USA Scholarships
Essex Rotary Scholarship 2027 - Up to $2,500
The Essex Rotary Scholarship recognizes graduating seniors from Essex High School, Center for Technology–Essex, or Mt. Mansfield Union High School who combine strong ethics with real community service. VSAC administers up to six $2,500 awards per cycle for full-time undergraduate study at Title IV colleges, with preference to award two scholarships for each school path. One award may honor former Rotarian Ray Cota. Enter scholarship ID ROTARY-E on the Unified Scholarship Application, file FAFSA, upload essay #1, and submit both recommendation letters before February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Parents or guardians who are Essex Rotarians cannot apply.
What is the Essex Rotary Scholarship?
Rotary clubs talk about service, but this fund asks you to prove it on paper. The Essex Rotary Scholarship goes to seniors leaving Essex High School, Center for Technology–Essex, or Mt. Mansfield Union who already treat ''Service Above Self'' as a daily habit, not a slogan for an application. VSAC handles the paperwork while the club raises money for as many as six $2,500 awards in a typical cycle.
The applicant pool is competitive for a local award. VSAC estimated about forty-five files chasing up to six seats, with preference to spread winners across the three school paths. Financial need matters as much as your volunteer story, so file FAFSA early and make the community service letter specific.
One scholarship may carry Ray Cota''s name, honoring a former Rotarian. If a parent or guardian sits on the Essex Rotary roster, VSAC will disqualify your file, so check that rule before you spend time on essay #1. Full-time undergraduate study at a Title IV college is required, and the February 11 deadline is treated as final across Vermont booklet scholarships.
Eligibility
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✓Eligible high school pathBe a graduating senior of Essex High School, Center for Technology–Essex, or Mt. Mansfield Union High School. Mention CTE enrollment in essay #1 if that is your path.
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✓Full-time undergraduate planSeek an associate or bachelor's degree and enroll full time at an accredited college approved for federal Title IV funding such as Pell Grants or Direct Loans.
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✓Community service recordDemonstrate community involvement and service that reflects Rotary's 'Service Above Self' motto through essay #1 and your community service recommendation.
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✓Demonstrated financial needComplete the FAFSA so VSAC can score need alongside your essay and letters.
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✓Not a Rotarian family memberStudents whose parents or legal guardians are Essex Rotarians are not eligible to apply for this fund.
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✓VSAC citizenship and residencyMeet standard VSAC rules for assisted scholarships on the Unified Scholarship Application unless the booklet lists a different rule for ROTARY-E.
Benefits
- Maximum per recipient $2,500 scholarship
- Typical number of awards Up to six per cycle (~45 applicants)
- School preference Preference for two awards each to EHS, MMU, and CTE paths
- Ray Cota designation One scholarship may honor former Rotarian Ray Cota
- Selection factors Financial need, essay, and recommendation letters
- Renewal Not described as renewable
Document checklist
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✓Unified Scholarship Application (USA)Complete the USA in MyVSAC and enter scholarship ID ROTARY-E so reviewers route your file to the Essex Rotary committee.
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✓FAFSA for the aid yearFile FAFSA for 2027-2028 after October 1, 2026 and link results in MyVSAC because financial need is a selection factor.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Describe your service ethic and college plans. CTE graduates should note Center for Technology–Essex enrollment in the essay as VSAC requests.
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✓Recommendation letter #1 (non-relative)Submit one letter from a non-relative who can speak to your character and readiness for college.
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✓Recommendation letter #2 (community service)Submit a separate community service letter under the correct MyVSAC label, not as a duplicate non-relative upload.
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✓MyVSAC accountRegister or update secureacctaccess.vsac.org with accurate high school, service history, and full-time enrollment plans.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
Which high schools qualify for the Essex Rotary Scholarship?
You must be a graduating senior of Essex High School, Center for Technology–Essex, or Mt. Mansfield Union High School. Other Vermont schools are not eligible for ROTARY-E even if you live nearby.
How much is the Essex Rotary Scholarship worth?
VSAC lists up to six scholarships of $2,500 each per cycle, with preference to award two scholarships for each of the three eligible school paths.
What VSAC ID do I use for the Essex Rotary Scholarship?
Enter ROTARY-E on the Unified Scholarship Application. The ID appears just above the Essex Rotary description in the VSAC Scholarships and Forgivable Loans booklet.
Does the Essex Rotary Scholarship require FAFSA?
Yes. FAFSA is required because financial need is a primary selection factor alongside essay #1 and your recommendation letters.
Can children of Essex Rotarians apply?
No. The VSAC booklet states that students whose parents or legal guardians are Essex Rotarians are not eligible to apply.
When is the Essex Rotary Scholarship deadline?
Submit the Unified Scholarship Application and required materials by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 funding, matching the standard VSAC-assisted deadline.
What should I write in essay #1 for ROTARY-E?
Use essay #1 to show how you live out community service and ethical leadership. If you graduate from Center for Technology–Essex, mention that enrollment explicitly as VSAC requests.
How many recommendation letters does the Essex Rotary Scholarship require?
You need recommendation letter #1 from a non-relative and recommendation letter #2 focused on community service. Upload each under the matching label in MyVSAC.
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