2014-2015 Scholarship Program Winners

Local-Area Winners^‡

The Mensa Education and Research Foundation (MERF) once again sponsored this year’s Mensa Scholarship Essay Contest, open to both Mensans and non-Mensans. MERF’s online application system attracted more than 11,400 students who competed for 181 scholarship awards at the local, regional and national levels with a total value of $82,700.

To be eligible, an applicant must be attending an accredited institution of post-secondary education. Applicants submit essays of 550 words or fewer, describing their scholastic and career goals.

Each local group within American Mensa has the option of participating in the contest. This year, Chicago Area Mensa received 160 applications, which were judged by a panel of volunteers comprised of your fellow Chicago Area Mensans.

We are pleased to announce that four of our finalists earned awards this year: one at the regional level and three at the local level. We are highlighting the local winners and their inspiring essays by featuring them on our website.

We congratulate all of our winners and finalists and thank all who entered essays.

Simply click/tap on the winner’s name to view the essays.

Haleh Karbasforoushan
Chicago, IL
Degree Major: Doctorate Neuroscience – Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Local Diana Mossip Memorial Award Recipient

Mary Grana
Palatine, IL
Degree Major: Bachelor Engineering – Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Local Chicago Area Mensa Scholarship Recipient

Saundra Castaneda
Chicago, IL
Degree Major: Bachelor Computer Science – DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Local Chicago Area Mensa Scholarship Recipient

Cally Miller
Elkhart, IN
Degree Major: Bachelor Biology/Chemistry – Manchester University, North Manchester, IN
Regional Foundation Trustee Scholarship Recipient

List of 2014-15 Foundation Winners

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‡ - Chicago Area Mensa is in Region 04.