Fred A. Earl Memorial Scholarship
Application Information

Who was Fred A. Earl? Fred Earl was a real force of nature in this state. He was born in 1870 in Sackett’s Harbor, New York. Upon graduating from high school at the age of 17 he decided to go west and ended up in Lander courtesy of the Rawlins stagecoach. Straight away he went to work at Wind River for the Nobel and Lane Mercantile Co. general store. A few years later, he returned to New York to further his education. His training there allowed him to become the bookkeeper and, later, credit man for the company that included a flour mill and freighting outfits. His many mercantile experiences made it possible for him to purchase a pharmacy and begin investing in sheep. The former he turned into a profitable business with his brothers who came out to join him in Wyoming and the latter he parlayed into several successful business ventures. He built the Earl building in 1907, chaired the stock growers state bank in 1916, president of the Fremont County Woolgrowers Association, and Married Kathryn Bird in 1930. More about Fred A. Earl The scholarship fund was created by Fred Earl’s daughter, Joan Earl, to honor the memory of his love and generosity that will be with her always. The scholarship benefits individuals of Native American descent in Fremont County that wish to further their education. Because Mr. Earl first got his start in Fremont County, Joan felt there was a debt owed to the community there. She hopes that the scholarship can help repay the debt in some small way. Scholarship Purpose The purpose of the Fred A. Earl Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial assistance for Native Americans living in Wyoming to further their education at a post-secondary, not-for-profit educational institution (university, community college, trade/technical school). The Selection Committee will consider the student's academic record, achievements and financial need in addition to his/her participation in community and extra-curricular activities. Eligibility Criteria Geographic requirements: Scholarships are limited to enrolled members of the Arapaho or Shoshone tribes residing anywhere in Fremont County and/or to an enrolled member of another tribe living on the Wind River Reservation. Proof of enrollment is required. Academic Requirements: Applicants should have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Financial Need: Financial need must be demonstrated through completion of the Financial Aid Affidavit on the last page of the application form. Number and Duration of Awards: One scholarship of $500 will be awarded each year. Payment of Scholarship: The scholarship is made payable directly to the educational institution to be applied towards the student's tuition and fees. Other Awards: This scholarship may be accepted in addition to other awards, provided that the combined amount does not exceed the full amount of tuition, books, fees, supplies and equipment required for courses at the educational institution. Terms of the Award A recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student throughout each term. Full-time summer school attendance may be counted as one of the terms if sufficient credits are earned. If the student receives funds from the school due to non-completion of a term or not attending full-time, those funds are to be returned to the Wyoming Community Foundation. If the school requirements are not met, but there is no refund, the scholarship grant shall be forfeited for the next term. It will be the responsibility of the student to obtain a copy of the grade report at the end of each term and mail it to the Wyoming Community Foundation. A 2.5 cumulative GPA must be maintained. Names of recipients will be announced by April 30. Each candidate will receive an individual letter informing him/her of the status of the application. Application Information Application forms can be obtained from the Wyoming Community Foundation. Please be thorough and concise in your answers; your writing skills will help the Selection Advisory Committee with its evaluation of your credentials and will be an indication of your potential for success in future training. In addition to the completed application, a transcript of credits, proof of tribal enrollment, and an essay are required. All forms must be fully completed and received by the Wyoming Community Foundation, 313 S. 2nd Laramie, WY 82070, by February 1.   Late applications will not be considered. Download Application (Microsoft Word .doc file, 178 KB)