Geneseo Migrant Center

Leah Levy Memorial Scholarship

Leah Levy spent the last ten years of her professional life working with the migrant families in Columbia County. She gave tirelessly of her time and self to access services for the families. She was an educator, tutor, advocate, and friend to families and students. This scholarship honors her memory.

The purpose of this scholarship is to serve as a memorial to Leah Levy, educator, tutor, advocate, and friend to the migrant community, by offering an annual award in the amount of up to $500 for post-secondary scholarship assistance to a migrant farmworker senior high school student attending a high school in Columbia County, New York. The student should have demonstrated a caring attitude toward others or the community.

Eligibility

1. A current student or a student who formerly attended school in Columbia County
2. Senior in high school
3. Plans to attend post-secondary institution
4. Recent history of movement for agriculture employment

Application Process

A completed application form must be accompanied by:

1. Two Reference Letters. Please have two people who know you (teacher, coach, employer, counselor, minister, etc.) write a letter addressing your education, your giving, caring nature, and/or your need for financial assistance. No letters will be accepted from a family member.
2. Personal Information. Write an essay of approximately 300-400 words. Please describe why you feel you should receive the Leah Levy Memorial Scholarship. You may include some of the following:
   
   • Academic successes
   • Migrant lifestyle
   • Well-rounded school career
   • Caring nature
   • Community involvement
   • Future goals
   • Work experience
3. PROOF OF ACCEPTANCE – If you are not already enrolled in college, attach proof of acceptance.
4. MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (COE) – Attach a copy of your current or most recent COE.

The application deadline is April 1 of each year and must be submitted electronically or postmarked by that date. 

Begin the application process by filling out the form fields on this page. You will then be asked to complete our general scholarship form. If you would prefer a paper form, you may download it on this page. Completed application with supporting documents must be mailed by April 1 to the following address:

Leah Levy Memorial Scholarship
c/o Mary Kline
Herkimer BOCES
352 Gros Boulevard
Herkimer, NY 13350

Juanita Crippen Memorial Scholarship

To recognize a senior high school student from a migrant farmworker family in Franklin, St. Lawrence, or Clinton Counties in New York State needing post-secondary scholarship assistance who has demonstrated a caring and giving attitude toward another individual or community with a $500 scholarship.

Eligibility

1. High school senior
2. From a migrant farmworker family in Franklin, St. Lawrence, or Clinton County, New York.
3. Can demonstrate financial need
4. Can show a demonstration of a caring and giving attitude toward another individual or community

Application Process

A completed application form must be accompanied by:

1. TWO (2) REFERENCE LETTERS – Please have a school representative (such as counselor, teacher, coach, or other) write a letter addressing your educational commitment, grades, etc. and supporting the need for financial assistance. A reference letter may not be written by you, anyone under 21 years of age, or anyone related to you or serving as a legal guardian.
2. PERSONAL INFORMATION – Write an essay (250 - 300 words). Juanita Crippen was a woman who always helped others. Include information about what service to others means to you and how you have benefitted by assisting someone else. What did you learn from the experience?
3. PROOF OF ACCEPTANCE – If you are not already enrolled in college, attach proof of acceptance.
4. MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (COE) – Attach a copy of your current or most recent COE.

The application deadline is April 1 of each year and must be submitted electronically or postmarked by that date. 

Begin the application process by filling out the form fields on this page. You will then be asked to complete our general scholarship form. If you would prefer a paper form, you may download it on this page. Completed application with supporting documents must be mailed by April 1 to the following address:

Juanita Crippen Memorial Scholarship
North Country Migrant Education Program
SUNY Potsdam
 Van Housen Hall Extension 2nd Floor
Potsdam, NY 13676

Aurelio “Larry” Jazo Migrant Scholarship

To serve as a memorial to Aurelio “Larry” Jazo, a long time migrant educator, by offering an annual award in the amount of $1,000 for post-secondary scholarship assistance to a migrant farmworker student who has a recent migration to Illinois.

