Otterbein University
Center for Community Engagement
Van Sant Leadership Scholar
Leadership Scholarship
Award Application
Deadline: February 15th, 2014
Please complete and return to:
Leslie Cavin
Center for Community Engagement
Otterbein University
Westerville, Ohio 43081
January 14, 2014
Center for Community Engagement
Van Sant Leadership Scholarship
2014-2015
Leadership Scholarship
A $1500 grant ($750 per semester) will be awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated a commitment to
leadership and academic scholarship during high school. Finalists will be selected by committee and interviewed by
telephone. The grant will be awarded on the basis of four criteria:
1. Demonstrated commitment to leadership
2. A cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or above
3. Ability to design and implement leadership programming on campus
The grant will be reviewed each semester and renewed based on the student’s good academic standing and fulfillment
of the community engagement responsibilities.
Van Sant Leadership Scholars at Otterbein
Students selected to serve as Van Sant Leadership Scholars join the Van Sant Leadership Program at Otterbein.
EXPECTATIONS of a VAN SANT LEADERSHIP SCHOLAR
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Attend monthly meetings with all Van Sant Leadership Scholars
Attend monthly one-on-ones with Assistant Director of the Center for Community
Engagement
First-Year Van Sant Scholars:
Live in the Leadership Living Learning Community
Attend 10 Van Sant Leadership Workshops
Spend 2 hours a week in the Center for Community Engagement
Sophomore Van Sant Scholars:
Plan and implement information sessions for The Van Sant Leadership Program
Attend resources fairs, Connections Fairs, First Friday Events on behalf of The Van Sant
Leadership Program
Attend workshops to set up materials, introduce facilitators, answer questions, collect
evaluations, and tear down materials
Junior Van Sant Scholars:
Plan and implement the annual spring Leadership Conference for all students
Attend workshops to set up materials, introduce facilitators, answer questions, collect
evaluations, and tear down materials
Senior Van Sant Scholars:
Plan and implement two workshops, one in Fall and one in Spring
Serve as a 5 Cardinal Experience Sponsor for The Van Sant Leadership Program
How to Apply to be a Van Sant Leadership Scholar
1. Fill out the enclosed title page.
2. Provide one recommendation form from a person knowledgeable of your leadership experience.
3. Submit an essay (500 words) answering the following question:
Essay Question: As a Van Sant Leadership Scholar, you will have to plan and implement leadership workshops. For this essay,
please design a leadership workshop for your peers. Include the follow:
 What topic would you choose? Explain why that leadership topic is important to you.
 How would you teach the material?
 What do you hope your audience learns from your workshop?
VAN SANT LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Title Page
Contact Information:
Name:
Street Address:
City/State/ZIP:
Phone:
Email:
Career Interest:
Intended Major:
High School:
Prior Leadership Experience:
Please list prior leadership experiences from high school, church, or other youth organizations. This list should provide an overall snapshot of the
different kinds of involvement you have had and the depth of this involvement. When listing your activities and leadership experiences please indicate
what role you played (e.g., participant, organizer, leader). If additional space is needed please continue on additional page.
Activity / Organization
Position / Role Held
Description of Experience
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
I have enclosed:
- Title Page
- Completed Recommendation Form
- 500 word Typed Essay
“The Van Sant Leadership Program has helped me become a better leader by allowing
me to learn about the theories, techniques, skills, and history of leadership from
experienced faculty members among a supportive and talented group of student
leaders. It has taught me skills that will be relevant not only in my work as a student
leader here at Otterbein, but in any leadership position I will have in the future.”
Rachel Scherzer
Class of ’15
Questions about your application?
Call Leslie Cavin @ 614/823-1272
Or Email at
lcavin@otterbein.edu
Center for Community Engagement
Van Sant Leadership Scholarship
Recommendation Form
The Otterbein University Center for Community Engagement (CCE) is pleased to invite you to provide a
recommendation for a potential 2014 Van Sant Leadership Scholar. The purpose of the Van Sant Leadership
Program is to provide students with leadership potential to continue to grow in their leadership skills and abilities
throughout college. Your support of this candidate will be substantial in providing additional information to the
selection committee in making their final decision. Please complete the following recommendation form, enclose
it in an envelope, seal and sign across the flap of the envelope and return it to the applicant. Otterbein University
would like to thank you for taking the time to recommend students who would continue to contribute to our
tradition of leadership.
Please complete and return by mail to: Otterbein University 1 S Grove Street Center for Community Engagement Westerville OH
43081
Applicant Name: ________________________ High School: ____________________________
1. How well do you know the applicant?
Very Well
Reasonably Well
Somewhat
Slightly
2. Length of time you have known the applicant: ______________________________________
In what capacity: _______________________________________________________________
3. In what areas are there opportunities for growth for the applicant?
4. Please discuss the candidate’s involvement in and commitment to leadership.
5. What else would you like the selection committee to know about the applicant as a potential Van Sant
Leadership Scholar?
6. Please list three adjectives that best describe the applicant:
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
Recommendation Form Page 2
Unable to
Judge
Weak
Below
Average
Average
Above
Average
Excellent
Please check the box that you that you feel best describes the applicant:
Comments
Sense of Humor
Maturity
Emotional Stability
Gets along with others
Dependability
Tact
Initiative
Flexibility
Creativity
Ability to express feelings
Ability to work alone
Ability to work with others
Effective use of time
Ability to accept directions
Knows own limits/Cares for
own needs
Name of Reference Completing this Form (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.):__________________________
Occupation: _______________________________ Title/Position _______________________
Address: __________________________________ Daytime Phone ______________________
Signature: _____________________________________________________________________