Mark Schein and Aviv Friedman, in cooperation with the US Chess Trust, are happy to announce their new scholastic project.

The project is a two-tier program, designed to help some of our younger champions improve and dedicate themselves more to chess, while offsetting the financial expenses that usually come with those. Hopefully the project will reward excelling youngsters, and help them become tomorrow’s best players and Grandmasters. At the same time they would be serving as role models and inspiration to the entire scholastic community.

The program is generally designed for youngsters age 7-17. Occasionally, in cases of unusual excellence (considerably exceeding the program’s criterions), applications by players up to age 20 would be considered.

There are 3 annual scholarships in place:

The top recipient will get $6000; the second recipient will get $4000; and the third $2500.

Additionally, the project will run a week long chess camp for 10 or so leading juniors, with a Grandmaster instructor.

Applicants must have been US citizens or permanent legal residents for a minimum of 18 months prior to the deadline date (February 1^st for 2008). They must show dedication to chess, talent and accomplishment, a will to work hard and improve, as well as good sportsmanship and a positive attitude.

The minimum ratings qualification formula is as follows:

Ages 7-14: age * 100 + 1000 for boys, and age * 100 + 800 for girls.

Ages 15-16: age * 100 + 900 for boys, and age * 100 + 700 for girls.

Age 17: 2500 for boys, 2400 for girls.

Applicants must be active tournament players. Playing in open events or sections above the lowest allowed - a bonus.

All applications should be in the form of an essay, describing the applicant’s chess accomplishments, and why he or she should receive a scholarship. They should be sent via e-mail to Aviv Friedman at [email protected] .