Instructions for the 2006 NExT Collegiate Scholarships

The NExT Region Creative Problem Solving Organization is pleased to offer scholarships to college-bound, graduating seniors who have been active participants in creative problem solving competitions. These scholarships will range in amounts from $500 to $1000. The total number of the scholarships and the exact amount of each will be determined after identifying the number of successful applicants.

We offer the necessary forms in three packaged formats. Two electronic formats offer drop-down selections and repeat necessary information from page to page after entering the information the first time. Electronic formats may be easier to complete using the necessary software, rather than printing out the forms onto paper and completing them by hand:

1. Microsoft Word 97, as a secured document template, for IBM PC-compatible computers. Use TAB to move to designated input fields. Use CTRL-HOME to move to the first input field. This is the recommended format because you may save your work to a new document.

2. Adobe Acrobat PDF version 5 format, suitable for PC and Apple computers. Use TAB to move to designated input fields. Use the bookmark palette to move to each page, starting with the main application page. Acrobat does not support saving your work - complete it all at once then print out the results.

3. On paper, in the event you do not have a supporting hardware and software platform. Please contact Nancy Lamb at the address below if you require printed documents. It is perfectly acceptable to complete these forms by hand, but bear in mind that the review board must be able to read what you provide. Print (avoid the cursive hand), and do so legibly in blue ink.

When and How to File Your Application

Complete the application forms and return them signed, dated and in printed format to:

NExT Region Scholarship Committee
c/o Nancy Lamb

17441 Marianne

Dallas, TX 75252

All submissions must be post-marked between February 2 and April 2, 2006 and received by April 10, 2006. Scholarship recipients will be notified by May 2, 2006. Early applications will not be considered.

How to Complete the Necessary Forms

This scholarship application includes pages for you to identify yourself, to explain your CPS involvement and any awards you have received in CPS competitions, and to list other school and non-school related activities and volunteer work.

There are five Minimum Requirements that you must meet before applying; these are listed at the top of the main Application page. Requirement number 5 has several ways you may qualify; please check the one(s) that apply to you. If you do not check at least one item for Requirement 5, we will have to presume you do not qualify.

There are also Evaluation Criteria which will help us to select the most deserving candidates from the qualifying applications we receive. These are added information to help the review board make its decisions. Several of these criteria are required; they are indicated as such on the main Application page.

Finally, you must print all forms, sign by hand, and date the main Application page, then mail all forms to Nancy Lamb at the address above by the filing deadline. Unsigned and/or undated applications will not be considered.

Creative Problem Solving Involvement Form

We would like to know how long you have been involved with CPS, and what you have done over the years. In the event that you served more than one role in a given Tournament Year, use one line of the form for each unique role. For example, if you were a Team Member on two teams in 2001, use one line for the first team you were on, and another line for the second team.

Creative Problem Solving Awards Form (optional)

We would like to know what special awards you have received at tournaments over the years. Please tell us which ones you received, when, and why (i.e., what did you or your team do that was deserving of such recognition)? This information is not required, but if you wish to tell us about them, please complete the Awards page and attach it. Also, be sure to check the box on the application form which indicates you have attached your Awards page.

Essay (optional)

The short essay (approximately 100 words) is optional and allows you to write about your experiences with CPS: things you may have learned; skills you may have acquired; interesting situations you have encountered; the value of CPS to other aspects of your life and so forth. If you choose to include it, use the enclosed form or your own blank or letterhead paper. If you use your own paper, please double-space it. Be sure to check the box on the main Application that indicates you have attached your essay.

Life Involvement Form

We would like to know whatever you care to tell us about yourself and your interests outside of CPS. For example, you might list your membership in the Honor Society, school band or orchestra, or school sports. Perhaps you participated in a Science Fair, the school's choral or drama departments, debate team or other activities. We also encourage you to tell us what you do outside of school interests, such as community service work, help with political campaigns, service to your religious organization, etc. List clubs and memberships, such as Scouts, FFA, HHHH, AQHA, Sierra Club, a local sports team, etc. And please don't forget about the more artistic interests, such as dance or instrument classes, your own neighborhood band, a seat in your community's symphony or position in the theatrical club, or other visual and performing arts.

Statements of Recommendation

You will need to request two short (approximately 100 words) Statements of Recommendation from both:

1. A current or former adult CPS coach/team manager.

2. Another adult acquainted with your activities outside of CPS (e.g., a school official, clergy member, charity director, troupe leader, coach, visual or performing arts instructor, etc.)

Your adult associates are to send their statements directly to Nancy Lamb at the address above. As you probably know, it is always polite and helpful to include an addressed and stamped envelope with a recommendation request.

Two distinctly different forms are included, one for each designated adult associate. Print them out and give them to your adult associates (they may complete them by hand or attach their own blank or letterhead paper). Make certain that each adult is completing the correct form! Also, be certain to inform your adult associates verbally about the filing deadline. Otherwise, they may not respond in time.

Glossary

TXCPSO. Texas Creative Problem Solving Organization

NExT Region CPSO. Northeast Texas Region, an associate corporation of TXCPSO.

CPS. Creative Problem Solving, typically referring to either Destination ImagiNation™ or Odyssey of the Mind™.

Tournament Year. The year in which the tournament was held. Because scholastic years usually span 2 calendar years, we use Tournament Year to refer to a given year of participation. For example, the scholastic year of 2003‑2004 equates to Tournament Year of 2004, because the CPS tournament was held in 2004.

Updated January 23,2005