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Portland  Home Tell Me About ARCS Membership/Officers Portland ARCS Scholar Luncheon Read Our Newsletter Make a Donation |
Tell Me About ARCS
What is the ARCS Foundation? Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation, Inc. (ARCS Foundation) is a national not-for-profit women’s organization. The ARCS Foundation was founded in 1958 in Los Angeles, California, in response to the launch of Sputnik. The founders were concerned that the United States was losing its supremacy in the sciences and technology. Since then, the ARCS Foundation has grown to 14 chapters throughout the United States. The ARCS Foundation views all facets of science - from life sciences to technological sciences - as necessary and important to the future development of our nation. Since its incorporation, the Foundation has funded over $70 million in scholarships. ARCS Foundation chapters allocate funds to eligible colleges and universities that have been approved by the ARCS Foundation National Board. Recipients need not be from the chapter area and are selected by recipient universities. Rewards are directed to students with high scholastic records and proven ability. Selection is made without regard to race, creed, national origin or sexual orientation, but recipients must be United States citizens. Members of the ARCS Foundation are volunteers who donate their time, effort and financial support. It is the only women’s organization of its kind in the country. What is the purpose of the ARCS Portland Chapter? The Portland Chapter raises funds in support of students attending Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and the Oregon Graduate Institute, and Oregon State University (OSU) in the College of Engineering. Each ARCS Foundation Scholar receives an $18,000 scholarship, payable in $6,000 increments over three years, or until completion. The chapter awarded its first scholarships in the 2005-2006 academic year and, beginning in the fall of 2008, will be supporting 37 students.
Each chapter member pays an annual $500 scholarship contribution and an additional $150 in dues for chapter administration. The ARCS Foundation Portland Chapter also solicits donations from corporations, foundations and individuals. Who are ARCS Scholars and how are they chosen? ARCS Scholars are the best and brightest. Portland ARCS Foundation supports graduate students of exceptional academic promise. The universities use scholarships as a way to attract the best students, as well as reward exceptional students currently studying at the institutions. Scholars are chosen by a Scholar Selection Committee at each university comprised of representatives from various programs in which students will study. They are selected on the basis of GPA, GRE scores, recommendations, research, personal interviews and character. Why should I make a contribution to Portland ARCS Chapter? The solicitation of donors and pooling of funds enables Portland ARCS to offer a number of scholarships to the most outstanding students applying for admission to the approved programs at OHSU and OSU. These scholarships recruit the best and brightest students to our universities and increase the odds that they will remain in the state after graduation and contribute to an educated workforce.
One hundred percent of all monies given for scholar awards goes to scholars; no administrative fees or expenses are deducted.
How do ARCS Foundation scholarships help the state of Oregon? With ARCS Foundation support, OHSU and OSU have a greater ability to recruit the best and brightest students. By attracting these exceptional students, the programs at both institutions are strengthened. Many of the scholars will remain in Oregon after receiving their degrees, thereby ensuring an educated regional workforce. How do I make a donation to ARCS Portland Chapter? Donations in any amount are welcome. Please make checks payable to ARCS Foundation, Portland Chapter and mail to: ARCS Foundation - Portland Whom can I contact if I have questions about the ARCS Foundation in Portland? Please feel free to contact:
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