NCCSE - Scholarship

Bob Grundstrom Memorial Scholarship

The Scholarship

Bob Grundstrom was a dedicated, respected, and loved teacher of students with disabilities in the Vista Unified School District for 18 years. He was well known for his work with students with significant disabilities at the middle school, high school and college aged levels and he developed the NCCSE regional classes at Sierra Vista High School, Palomar College, Mira Costa College, and Roosevelt Middle School. His gentle and caring way with everyone led both staff and parents to respect him and work together for the good of the students.

Through his love and concern for his students, Bob helped them to see and then realize their gifts to their fullest potential. In life as well as in his career, Bob was a strong supporter of higher education. Through his example and encouragement, he always led others to further their learning.

The NCCSE Challenge Scholarship has been renamed in Bob’s honor and we look forward to having many students receive benefit from post-high school training and/or education.

General Information

Funds are available through Medi-Cal billing for scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need and intent to attend either higher education or training programs after high school or during transition services. Amounts of scholarships will be a maximum of $1500 per year, to be disbursed in two payments of $750 each, the first in the fall and the second in the spring. Scholarships will be renewable up to four years of schooling if the student continues to make progress in the program.

Eligibility

Students who receive special education services from a NCCSE member district
Students who demonstrate financial need, need may be established by qualifying for free or reduced lunch or other aide sources which we can verify
Eligible students are those who are not provided for by the following agencies or have only minimal assistance from them:
- Regional Center
- Department of Rehabilitation
- Department of Social Services
- Social Security
Citizens or residents of the United States

Application Requirements

All application requirements, as specified in the application packet, are to be completed by the student and include:

Background information form
Senior/grad written, audio or video recorded statement describing something unique and distinct about the student.
Authorization form to use likeness/photograph and materials and release of information.
Three letters written by special education teacher and general education teacher or administrator and others, written on school letterhead using the nomination guidelines.
Official transcripts that include the overall/cumulative GPA
A headshot picture of the student with the student’s name, school and graduation date written on the back

Download scholarship application packet 2011-2012 (PDF)

Selection Criteria

A committe will review the applications, conduct interviews and determine award winners.
Awards will be made to those demonstrating the highest levels of commitment to the planning of their education as communicated in the personal statement and involvement in other planning-related activities, academic achievement, strong letters of recommendation, and financial need.

The Award Process

The selection committee will review applications and conduct interviews in March.
Award recipients will be announced in March. Recipients' schools will be notified for student recognition at award ceremonies.
Award recipients are required to provide proof of enrollment for fall in a minimum of 9 units and a contact name and mailing information for the school’s financial aid/business office, to insure proper payment to the student’s account at the school.
Upon receipt of required materials, the first part of the award will be paid to the student’s account at the school for the fall semester. The second part of the award will be paid to the school for the spring semester, contigent on a written report from the school that the student is still enrolled in a minimum of 9 units and maintaining a satisfactory level of work. Scholarships will be renewable up to four years contigent the student continues to provide written reports of satisfactory progress as described above.
The applicant is responsible to notify NCCSE of any change of address for any and all notices.

Deadline

The deadline to submit the application for the Bob Grundstrom Scholarship is 5:00 p.m. February 29th, 2012. All original application information must be received at NCCSE by that date. Late, faxed or electronic documents will not be accepted.

Please note:
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the Committee. To check on the status of your application, call Fabiola Vasquez at 760.761.5119 or send your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.