Natasha Hastings Memorial Scholarship
2024 Scholarship Application Postmark Deadline: August 1, 2024
General Scholarship Information
The Down Syndrome Society of Grant County, in honor of Natasha Hastings, will be offering a Natasha Hastings Memorial Scholarship annually. Bobby and Andrea Hastings, the parents of Natasha Hastings, are part of the founding Board of DSSGC. We do this in memory of a beautiful ten-year-old girl full of love who will forever be missed.
This $1000 scholarship can be used for those with Down Syndrome to pursue junior college education, job training, camps, therapies, and other areas where financial assistance is needed.
The scholarship may be divided among multiple applicants if needed. Scholarship awards are awarded one time only and the scholarship award is not renewable.
Past scholarship award winners may not re-apply. Past applicants who did not receive a scholarship award are encouraged to re-apply.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements:
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
The applicant must have Down syndrome.
The applicant must be a resident of Grant or Adams County Washington.
Award Selection and Award Evaluation Criterion:
Applicant's essay or personal statement
1 – 2 letters of recommendation
The applicant must demonstrate a financial need for a service, therapy, instruction, assistive technology, or activity that will increase the applicant’s quality of life.
Award Payment:
The scholarship funds awarded are to be used solely to pay for instruction, junior college, job training, camps, therapies, services, assistive technology, or other activities of which financial assistance is needed.
All scholarship awards will be paid directly to the institution or service provider by DSSGC or in the form of a gift card to be used for needed services. (Receipt will need to be submitted to DSSGC)
All scholarship funds must be used within a 3-year period.
Completing the Application Packet:
Application Form
Complete and submit the Application form.
Essay or Personal Statement
The Applicants submission must include an essay or personal statement.
An essay or personal statement not to exceed one page in length should be submitted with the application.
The essay should include the area for which financial assistance is needed. This should explain how the service, instruction, therapy, assistive technology, or activity will or help the applicant achieve their goals or increase their quality of life.
Applicants may elect to supplement the essay or personal statement with a photo essay up to two pages in length.
Letter(s) of Recommendation
The Applicants submission must include one or two letters of recommendation.
The letter(s) must come from individuals who know the applicant well (i.e. teacher, educational assistant, principal, counselor, doctor, therapist, consultant, social worker, employer, job coach, clergy member, coach, or community member).
Additional Supporting Documentation (Optional)
The following are provided as examples of the types of supporting documentation which may help the scholarship committee in their deliberations. They are not required for the scholarship application to be given full consideration. Please provide any supporting documents which you believe to be relevant.
Academics - school transcripts, report cards, academic awards
Record of Activities - type of activity, years and estimated hours of service and organization name.
Honors and Awards - certificates and awards.
Extracurricular activities - records of activities, statements from activity leaders, certificates and awards.
Employment - employment history, employment training, performance reviews, certificates and awards
Independent Living Skills - record of progress made in acquiring skills, statement of achievement from teacher/coach.
Advocacy - statement of how the applicant educates others on the needs of those with disabilities (teachers, peers, or the community).
Assistive Technology - record of technology used, how it has impacted the applicant or others
Application Packet Submission
All applications must be submitted in hard copy.
All application materials (including supporting documentation) must be submitted and mailed in the same packet.
Each Application Packet should be organized as follows:
Application Form
Essay/Personal Statement
One or two Letters of Recommendation
Additional Supporting Documentation (optional)
Mail to: DSSGC, PO BOX 811, Moses Lake, WA 98837