Preliminary approval given for a scholarship program

At the January 19th, board of directors meeting of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, preliminary approval was given for the establishment of a scholarship program. The intent of this initiative is to promote career advancement opportunities to our members, particularly towards the pursuit of Appraisal Institute designations (SRA, SRPA, MAI). It is currently planned that the review committee shall meet annually during the spring period with scholarship awards typically being funded as reimbursements. These reimbursements would be made upon submission by the applicant via necessary receipts/transcripts in accordance with established policies. Scholarships will be considered for actions/activities established as criteria to achieve the desired designation. The scholarship committee has the latitude to consider those expenses associated with designation application (such as demonstration report, experience review, etc.) The overall goal of the program is to advance educational excellence among our membership and maintain a robust and independent Rhode Island Chapter. The scholarships will be awarded to the members of the Rhode Island Chapter pursuing certification or designation education for fulfilling designation requirements. Of the two scholarships that are intended to be awarded, one shall be reserved for woman and minority applicants while the other is available to all chapter members. Brad Hevenor, chairman of the scholarship committee is convinced that the establishment of a scholarship program will bring benefits to our membership and our local chapter to include but not necessarily limited to, improve retention by offering a tangible benefit, expand membership into under-represented groups, promote the visibility of the Rhode Island Chapter within the academic community and continue to promote the professional designations of SRA, SRPA, and MAI, to mention a few. The application process and associated budgeting items has been presented to the board of directors by Hevenor for comment and approval along with a recommended application for scholarship support, received enthusiastic endorsement by the board. Great job Hevenor!! The entire "Scholarship Program" will be forwarded to "Chicago" for legal review. William McGovern, SRA, is president, Rhode Island Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.