Scholarship Program is for graduating seniors who are going to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two or four year college, university or vocational technical school in the United States. This is a one year, non-renewable scholarship. PremierWest Bank will award ten one-time gifts of $1,000.00 to the applicants who best fit our criteria.

Complete this application if you are:

  • A high school senior and going to enroll in a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university for the Fall 2012 semester;
  • Eligible to apply according to the Scholarship's family income requirements;
  • Reside in the California counties of Butte, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, or Yolo;
  • Reside in the Oregon counties of Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine or Klamath;
  • Meet the cumulative 3.0 GPA requirement.

Applications are evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Involvement in the community;
  • Academic achievement;
  • Expected Family Contribution (EFC–Established through FAFSA Application/Process);
  • Clarity of direction and goals;
  • Letters of recommendation;
  • Financial need.

Eligibility Requirements:

Scholarship Types/Amounts:

  • University or Community College Applicants must be high school seniors planning to be enrolled at a university in the fall 2012.

Course Load Requirements:

  • Students must register as "full-time" students as defined by the university or community college.

Residency Requirements:

  • At the time of application, the student must be a resident of the following California counties; Butte, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, or Yolo;
  • Or a resident of the following Oregon counties; Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine or Klamath.

Transcripts/Letters of Recommendation:

  • Student must provide 2 letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, manager or other adult familiar with the student for at least 1 year. Relatives may not provide letters of recommendation.
  • Student must provide sealed, official transcripts from their school(s).
  • Recommendation letters and transcripts may be sent separately, but must be postmarked by April 27, 2012.
  • Recommendation letters and transcripts can be included in the same package as application packet if placed in separate envelopes, signed, and sealed.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements:

  • Student must meet the cumulative 3.0 GPA requirement.

Family Income Requirements:

  • The family of the student must show financial need and meet the low-to moderate-family income criteria as determined by the following table which includes model based estimates provided by FFIEC reports.

County You Live In Maximum Family Income During 2011
CALIFORNIA  
Butte 46,320
Nevada 45,760
Placer 60,080
Sacramento 60,080
Shasta 46,560
Siskiyou 45,760
Tehama 45,760
Yolo 60,080
OREGON  
Deschutes 52,400
Douglas 42,160
Jackson 46,160
Josephine 42,160
Klamath 42,160

Income tax returns: A copy of your parent or guardian’s most recent income tax form must be submitted with the application. If your 2011 tax form is not yet available, please submit your 2010 form and an estimate of 2011 family income. A copy of your 2011 form will be required prior to the distribution of funds. For privacy purposes, you may black out all but the last 4 digits of the SSN listed on the tax return.

Payment of Scholarship:

  • Scholarships will be paid directly to the school upon receipt of certification of enrollment from the school. Payment will not be made directly to the student.

Selection of Scholarship Participant:

  • The Bank's review committee will make decisions based upon the stated criteria. The number of awards is limited and therefore not every qualified applicant will receive a scholarship.
  • PremierWest Bank will notify the Scholarship winners by May 13, 2012.
  • All decisions are final.

2012 Scholarship Application CLICK HERE

Any questions regarding the scholarship program should be directed to:

Brande Cowden

Marketing Manager

541-282-5180

brande.cowden@premierwestbank.com