Michael Graham Scholarship Application

About the Michael Graham Scholarship 

The Michael Graham Scholarship is awarded to local Portland metropolitan area high school graduates who are refugees or immigrants and are non-native English speakers.  The scholarship pays for one academic year of advanced English Language (ESL) study in the Academic English Studies program at Lewis & Clark College. Candidates for the scholarship plan to go to a college or university and would like to improve their academic English skills beforehand.

About Academic English Studies (AES)

AES is a full-time intensive English program that prepares students for the intensive and rigorous academic work expected in US institutions of higher learning. This program is known for:

  • developing strong academic writing skills by exploring different writing styles and rhetorical patterns
  • refining in-depth research skills
  • increasing reading speed and comprehension while reading a wide variety of authentic texts and sources
  • building oral presentation skills
  • increasing the intercultural understanding necessary for university success
  • developing complex analytical and critical problem-solving skills in English

Typical Schedule and Homework Requirements

AES is an intensive English program. Students take classes Monday through Friday and are expected to do 15-30 hours of homework outside of class. The weekly schedule is:

Times Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9:10-11:20 Writing and Reading Courses
11:30-12:30 Communications Skills and Seminar Courses
12:30-1:50   Lunch Break   Lunch Break

 

 

1:50-4:00

Integrated Skills Course Integrated Skills Course

What is included in the Scholarship?

The Michael Graham Scholarship covers one academic year’s tuition and fees for the Academic English Studies Program, required textbooks, and a monthly Tri-Met bus pass or equivalent stipend.  This amounts to approximately $16,200.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this special scholarship must meet these minimum requirements:

  • 17 years of age or older
  • completed secondary school (high school)
  • previous English language study and minimum intermediate English skills
  • B or 3.0 GPA (grade point average) or equivalent
  • financial need

How to Apply

You will complete an on-line application form, where you will upload the required documents and answer a few questions.  You will also ask for two recommendation letters to be sent to Lewis & Clark (see below). Here are the details on the documents:

  • A personal essay.  Please write an essay explaining how this scholarship to study academic English will help you meet your future educational or professional goals.  Your essay must be 300-500 words.
  • Any documentation of prior educational experiences that you have available (transcripts, for example).
  • A recent school writing assignment in English. It must have been already graded by your teacher. Ask your teacher for assistance in selecting a paper. You may upload a PDF or a photo of the assignment.
  • Proof of financial need. This can be:
    • the approval letter for the PPS Free & Reduced Price Meals program.
    • evidence of family income or other eligibility which demonstrates your qualification for the PPS Free and Reduced Price Meals program.
    • FAFSA or CSS profile information.   Note:  FAFSA is not required.
  • Two recommendation letters. If possible, these should be from teachers, professors, or counselors and discuss your potential for success in AES.

Graham Application - We are not accepting applications at this time. Please check back in March 2024.

Graham Recommendation Upload Form (For Teachers)

Important:  Do not apply to Lewis & Clark College.  The application for the Graham Scholarship is the only form you need to complete.

Timeline

We are not accepting applications at this time. Please check back in March 2024.

For questions regarding the application, please contact: