Jay '66 & Bettie Lee Yerka Scholarship for Excellence in Recreation and Leisure Studies

The Jay ’66 and Bettie Lee Yerka Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Recreation and Leisure Studies was established by Dr. Bettie Lee Yerka in memory of her late husband, Jay. This scholarship will be awarded to non-traditional continuing undergraduate or graduate student(s) majoring in Therapeutic Recreation. The recipient must be a full or part-time student taking at least six credit hours, have a minimum grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0 and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities. Award will be split evenly between the fall and spring semesters. Funding is based on availability.

Selection Criteria

  • awarded to a matriculated non-traditional continuing undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing at SUNY Cortland
  • has a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average
  • enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester
  • majoring in a residential, campus-based therapeutic recreation degree program. Graduate students must have a concentration of therapeutic recreation.
  • is a nontraditional student (adult learner)
  • has demonstrated leadership skills and demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities.
  • enrolled part-time or full-time (at least 6 credit hours each fall and spring semester)
  • student must have at least one full academic year remaining at the start of the fall semester of award year

Renewal Information

  • This scholarship is a one-time award and is non-renewable

Scholarship funding is determined by the Cortland College Foundation. Scholarship amounts and availability are subject to change.

Recipient will be honored at Honors Convocation in April.

Award
$1,500
Deadline
02/01/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Are you a Non-Traditional student? SUNY Cortland defines Non-Traditional students as: at least 24 years or older OR those students who, regardless of age, have dependent children OR have had an interruption or delay in their education since high school
  2. In essay format (250 words minimum) please answer the following: What are your educational/academic goals? What are your future career plans? How to do you plan to use your studies to achieve your future career plans?
  3. The Jay '66 and Bettie Lee Yerka Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Recreation and Leisure Studeis is given to a recreation major who has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and has high moral/ethical character. How do you exemplify these charateristics and qualities?
  4. Please include include your Resume including your expected graduation date and any previous colleges/universities you attended. Please format your resume using the following titles: Employment (list in chronological order starting with current position, Volunteer Experience, Club/Organization Memberships (offices held, committee responsibilities, with dates), Awards and Honors (include dates), Certifications, Any additional information you wish to add.