UCT Charities Heaston Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by United Commercial Travelers
Introduction
The UCT Charities Heaston Scholarship program supports students pursuing a four‑year college degree. Each year three separate scholarships are awarded — each renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. Award decisions are based on demonstrated perseverance, scholastic and extracurricular achievement, and community service.
Awards (three total each year)
- Jack & Betty Heaston Memorial Scholarship — $6,000 per year for four years.
- Betty Y. Heaston Memorial Scholarship — $3,000 per year for four years.
- Jack Heaston Memorial Scholarship — $3,000 per year for four years.
Important dates
- Application DEADLINE: applications must be RECEIVED (not postmarked) at the UCT North America office by March 15.
- Award notifications: scholarship recipients will be announced after May 1. Applicants will be notified in writing — please do not call.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be equivalent to a high school senior and planning to enroll in an undergraduate college program in the upcoming academic year.
- The scholarships are not need‑based; selection focuses on applicants’ personal narrative and achievements.
- One application covers consideration for all three named scholarships; the selection committee will determine which award, if any, a given applicant receives.
- Each year of the award requires proof of enrollment before funds for that year will be released.
Use of funds
- All scholarship monies must be applied to educational expenses. Funds will be issued directly to the recipient’s college or university.
Selection criteria
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- Evidence of hard work and the ability to overcome significant obstacles.
- Strong academic record and meaningful extracurricular involvement in high school.
- A genuine commitment to community service.
Application checklist — Required documents
A completed application must include the following items:
1) Personal narrative (two pages maximum)
- Describe your academic path, extracurricular involvement, community service, and give specific examples of challenges you have faced and how you worked to overcome them. Emphasize persistence and work ethic.
2) Three letters of recommendation
You must provide three separate reference letters from:
a) Your high school principal,
b) A recommending teacher or your guidance counselor, and
c) A representative of a community service organization where you have been active.
Each letter should state the referee’s relationship to you, how long they have known you, your strengths and weaknesses, and include illustrative examples of your community involvement, academic accomplishments, and work ethic.
3) Official transcript(s) from every high school attended
- Transcripts must be sent directly by the issuing school. Each transcript should be on school letterhead and bear an original school official’s signature or a notary seal/stamp. The transcript envelope must be sealed by the school.
4) College acceptance letter
- Submit your college/university acceptance letter as soon as you receive it.
Additional notes and conditions
- Because this award is not based on financial need, the personal narrative — particularly the portion detailing how you overcame obstacles — will serve as the deciding factor if applicants are equally qualified.
- Use the single application form for consideration for any of the three Heaston scholarships. The committee will assign the appropriate named award if selected.
- Annual verification of enrollment is required before each year’s disbursement.
Submission and contact
- Ensure your complete application packet is RECEIVED (not postmarked) at the UCT North America office by March 15.
- Award decisions are made after May 1 and applicants will be notified by mail/email. Please refrain from calling about the status of awards.