Official FormsPal Scholarship Rules

Last Updated: November 6, 2024

By applying for the FormsPal Scholarship Essay Contest (the “Scholarship”), you agree to be bound by these Official FormsPal Scholarship Rules (“Official Rules”). Any violation of these Official Rules may result in disqualification from the Scholarship. If you disagree with these Official Rules, please do not apply for or accept the Scholarship’s award.

These Official Rules are an integral part of the Scholarship application process. FormsPal reserves the right to modify or terminate the Scholarship and these Official Rules at any time in its sole discretion.

Note: If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must read and consent to these Official Rules on your behalf.

1. General Conditions

A. Eligibility

Educational Enrollment: To qualify for the Scholarship, applicants must fulfill specific educational and residency criteria. Firstly, they must be enrolled either full-time or part-time in their senior year of high school or be attending an accredited college or university within the United States. This includes homeschooled students who are at the equivalent high school level, ensuring that all forms of secondary education are recognized and valued.

Field of Study: The scholarship is open to students from all fields of study, embracing a diverse range of academic disciplines. There are no restrictions based on the applicant’s major or area of interest, reflecting FormsPal’s commitment to supporting education across all sectors.

Nationality and Legal Residency: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. However, they must have legal authorization to study in the United States. This includes U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and individuals holding a valid student visa. The scholarship aims to support a global community of learners who are legally studying in the U.S.

Academic Standing: Academic integrity is paramount; therefore, applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with their educational institution. This means they should be meeting their school’s academic requirements and adhering to its code of conduct, demonstrating both scholastic achievement and personal responsibility.

Age Requirement: There are no age restrictions for the Scholarship, provided the educational criteria are met. This inclusivity ensures that non-traditional students and those who have returned to education later in life have equal opportunities to receive financial support.

Exclusions: Certain individuals are excluded to maintain fairness and avoid conflicts of interest. Employees, representatives, and agents of FormsPal, along with their immediate family members—which include parents, children, siblings, or spouses—or those residing in the same household, are not eligible to apply. Additionally, previous recipients of the FormsPal Scholarship are not eligible to reapply, allowing new candidates the chance to benefit from the award.

Compliance: FormsPal reserves the right to verify the eligibility of all applicants. Any applicant who does not meet the specified requirements or who violates these Official Rules may be disqualified. This ensures the integrity of the scholarship program and that the awards go to those who fully comply with all guidelines.

B. Application Process

No Purchase Necessary: There is no purchase or payment required to apply for the FormsPal Scholarship. The application process is entirely free, ensuring that all eligible students have equal access to this opportunity without any financial barriers.

Application Requirements: Applicants must submit a complete application, which includes all the required materials, by the specified deadline. This involves preparing and submitting an original essay that adheres to the provided guidelines and any other documentation requested. All essays and application materials must be the original work of the applicant and must be written in English. This ensures that each submission reflects the applicant’s own ideas and abilities, maintaining the integrity of the scholarship competition.

Submission Methods: Applications may be submitted via email to essay@formspal.com or through the online application form available on the FormsPal website. This flexibility allows applicants to choose the method that is most convenient for them. Regardless of the submission method, applicants should ensure that all required materials are included and that their application is complete.

Deadline: All applications must be received by 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on May 15, 2025. It is crucial for applicants to be mindful of this deadline, as late submissions will not be considered. Planning ahead and submitting the application well before the deadline can help avoid any unforeseen issues that might prevent timely submission.

Limitations: Only one entry per student is allowed. This limitation ensures fairness by giving each applicant an equal opportunity to compete for the scholarship. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so it is important for applicants to carefully review their submissions to ensure all required components are included and properly formatted.

C. Selection and Notification

Selection Criteria: Essays will be evaluated based on three main criteria: Originality, Vision, and Writing Ability, as detailed in the Selection Criteria section. These criteria are designed to assess the applicant’s creativity, forward-thinking ideas, and proficiency in written communication. Each submission is carefully reviewed to ensure it meets the high standards set for the scholarship.

