Academic Scholarship to Study a Foreign Language

Scholarship Sponsored by Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation

Description

**Overview**
The Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation was created to honor the memory of Corinne Schillings by supporting the educational interests she loved most: languages and cultural exchange. The foundation awards scholarships to college-age women to encourage language study and international learning experiences. Emphasis is placed on practical enrichment—both degree study in foreign languages and study-abroad participation that complements a college program. Scholarships are intended to perpetuate Corinne’s passion through the next generation of young women.

Key takeaways:
- Founded to preserve Corinne Schillings’ memory through scholarships.
- Focused on language learning and cross-cultural experiences.
- Targets college-age women for tangible educational enrichment.
- Supports both language study and study-abroad activities.

Eligibility

**Who qualifies**
Applicants must be young women who have earned the Girl Scout Silver or Gold Award and who are pursuing undergraduate study. Eligible academic pathways are (a) majoring or minoring in a foreign language at a four-year college or university, or (b) participating in a study-abroad program as part of their college curriculum. The award is specifically intended for undergraduates; other student types (graduate students, non-degree programs) are not described as eligible. Proof of award status and enrollment in an eligible program is required.

Key takeaways:
- Applicant must be female and an undergraduate student.
- Receipt of the Girl Scout Silver or Gold Award is required.
- Eligible if majoring/minoring in a foreign language or enrolled in study abroad.
- Enrollment at a four-year college/university is expected.

Award Value and Renewal

**Amounts and limits**
The scholarship provides $1,500 per academic year. Recipients may apply to renew the scholarship annually up to three additional times, producing a maximum total award of $6,000 (initial year plus three renewals). Renewals are not automatic: each year the recipient must submit a renewal application and required attachments for consideration. Continued eligibility for renewal depends on meeting the foundation’s ongoing requirements.

Key takeaways:
- Award: $1,500 per academic year.
- Maximum total: $6,000 (initial award + up to 3 renewals).
- Renewals require a new application each year; not automatic.
- Continued compliance with requirements is necessary for renewal.

Application Requirements

**Required documentation**
Applicants must submit a complete application plus supporting documents that verify eligibility and academic standing. Required items include proof of the Girl Scout Silver and/or Gold Award; a letter of recommendation from a Girl Scout volunteer or staff member who is not a relative (written within the past six months specifically for this scholarship); and either a college acceptance letter (if not yet enrolled) or a current college transcript (if enrolled). Additional documentation must demonstrate that the applicant’s major or minor is a foreign language and that both cumulative and foreign-language GPAs meet at least a “B” standard.

Key takeaways:
- Submit a complete application and supporting documents.
- Provide proof of Silver/Gold Award.
- Include a recommendation from a non-relative Girl Scout volunteer/staffer (≤6 months old, scholarship-specific).
- Supply acceptance letter or current transcript, proof of language major/minor, and evidence of cumulative and language GPA ≥ B.

Application Timeline and Process

**How to apply and renew**
The foundation requires applicants and renewers to submit all materials each year; specific deadlines and submission instructions are provided by the foundation (confirm on the foundation’s current website or contact them directly). Typical steps are: complete the online or paper application, attach required documents, submit by the posted deadline, and await notification of award decisions. Renewal candidates should prepare the same set of documents annually and verify current deadlines and any updates to application procedures.

Key takeaways:
- Check the foundation’s website or contact them for current deadlines and submission methods.
- Complete and submit the full application package by the posted deadline.
- Renewers must resubmit application materials each year.
- Expect a review period and notification after submission.

History of the Award

**Origins and intent**
The Foundation was established to commemorate Corinne Jeannine Schillings, who tragically died on March 6, 2004, in a water taxi accident in Baltimore Harbor. Corinne had a love of learning—especially languages and other cultures—and the scholarship program was created to honor that passion by supporting young women with similar interests. The awards serve both as a memorial and as an investment in cultural and linguistic education for future generations.

Key takeaways:
- Established in memory of Corinne Jeannine Schillings (d. March 6, 2004).
- Created to honor her passion for languages and cultures.
- Scholarships memorialize Corinne by supporting young women in language and study-abroad pursuits.