Scholarship Opportunities

Learn more about the Putney Open Door Fund.

The Putney Open Door Fund is a non-profit foundation whose purpose is to provide support for young people seeking educational summer experiences they could not otherwise afford. Participation by diverse students improves group dynamics and learning opportunities for all involved. The Fund’s Board of Directors is committed to making the immeasurable benefits of an experience like Putney available to all students, regardless of their economic status.

The success of the Putney Open Door Fund depends on the generosity of its donors, most of whom are alumni or parents. One hundred percent of donations goes directly to funding future scholarship students. Your support is greatly appreciated!

The Putney Open Door Fund generally limits eligibility to students who are U.S. residents and whose parents’ combined income is less than $40,000 and who have few assets.

Most recently the Putney Open Door Fund has awarded grants for students to attend community service projects, language learning programs, and pre-college enrichment programs worldwide. Full and partial scholarships are awarded each year. Please note that we receive many applications for tuition assistance, so allocation is competitive.

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HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

To consider an applicant for a scholarship award, the Putney Open Door Fund must receive via mail completed scholarship applications no later than February 15, 2013.  Applications received via email or fax will not be considered.  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.  A complete application consists of:

1. Completed 2013 Putney Student Travel Application Form

2. Completed 2013 Putney Open Door Fund Supplemental Application Form

3. Applicant Statement (described in the Putney Student Travel Application Form)

4. Two completed Teacher Reference Forms (include with application materials, in sealed envelopes)

5. Copy of parents’ or guardians’ most recent federal tax returns

6. Copy of student’s most recent federal tax returns (if applicable)

7. Narrative outlining parents’ or guardians’ financial obligations and the amount of aid requested

8. Copy of student’s passport (if applicable)

The $700 Application Deposit is waived for PODF applicants.

Submit application materials to:
PODF c/o Putney Student Travel
345 Hickory Ridge Road
Putney, VT 05346

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MEET SOME SUMMER 2012 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Erika Jimenez, Community Service Vietnam

“I got the greatest sense of accomplishment from seeing the house that I helped build; I helped improve a family’s life. This trip to Vietnam was incredible and I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity.”

-Erika attends Mother McAuley Liberal Arts in Chicago, IL-

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Aja Beckham, Community Service Vietnam

“The Vietnamese people have an unparalleled desire to learn. When we took a break from building the homes, our local friends wanted us to teach them English. We used our Vietnamese phrase book as a guide to create lessons plans. The Vietnamese people have inspired me to use every experience to further my education.”

-Aja attends Perspectives Leadership Academy in Chicago, IL-

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Hong Chen, Excel at Amherst College

“I learned how to use a sewing machine and it made me feel like I am closer to what I want to be when I grow up, and I’ve also learned that to be a fashion designer you have to be patience about your works because you can’t be half way through and just stop it, quit it.”

-Hong attends East Ridge High School in Chattanooga, TN-

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Brandon Lowe, Community Service Fiji

“My experience this summer has humbled me and taught me how to be more considerate of other people’s opinions.  I have become more appreciative of things I take for granted every day like electricity, hot water, and personal space. I will apply this to my daily routine, to remind myself of how the Fijian people were so grateful for what they had, even when they didn’t have much.”

- Brandon attends Overton High School in Memphis, TN -

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Ja’Lon Eason, Community Service Peru

-  Ja’Lon attends Brother Rice High School in Chicago, IL -

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