LeadAmerica Scholarships

Named Scholarships
LeadAmerica offers a number of named scholarships. These scholarships are available through the generosity of the individuals for whom they are named.

• To apply for one of these named scholarships, students must be enrolled in a LeadAmerica conference.

Andrew Sama, MD Medicine & Healthcare Scholarship
This scholarship was created through the generosity of Dr. Andrew Sama for students interested in the fields of medicine and healthcare and attending LeadAmerica's Medicine & Healthcare conference. Two scholarships, each in the amount of $500, are available this year.

About Dr. Sama:
Dr. Andrew Sama is an official team physician of the NY Giants and Director of Orthopedic Spine Surgery at New York Hospital. He is also an Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Sama completed a Fellowship at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and is published on topics related to spinal surgery, spine tumors and other orthopedic issues. A recipient of the National Orthopedic Surgery Fellows Foundation Research Grant, Dr. Sama earned his MD from the University of Miami School of Medicine.

To Apply:

• Complete and submit the enrollment and scholarship applications.*
• Attach a written statement/essay by the student explaining why she/he should be awarded the scholarship. The essay should be typed, one page, double-spaced and 12 pt font.
• Apply by April 15 in order to be considered for the scholarship.
• The student's account will be credited the award amount or if no tuition is due, excess tuition after the scholarship is awarded will be refunded.

Download Scholarship Application - pdf

* To apply for one of these named scholarships, students must be enrolled in a LeadAmerica conference

Professor Jack Pinnix Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Professor Jack Pinnix. It is awarded to students attending any science-related LeadAmerica conference, including Medicine & Healthcare, Engineering & Robotics and CSI: Forensic Science. Funds for this scholarship are raised each year through generous donations from former LeadAmerica students, staff, and faculty as well as from other friends and family of Professor Pinnix. Three scholarships, each in the amount of $500, are available this year.

About Professor Pinnix:
Professor Jack Pinnix was LeadAmerica's former Director of Academics. He also was an instructor of interdisciplinary physical science and critical thinking in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Chicago State University. He earned degrees from Harvey Mudd College, Pomona College and the University of Chicago. A curriculum development specialist for middle and high school, Professor Pinnix taught at almost every grade level. He served on the Illinois State Board of Education Curriculum Advisory Board and earned numerous awards including Teacher of the Year in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Professor Pinnix was a gifted and much beloved teacher and friend of many. He passed away in 2005.

To Apply:

• Complete and submit the enrollment and scholarship applications.*
• Attach a written statement/essay by the student explaining why she/he should be awarded the scholarship. The essay should be typed, one page, double-spaced and 12 pt font.
• Apply by April 15 in order to be considered for this scholarship.
• The student's account will be credited the award amount or if no tuition is due, excess tuition after the scholarship is awarded will be refunded.

Download Scholarship Application - pdf

* To apply for one of these named scholarships, students must be enrolled in a LeadAmerica conference

Olegario D. Cantos VII Law & Leadership Scholarship
This scholarship was created through the generosity of Ollie Cantos for students attending LeadAmerica's Law conference or National Leadership Summit. One scholarship is available this year and covers the full tuition to National Leadership Summit (5 day) OR $1000 towards the Law & Trial Advocacy conference. (The student is responsible for travel and incidental expenses.)

About Olegario Cantos:
Blind since birth, Olegario "Ollie" Cantos is one of the highest placed people with a disability in the federal government today, serving as Special Assistant to the Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice. Mr. Cantos served as General Counselor and Director of Programs for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). He serves as Staff Attorney and Director of Outreach and Education at the Western Law Center for Disability Rights in Los Angeles. Mr. Santos holds a JD from Loyola Law School and a degree in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University.

To Apply:

• Complete the enrollment and scholarship applications.
• Attach a written statement/essay by the student explaining why she/he should be awarded the scholarship. Essay should be typed, on one page, double-spaced and 12 pt font.
• Apply by April 15 in order to be considered for the scholarship.
• The student's account will be credited the award amount or if no tuition is due, excess tuition after the scholarship is awarded will be refunded.

Download Scholarship Application - pdf

* To apply for one of these named scholarships, students must be enrolled in a LeadAmerica conference

Edward H. Rensi, Global Business & Entrepreneurship Scholarship
This scholarship was created through the generosity of Edward H. Rensi for students interested in the field of business and entrepreneurship and attending LeadAmerica's Global Business & Entrepreneurship conference. Two scholarships, each in the amount of $500, are available this year.

About Mr. Rensi:
Ed Rensi is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s USA and has been a member of McDonald’s Board of Directors since 1982. He is credited with development of the Chicken McNugget and numerous other innovations that led McDonald’s to become the most recognized brand in the world. Mr. Rensi was co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House and is a member of its International Advisory Board. Today, Mr. Rensi pursues his passion of NASCAR racing as Chairman and CEO of Team Rensi Motorsports.

To Apply:

• Complete and submit the enrollment and scholarship applications.*
• Attach a written statement/essay by the student explaining why she/he should be awarded the scholarship. The essay should be typed, one page, double-spaced and 12 pt font.
• Apply by April 15 in order to be considered for the scholarship.
• The student's account will be credited the award amount or if no tuition is due, excess tuition after the scholarship is awarded will be refunded.

Download Scholarship Application - pdf

* To apply for one of these named scholarships, students must be enrolled in a LeadAmerica conference

Amber Reynolds Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Amber Reynolds. It is awarded to students who attend any LeadAmerica conference. Students who demonstrate courage or exceptional positive attitude in the face of adversity may apply. Funds for this scholarship are raised each year through generous donations from former LeadAmerica students, staff, and faculty. Two scholarships, each in the amount of $500, are available this year.

About Amber Reynolds:
Amber Reynolds attended LeadAmerica's Law & Advocacy Conference in 2005. Her parents said that Amber had absolutely the best time of her life. During the conference, Amber met LeadAmerica’s Founder, Mr. Chris Salamone. Amber’s enthusiasm and positive attitude made an immediate impression on him. After meeting Amber, Mr. Salamone learned that Amber had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given six months to live. Mr. Salamone was indescribably impacted by her courage but even more by her enthusiasm and positive attitude in the face of such adversity. This scholarship honors Amber’s memory and how she handled her most difficult circumstances. Amber passed away December 2005.

To Apply:

• Complete and submit the enrollment and scholarship applications.*
• Attach a written statement/essay by the student explaining how she/he has demonstrated courage or exception positive attitude in the face of adversity. The essay should be typed, one page, double-spaced and 12 pt font.
• Apply by April 15 in order to be considered for this scholarship.
• The student's account will be credited the award amount or if no tuition is due, excess tuition after the scholarship is awarded will be refunded.

Download Scholarship Application - pdf

* To apply for one of these named scholarships, students must be enrolled in a LeadAmerica conference