Portland Parks & Recreation is recruiting applicants for the EAGLE Caddie Program

 

Possible full college scholarships to selected, qualified participants

 

(Portland, OR) –

Portland Parks & Recreation and the EAGLE (Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment) caddie program seek high school student applicants for a unique internship – one which could result in a full college scholarship to the University of Oregon. The EAGLE program is a partnership between Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), the Western Golf Association, and public high schools located within the city of Portland. The program works by introducing students to all aspects of golf course operation through paid work and instruction. Qualified students are paid an hourly wage, receive work credit hours and have a mentor who monitors their progress. In addition, scholarship opportunities valued at more than $100,000 over four years are possible through the program.

PP&R’s EAGLE caddie program is accepting applications from qualified freshmen currently enrolled at high schools located within the City of Portland. The deadline for applications is April 6, 2018.

Students interested in joining the EAGLE Program should contact Portland Parks & Recreation’s Carolyn Lee at carolyn.lee@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-5076.

The deadline for applications is April 6, 2018.

 

Evans Scholarships are supported by the Western Golf Association, and valued at more than $100,000 over four years. The requirements for an Evans Scholar are based on financial need, good citizenship, being in the top 10% of one’s high school class, and two years either caddying or working in the golf business.

A history of or current interest in the game of golf is not required. EAGLE students successfully completing the program become eligible to apply and compete for an Evans Scholarships during their senior year of high school. This scholarship provides college tuition and housing at the University of Oregon and may be renewed for up to four years.

“The EAGLE caddie program is a successful Portland Parks & Recreation partnership with public high schools,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “We want more young people to follow Portland’s previous Evans Scholarship winners and take advantage of this unique and rewarding program where they have the opportunity to gain work experience while earning money, and potentially continuing their education through a full college scholarship.”

EAGLE CADDIE ELEGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Only freshman attending public high schools within the city of Portland* are eligible to apply for this three-year program;
• Students who are selected for the program work in the clubhouse or on the golf course at minimum wage;
• All participants are required to work full-time during the summer;
• Must have good attendance in school;
• Must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5;
• Must come from a financially disadvantaged family;
• Must go into the EAGLE Program with the expectation of completion; and
• Must submittwo (2) letters of recommendation from a school counselor and/or teacher.

“The EAGLE caddie program is one more way we provide our mission of ‘Healthy Parks, Healthy Portland’,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Mike Abbaté. “I encourage all interested students with drive and initiative to apply in what could be a life-changing experience!”

Evans Scholarships are supported by the Western Golf Association, and valued at more than $100,000 over four years. The requirements for an Evans Scholar are based on financial need, good citizenship and being a top student and caddie. Since 1992, more than 80 students have successfully completed college on Evans Scholarships received through PP&R’s EAGLE Caddie Program. In addition to the scholarships, the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation funds the EAGLE Caddie Program.

2017 Scholarship winner:

Oliver Aguirre: “I am a freshman Evans Scholar at the University of Oregon. As of now, I would like to major in Business Administration with a finance concentration, in addition to a Spanish minor. School has been rewarding, yet challenging so far! I attended a few club meetings this past term, but I look forward to becoming a part of a business club during winter term. Living with Evans Scholars at the UO house [the living space designated for such winners] has been incredibly fun due to the lively, positive and fun atmosphere. Our house has participated in intramural flag football and volleyball, which was a great way to get to know the other Scholars and have a blast! In addition, it’s exciting to be living around other motivated students with different educational interests. Everyone in the House wants one another to exceed, which makes for an awesome living environment. I look forward to spending the next few years at the Evans House, and encourage all interested high school students to apply to the EAGLE program!”

In addition to 2017 scholarship recipient Oliver Aguirre, three Portland-area EAGLE students (Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment)  earned full housing and tuition scholarships to the University of Oregon beginning in 2016 through the Evans Scholars Program: Madison High School graduate Ngoc Le, Franklin High alum Xingling Guan, and former Parkrose High student Demetrius Wallace.

*Students who attend high schools that are not located within the city of Portland should visit the WGAESF website for caddie opportunities.

 

About the Evans Scholarship

Famed golfer Charles “Chick” Evans, Jr. grew up in the Chicago area in the early 1900s. Evans earned money by caddying at the local country club. Wanting to go to college, he found that he could not afford it, nor was there anyone to help him. In 1916, Evans won both the US Amateur and the US Open golf tournaments, and with the victories came considerable wealth and fame. Determined to help others in his former situation, he started the Evans Scholars Foundation. It is currently one of the country’s largest, privately funded scholarship programs.

Supported by the Western Golf Association, the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship provides full housing and tuition to deserving caddies across the country. Currently, 965 caddies are attending college on scholarship; there are more than 10,600 Evans Alumni worldwide. Most Evans Scholars attend one of the 14 universities where the Foundation owns and operates a Scholarship House.

The Evans Scholars Program is funded by contributions from more than 32,000 supporters nationwide, as well as Evans Scholars Alumni and proceeds from the BMW Championship. Portland Public Golf manager John Zoller is a proud Evans Scholar Alum.

The requirements for an Evans Scholar are based on financial need, good citizenship and being a top student and caddie.

For more information, visit the WGAESF website.

About Portland Public Golf – Celebrating 100 Years!

Portland Public Golf offers affordable, quality golf to Portland’s residents and visitors. Our five golf courses are conveniently located around the metro area to offer unparalleled access to our nationally recognized courses: Eastmoreland, Heron Lakes – Great Blue, Heron Lakes – Greenback, RedTail, Rose City and newly acquired Colwood Golf Course.

Portland Public Golf has been meeting the recreation and golf needs of the Portland community since 1917. We have a long history of presenting successful, high-profile golf events and tournaments. Portland is the only municipality in the country to have hosted four USGA national championships, and has played host to a number of events.

Every year, 400,000 rounds are played on Portland Public Golf courses. We are proud to offer lessons by trained golf professionals, meeting and hospitality facilities, and public and private events and tournaments at each of our properties.

 

Apply to be a part of the EAGLE program

Students interested in joining the EAGLE Program should contact Portland Parks & Recreation’s Carolyn Lee at carolyn.lee@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-5076. The deadline for applications is April 6, 2018.