🎓 Scholarships

CBIA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, registered in the State of Texas in 1990. During its more than 5 years of existence, CBIA has striven to meet the varying needs of the growing Indian community in Corpus Christi and the surrounding area. One such current need is the establishment of a scholarship fund, aimed at promoting educational excellence within the community.

Two scholarships will be granted by CBIA each year:

1. Rajesh Bhakta Memorial Scholarship, granted for excellence in academic and extracurricular activities.
2. CBIA Need-Based Award, based on the financial needs of the applicant, will be pursued in the future.

Eligibility:

1. The applicant's family shall be a member of CBIA.
2. At least one parent or grandparent of the applicant must be of Indian origin.
3. The applicant must be a high school senior, graduating in the current year.
4. Minimal eligibility criteria for application is S.A.T Score of 1200 and G.P.A. of 3.5 (e.g., G.P.A of 3.00 corresponds to 80%, 3.5 to 90%, and 4.00 corresponds to 100%).

Required Documentation:

The following documents must be submitted by the applicant to the scholarship Sub- committee:

1. Grade Point Averages for the High School years.
2. S.A.T Score.
3. Class rank during four years of high school.
4. List of Academic and/or other Honors/awards received in the high school years, including:
   • Scholarships
   • Memberships in clubs and societies
   • Awards
5. List of Extracurricular Activities, including:
   • Sports
   • Hobbies
   • Volunteer Activities
   • Participation in cultural activities (e.g., CBIA functions)
   • Other special activities such as fine arts, music, scouting, religious involvement, etc.
6. A descriptive essay on their extracurricular activities (items 4 and 5) during high school years is needed (200-300 words).
7. A letter from the school supporting G.P.A. and class rank.

Selection Criteria:

The Selection Committee will choose the recipient of the Rajesh Bhata Memorial Scholarship Award for academic excellence and extracurricular activities. Appendix B describes the selection criteria and lists their weighting. Based on the application the Selection Committee will award points for each of the criteria and choose the winner scoring the maximum total points. In case of a tie, the judges may divide the available scholarship funds amongst them. The candidate will be disqualified, if there is any evidence (including police records) of substance abuse.

Section Committee:

The Selection Committee will be composed of three individuals, in good standing in the Coastal Bend Community at large (not belonging to the CBIA committee), selected by the Scholarship sub-committee. The Selection Committee will appoint its own designated leader who will report the findings to the Scholarship Sub-Committee.

Scholarship Award Amounts

The Scholarship Subcommittee is responsible for raising the required principal amount for the CBIA Scholarship Fund. The Fund will be invested in an insured money market or a CB account at a local bank. The scholarship awards will be given out yearly from the interest/dividends earned from CBIA scholarship Fund in that year. However, a minimum of $500.00 award is reserved. If there are additional earnings on the account, the CBIA Scholarship Sub-Committee may recommend more than one scholarship, specify the amount of scholarship, and advise the Selection Committee to nominate the candidates accordingly. In case of a shortfall, it is the responsibility of the Scholarship Sub-Committee to raise the required funds for that year. Principals raised may not be withdrawn from giving the scholarship except during the first year.