Caitlin Ben Dror Memorial Educational Grants
Up to four (4) $300 scholarships will be awarded each year, two (2) to the highest averaging adult riders and two (2) to the highest averaging young riders. No more than two (2) scholarships from each group will be awarded.
All current MDA members who are in good standing are eligible to apply for a grant to train with the instructors(s) of their choice to further their development as equestrians if they have met the work credit requirements for the calendar year. The Scholarship/Educational Grant Chair shall submit to the executive board the successful applicants for final approval before the Awards Banquet. Candidates will be judged based on service to MDA (60%) and five (5) test scores of any level (40%) at MDA shows. Weighing the work credits allows an applicant with a lower test score average to achieve a higher overall score for this award than a person with just a higher test average.
Candidates must accurately and completely fill out the application for the MDA Educational Grant and submit five (5) test scores of any level ridden under three (3) different judges. The scores must be from MDA shows and must include at least two different tests at their level. Pas de Deux, Quadrille, and Musical Freestyle are not eligible. Work credits received during the year must be listed on the application. All work credits to be considered for the educational grants must be earned by the end of the last schooling show of the year.
Example: Compute 40% average of test scores and add to 60% of work credits total. 0.4(5 test avg) + 0.6(total work credits) = final score Examples:
Test Avg = 61.23 wk. cr. =2 0.4(61.23) + 0.6(2)=25.69
Test Avg = 58.62 Wk. cr = 4 0.4(58.62) + 0.6(4) = 25.84
By applying, the candidates agree to share their educational experiences with other MDA members by speaking at a General Meeting or the Annual Awards Banquet should they win. The winner of the grant agrees to provide an accounting of the use of their Educational Grant funds to the General Education Committee.
Education grant winners are ineligible to reapply for a period of 3 years.
The MDA General Education Committee shall consist of the Scholarship Chairperson and four (4) members in good standing, with preference given to the winning recipients of the grant from the previous year. The Committee will review the applicants and present the winner to the Board for final approval. MDA Educational Grant applications should be applied for online by November 18 of the current show season.