Investment in Community Fellowship

Selection Criteria

A panel of academic and community professionals will review and evaluate all eligible Fellowship applications and make recommendations to the Clark Foundation. The Foundation will make the final selection. Award selection criteria include, among others, the following:

Born, raised, and/or have lived in one of the coastal communities of the Monterey Peninsula (Marina, Sand City, Seaside, Del Rey Oaks, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley Village, and Big Sur) for a long enough period of time that they consider this area their permanent residence. Merely attending an educational institution in the Monterey area is not sufficient. (See Note 1 below)

• Enrollment in an advanced program of study in a field of significant public interest benefit. Applicant must be currently enrolled or be able to substantiate acceptance to and enrollment for the academic year for which the Fellowship is awarded.
  
  
• Above average academic achievement.
  
  
• Potential to make a significant contribution to society in general and, in particular, the coastal communities of the Monterey Peninsula.
  
  
• Proven commitment to volunteerism and public service.
  
  
• Demonstrated passion for community betterment and able to document a continuing philosophy toward community service for the area.
  
  
• Responsible career goals for advancement in his or her chosen field.

To ensure a fair and objective review process, it is the policy of the Foundation not to comment on the deliberation of the awards panel. Thus, the Foundation is unable to provide written or oral evaluations of applications after the decisions are made. No provisions exist for reconsideration of applications after Fellowships are announced. All applications and supporting materials become the property of the Clark Foundation and, as such, cannot be returned. By submitting an application, the applicant accepts these conditions as stated.

Immediate relatives of the Clark Foundation’s Board of Directors, staff, and Fellowship Selection Committee are not eligible as candidates for the Fellowship.

An applicant may attend an educational institution outside of the Monterey Peninsula area, however, applicants are required to document they have met the residency requirement as stated above and have the intent to remain connected to the area through work, residence, and community service.

Note 1: In rare circumstances, an applicant living outside of the coastal communities listed above but still living within Monterey County, will have performed such outstanding community service on the Monterey Peninsula that he/she will be given consideration by the Selection Committee.

© 2007-2009 Willis W. & Ethel M. Clark Foundation