The XIIth American Sokol Convention (June, 1975) instituted Merit Awards to be paid from the American Sokol Future Leaders Fund.  American Sokol Youth or American Sokol adult Sokol members who are planning a full time (at least two semesters of 12 hours per semester or equivalent) course or program in an accredited two-year or four-year college or who are already participating in such a course of study may apply.  Application must be made in advance of the year of study.  Applicants may be entering any year (not just 1st year) of appropriate studies.

The amount to be awarded is $500 to two students per year per district.  If a district does not have 2 qualified applicants, the remaining merit award(s) for that district may be given to another qualified applicant(s) who did not receive an award because of the two awards per district initial limit in their district.  These “extra” awards are given on an “at large” basis to the next most qualified applicant(s) regardless of district affiliation.  There are NO Merit Award renewals. 

A transcript of grades indicating completion of a full year of fulltime study must be submitted to the American Sokol Merit Award Committee. If the recipient fails to submit such a transcript or fails to complete the full year of study for which the award was granted, the recipient is obliged to repay the Merit Award in full.

The selections are made by the Merit Award Committee and approved by the American Sokol Board of Instructors and the American Sokol Executive Board. The following points will be considered by the Merit Award Committee in selecting the candidates:

1.   Regular attendance in American Sokol classes for at least three years prior to this application.  Juniors may be included but must become American Sokol adult members at age 17.

2.   Successful completion of Sokol Instructor School(s) - Unit, District, and/or National.

3.   Teaching or assisting experience in Sokol gym classes.

4.   Service to American Sokol Units, Districts, and/or National Organization

5.   Recommendation of the Unit Physical Director

6.   Recommendation of the District Physical Director

The recipient of the Merit Award and one parent or legal guardian will be required to sign a statement agreeing to the conditions under which the Merit Award would have to be repaid. 

Completed application form must be received the American Sokol Merit Award Committee, 9126 Ogden Ave., Brookfield, Illinois 60513 by June 1 of the application year.