As you’ve probably heard, this year’s California State PTA Convention will be taking place April 30-May 3 down in San Jose, right next door to us. We’ve mentioned that attending Convention is a great opportunity to get training, network with other PTA members statewide, have a voice in the direction of the statewide organization, and encourage your members to get more involved in PTA. But did you know that 17th District is offering scholarships to help defray the costs of Convention?

We are offering a number of scholarships of up to $500, depending on how many applications are received, which may be applied towards the costs of going to Convention (registration, housing, meals, and transportation). The scholarship is intended for new and emerging leaders who have been elected by their PTA/PTSA to be a full-time voting delegate at Convention. The deadline for the scholarship application is March 10, 2009, and you can download the scholarship application here [PDF].

What if I’m not going to be attending full-time? If you are interested in attending Convention but cannot attend as a full-time delegate, but are still interested in financial aid, please contact Kathryn Cross, Vice President of Programs & Convention. If we have additional scholarship money available, we might be able to help defray your Convention costs as well, depending on your circumstances.

Prospective student delegates are also invited and encouraged to attend Convention, and are welcome to apply for this scholarship as well. (Previously, 17th District offered separate scholarships for emerging leaders and for students; we are combining them this year to better meet the needs of our applicant pool.)

Don’t delay, because these scholarships are due in less than three weeks! If you have any questions, please contact Kathryn Cross, Vice President of Programs & Convention.