The War Memorial Fund was established in 1944. Virginian Tom Baldridge organized fundraising efforts through each state Junior Chamber organization and the War Memorial building (which serves as the USJC National Service Center) was constructed in 1951.

Providing educational training to young men and women continues to be the primary focus of the War Memorial Fund. This is accomplished through grants, scholarships, and other educational programs.

War Memorial Fund Scholarship

Established in 1944, the Jaycee War Memorial Fund continues to make available scholarships for the educational training of young men and women.

Ten (10) scholarships awarded annually. Applicants must be citizens of the United States, possess academic potential and leadership qualities, and show financial need. The scholarship is an award of $1,000 sent directly to the recipient's college or university of choice. The award is to be applied as credit for tuition, books, laboratory fees, or other academic costs, and room and board when housed under control of the institution involved.

To receive a War Memorial Fund Scholarship application, applicants must submit a self-addressed, business-sized, stamped envelope and a $10 application fee between July 1 and February 1 to: JWMF, PO Box 7, Tulsa, OK 74102-0007. The check or money order must be made payable to JWMF.

Thomas Wood Baldridge Scholarship

Thomas Wood Baldridge, a motion picture industry professional for 59 years, was also a highly accomplished Jaycee. Baldridge helped establish the first Jaycee chapters in Maryland and co-founded more than 20 Virginia chapters and more than 60 mid-Atlantic chapters. He was the first State President of the Virginia Junior Chamber and was eventually elected U.S. Junior Chamber National Vice President. He organized fundraising efforts to build the War Memorial Building in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and founded the War Memorial Trust, serving as Chairman until 1993.

One (1) scholarship awarded annually. Available to a Jaycee, immediate family member of a Jaycee, or a descendent of a former Jaycee, and must be enrolled in or accepted for admission to a college or university. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States, possess academic potential and leadership qualities, and show financial need. The scholarship is a one-time award of $3,000 sent directly to the recipient's college or university of choice. The award is to be applied as credit for tuition, books, laboratory fees, or other academic costs, and room and board when housed under control of the institution involved.

To receive a Thomas Wood Baldridge Scholarship application, applicants must submit a self-addressed, business-sized, stamped envelope and a $10 application fee between July 1 and February 1 to: Thomas Wood Baldridge Scholarship Program, PO Box 7, Tulsa, OK 74102-0007. The check or money order must be made payable to The War Memorial Fund.

Charles R. Ford Scholarship

Charles R. Ford, a Senator in the state of Oklahoma, continues to serve the Junior Chamber organization. Beginning on the chapter level, Ford then served as a Region Director, State President of the Oklahoma Junior Chamber of Commerce, a U.S. Junior Chamber National Vice President, and later International Vice President of Junior Chamber International. He has served continuously since 1963 on the War Memorial Fund Board of Trustees and currently is serving as Chairman.

One (1) scholarship awarded annually. Available to an active member of the Jaycees who wishes to return to a college or university to complete his or her formal education. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States, possess academic potential and leadership qualities, and show financial need. The scholarship is a one-time award of $2,500 sent directly to the recipient's college or university of choice. The award is to be applied as credit for tuition, books, laboratory fees, or other academic costs, and room and board when housed under control of the institution involved.

To receive a Charles R. Ford Scholarship application, applicants must submit a self-addressed, business-sized, stamped envelope and a $10 application fee between July 1 and February 1 to: Charles R. Ford Scholarship Program, PO Box 7, Tulsa, OK 74102-0007. The check or money order must be made payable to The War Memorial Fund.

2007 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

$1,000 War Memorial Fund
Candace Chapman (MO)
Lauren Carver (TX)
Lisa Thvedt (SD)
Matthew Rosado (CT)
Gerald McMullan III (FL)
Courtney Olach (FL)
Thomas Hall (GA)
Adam Kaliszewski (TX)
Joseph Salvaggi (OH)
Cara Perkins (TX)

$2,500 Ford Scholarship
Melanie Sprengel (IL)

$3,000 Baldridge Scholarship
Shannon Penrod (PA)