Eligibility

1. Recent history of migration to Illinois for agricultural employment
2. Scholastic achievement
3. Financial need

Application Process

A completed application form must be accompanied by:

1. TWO (2) REFERENCE LETTERS – Please have a school representative (such as a counselor, teacher, coach, or other) write a letter addressing your educational commitment, grades, etc., and supporting the need for financial assistance. A reference letter may not be written by you, anyone under 21 years of age, or anyone related to you or serving as a legal guardian.
2. ESSAY – Larry Jazo was a man who was always looking for ways to help others. Write an essay (250 –300 words) addressing all points below:
   
   • Describe your experience as a migrant farmworker.
   • State your educational goals and why you are deserving of this scholarship.
   • Describe a situation or obstacle you have faced in your life that was an important lesson in your development. How did you deal with it and what did you learn from the experience that could help someone else facing similar circumstances? Note: If the applicant is a prior recipient, the essay should address how the past scholarship has enhanced his/her education.
3. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT – Attach a copy of your current high school or college transcript.
4. PROOF OF ACCEPTANCE – If you are not already enrolled in college, attach proof of acceptance.
5. MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (COE) – Attach a copy of your current or most recent COE.

The application deadline is May 15 of each year and must be submitted electronically or postmarked by that date. 

Begin the application process by filling out the form fields on this page. You will then be asked to complete our general scholarship form. If you would prefer a paper form, you may download it on this page. Completed application with supporting documents must be mailed by May 15 to the following address:

Aurelio “Larry” Jazo Migrant Scholarship
Geneseo Migrant Center
3 Mt. Morris - Leicester Road
Leicester, NY 14481

Friends of Senator Jack Perry Migrant Scholarship

To honor a migrant farmworker student from New York State needing postsecondary scholarship assistance.

Eligibility

1. Past or present eligibility for Migrant Education services in New York State
2. Preferably current status as a senior in an accredited New York State high school, or status as a senior at an accredited high school outside of New York State but with a history of movement to New York State. If no eligible high school seniors submit applications, the application of a college student will be considered.
3. Acceptance at a post-secondary degree granting institution, preferably in New York State
4. FInancial need

Application Process

A completed application form must be accompanied by:

1. PROOF OF MIGRANT EDUCATION ELIGIBILITY – Attach a copy of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) showing qualification during the past three calendar years or any time during high school.
2. PROOF OF ACCEPTANCE – Attach a copy of your proof of acceptance at a postsecondary degree granting institution, preferably in New York State.

The application deadline is April 1 of each year and must be submitted electronically or postmarked by that date. 

Begin the application process by filling out the form fields on this page. You will then be asked to complete our general scholarship form. If you would prefer a paper form, you may download it on this page. Completed application with supporting documents must be mailed by April 1 to the following address:

Friends of Senator Jack Perry Migrant Scholarship
Geneseo Migrant Center
3 Mt. Morris - Leicester Road
Leicester, NY 14481

Robert Apicella Good Samaritan Migrant Scholarship

To recognize a migrant farmworker senior high school student from New York State needing post-secondary scholarship assistance who has demonstrated a caring and giving attitude toward another individual or community with a $500 scholarship.

Eligibility

1. Be a migrant farmworker senior high school student from New York State
2.  Can demonstrate financial need
3. Have senior status in high school at the time of the award
4. Demonstrate a caring and giving attitude toward another individual or community

Application Process

A completed application form must be accompanied by:

1. TWO (2) REFERENCE LETTERS – Please have a school representative (such as a counselor, teacher, coach, or other) write a letter addressing your educational commitment, grades, etc., and supporting the need for financial assistance. A reference letter may not be written by you, anyone under 21 years of age, or anyone related to you or serving as a legal guardian.
2. PERSONAL INFORMATION – Write an essay (250 – 300 words). Bob Apicella is a man who is always helping others. Include information about what service to others means to you and how you have benefited by assisting someone else. What did you learn from the experience?
3. PROOF OF ACCEPTANCE – If you are not already enrolled in college, attach proof of acceptance.
4. PROOF OF MIGRANT EDUCATION ELIGIBILITY – Attach a copy of a ‘Certificate of Eligibility’ (COE) showing qualifications as a migrant student during the past three calendar years or any time during high school.

