MAHA is excited to announce the launch of the Marilyn J. Hay Youth Scholarship Program that offers $1,000 scholarships for MAHA youth members who have an intent to attend post-secondary education of any kind on a full-time basis. Scholarships are not based on financial status or need.
The program is available thanks to former long-time MAHA member Marilyn “Mickey” Hay, who recently left a portion of her estate to MAHA to be used for the furtherance of building up youth memberships and activities.
Scholarship requirements
- Must be 13 – 19 years old and have not yet graduated from high school (or its equivalent)
- Must be a member of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the Minnesota Arabian Horse Association (MAHA) with a competition card
- Must show in at least six (6) MAHA shows (Spring Fling and/or Fall Classic) during grades 9 – 12
- Children of active MAHA board members at the time of the award are not eligible
Special circumstances
In situations where a youth is unable to show at one or more MAHA shows solely due to their own documented illness or the unavailability of a horse, participation can be “made up” by volunteering for six hours at an alternative MAHA show or at a Region 10 show. This special exemption can only be used with approval by the Selection Committee and only for exceptional circumstances. The Selection Committee consists of the then current MAHA President, Vice President and Treasurer.
Documentation requirements
While no formal application is necessary, candidates must meet the documentation requirements within the specified timeframe. The scholarship award will be forfeited if the recipient fails to provide the appropriate documentation (or if the documentation can’t be verified) within 60 days of enrollment in a post-secondary educational institution. Documentation of the following must be provided to Lori Cherry lcherrymaha@gmail.com:
- Attendance at the required number of MAHA shows (e.g., an itemized receipt, AHA record of having shown, etc.)
- Documentation of USEF, AHA and MAHA memberships
- An active email address of the financial aid office of the intended institution
Payment of scholarship awards is made directly to the post-secondary educational institution that the recipient is enrolled.
NOTE: for the launch year (2025) the following modified requirements/award value:
- For those who are current Juniors in high school, such individuals must show in a minimum of four (4) MAHA shows
- For current Seniors in high school, a minimum of two (2) MAHA shows.
- Awards for current Juniors meeting the documentation requirements shall be $750.00
- Awards for current Seniors who meet the documentation requirements shall be $500.00
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