NYCHA Programs Scholarships
What is LEAP?
LEAP (Levels of Excellence Award Program) is a "levels" program created in 1994 that allows youth members to accumulate LEAP points throughout their Youth career, earning awards and recognition as they climb the ladder of success. LEAP points are earned through participation in NYCHA, writing an article, giving a speech, or helping with fundraisers. Youth also earn points based on their performance in the cutting arena. The program was designed as a reference for youth participation overall in the NYCHA and to also recognize youth in the cutting horse family for participation in youth activities and even if they were not showing cutting horses.
LEAP Awards
LEAP awards are given for:
- Initial (1,000 points)
- Bronze (2,500 points)
- Silver (5,000 points)
- Gold (7,500 points)
- Platinum (10,000 points)
- Diamond (15,000 points)
Why is it important to participate in LEAP?
It is mandatory for a youth to participate in LEAP to reach the NYCHA Hall of Fame; in addition, LEAP gives all youth members a way to be recognized for their participation in the NCHA's youth organization. It gives youth from all levels of experience and ability a chance to reach the NYCHA Hall of Fame by participating in many activities. LEAP points also play an important role in selecting recipients of the NYCHA Scholarships.
How can I participate in LEAP and what are the requirements?
To participate in LEAP a youth must first become a member of NYCHA. Dues for the NYCHA are currently $25 a year per member. Youth may join NYCHA at any time during the year by filling out the Membership Form found in the Chatter Magazine or on the NCHA website. To participate in LEAP the youth member simply needs to fill out and submit a LEAP form each year. Youth may participate starting at any age once they become a member and start participating in educational clinics and fun events like horse anatomy clinics, belt-making clinics, contests, and other youth activities, such as the Easter Egg Hunt at the Super Stakes.
How do I get my LEAP form?
LEAP forms are mailed to all current NYCHA members during the second quarter of each year, so it is important to pay your dues early!
* Must be postmarked NO LATER than September 1st of each year. LEAP forms will NOT be accepted after this date.
Download 2017 LEAP Form HERE.
Download LEAP Information Packet HERE.
* Must be postmarked NO LATER than September 1st of each year. LEAP forms will NOT be accepted after this date.
Download 2017 LEAP Form HERE.
Download LEAP Information Packet HERE.
NYCHA Regional Scholarship Grant Program
The NYCHA will award $2,000 for a regional youth scholarship cutting event based on first come-first serve to NCHA affiliates/show producers who meet the required qualifications. (Only one grant per region awarded each calendar year.)
A maximum of $4,000 to be awarded annually. Individual grants awarded in the amount of $2,000 to be used for regional scholarship cutting purposes only. Only one grant awarded to a region per year.
Grants are awarded to NCHA affiliate show producers holding a regional scholarship cutting event. The regional scholarship cutting entry must be open to all NCHA youth members who are eligible to show in an area within each region.
Click for full REQUIREMENTS and APPLICATION.
A maximum of $4,000 to be awarded annually. Individual grants awarded in the amount of $2,000 to be used for regional scholarship cutting purposes only. Only one grant awarded to a region per year.
Grants are awarded to NCHA affiliate show producers holding a regional scholarship cutting event. The regional scholarship cutting entry must be open to all NCHA youth members who are eligible to show in an area within each region.
Click for full REQUIREMENTS and APPLICATION.
NCHA Youth Judging Program
NYCHA members, ages 16 through 18, are now eligible to apply for the honor of becoming an NCHA Youth Judge if they have won a minimum of $10,000 in NCHA lifetime earnings, or fifty youth points (worth $200 each), or a combination of both which equals $10,000.
This is an unique opportunity to train under the NCHA Director of Judges while earning LEAP points. LEAP points are valuable for obtaining Youth Scholarships and are vital for the Youth Hall of Fame.
All Youth Judging applicants are eligible to attend only after their application and paperwork is received by the NCHA office at least two weeks prior to each clinic date.
