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Objective

 

In honor of the memory of Sri Murugan Patham and his numerous contributions to Arizona Tamil Sangam, as well as his dedicated service to local communities and Tamil communities around the world, Arizona Tamil Sangam (AZTS) established the Sri Murugan Patham Memorial Scholarship Program.

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The scholarship program recognizes and encourages Tamil students who demonstrate academic excellence, commitment to Tamil language and culture, leadership, and aspirations for higher education.

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Scholarship Awards

 

The funding for these scholarships comes from various sources, including contributions from Sri Murugan Patham’s family, Arizona Tamil Sangam, AZTS Tamil School, and community fundraising efforts organized by AZTS.

Current scholarship awards include:

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• $1,000 Scholarship for a Tamil student in Arizona

• $500 Scholarship for a Tamil student in Arizona

• Additional consolation awards may be presented at the discretion of the selection committee.

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Note: Scholarship award amounts, the number of awards, and eligibility criteria may be revised by Arizona Tamil Sangam from time to time based on funding availability and program requirements.

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Eligibility Requirements

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Applicants must:

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• Have attended Arizona Tamil Sangam Tamil School for at least two years.

• Be a Junior or Senior in a high school located in the State of Arizona.

• Apply only once during their high school years (either as a Junior or Senior).

• Complete and submit the scholarship application independently.

• Be prepared to attend an interview, if requested, to demonstrate Tamil reading, writing, and speaking proficiency.

 

Administration and Selection Committee

 

The Administration and Selection Committee may consist of current or former AZTS Board Members, current or former Tamil School Directors, educators, and other individuals nominated by the AZTS Board.

The committee follows an established evaluation process approved by the AZTS Board of Directors to:

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• Announce and promote the scholarship program

• Receive and review applications

• Evaluate applicants

• Select scholarship recipients

 

To ensure fairness and transparency, no parent of an applicant may serve on the selection committee during the year their child is being considered.

 

Annual Essay Topic

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Each year, AZTS will announce a scholarship topic or theme for applicants. The topic is designed to encourage students to demonstrate critical thinking, communication skills, and their understanding of relevant educational, cultural, or community issues.

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Selection Criteria

 

Applications are evaluated using a holistic review process that may include:

• Academic achievement and performance

• Tamil language proficiency

• Quality and originality of the essay submission

• Leadership qualities and extracurricular involvement

• Community service and volunteer activities

• Participation in Tamil School and cultural programs

• Personal accomplishments and future educational goals

In evaluating participation, the committee may also consider the duration of Tamil School attendance.

 

Rules and Guidelines

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• Scholarship awards are intended to support students pursuing higher education.

• The scholarship award applies to the recipient's first year of college attendance.

• Previous scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply again.

• Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements published for the scholarship program.

• Award funds will be issued directly in the student's name.

• Scholarship amounts and the number of awards are subject to change.

• Decisions made by the Selection Committee are final.

 

Scholarship Application

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Application forms, annual topics, submission deadlines, and award announcements will be published by Arizona Tamil Sangam each year.

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For scholarship-related inquiries and application submissions: scholarship@aztamilsangam.org