Schein – Friedman Scholastic Project

By FM Aviv Friedman and Mark Schein

Mark Schein and Aviv Friedman, in cooperation with the US Chess Trust, are happy to announce their third annual scholastic recognition project.

The project is designed to help some of our younger champions continue to improve and dedicate themselves to chess while offsetting some of the financial expense. The project is designed to reward some top-rated youngsters, and help them become tomorrow’s best players and eventual Grandmasters. These youngsters will be serving as role models and inspiration to the entire scholastic community.

The program is generally designed for youngsters age 7-17. Occasionally, in cases of unusual excellence (considerably exceeding the program’s criterions), applications by players up to age 20 would be considered, but in a lower priority to applicants under age 17.

The scholarships for 2010 are:

The top recipient will get $4000; the second recipient will get $3000; and the third $2000.

Applicants must have been US citizens or permanent legal residents for a minimum of 18 months prior to the deadline date (September 30th for 2010). They must show dedication to chess, talent and accomplishment. They also must exhibit a will to work hard and improve, as well as good sportsmanship and a positive attitude. Applicants must be active tournament players.

The minimum ratings qualification formula is as follows:

• Ages 7-14: age * 100 + 1000 for boys, and age * 100 + 800 for girls.
• Ages 15-16: age * 100 + 900 for boys, and age * 100 + 700 for girls.
• Age 17: 2500 for boys, 2300 for girls.

All applications should be in the form of an essay, describing the applicant’s chess accomplishments, and why he or she should receive a scholarship. They should be sent via e-mail to Aviv Friedman at avivster@hotmail.com .

Also for the second year in a row, the Schein – Friedman Project will co-sponsor with the US Chess School, a free camp for 8-12 leading US juniors. This camp as well as all the other USCS camps, provides intensive, weeklong instruction by titled instructors. See www.USChessSchool.com for more info.