Preparing for Your Future! The NICA Scholarship Program Deadline Has Been Extended In 2018, NICA will award $21,000 in scholarships (up from 2017’s $17,000). We have strengthened the scholarship program with the addition of the Gene O’Brien, CCE Vocational School Scholarship last year and the Scholarship Program will continue to award one scholarship with a donation from Coca-Cola in honor of CCE-designated NICA Members. The remaining scholarships will be provided using donations from fundraising and the NICA Membership. Jacob Elomina, a past recipient, who submitted an application after learning about it from his grandfather reflected on winning a NICA Scholarship, saying “The NICA Scholarship meant more to me than I expected. I worked each summer at Fairs, for my grandfather, from the age of six through 16; the fairs were a really big part of my life, and continue to be.” Jacob, an accounting student at Florida State University has a little advice for you as you finish up your application: “Be yourself when applying. Don’t overthink anything. Be yourself when writing your responses and I’m sure the NICA Board will love it.” Dustin Kenna, a junior studying Supply Change Management and Information Systems at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University shared how he felt about receiving one of our scholarships: “Winning the NICA Scholarship is one of my accomplishments that I look back on and feel a sense of pride. It confirmed how great the concessions industry is and the organizations that represent it, NICA. Winning this scholarship meant that my hard work in and out of the classroom had really paid off.” Callie Pfile, a pre-nursing student at Bowling Green State University, and 2017 NICA Scholarship recipient, reflected on the meaning of this award: “Winning a NICA Scholarship has meant more than words can describe. The fact that they care enough to help me with my college studies makes me feel extremely thankful and blessed. Going to college is expensive, but this scholarship is a positive way to help me reach my goals. For that, I am very grateful.” 16
April 2018 NICA News
Who can apply? • Any NICA Member in good standing for three years (including the current year) • Child of a new/current member • Grandchild of a new/current member • Employee of a new/current member for six months
What scholarships are available? • 1 Coca-Cola CCE Scholarship at $3,000 • 2 Gene O’Brien, CCE Vocational Scholarships at $2,000 each • 10 NICA Academic Scholarships: 4 at $2,000 each and 6 at $1,000 each
When is the deadline? The deadline is officially extended this year, so applications can now be received in the NICA Office by May 31, 2018 to qualify. Don’t delay, apply today! Start planning the steps for the next chapter in your life by applying for the 2018 Scholarship Program. Visit our new Scholarship Page at www.nicainc.org/scholarship to download a copy or fill it out online. For more information, contact the Office at (813) 438-8926 or scholarship@nicainc.org. Good luck! ▲