Evans Scholars Foundation

Overview

The Evans Scholars Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization established by the Western Golf Association (WGA). Its primary mission is to provide full tuition and housing college scholarships to financially needy golf caddies, aiming to address barriers faced by these students in pursuing higher education and prepare them for lifelong success.

History

The foundation was established in 1929, following a request by Charles "Chick" Evans Jr., a renowned amateur golfer. Evans, who won both the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur in 1916, decided to use his earnings to finance college educations for deserving caddies. In 1930, the WGA awarded its first two scholarships, sending Harold Fink and Jim McGinnis to Northwestern University. Since then, over 12,000 young men and women have graduated as Evans Scholars.

Mission and Impact

The Evans Scholars Program is the nation's largest scholarship program for caddies. It supports hardworking young caddies who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, strong character, and a significant caddying history. The foundation offers a comprehensive scholarship package that covers both tuition and housing costs for recipients to attend one of 24 leading universities across the United States.

Scholarship Selection

To qualify for the Evans Scholarship, applicants must have a strong caddie record, excellent academic performance, demonstrated financial need, and outstanding character. Applications are accepted during the applicant's senior year of high school or as a college freshman. The selection process includes a thorough review of applications, interviews with finalists, and a final decision made by the Scholarship Committee.

Education and Support

Evans Scholars live in designated Scholarship Houses on their respective campuses, fostering a supportive community that encourages academic achievement, leadership development, and social engagement. This communal environment contributes to the program's notable success, with Scholars maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and achieving a graduation rate of 98%.

Funding and Operations

The foundation is supported by contributions from Par Club members and proceeds from various golf championships conducted by the WGA. The headquarters of the Evans Scholars Foundation serves as a central hub for operations and is designed to reflect the organization's mission and history.

Achievements

Since its inception, the Evans Scholars Foundation has made a profound impact on the lives of thousands of caddies by providing access to higher education. Today, it continues to support over 1,100 Evans Scholars annually, positioning them for potential and success beyond college.