The application deadline is April 1 of each year and must be submitted electronically or postmarked by that date. 

Begin the application process by filling out the form fields on this page. You will then be asked to complete our general scholarship form. If you would prefer a paper form, you may download it on this page. Completed application with supporting documents must be mailed by April 1 to the following address:

Robert Apicella Good Samaritan Migrant Scholarship 
Geneseo Migrant Center
3 Mt. Morris - Leicester Road
Leicester, NY 14481

Margaret Raley New York State Migrant Student Scholarship

In honor of Margaret Raley for her dedicated commitment to migrant farmworker families, this Scholarship will recognize a New York State migrant student who desires to achieve personal and career goals by furthering his/her education. 

Eligibility

1. Be a New York State resident or have a history of migration to New York State
2. Be migrant education eligible
3. Have senior status in high school at the time of the award
4. Have plans to attend a post-secondary institution or other advanced training 

Application Process

A completed application form must be accompanied by:

1. At least two (2) reference letters from a school or community/educational agency representative with personal knowledge of the applicant's character and commitment to pursuing further education.
2. A copy of applicant’s current Migrant Education Program Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
3. A personal Goal Statement (at least 250 words) describing his/her background and interest in further education.

The application deadline is April 1 of each year and must be submitted electronically or postmarked by that date. 

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrating commitment to educational goals
• Participating in school/METS related activities
• Participating in community and/or non-school activities
• Demonstrating good citizenship qualities
• Presenting evidence of high mobility (inter or intrastate)
• Overcoming unusual obstacles to success

Presentation of Award

The Margaret Raley New York State Migrant Student Scholarship Award will be announced at the Migrant Education Tutorial and Support Services (METS) Spring Consortium. The financial award will be provided to the winner upon submission of proof of acceptance or enrollment at an accredited public or private college or trade school.

Begin the application process by filling out the form fields on this page. You will then be asked to complete our general scholarship form. If you would prefer a paper form, you may download it on this page. Completed application with supporting documents must be mailed by April 1 to the following address::

Margaret Raley New York State Migrant Student Scholarship  
Geneseo Migrant Center
3 Mt. Morris - Leicester Road
Leicester, NY 14481

Jean DeGrace Crandall Memorial Scholarship Fund

Purpose

To serve as a memorial to Jean DeGrace Crandall, educator and friend to the migrant community, by offering an annual award in the amount of $1,000 for post-secondary scholarship assistance to a migrant farmworker or child of a migrant farmworker from Mexico with a history of migration to Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, or Westchester Counties in New York State. Though not required, but because of Jean’s personal interests, preference will be given to a student with a demonstrated interest in traditional Mexican art and culture.

Eligibility

1. Recent history of migration for agricultural employment to Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, or Westchester Counties in New York State.
2. Enrollment in or acceptance into college
3. Preference given to students with a demonstrated interest in Mexican art

Application Process

A completed application form must be accompanied by:

1. Two (2) letters of recommendations. Please have a school representative (such as a counselor, teacher, coach, or other) write a letter addressing your educational commitment, grades, etc., and supporting the need for financial assistance. A reference letter may not be written by you, anyone under 21 years of age, or anyone related to you or serving as a legal guardian.
2. An essay of 250 – 300 words containing information that impacted the development of your life. Describe a situation or obstacle you faced, how you dealt with it, and what you learned from the experience. How might that experience help others facing similar circumstances? If applicable, include information about your interests or talents in Mexican art or cultural activities.
3. Proof of college acceptance. If you are not already enrolled in college, attach proof of acceptance. 
4. Official Transcript. Attach a copy of your current high school or college transcript. 
5. Proof of Migrant Education Eligibility. Attach a copy of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) showing qualifications as a migrant student during the past three calendar years or any time during high school.

The application deadline is April 1 of each year and must be submitted electronically or postmarked by that date. 

