SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION AND APPLICATION (download pdf file)

Founded in 1979, the Polish Heritage Club of Wisconsin – Madison (PHCWI) was formed to promote the heritage of our Polish ancestors through educational, cultural, charitable, and social objectives including:

• Encourage among Americans, particularly Americans of Polish ancestry, an interest in and knowledge of the Polish as well as American traditions in their cultural heritage.

• Join together for social and civic activities sustaining the originality, value, and joy of Polish customs and traditions and their compatibility with American history and culture.

• Give an organized welcome in Wisconsin to artists, scholars, dignitaries, writers, musicians and other proponents of Polish-American culture.

• Promote understanding and unity among Americans of all ethnic backgrounds.

• Advance education by awarding academic scholarships

• Contribute to charitable causes.

The Polish Heritage Club of Wisconsin–Madison will award a $500 scholarship to provide tuition assistance for students pursuing secondary education. One scholarship grant is awarded annually.

The Scholarship Committee of PHCWI will review the application materials submitted by each student to ensure that criteria have been met and make recommendation for award to the PHCWI Board of Directors who approves the scholarship award to one applicant. Scholarships will be awarded following verification of enrollment in the college or university of choice by the student. Decisions of the Scholarship Committee and PHCWI-BOD are final and not subject to review. Qualified applicants must send all of the material described in the application so that it is postmarked by May 15 of each year (faxes not accepted).

Original and 12 duplicate copies of all materials must be mailed to the Polish Heritage Club of Wisconsin-Madison with Attention to Scholarship Committee. All materials submitted by applicants will become part of the records of Polish Heritage Club of Wisconsin-Madison and will not be returned. Late, incomplete or unsigned applications will not be accepted or returned for correction. Application forms can be downloaded from www.phcwi-madison.org website, requested by mail or obtained by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To be Eligible for Consideration:

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• Applicant must be Wisconsin resident
• Applicant must be of verifiable Polish ancestry OR studying Polish language, history, society, or culture, OR significantly engaged with Polish culture.
• Applicant is enrolling or enrolled in an educational program seeking associate or bachelor’s degree in any field of study at an accredited U.S. university or college.
• Applicant has demonstrated excellent academic performance. Successful applicants will usually have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four point scale.
• Applicant is seeking financial aid for education beyond high school.
• Prior winners of a PHCWI Scholarship are ineligible.
• Applicant will demonstrate knowledge of Polish culture.
• Application Requirements (typed separately and submitted attached to application form)
• Application Form for Scholarship – complete all sections, sign, and date.
• Essay – (750-1000 words) write on a major event in Polish history. Explain why the topic interests you or how it relates to you personally. Include a list of the sources you consulted.
• Career Plan – (150-200 words) describe your education plans, career goals, and any information that makes you a good candidate for scholarship.
• Supplemental Information – provide verifiable Polish ancestry and exposure to Polish culture, extracurricular activities, volunteering, leadership and involvement in community.

Timeline: Application must be postmarked no later than May 15 in order to be considered. All applicants and recipient will be notified by June 1. Checks to the scholarship recipient will be issued upon verification of enrollment. Recipient grants permission to publish announcement in membership newsletter and on website including recipient’s name, hometown, school, major, and photograph).

For additional information or to submit an application, please write to:
Polish Heritage Club of Wisconsin – Madison, Attention: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 45438, Madison, WI 53744.
Download information and forms from www.phcwi-madison.org or contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

1.25.12