ISG INTERPRETER TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP PURPOSE: to support and promote training and professional advancement in the field of spoken language interpreting and translation in MN. Applicants should use the money to further their knowledge and credentials in interpreting and translation. AWARDS  Academic Training Scholarships o 3 scholarships in the amount of $ 500 each toward a translation and interpreting college course (post-secondary) offered by MN colleges  Non-academic Training Scholarship o 2 scholarships in the amount of $ 250 toward an approved 40 or 60-hour interpreter training – as listed in the IMIA (International Medical Interpreter Association) or ISG websites  Professional Certification Scholarship o 3 scholarships in the amount of $ 300 each toward national certification for CMI or CHI credentials  LANGUAGE Proficiency Scholarship o 1 scholarship in the amount of $ 100 toward successful passing of the ACTFL OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) examination – Minimum score: Advanced Mid CRITERIA      Language Proficiency: for the Academic and Non-Academic scholarships applicants should show language proficiency in English and non-English language (as indicated by the National Board of Certification of Medical Interpreters (http://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org/). Member of the ISG (Interpreting Stakeholders Group) and MN resident Members of ISG board of directors or standing committees are not eligible to apply Scholarships will be awarded upon completion of the training or test results. Applicants must show proof of completion of course/training and certification within 30 days of completion. Must be completed within one 12-month calendar year after which the award was announced. Each interpreter can only apply and be awarded one scholarship. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION  Cover letter and resume.  Short essay (250 words) on their reason/plan to further their education/training/national certification or a 2-3 minute audio recording in an accepted format (such as mp3, wma, etc). If submitting an audio file, applicants must ensure quality of the audio (i.e. no background noise, etc.) and the language should be English. o Questions to consider: o “Why do you want to be an interpreter? Why are you an interpreter? Why do you wish to pursue professional interpreting credentials and/or development?  2 letters of recommendation from professors/trainers, supervisors of interpreter services, community leaders, previous employers, people connected with interpreting as a profession in some way (letter from family members will not be accepted)  For the Academic and Non-Academic scholarships, proof of High school completion or GED is required.  Proof of language proficiency for English and non-English languages (OPI if available) for the academic and non-academic scholarships. SUBMISSION  All required documentation should be sent by email (including audio file) in accepted formats (written documents in PDF or Word) to [email protected]. DEADLINE  January 31st, 2015