2010 LETTER OF SUPPORT INSTRUCTIONS

TO THE APPLICANT: Please write your name in the space below, and provide a copy of these instructions to each person writing a letter of support. Remember to include each letter of support with your scholarship application. Application and required materials must be submitted by June 1, .2010.
You are being asked to submit a letter of recommendation for _______________________in support of his
or her application for a Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarship.

The Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarship is awarded to a self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender student-athlete who has made a contribution to the sport(s) he or she is a part of and, as a result of his or her contributions and involvement, has enhanced the perception of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Awards are made to graduating high school seniors or current college students from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area who will be/are attending a fully accredited
two- or four-year college/university in the United States. Candidates should demonstrate dedication to both academic and athletic excellence, as well as show promise of serving as a positive role model as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individual.

Team DC is a volunteer-based organization that encourages and supports involvement in team and individual sports within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and broader community, as well as serves as a clearinghouse for information about various LGBT sports teams, clubs, and events in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarship will provide at least $ 2,000 of financial support to offset the cost of educational expenses including, but not limited to, tuition, housing, board or books. A minimum of one scholarship will be awarded annually in June. It is funded by Team DC member
donations, fundraising activities and external gifts.

The Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarship Selection Committee values your observations and evaluation of the applicant’s suitability for this award. In writing a letter of support, we ask that you address the following:
• How long and under what circumstances have you come to know the applicant?
• Describe the applicant’s strengths and personal characteristics. We are particularly interested in the applicant’s academic success, contributions to his or her sport(s), and/or the impact of his or her involvement on others as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender student-athlete.
• Discuss the applicant’s potential for future success.
• Please provide any other comments about the applicant (e.g., impediments or hardships the applicant has overcome, motivation and initiative in pursuing goals, family responsibilities, community service) that you feel would be helpful for the committee to know.

Your letter of support can be attached to the online application packet, sent separately online to scholarship@teamdc.org or placed in a sealed and signed envelope  and returned to the applicant for
inclusion in the scholarship application if being submitted by postal mail.

The Scholarship Selection Committee recognizes that you must be a trusted friend and ally of this student and thanks you for participating in this scholarship award process. The information you provide is for use by the Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarship Selection Committee only and will remain confidential. The Committee may contact you if needed.

If you have any further questions, you may contact us at scholarship@teamdc.org.