Alpha Lillstrom Cheng Democratic Process Engagement Scholarship Fund

Alpha Lillstrom Cheng JD, MA is from the New Bethlehem area and a 1993 graduate of Redbank Valley High School. Alpha has dedicated her career to public service and empowering Americans to participate in elections as well as the legislative and regulatory processes. As rural America is often overlooked by political candidates and party platforms, this scholarship was created to reward Redbank Valley High School seniors or graduates who have been involved in the democratic process in their school, local, state or federal government. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to both high school students and adult students
• Nonrenewable
• Applicant must:
  • be a Redbank Valley High School senior or graduate.
  • Be accepted for admission to a four year college or university
  • Studying Anthropology, Sociology, Public Policy, Political Science, or Law
• Specific (must meet 1 or more of the following):
  • Studying Anthropology, Sociology, Public Policy, Political Science, or Law
• The student must have done at least one of the following:
  • run for a student government position 
  • secured an internship or a paid position with a state or federal legislator,
  • worked on a state or federal political campaign,
  • OR run for an elective office position in local or state government.

Information to be requested as part of the application:

• Have school/community activities
• Recommendations
• Have employment or volunteer history

Essay Question

Please write a one-page essay for all three (3) questions listed below:

1. What situation inspired you to work in government and whose lives do you hope to change or improve as a result of your participation in our country's democratic process?
2. What is the first election you paid attention to? What was the first election you got involved in and what did you do?
3. If you could write a bill which would become law, what policy change would you pursue and why?

Past Recipients

• 2022-23 Clara Gourley