Christine Opsahl / YCRC Peace Scholarship

The purpose of the scholarship awards is to promote the pursuit of conflict management careers by young adults. Only El Centro College students are eligible to receive YCRC scholarships. Scholarships are open to all students; however, preference will be given to students ages 17-25 so long as such preference does not significantly detract from DCCCD or El Centro College's non-discrimination policy.

Each semester at El Centro College, Dallas, Texas, the Youth Conflict Resolution Center (YCRC), a Dallas based non-profit organization committed to providing conflict resolution training for at risk youth and young adults, will award scholarships for up to two courses for a maximum of three El Centro College students.

This scholarship is named after Christine Opsahl, a co-founder of YCRC, who passed away in 2006 and has been remembered by a number of individuals who have donated funds in her memory and her commitment to the objectives of YCRC.

Amount of Award
Up to $702

Number of Awards Per Year
Up to six

Source of Funds
Youth Conflict Resolution Center (YCRC)

Designated College
El Centro College

Eligibility Criteria
Each scholarship recipient will be eligible for an amount up to the cost of two qualified courses per semester in the program at El Centro College leading to the Conflict Management Specialist Certificate.

Scholarship awards are made only for the current and/or upcoming semester and recipients may continue to apply for scholarships in future semesters as long as they are in successful pursuit of the Conflict Management Specialist Certificate and otherwise meet the criteria set by YCRC.

Scholarship awards will take the form of direct payment for tuition to the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) Foundation and El Centro College on behalf of the scholarship recipients.

The purpose of the scholarship awards is to promote the pursuit of conflict management careers by young adults.  Therefore, only El Centro College students are eligible to receive YCRC scholarships. Scholarships are open to all students; however, preference will be given to students ages 17-25 so long as such preference does not significantly detract from DCCCD or El Centro College's non-discrimination policy.

Eligibility also requires the successful completion of at least two conflict resolution related courses at El Centro preferably including the course entitled “Introduction to Conflict Dynamics.”

NOTE: Scholarship recipients must make themselves available to participate in one of the conflict resolution workshops regularly offered by YCRC.  Participation will involve assistance in presentations made at these workshops by YCRC volunteer instructors.

Application Process
Students must complete two applications:

1. DCCCD Foundation Scholarship Application Form
2. Christine Opsahl /YCRC Peace Scholarship Application Form

The latter is available at El Centro College from Adam McGough (Rm. A550 - 214-860-2393) and the Arts and Sciences Division (Rm. A546 - 214-860-2392) or at the YCRC from Diana Clark, Founder YCRC (214-220-9511)

The application forms require certain information that will allow YCRC to determine the qualifications and needs of applicant.

Submit applications to Adam McGoug, Director, Conflict Resolution Studies, El Centro College, 801 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75202-3604

Selection Process
The selection process will be a collaborative one. The YCRC Board makes the final decisions but with recommendations from Adam McGough (Director, Conflict Resolution Studies) based on his assessment of the candidates. The YCRC Board reserves the right to interview candidates as part of this process.

Recipient Requirements
Scholarships are open to all students of El Centro College; however, preference will be given to students ages 17-25 so long as such preference does not significantly detract from DCCCD or El Centro College's non-discrimination policy. 

Deadline
To be eligible for scholarships for the Fall 2009 semester, students must complete the application process as described above by July 15, 2009.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE IN NO LATER THAN SIX WEEKS PRIOR TO THE POINT AT WHICH STUDENTS MUST ENROLL IN THE COURSE(S).

For further information, contact the
Foundation Scholarship Coordinator, 214-378-1533
or your Financial Aid office.

May 2009