Important - August 6, 2008 - Thank you for your interest in the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship.  All 2008 CDB Finalists have been notified at this time.

Vision & Mission

Vision & Mission

The mission of the Institute for Educational Advancement's (IEA's) Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship is to identify exceptionally gifted middle school students who have demonstrated academic and personal excellence and to award them with a scholarship to a high school where they can actualize their intellectual and personal potential.

The Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship was founded on the conviction that the nation's exceptionally gifted young people will flourish and reach their fullest potential in a nurturing, rigorous and flexible learning environment that is right for their individual needs and goals.

The Scholarship was launched in 2002 when five students from the greater Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas were selected as the first Caroline D. Bradley Scholars. Each year the Scholarship expands regionally and ultimately will be offered nationally. Currently, fifteen Scholarships are awarded each year. Scholars become part of a very special group of bright individuals who enjoy the fellowship of other recipients and the lifelong prestige of being a Caroline D. Bradley Scholar. The entire community comes together each year for a three day seminar to discuss issues of global importance and personal relevance.

The Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship is both inspired and funded by a generous donor dedicated to supporting highly able children. The donor intends for the program to continue in perpetuity and encourages all young people to strive for their personal best.

Award

This prestigious award offers scholarship support, academic guidance and the opportunity to develop lifelong connections with a unique peer network.

Scholarship for High School ... Caroline D. Bradley Scholars receive a four-year high school scholarship that covers academic fees, including tuition and books.

Guidance ... Caroline D. Bradley Scholars receive guidance in identifying and applying to high schools that will provide the most appropriate educational environment for their needs. IEA provides academic guidance and support throughout each Scholar's high school career, as needed.

Peer Network ... Caroline D. Bradley Scholars will join a group of motivated young people identified for both their academic ability and personal character. The peer network offers Scholars the opportunity to communicate with each other through the annual Bradley Seminar and an online message board and website for CDB Scholars and parents, building lifelong relationships.

A Caroline D. Bradley Scholar is expected to maintain strong academic standing and demonstrate behavior that is reflective of his/her personal best. Each Scholar enters into an agreement with the Institute for Educational Advancement (IEA) delineating his/her commitment to a high level of academic and personal performance. In addition, each recipient is expected to provide ongoing feedback to IEA regarding his/her experiences, goals and aspirations.

Selection Guidelines

A Caroline D. Bradley Scholar is a young student who excels academically, displays a genuine quest for knowledge, thrives in the discovery process, is a leader among peers and embraces the ideals of integrity and honesty. The Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship is highly selective and will identify those students who best meet the following guidelines:

Academic Level and Achievement

  • Currently in Grade 7
  • Demonstrates exceptional academic ability and achievement
  • For the past two years, have achieved a score of 97% in at least one of the major academic areas of a school administered, nationally normed standardized test (i.e., Stanford 9, ERB)
  • Scores competitively on the SAT-1 Reasoning Test with a score of at least 500 or better on one of the two sections (math or verbal).

Personal Characteristics

  • Strives for excellence and continually seeks higher challenges
  • Demonstrates leadership abilities
  • Exhibits creative thinking
  • Is extremely curious and has a thirst for knowledge
  • Exhibits a passion for learning
  • Is highly motivated
  • Embraces the ideals of integrity and honesty
  • Demonstrates a high level of maturity and strong sense of self
  • Engages in community service
  • Seeks a rigorous, diversified high school program

2008 State Eligibility

  • Resides in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, Washington State, West Virginia or Wisconsin.

While the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship is merit-based, it targets those exceptionally gifted young people who need assistance in finding the most appropriate high school or experience challenges that prohibit attending an appropriate school.

Selection Process

All applicants submit a portfolio application. See Application for a detailed description of application elements. Applications will be reviewed by a one of three Selection Committees, and Finalists will be selected. Each Finalist will then participate in a personal interview. Finally, the Selection Committee will select up to fifteen 2008 Caroline D. Bradley Scholars.

Important Dates

Tuesday, April 1, 2008   Registration deadline for the final opportunity to take the SAT Reasoning Test

Saturday, May 3, 2008

 

Final opportunity to take the SAT

  • If not taken on the prior test date, this is the last test date for Scholarship qualification
  • Registration deadline April 1, 2008

Monday, May 12, 2008

 

Application Postmark Date

  • Includes all materials from the student and professionals

Monday, July 14, 2008-
Friday, July 18, 2008

 

Finalists will be notified during the week of July 14, 2008


August 12-August 29, 2008

 

Personal Interviews Conducted.
ALL FINALISTS MUST BE AVAILABLE WITHIN THESE DATES

Monday, September 8, 2008

 

