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 SEDA Scholarship Guidelines
As a way to ‘give back’ to our dedicated members and to encourage continuing education in our sport, the SEDA Board has voted to establish a scholarship program. The purpose of the scholarships and the guidelines for application are described below.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the SEDA Scholarship Program is to provide educational opportunities for a wide variety of members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to and/or service to SEDA. In particular, the committee seeks to support qualified members to take advantage of specific opportunities for advancement with the understanding that the membership and the sport will benefit as a result of the knowledge and experience gained.
Scholarship Program
As part of SEDA’s mission, educational scholarships are made available to members who wish to expand their training in dressage/eventing. Scholarships are awarded twice a year. Deadlines for receipt of applications are May 1st and November 1st. Scholarships must be used to participate in educational programs that include, but are not limited to: seminars, workshops, clinics and training programs. To request funding, members may apply as either a Senior or Young Rider.
Process details
1) Applicant must be a current SEDA member in order to submit a scholarship application. Applications must be received by the first of May or November. Completed applications require at least one letter of recommendation from someone (trainer) who can describe the applicant’s current level of riding and abilities.
2) There are two categories in which members may apply: Senior or Young Rider. If the applicant is unsure which category is appropriate, contact the Scholarship Committee Chair.
3) The Scholarship Committee (consisting of at least 3 members), will meet to review applications in a timely manner. They will award scholarships depending upon the availability of funds, qualifications of applicants, etc.
4) The Committee will screen each application with a uniform set of criteria in order to ensure equity among applicants. While the criteria are slightly different for each category, they generally include such benchmarks as length of SEDA membership, volunteer history, other scholarships received, competition level and any previous awards and recognition. In the Young Rider category one of the criteria is Character, including: Scholastic, Leadership, Responsibilities, Teamwork, etc.
5) The Scholarship Committee will notify all applicants of the outcome. Those who are awarded scholarships will be notified by a “Letter of Award” which outlines how the scholarship can be used, as well as requesting the recipient submit an essay sharing their experience which will be published in the SEDA newsletter. Some ways that recipients can ‘give back’ for their scholarship assistance include: giving clinics, organizing a clinic, or organizing a fundraising event for Scholarships. Award recipients must provide receipts to the Treasurer for reimbursement of expenses (up to a maximum of $200) associated with the scholarship. Award recipients may not reapply for another scholarship for a period of one year.
Scholarship must be used within one year from date of award. Award recipients must wait a period of one year from receipt of their award before they may reapply.
All applicants are encouraged to maintain copies of their applications and letter(s) of recommendation. Applicants not chosen are strongly encouraged to reapply for the next scholarship award and may resubmit previous applications/letters of recommendation.
Download Application (pdf)
Other Scholarships and Grants
Other dressage and eventing organizations offer their own scholarship programs for qualified applicants. Check out the links below for more information on what is available from these institutions.
USDF & Region 9 Educational Grants:
Grants/ Funds are available for Adult or Youth Education Camps, Clinics, & Seminars.
Link to USDF Youth Educational Grant Application
Region 9 Adult Education Grant
The Dressage Foundation
United States Dressage Federation (continuing education programs)
United States Eventing Association
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