Selection Process: Accepted applications will be reviewed by the FormsPal Scholarship Committee, a dedicated group responsible for the fair and thorough evaluation of all entries. The committee meticulously examines each essay, considering how well it aligns with the selection criteria. All decisions regarding the scholarship, including the selection of winners, are final and binding. FormsPal reserves the right not to award the scholarship if no suitable entries are received, ensuring that the award maintains its prestige and is given only to deserving candidates who meet all the requirements.

Notification of Winners: Winners will be notified via the email address or the phone number provided in their application within 30 days after the application deadline. It is crucial for applicants to ensure that their contact information is accurate and up-to-date to facilitate timely communication. If a winner does not respond within 7 days of notification, the award may be forfeited and awarded to an alternate recipient. This policy ensures that all scholarship funds are allocated and that other deserving applicants have an opportunity if the initial winner cannot be reached.

Verification: Winners may be required to provide proof of enrollment and eligibility. This may include documents such as a current transcript, enrollment verification letter, or other official records from their educational institution. Failure to provide the requested documentation may result in disqualification. The verification process is essential to confirm that the winners meet all eligibility criteria and to maintain the integrity of the scholarship program.

D. Award Disbursement

Award Amount: The total scholarship award is $3,300, to be distributed among three (3) recipients as described in the Award Details section. This total amount reflects FormsPal’s dedication to supporting multiple students in their educational pursuits. By dividing the award among three winners, we aim to extend our assistance to a broader group, helping alleviate the financial burden associated with higher education for more individuals.

Payment Method: Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the recipient’s accredited academic institution. The funds are to be applied toward tuition or other qualified educational expenses, ensuring that the scholarship directly supports the student’s academic endeavors. No funds will be paid directly to the recipient unless otherwise specified. This direct payment method maintains transparency and ensures that the award is used exclusively for its intended educational purposes.

Use of Funds: Scholarship funds are to be used strictly for educational purposes. This includes tuition fees, required textbooks, course supplies, and other expenses essential to the recipient’s academic program. By specifying the appropriate use of funds, FormsPal ensures that the scholarship effectively contributes to the recipient’s academic success and helps reduce financial obstacles related to their studies.

E. General Terms

Release of Liability: By participating in the FormsPal Scholarship, applicants agree to release and hold harmless FormsPal and its employees, officers, directors, agents, and representatives from any and all liability arising from their participation in the scholarship. This includes any claims, damages, or expenses that may result from their application, involvement, or receipt of the scholarship award.

Tax Obligations: Recipients are responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes associated with the acceptance and use of the scholarship funds. FormsPal is not responsible for any tax implications or liabilities. It is the recipient’s duty to consult with a tax professional to understand and fulfill any tax obligations related to the scholarship award.

Modification and Termination: FormsPal reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the scholarship or these official rules at any time and for any reason. This means changes to the scholarship details—including eligibility requirements, deadlines, award amounts, and selection criteria—may occur without prior notice. Applicants acknowledge that FormsPal shall not be liable for any such modifications, suspensions, or terminations.

Disqualification: FormsPal reserves the right to disqualify any applicant who violates these official rules or engages in any conduct that is detrimental or unfair to the scholarship or its administration. This includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, providing false information, or any form of dishonesty. Disqualified applicants forfeit any potential scholarship awards and may be barred from participating in future scholarship opportunities offered by FormsPal.

Severability: If any provision of these official rules is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The invalid or unenforceable provision will be interpreted to fulfill its intended purpose to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Non-Affiliation: FormsPal is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any academic institution. The scholarship is independently offered by FormsPal, and participation does not imply any relationship with or endorsement by any educational institution.

2. Privacy Policy

Use of Personal Information: Personal information collected during the application process will be used solely for the purpose of administering the FormsPal Scholarship. This includes evaluating applications, selecting recipients, and communicating with applicants regarding their application status. By applying, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

Consent to Publicity: By accepting the scholarship, recipients agree to allow FormsPal to use their name, likeness, and essay content for promotional purposes without additional compensation unless prohibited by law. This may involve announcements on our website, social media platforms, or other promotional materials to highlight the scholarship program and its beneficiaries.

Data Protection: FormsPal is committed to safeguarding the personal information of all applicants. We will take reasonable measures to protect the security and confidentiality of all personal information collected. This includes implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of your data.