Click for full INSTRUCTIONS and APPLICATION.
This is an unique opportunity to train under the NCHA Director of Judges while earning LEAP points. LEAP points are valuable for obtaining Youth Scholarships and are vital for the Youth Hall of Fame.
All Youth Judging applicants are eligible to attend only after their application and paperwork is received by the NCHA office at least two weeks prior to each clinic date.
Click for full INSTRUCTIONS and APPLICATION.
NCHA - CIA Charities Foundation Scholarship
PURPOSE
The CIA's top priorities are the education of our youth and assistance to the NCHA families in times of crisis. NCHA Charities has provided $478,000 in scholarship funds to children of NCHA members. There are nine individual funds available to provide financial-aid scholarships to NCHA youth.
DESCRIPTION
The scholarship varies depending on the applicant's financial need. Typical scholarship awards are $5,000, $2,000, or $1,000 payable in the fall and spring semesters in those increments per semester. Scholarships will be paid to the college or university in the student's name. The NCHA Charities Foundation supports these scholarships through individual donations, fundraisers, and anonymous donor.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The applicant OR one immediate family member of the applicant must be an active NCHA member in good standing for the past three years. The applicant need not be a member.
* Applications MUST be postmarked by February 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Click here for APPLICATION.
The CIA's top priorities are the education of our youth and assistance to the NCHA families in times of crisis. NCHA Charities has provided $478,000 in scholarship funds to children of NCHA members. There are nine individual funds available to provide financial-aid scholarships to NCHA youth.
DESCRIPTION
The scholarship varies depending on the applicant's financial need. Typical scholarship awards are $5,000, $2,000, or $1,000 payable in the fall and spring semesters in those increments per semester. Scholarships will be paid to the college or university in the student's name. The NCHA Charities Foundation supports these scholarships through individual donations, fundraisers, and anonymous donor.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The applicant OR one immediate family member of the applicant must be an active NCHA member in good standing for the past three years. The applicant need not be a member.
* Applications MUST be postmarked by February 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Click here for APPLICATION.
NYCHA Educational Grant Program
NYCHA Educational Grant Program
*Click here for Tips for Having a Successful Clinic.
- Individual grants of $500-$1,000 to be awarded to NCHA areas or affiliates
- For the educational instruction of NYCHA members
- Maximum of $5,000 to be awarded annually
- Grants to be used for educational purposes only
- Speaker fees
- Educational materials
- Use of facility
- Cattle fees (ONLY for clinic or educational programs)
*Click here for Tips for Having a Successful Clinic.
The Dogwood Foundation Scholarship
PURPOSE
To reward NYCHA members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, sportsmanship and showmanship with their involvement in the National Youth Cutting Horse Association.
DESCRIPTION
The scholarship is an annual $2,000 scholarship payable in equal shares in the fall and spring semesters. The amount awarded is paid to the college listing the student's name as beneficiary. The Dogwood Foundation supports these scholarships through the NCHA Charities Foundation. Four scholarships will be awarded each year.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Click here for APPLICATION.
To reward NYCHA members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, sportsmanship and showmanship with their involvement in the National Youth Cutting Horse Association.
DESCRIPTION
The scholarship is an annual $2,000 scholarship payable in equal shares in the fall and spring semesters. The amount awarded is paid to the college listing the student's name as beneficiary. The Dogwood Foundation supports these scholarships through the NCHA Charities Foundation. Four scholarships will be awarded each year.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have been a member of NYCHA for at least three years
- Applicant must have participated in the Levels of Excellence Award Program (LEAP)
- Applicant must have a GPA minimum of 3.0
- Applicant must submit an essay (not over 1000 words) addressing "What makes me an outstanding candidate for the leadership, sportsmanship and showmanship scholarship from the Dogwood Foundation".
- Applicant must submit one letter of recommendation.
Click here for APPLICATION.
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