MERCHANTS EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

** The 2011 Scholarship Application is currently being reviewed and updated.  Please visit this site again in October for the new 2011 scholarship application. **

In December of 2003, the Merchants Exchange established a new entity, The Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund, which is the successor to the Women's Shipping Club Scholarship Fund, established in 1981.  Their goals were to provide scholarships to individuals who had made a commitment to work in the marine transportation industry and international trade.  It is our goal to continue the work of this fund and it is our hope that students interested in international trade and the marine transportation industry will be encouraged to apply.

The Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund, (MEXSF) continues with the objective to improve the awareness of careers in Maritime Affairs/International Trade.  It is our hope to further the career goals of students who have an interest in this area of study.  The scholarships are awarded to those that have demonstrated academic ability and personal qualities which will permit them to benefit from higher education.  These scholarships are awarded to sophomore level college students. 

The maritime industry throughout the Pacific Northwest recognizes the challenge to meet the financial requirements of schooling.  It is our hope that by offering these scholarships that you will find support from the industry you have chosen and will find ways to further your interests, define your goals and become involved with the industry while you are in school.

For more information about the Scholarship Fund or questions about the application process, please contact Margerie Sedam at the Merchants Exchange, by email at Sedam@pdxmex.com or by phone at (503) 220-2092

SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

0. Each Scholarship will be for $1,500.00. Scholarship funds will be used for tuition, fees and books. The Scholarship Committee has the option to renew an award to a first-year recipient.
0. Selection Process - In offering the scholarships, MEX SF intends to provide the opportunity to improve academic and technical abilities and improve job skills and attitudes, thereby enhancing the individual's contributions to the field of Maritime Affairs/International Trade. Recipients will be selected during June from applications submitted to MEX SF:
    
   
   0. Area of interest must be in Maritime Affairs/International Trade.
       
   0. The Scholarship Program is intended to encourage selection of students who have demonstrated academic achievement and who exhibit high personal qualities.  Financial need may be considered if other factors are equal.
       
   0. The applicant should be prepared to sign a letter of intent to attend as a student in a degree program and be committed to completion of the educational program as it relates to Maritime Affairs/International Trade.
       
   0. The applicant must have completed minimum credit hours equivalent to one (1) academic year at an accredited institution of higher education and have a minimum 2.5 G.P.A.
       
0. Administrative Process - It is the intent of the MEX SF that the institution administers the scholarship program given the following guidelines:
    
   
   0. Credit memos should be used with the student having no direct access to cash.
       
   0. Payments by MEX SF to the institution will be on an annual basis, by September 1, with annual review and approval.
       
   0. Minimum 2.5 G.P.A., attendance, and course completion standards must be maintained to remain qualified.
       
   0. Carry-over of funds from one (1) year to the next is acceptable.
       
   0. If any studentdoes not fully utilize his or her scholarship, the unused funds may be given in the form of a scholarship to an alternate student using the selection process outlined above.
       
0. Application - To apply for the MEX Scholarship Fund, click on the "Apply Now" button and fill out he application form completely. The form will then be submitted electronically. In addition, applicants MUST send a sealed and certified grade transcript by mail to :
    
   Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund, 200 SW Market, Suite 190, Portland, OR 97201

** The 2011 Scholarship Application is currently being reviewed and updated.  Please visit this site again in October for the new 2011 scholarship application. **