The James Randi Educational Foundation

2012-2013

Critical Thinking Educational Scholarship Awards

How to Apply
and
Criteria for Awards

The James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) will once again be supporting promising students with $2,000 in academic scholarships to be awarded by February 2013. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving students in potentially any field of study, one at the graduate level and a second at the undergraduate level. In addition, this year each scholarship recipient will be given free full regular admission to TAM 2013 (July 11-14, 2013), which includes full registration, an All Workshop Pass, and tickets to all evening shows. (Travel and lodging not included.)



The criteria for awarding the scholarships will include the applicant’s academic potential, current or past contributions to fostering critical thinking, and most importantly, their plan for building critical thinking skills into their chosen field of study. Only students attending US institutions will be considered. The James Randi Educational Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1996. Its aim is to promote critical thinking by reaching out to the public and media with reliable information about paranormal and supernatural ideas so widespread in our society today.

Each applicant must complete the application form and have a transcript (unofficial is acceptable) sent from their college or university, or high school (if not yet in college or just started). Attach a typed, double-spaced essay (500 words maximum) clearly and directly addressing these questions:

What notable contributions or activities have you participated in to promote critical thinking? How do you intend to apply critical thinking skills to your chosen area of study, and how will your proposed degree and career directly promote the mission goals of the James Randi Educational Foundation?

Letters of recommendation are not required. If applicants wish to submit letters on their behalf, however, the letters should be sent directly from the writer, on appropriate letterhead, directly to the address below.

The application form is here in MS Word format and PDF format.

Once completed, the application must be sent to:

JREF Scholarship Committee
Dr. Raymond Hall
2345 E. San Ramon Ave. MS: MH037
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CA 93740

Applications must be received in hard copy form at the above address to be considered. Specific questions can be sent to the Scholarship Committee Chair, Dr. Raymond Hall (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

All applications MUST be received by January 10, 2013.


Summary:

  • Two scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $1000, one to an undergraduate student and another to a graduate level student.

  • The winners must each provide some kind of proof of enrollment prior to receiving the award money.

  • Each winner will be given his or her award directly in the form of a check. The winners are solely responsible for proper accounting of the monies involved after the awards have been given.

  • Each recipient will also receive a free full regular admission to TAM 2013 (July 11-14, 2013), which includes full registration, an All Workshop Pass, and tickets to all evening shows.

  • Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and potential, commitment to enhancing critical thinking skills, potential, and the content and quality of the essay.

  • Decisions of the Scholarship Committee will be final.

  • The committee will consider the totality of each applicant's skills and career path, such as the applicant's choice of university and field of research.

  • Scholarships may be awarded to students enrolled, or admitted to, colleges and universities at the graduate or undergraduate level in potentially any field of academic study, in the United States or internationally.

  • Committee reserves the right to evaluate quality of school and school’s academic reputation as part of the awarding criteria.

  • Scholarships are not based on financial need.

  • Scholarships will be announced in February 2013.

  • Employees and Senior Volunteers of the JREF, members of the scholarship committee, and their families, are not eligible.