POSTED JANUARY 16, 2019
(Portland, OR) –
Portland-area high school freshman (boys and girls) are encouraged to apply for the EAGLE Caddie program. The program is a unique internship, a cooperative venture between Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), the Western Golf Association, and public and private high schools located within the *City of Portland, aimed at introducing students to all aspects of golf course operation. Qualified students are paid an hourly wage, receive work credit hours and have a mentor who monitors their progress. In addition, scholarship opportunities are available from their involvement in our program. Since 1992, more than 80 students have successfully completed college on Evans Scholarships received through PP&R’s EAGLE Caddie Program.
“The EAGLE program is a wonderful way for young people to earn money, learn about golf, and have a chance at a full Evans Scholarship to the University of Oregon,” says Portland Parks Interim Director Kia Selley. “I encourage all qualified high school students to apply and thank Portland Parks Golf for bolstering our efforts in making the game more accessible to all players.”
EAGLE CADDIE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Only freshman attending public or private high schools within the *City of Portland are eligible to apply for this three-year program;
- Students who are selected for the program work in the clubhouse or on the golf course at minimum wage;
- Participants are required to work up to 20 hours during the summer;
- Must have good attendance in school;
- Must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5;
- Must come from a financially disadvantaged family;
- Must go into the three-year EAGLE Caddie Program with the expectation of completion; and
- Must submittwo (2) letters of recommendation from a school counselor and/or teacher.
A history of interest in the game of golf is not required. EAGLE participants successfully completing the program become eligible to apply and compete for an Evans Scholarship. This scholarship provides college tuition and housing at the University of Oregon and may be renewed for up to four years. The scholarship is valued at more than $100,000.
PP&R’s EAGLE Caddie program is accepting applications from qualified freshmen currently enrolled at public or private high schools located within the City of Portland. The deadline for applications is May 3, 2019. Interested parties in the EAGLE Caddie Program should contact Carolyn Lee at carolyn.lee@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-5076.
*Students who attend high schools that are not located within the city of Portland can contact the following golf courses about their caddie programs: Columbia Edgewater Country Club, Oswego Lake Country Club in Lake Oswego, Riverside Golf & Country Club, Rock Creek Country Club, Royal Oak Country Club in Vancouver, and Waverley Country Club.
Evans Scholarships are supported by the Western Golf Association and valued at more than $100,000 over four years. The requirements for an Evans Scholar are based on financial need, good citizenship and being a top student and caddie. In addition to the scholarships, the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation funds the EAGLE Caddie Program.
2018 Scholarship Winners
Thu Victoria Dang is a Vietnamese immigrant who has lived in Portland since 2011. As she began middle school, Victoria only spoke a handful of English words. However, she was able to successfully exit the school’s English as a Second Language program by the end of 8th grade. Now she’s a freshman at the University of Oregon, on a full ride.
Joseph Goodwin believes his best attributes are his perseverance, and ability to adapt to his surroundings. Joseph is excited to begin college and plans to attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist.
Anthony Nguyen says that education is his top priority. Anthony notes that higher education is not affordable to everyone. Earning the Evans Scholarship means that Anthony will be the first member of his family to go to college.
Taylor Phomphakdy is a standout student. There was nothing she wanted more than to be the first in her family to attend a four-year university. She is forever indebted to the EAGLE Program because of the lifetime of opportunities it’s opened for her.
About the Evans Scholarship
Famed golfer Charles "Chick" Evans, Jr. grew up in the Chicago area in the early 1900s. Evans earned money by caddying at the local country club. Wanting to go to college, he found that he could not afford it, nor was there anyone to help him. In 1916, Evans won both the US Amateur and the US Open golf tournaments, and with the victories came considerable wealth and fame. Determined to help others in his former situation, he started the Evans Scholars Foundation. It is currently one of the country’s largest, privately funded scholarship programs.
Supported by the Western Golf Association, the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship provides full housing and tuition to deserving caddies across the country. Currently, 965 caddies are attending college on scholarship; there are more than 10,600 Evans Alumni worldwide. Most Evans Scholars attend one of the 14 universities where the Foundation owns and operates a Scholarship House.
The Evans Scholars Program is funded by contributions from more than 32,000 supporters nationwide, as well as Evans Scholars Alumni and proceeds from the BMW Championship. Recently-retired Portland Parks Golf Manager John Zoller (who spent nearly four decades leading the program) is a proud Evans Scholar Alum.
The requirements for an Evans Scholar are based on financial need, good citizenship and being a top student and caddie.
For more information, visit the WGAESF website.
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