Background

The Clifton Trust was established under the will of Edward S. Whitehead, Jr. in memory of his uncle and aunt, Truman W. Clifton and Matthylde Wilson Clifton. Mr. Whitehead was a frugal man and after inheriting money from his aunt and uncle, he decided to honor their memory by establishing the Trust. Mr. Whitehead was born August 2, 1929, to Edward Whitehead, Sr., a WWI hero, and Sarah Wilson Whitehead. After living through the Great Depression, he graduated from Lanier High School and attended college for a short time. Crowned Little Mr. Macon in the 1930’s, Mr. Whitehead held several jobs throughout his lifetime, including being a disc jockey, a parking lot attendant and working the elevator at the old Grand Theater. Stricken with cerebral palsy, Mr. Whitehead loved sports and old movies and was often seen around downtown Macon sporting a cowboy hat. Mr. Whitehead had a passion for education and helping others.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school in Bibb, Houston, Crawford, Twiggs, Jones, Peach, or Monroe Counties. A preference will be given to students in Bibb County.
• Award winners must be enrolled as full time students and maintain a minimum 2.0 average.
• Award winners must be completing their undergraduate degrees. The scholarship is not for those receiving a master’s degree or a PhD.
• Each award winner is required to submit a grade report for the period for which the scholarship is awarded. The report will be considered if the recipient applies for the scholarship again in the future.
• If an award winner receives a “D” in any class, the student will be placed on probation for one semester. A second “D” in the same grading period, or an “F” at any time, terminates the scholarship.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be selected based on the following:

• Scholastic ability
• Financial need
• Personal character
• Potential to succeed – indicators include grades, evidence of having overcome adversity, and participation in school, community, or religious organizations.

Additional Short Answer Questions and Attachments

On the last page, you will select the Clifton Whitehead Scholarship Fund and complete the following additional information:

• A short essay listing all honors and awards you have received in high school and college, a description of your career goals, and any special personal or family circumstances affecting your need for financial assistance.
• Provide the name and email address of one reference who has agreed to submit a letter of recommendation for you. This should come from your academic dean, advisor, counselor or teacher. This person will receive an email from our system allowing them to submit your recommendation. Please ask them before submitting their email address and let them know when you have submitted your application because that is when they will receive the email.
• A resume listing your school and community activities, athletics, awards, offices held, and other relevant experience.
• Your most recent high school or college transcript – you must request this from your current school.
• A current, submitted FAFSA Student Aid Report that indicates the value of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in the upper right hand corner. If this value is not shown, your application will be considered incomplete.

Awards

Amount of Award:  Approximately $1,000

Number of Awards:  Approximately 12 total per year, 2-3 new recipients selected annually

Renewal for Prior Recipients:  A prior recipient of this scholarship fund is eligible to renew the award each subsequent year of his/her undergraduate education career for up to four years. In order to renew, he/she must:

• Complete the online renewal application by March 15th of each year.
• Submit an unofficial transcript scholar@cfcga.org at the end of each fall and spring semester for which he/she receives the scholarship.
• Maintain full-time enrollment, completing 12 or more credit hours each fall and spring semester he/she receives the scholarship.
• Maintain the eligibility criteria as defined in the scholarship’s guidelines.

If a prior recipient does not maintain the eligibility criteria or faces unique circumstances that require him/her to take time off or take a reduced course load for a semester, the student should contact the Community Foundation to determine if he/she is eligible for continued funding.