President's and Salzman-Medica Speech and Debate Scholarships

If you have significant experience in interscholastic debate, speaking, you’ve won awards in open/senior/championship division, and you want to commit to full participation in the forensics program during your four years while at Whitman College, you are encouraged to apply for a Speech and Debate President’s Scholarship. Whitman’s program competes in team policy debate, team parliamentary debate, and impromptu and extemporaneous speaking.

The President’s and Salzman-Medica Speech and Debate Scholarships are awarded to entering students in recognition of exceptional talent, hard work, and success in high school forensics. The Salzman-Medica Scholarship and President’s Scholarship meet all of the recipient’s demonstrated need when combined with scholarships or grants from any other sources. The actual amount varies from at least $2,500 to the full amount of demonstrated financial need; recipients who do not qualify for need-based aid will receive between $2,500 and $6,000. Both scholarships are renewable for four years for students who maintain full participation in the forensics program. Financial need is determined by the Office of Financial Aid Services using data from both the FAFSA and CSS Profile, which are due to the appropriate agencies by February 1, 2010.

President’s Scholarship in Debate Application Process

Students interested in applying should contact Jim Hanson, Director of Forensics, before February 21, 2010. Jim Hanson will then send you the link to the the scholarship application form as well as other materials about the speech and debate program at Whitman. The application form requires the following information:

• Your GPA and SAT I/ACT scores
• Years of experience you have in forensics
• Awards you have won
• A brief description of your interest in research, speaking, and maintaining your commitment to forensics in college
• Examples of your research such as evidence or extemp files
• A video of you debating or speaking (typically an electronic file but DVD, mini-dv, hi 8, or videotape also works)
• A recommendation letter from your speech/debate coach

Be sure to use the application form that Jim Hanson emails you, since it will include the official and accurate requests for information. In order to be eligible, students must submit their application by February 28, 2010. Awards will be post-marked by April 15, 2010.

Jim Hanson, Director of Forensics
Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA 99362

hansonjb@whitman.edu
509-527-5499