ACP Foundation College Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Adam Charles Ports Foundation

Description

The Adam Charles Ports (ACP) Foundation awards scholarships to support the academic advancement of individuals who have trained in martial arts. The program targets students pursuing higher education and aims to recognize the discipline and achievement developed through martial-arts training. Applications are accepted online and reviewed by the foundation according to established selection criteria. These scholarships are intended to offset education costs and help recipients continue their studies.

Key takeaways:
- Scholarships support students who have trained in martial arts and are pursuing higher education.
- Applications are submitted online and evaluated by the ACP Foundation.
- The program emphasizes academic advancement and recognition of martial-arts discipline.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet specific residency and training requirements to qualify for an ACP Foundation scholarship. Candidates must have completed at least one year of training in any martial-arts style. Applicants also must either be residents of Ohio or be undergraduates with a permanent Ohio address and currently enrolled in a college, university, or vocational program. All eligibility conditions listed on the Scholarship Application Checklist must be satisfied and documented.

Key takeaways:
- Minimum: one year of martial-arts training required.
- Residency: Ohio resident or undergraduate with a permanent Ohio address.
- Complete all eligibility items on the Scholarship Application Checklist.

Evaluation Criteria

The foundation evaluates applications using a combination of recommendations, written materials, and documented accomplishments. Selection factors include an instructor’s recommendation, a two-page essay on the assigned topic, a personal statement, and the applicant’s martial-arts accomplishments. Reviewers consider the overall quality and authenticity of submitted materials when making award decisions. Applicants should ensure each required element is clear, well-written, and accurately reflects their experience.

Key takeaways:
- Required evaluation components: instructor recommendation, 2-page essay, personal statement, martial-arts accomplishments.
- Quality and authenticity of materials are critical in the review.
- Follow the application instructions closely to meet evaluation expectations.

Award Value and Distribution

Scholarship awards begin at $1,000 and are granted in various amounts based on selection decisions. Awards are disbursed directly to the recipient’s accredited school to be applied toward tuition or related educational expenses. Prior to disbursement, the foundation requires the recipient’s Social Security number and student ID number to process funds. Distribution is timed to support tuition needs for the upcoming term.

Key takeaways:
- Minimum award size: $1,000.
- Funds are paid directly to the recipient’s school.
- Recipient must provide SSN and student ID before disbursement.

Application Timeline

The foundation sets firm dates for award decisions and fund distribution that applicants must follow. Scholarship recipients are announced in October (e.g., the next award cycle is scheduled for October 2025). Scholarship funds are distributed to schools during the winter quarter or semester so they are available for spring-term tuition. Applicants must submit the complete application package by the posted deadline to be considered.

Key takeaways:
- Award announcements: October (next cycle: October 2025).
- Funds distributed in winter quarter/semester for spring tuition.
- Submit the complete application by the published deadline.

Application Checklist

A complete application requires specific documents and forms; missing items will render an application ineligible. Required items include the Scholarship Application Form, proof of enrollment or acceptance (or current course registration), a martial-arts instructor’s recommendation letter, a one-page personal statement, and a two- to three-page double-spaced essay on the assigned topic. Applicants must also include the completed internal checklist and submit the full package by the deadline. Complete both sides of the online application if prompted.

Key takeaways:
- Documents required: application form, proof of enrollment/registration, instructor recommendation, personal statement, and essay.
- Essay length: 2–3 pages, double-spaced; personal statement: one page.
- Include and sign the internal checklist; complete both sides of the online form if applicable.

History of the Award

Since its founding, the ACP Foundation has awarded scholarships to martial-arts students to support their college and vocational studies. The program has grown through donations and sponsorships, enabling the foundation to expand award opportunities year over year. The foundation acknowledges and thanks donors and sponsors whose support makes the scholarship program possible. Continued donor support remains central to the foundation’s mission to help martial-arts-trained students pursue higher education.

Key takeaways:
- The program has expanded through donor and sponsor support.
- Scholarships are designed to help martial-arts students pursue higher education.
- Donor contributions are essential to sustaining and growing the awards.