Third-Party Disclosure: FormsPal will not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties. Personal data will not be shared with any external organizations except as necessary for the administration of the scholarship or as required by law.

Retention of Data: Personal information collected during the application process will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by applicable laws. After this period, all personal data will be securely deleted or anonymized to protect your privacy.

3. Applicant Representations and Warranties

Truthfulness of Information: By submitting an application, you represent and warrant that all information provided in your application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of your knowledge. This includes personal details, educational background, and any other information requested during the application process. Providing false or misleading information may result in disqualification from the scholarship and potential legal consequences.

Originality of Work: You affirm that the essay and all other materials submitted are your original work and do not infringe upon the rights of any third party. This means the content has not been plagiarized, copied, or derived from another source without proper authorization or citation. The originality of your submission is crucial to maintain the integrity of the scholarship program.

Authority to Submit: You confirm that you have the right and authority to submit the application and grant the rights granted herein. This includes having the legal capacity to enter into agreements and ensuring that your submission does not violate any agreements or obligations you have with third parties.

Consent and Compliance: You agree to comply with all the terms and conditions outlined in these Official Rules and any applicable laws or regulations. By participating, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in the Privacy Policy.

No Infringement: You represent that your submission does not contain any material that infringes or violates any intellectual property rights, privacy rights, publicity rights, or other legal rights of any person or entity. Any violation may result in disqualification and potential legal action.

Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FormsPal and its affiliates from any claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses arising out of or related to any breach of your representations and warranties or your violation of any law or the rights of any third party.

Acknowledgment of Rules: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Official Rules. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in disqualification from the scholarship program.

4. Intellectual Property Rights

Ownership: Applicants retain ownership of their essays and all associated intellectual property rights. This means that you continue to hold the copyright and any other rights in your submitted work, allowing you to use your essay for your own purposes without restriction.

License Grant: By submitting an application, you grant FormsPal a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, and display your essay, in whole or in part, in any media, for promotional or informational purposes, with appropriate credit to you. This license allows FormsPal to showcase your work on their website, social media platforms, or in other marketing materials to promote the scholarship program or highlight successful applicants.

Moral Rights: You waive any moral rights you may have in the essay with respect to the uses contemplated herein. This means that you consent to any modifications, adaptations, or alterations of your essay that may be necessary for its use by FormsPal, and you agree not to assert any rights that might restrict such use.

No Obligation to Use: FormsPal is under no obligation to use, publish, or distribute any submitted essays. The decision to utilize any essay for promotional or informational purposes is at the sole discretion of FormsPal. Applicants should not expect that their submission will be used in any specific manner.

Representation of Original Work: By submitting your essay, you represent and warrant that the work is your original creation and does not infringe upon any copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights of any third party. You confirm that you have full authority to grant the rights described in these terms without violating any agreements or obligations.

Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FormsPal and its affiliates from any claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses arising out of or related to any breach of your representations and warranties regarding the originality and ownership of the essay. This ensures that FormsPal is protected against any legal issues that may arise from the use of your submitted work.

5. Dispute Resolution

Limitation of Liability: All claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the scholarship, but in no event attorneys’ fees. This limitation means that any compensation you may receive in a dispute will only cover direct expenses related to your application process, such as mailing costs or fees for obtaining transcripts. Under no circumstances will FormsPal be responsible for covering legal fees or other indirect costs.

Waiver of Certain Damages: Under no circumstances will applicants be permitted to obtain awards for, and applicants hereby waive all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages. By participating in the scholarship program, you agree not to seek damages beyond your actual expenses. This waiver includes, but is not limited to, compensation for emotional distress, loss of potential earnings, or any indirect losses that may be associated with your application or participation in the scholarship.

6. Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding the Scholarship or these Official Rules, please contact:

Email: support@formspal.com

Response Time: Due to the potential high volume of submissions and inquiries, please be aware that responses to support emails may take longer than usual. We appreciate your patience and will endeavor to respond to all inquiries as promptly as possible.

We are committed to providing assistance and addressing any inquiries you may have about the scholarship program, the application process, or any of the rules and guidelines. Your feedback and questions are important to us, and we encourage you to reach out if you need clarification or support.