Overview of Application Process
Step 1: Verify your eligibility

All Quaqua awards and scholarships, as described in Awards Overview and About the Quaqua Protege Award, utilize the eligibility requirements of the Protege Award, except for the Elijah Award (see About the Elijah Award) and any other Awards where contrary requirements are specifically noted. Read the Eligibility Overview to determine if you are eligible to apply. You may be eligible for more than one type of award. You will only need to complete one application, since you may indicate all the awards for which you are applying on one application.

Step 2: Obtain the current Application & Instructions

You will be able to download the Application and Instructions online in Adobe Acrobat® format. The Application & Instructions form will indicate what materials must be submitted.

Step 3: Obtain the written essay topic from the Quaqua website

The Application & Instructions will indicate that a written essay on an assigned topic is required. The assigned topic will be announced on this website at Essay Topic on December 20th. You will need to access the Quaqua website on or after December 20 to obtain this topic.

Step 4: Complete and submit the materials described in the Application & Instructions

Send the required materials to the return address indicated in the Application & Instructions. Please do not submit original documents or materials, other than the letters of recommendation, as nothing will be returned from Quaqua to the applicant.

The Application & Instructions form, along with Application and Selection Deadlines, will indicate the date by which your entry must be postmarked and received. Failure to follow instructions or to timely submit all materials may be grounds for disqualification. Additional helpful information about the Quaqua selection process is available at Evaluation Criteria Overview, Additional Evaluation Considerations, Practical Wisdom, Frequently Asked Questions, Regional Structures and Competitions, General Selection Committee, and Full Bylaws.

Step 5: Evaluation and Notification

An announcement will be posted to News and Announcements to inform everyone that the selection process has been completed and that award recipients are ready to be identified. The Selection Committee uses very specific criteria for evaluation. If you are chosen for an award you will be contacted by mail within 2 months of the selection deadline. Recipients of a Protege or Elijah Award who cannot or will not acknowledge acceptance within thirty days after being selected, despite due diligence by Quaqua to obtain acceptance, may be de-selected without recourse.

Award recipients will, if they wish, be honored in public ceremonies held at one or more conventions of alternative educators held during the summer or fall months. Awards have typically ranged from $300 to $1,500, but no specific amount is guaranteed to any recipient or applicant in advance.