Parent & Student Questions
Who nominated my son or daughter for this national recognition?
Only educators can make a nomination. A teacher, counselor, or coach who sees unusual potential in a student makes the nomination.
What is the function of the United States Achievement Academy?
For some thirty years, the United States Achievement Academy has been the instrument of national recognition for students who have shown exceptional academic accomplishment or leadership.
Do specific standards exist for selection?
Absolutely. Seven standards exist: 1) Academics; 2) Cooperative classroom attitude; 3) Dependability; 4) Personal motivation; 5) Enthusiasm for education; 6) Leadership; 7)Responsibility; 8) A nominating teacher, counselor, or coach weighs these elements. That is why achieving nomination is of such significance. Not one student in ten achieves nomination.
Is the Official USAA National Yearbook published in paperback?
Oh, no. The Yearbook is hardbound with cover titles gold-stamped. In every way, this is a permanent family treasure future generations will admire.
Is there a charge for inclusion in the official USAA National Yearbook?
No. This is an honor, and inclusion is free of charge.
What should we do to be sure of inclusion?
Complete the Student Biography Form, that you received from USAA, and mail it to the Academy in the envelope provided. If you do not have the provided envelope, you can mail the information in a regular envelope to the Academy at the following address:
Executive Offices
2528 Palumbo Drive
Lexington, KY 40509.
Does the Academy print our address and phone number with the listing?
Absolutely not. The Academy protects your privacy. Each listing includes student name, the nominating educator, school, school’s city and state, and achievements for which the student has been nominated.
If we don’t fill out and mail the Student Biography Form, will my child’s name still appear in the National Yearbook?
Sorry, no. Without parental OK, a nominee’s name cannot be included.
Can we acquire a personal copy of the Yearbook?
Yes. A Registration and Order Request is available on the reverse side of the Student Biography Form. The Yearbook is yours at a preferred rate. If you order a Yearbook, you also will get a Commemorative Certificate, suitable for framing.
I understand it may be possible to have a full page with a photo and biography bound into our copy or copies of the Yearbook as the entire first student page. Is that so?
Yes. The personalized page features the student’s name, school name, the nominating educator, city and state, awards and activities, parent's names and the names of grandparents. Click here to view a sample of the photo on the personalized page.
What is the publication date of the USAA National Yearbook?
Press-date is completed by the end of the current academic year. Copies are available in late fall or early winter.
If I have additional questions, whom do I ask?
Call the Academy’s nominee toll-free hotline, 1-866-892-7615. Or call the Executive Office, 1-859-269-5671. Fax is 1-859-309-0026.
Explain the purpose of the USAA Scholarship Foundation.
This nonprofit Foundation has as its sole purpose helping worthy grades 5-12 students by educational cash grants that help cover the rising cost of tuition and expenses they will face when going to college.
How does my child apply for an educational cash grant?
After you send the Academy the Student Biography Form officially accepting the recognition, a confirmation packet will be sent to you. This will include a special personal letter, the news release form, and the very important scholarship application. Complete the application and return it before the deadline date.
What cash grants are available this year?
The USAA Scholarship Foundation will award 400 cash grants plus the $10,000 Dr. George Stevens Founder’s Award.
Who is Dr. George Stevens?
Dr. Stevens founded the United States Achievement Academy and still, in semi-retirement, devotes his life to honoring worthy students who are in their pre-college years.
Does Dr. Stevens choose the educational grant winners?
No. A distinguished group of educators representing all levels of education comprises the Selection Committee. The Committee chooses winners based on any of these four criteria: grade point average, school activities, honors, and awards.
Does the cash award go to my child or to an educational institution?
Winners might be in any school grade 6 to 12 and may not yet have chosen a college. The cash award goes directly to the child with the anticipation that the money be used for educational purposes.
When are the winners of educational grants announced?
The winners- and the educators who originally nominated them- will be notified in writing by the end of October of this year. All winners will be listed on the USAA Website as well as in the Academy’s national publication.
Educator Questions
What is the nonprofit USAA Scholarship Foundation?
The nonprofit USAA Scholarship Foundation provides national recognition and scholarship opportunities for teacher nominated students. We seek to inspire students to fulfill their dreams of furthering their education, and we believe in the benefits of student recognition and positive support.
How many years has the USAA provided student recognition?
For 33 years, the Academy and educators have worked together to bring honor and recognition to students in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
What grade levels are involved?
Individual recognition is tailored to students enrolled in middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools.
What standards of selection should I use in deciding whether to nominate a particular student?
Apply at least two of these eight characteristics • 3.0 minimum in your nominating subject • Academic potential • Personal motivation • Cooperative classroom attitude • Dependability • Enthusiasm for education • Leadership qualities • Serious acceptance of responsibility
What is the procedure for nomination students?
A qualified teacher, counselor, assistant principal, or principal makes the nominations on the Official Nomination Form. Return the form in the postage-free envelope. That is all the nominating teacher has to do.
What will my students receive when nominated for recognition?
Students will receive: • congratulatory letter • official student biography form • news release • scholarship application • exclusive USAA membership
Will all nominated students be recognized in the National Awards Yearbook?
All nominees who return the Student Biography form to the USAA will receive national recognition free of charge- an opportunity that would not exist without your participation. Inclusion in the annual Yearbook is an honor to be treasured for a lifetime.
How many scholarships does the Academy Foundation award?
This year, the Foundation will award 400 national scholarships plus the $10,000 Dr. George Stevens Founder’s Award. |
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