Scholars Notified

General Guidelines

  • All application materials are available online at www.educationaladvancement.org. Click here to download a printable version of the application. Click here to download printable Instructions.
  • Hard copies of the applications can be faxed or mailed to you by contacting the Institute for Educational Advancement at 626-403-8900.
  • All completed application elements must be mailed to: Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship, Institute for Educational Advancement, 625 Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 285, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The following specific instructions must be followed. IEA reserves the right to return any application that does not adhere to the following:
  • Print or type in black or blue ink. Submit all printed material on 8.5� x 11� paper or via email.
  • Do not staple, paper clip or bind any application elements. Use additional pieces of paper as needed.
  • Submit one copy of all elements you generate. Elements from other sources (i.e., recommendations, nominations, test scores) may be mailed separately.
  • You may submit written material, audio or video tapes, computer disks, CDs, DVDs or 3-dimensional work. 3-dimensional art work may be photographed and copied.
  • Materials will not be returned to applicant.
  • Click here to see the Testing Overview, which details further testing requirements.
  • For additional information pertaining to testing, you may contact The College Board SAT Program by phone at (866) 756-7346.

If you have any questions about completing the application, please contact the Institute for Educational Advancement at 626-403-8900 or at scholarship@educationaladvancement.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I just heard about the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship, but I’m in the eighth grade. Can I still apply?

A. Only current seventh graders are eligible to apply for the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship. We select the fifteen Scholars early in September of their eighth grade year and work with the Scholars and their families to help them throughout the high school application process.

Q. Do I have to take the SAT Reasoning Test intended for high school students?

A. Yes. Every applicant for the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship is required to take the SAT. If you are under 13 years old, you must register by mail. Registration forms can be obtained from your local high school or library. Contact the College Board SAT Program by phone at 866-756-7346 or visit their website at www.collegeboard.com under the “Younger than 13” section. (If you are a seventh grader over 13 years of age, you may register online.)

Q. What is the SAT Reasoning Test?

A. The test that used to be called the SAT-1 is now called the SAT Reasoning Test. The SAT Reasoning Test contains a section on Math, Verbal and Writing proficiency. The Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship only considers the Math and Verbal scores, as the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship application affords the applicant several other opportunities to showcase their writing abilities.

Q. How will the Institute for Educational Advancement receive my SAT scores?

A. This is a very IMPORTANT question! Be sure to put our score code (3862) on your SAT test. The College Board will then send us the results of your test. If you have already registered for or taken the SAT through a talent identification program, you can send in a copy of your scores with your Caroline D. Bradley application.

Q. If I am awarded a Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship, must I attend one of the high schools listed on your website?

A. No. The list of schools on our website is made up of schools our Scholars have attended or previously attend. Our Scholarship Administrator will assist your family in choosing a school that best meets your individual student’s needs and goals.

Q. Why are there no schools from my state on your list?

A. Each year since the inception of the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship in 2002 we have added new states to our mailing list, gradually increasing the scope of our search for Scholars. Your state may be a new addition next year.

Q. I reside in state that is not currently eligible according to your website, can I still apply?

A. No, unfortunately you must reside in an eligible state in order to be awarded the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship. Your state may be a new addition next year.

Q. I already attend a private or parochial school that goes through high school. Can I choose to remain there if I am selected as a Caroline D. Bradley Scholar?

A. It is certainly possible to remain at your current school for high school. We do, however, ask all of the Caroline D. Bradley Scholars to research and consider other high schools in order to broaden their horizons, and to apply to at least two other high schools in addition to the school they currently attend. At the end of the application process, the Scholar, the Scholar’s family and the Scholarship Administrator will choose the best high school fit.

Q. How many letters of recommendation should I submit?

A. Two recommendation letters are required. One should be an academic letter from a teacher, guidance counselor or advisor who knows you, and one should be a non-academic letter from a coach or professional who has coached, worked with or taught you outside of school (i.e. instrumental music, performing arts, sports, martial arts, debate, or other personal interest or extracurricular activity).

Q. My middle school does not offer standardized testing. Can I still apply for the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship?

A. Yes. You will be required to take the SAT, whether or not you have taken any other standardized tests.

Q. What is the last date I can register to take the SAT and still be eligible for the 2008 Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship?

A. May 3rd 2008 is the last test date you can take the SAT to be eligible for the 2008 Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship. You must register to take the test by mail no later than April 1st 2008 for the regular registration and April 10th for the late registration (a fee applies.) Make sure you include the Caroline D. Bradley SAT score code—3862—so that your test results will be sent directly to us. For more information you can either call the College Board Customer Service number—1-866-756-7346—or visit their website at www.collegeboard.com. We will receive your SAT results late in May, but all of the other component parts of your Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship application must be postmarked by Monday, May 12th.

IEA welcomes your comments, questions and suggestions!
Please email us at IEAGifted@educationaladvancement.org.
Please include "CDB Scholarship" in the subject line.