Please note that a recipient of this award may reapply for subsequent years as long as he/she is enrolled in good standing at a post-secondary institution of higher education. To reapply the applicant must submit a letter requesting consideration and a copy of his/her official college transcript showing the most recent grades obtained. This information must be submitted by April 1.

Begin the application process by filling out the form fields on this page. You will then be asked to complete our general scholarship form. If you would prefer a paper form, you may download it on this page. Completed application with supporting documents must be mailed by April 1 to the following address:

Jean DeGrace Crandall Memorial Scholarship Fund
Geneseo Migrant Center
3 Mt. Morris - Leicester Road
Leicester, NY 14481

Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship

Purpose

To provide financial support to a deserving student with a history of migrating for employment in agriculture who has successfully completed one year of college. This support, up to a possible $20,000, will cover expenses beyond what the youth has been able to procure in federal/state and other scholarship assistance. This scholarship is designed to assist the youth in obtaining a baccalaureate degree without being encumbered by substantial debt. 

Eligibility

1. Recent history of migration for agricultural employment
2. Demonstrated scholastic achievement
3. Demonstrated financial need
4. Successful completion of at least one year at an accredited post-secondary institution

Application Process

A completed application form must be accompanied by:

1. Three (3) letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from a school, community or educational agency representative with a personal knowledge of the applicant’s character and commitment to obtaining a baccalaureate degree
2. Applicant’s 500-word personal essay telling about his/her background, career and personal goals, and indicating why he/she should receive this assistance
3. A copy of college transcript showing the most recent grades obtained
4. Financial need documentation in the form of a copy of most recent income tax return of applicant or parents, a copy of school financial aid form, or loan documentation
5. A copy of the applicant’s most recent Migrant Education Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The application deadline is July 1 of each year and must be submitted electronically or postmarked by that date.

Begin the application process by filling out the form fields on this page. You will then be asked to complete our general scholarship form. If you would prefer a paper form, you may download it on this page. Completed application with supporting documents must be mailed by July 1 to the following address:

Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship
Geneseo Migrant Center
3 Mt. Morris - Leicester Road
Leicester, NY 14481

Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarships
for Migrant Farmworkers

Purpose

Funded by a bequest from Berrien Fragos Thorn, creative arts scholarships have been initiated in order to foster and encourage the creative talents of individuals with a history of migration to obtain work in agriculture. Eligible applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing further development of their talents in one of the following disciplines:

• Visual - painting, sculpture, photography, etc.
• Performing - dance, theatre, music, etc.
• Media - film, video, animation, computer graphics, etc.
• Literary - poetry, short stories, etc.
• Crafts - traditional folk arts, furniture, weaving, pottery, etc.

Funding Options

1. Grants under $500
   
   • No deadline for application - requests will be reviewed case-by-case
   • Complete Sections A and C of the application
   • Include letter from the student describing why they want to do this project
2. Grants up to $2,500 awarded semi-annually
   
   • Application deadline June 1 and November 1
   • A budget or documentation of expenses must be submitted with the application. Money may be used for workshops, materials, study with a mentor, course enrollment, mileage, lost wages, etc.
   • A portfolio or samples of work are required, i.e. photos, tapes, video, etc.
   • Complete all Sections of this application
   • Include letter from the student describing why they want to do this project

Eligibility

1. Minimum 16 years of age
2. Applicant need not be enrolled in school
3. Because there is no essay required, the Letter of Recommendation is very important and should address the quality of both the applicant and the intended project.
4. A history of movement to obtain work in agriculture is REQUIRED.

Begin the application process by filling out the form fields on this page. You will then be asked to complete a more detailed scholarship form. If you would prefer a paper form, you may download it on this page. Completed application with supporting documents for grants under $500 can be mailed throughout the year to the address listed below. Completed application with supporting documents for grants up to $2,500 awarded semi-annually must be mailed by June 1 and November 1 to the following address:

Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarships for Migrant Farmworkers
Geneseo Migrant Center
3 Mt. Morris - Leicester Road
Leicester, NY 14481