Summer Research Scholarship — Terms & Conditions

1. About the scholarship

The PowerNotes Summer Research Scholarship awards a total of $5,000 USD, split into five individual $1,000 USD awards for up to five eligible students per award cycle to support a summer research project. The scholarship is intended to recognize students who demonstrate a strong research focus and commitment to developing evidence-based academic work.

The Summer 2026 award cycle covers research projects undertaken between May 14th, 2026 and August 30th, 2026.

2. Eligibility

To be eligible for the scholarship, Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled as a student at an accredited high school, college, or university at the time of application;
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application, or at least 16 years of age with a completed digital consent form submitted by a parent or legal guardian prior to the application deadline;
• Be undertaking or planning to undertake a substantive research project during the applicable summer period;
• Not be an employee, contractor, or immediate family member of an employee or contractor of PowerNotes LLC; and
• Comply with all application requirements set out in Section 3.
• Review and accept our Scholarship Terms, our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

The scholarship is open to students globally. Where applicable laws restrict participation, residents of those jurisdictions are ineligible.

3. How to apply

To apply, Applicants must submit a complete application via the scholarship application form at https://forms.gle/tmJWzwiXWSoCWNYC8 by the deadline specified in Section 4.

Each application must include:

• Applicant's full name, email address, and school or institution;
• Current grade, year, or program level;
• A written statement of no more than 500 words describing the research project, the research question or topic being explored, and how the scholarship award would support the work; and
• Proof of current enrollment (e.g., a copy of a student ID or enrollment verification letter).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Each Applicant may submit only one application per award cycle.

4. Deadlines

• Application deadline: August 30th at 11:59pm Central Time.
• Winner notification: On or before September 15th, 2026.
• Award payment: Within 30 days of winner notification and completion of any required documentation.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. PowerNotes is not responsible for late, lost, or misdirected applications.

5. Selection

Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship selection committee appointed by PowerNotes. The committee will evaluate applications based on:

• Clarity and strength of the research question or project;
• Demonstrated commitment to evidence-based, structured research;
• How PowerNotes was used in conjunction with the research question or project;
• How the scholarship award would meaningfully support the applicant's work; and
• Quality and originality of the written statement.

PowerNotes reserves the right to select fewer than five recipients in any given cycle if, in its sole judgment, a sufficient number of qualifying applications are not received. All decisions of the selection committee are final and binding. No feedback on individual applications will be provided.

6. Award

Each scholarship award is $1,000 USD, paid as a direct payment to the Recipient. The award is a one-time payment and is not renewable.

The Recipient may be required to provide documentation necessary to process payment, including but not limited to:

• Government-issued identification;
• Tax documentation as required by applicable law (e.g., IRS Form W-9 for US residents, W-8BEN for international recipients); and
• Bank or payment account details for direct transfer.

If a selected Recipient fails to provide required documentation within 30 days of notification, or is found to be ineligible, PowerNotes reserves the right to select an alternate Recipient.

The Recipient is solely responsible for any taxes, fees, or other obligations arising from receipt of the award in their jurisdiction. PowerNotes makes no representations regarding the tax treatment of the scholarship award.

7. Publicity and consent

By accepting the scholarship award, the Recipient consents to PowerNotes using their name, likeness, general location (city/country), school or institution, and a description of their research project in promotional materials, including but not limited to our website, social media channels, and email communications.

Participation in any case study, testimonial, or interview is voluntary and will be requested separately. Declining to participate in publicity will not affect the award.

8. Disqualification

PowerNotes reserves the right to disqualify any Applicant or Recipient who:

• Provides false, misleading, or inaccurate information in their application;
• Is found to be ineligible under Section 2;
• Submits multiple applications in a single award cycle;
• Violates these Terms and Conditions; or
• Engages in any conduct that PowerNotes, in its sole discretion, determines to be inappropriate, harmful, or contrary to the spirit of the scholarship.

In the event of disqualification, PowerNotes may require the return of any award already paid and reserves the right to pursue appropriate remedies.

9. Modification and cancellation

PowerNotes reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, modify, suspend, or terminate the scholarship program at any time and for any reason, including if fraud, technical failure, or other factors beyond PowerNotes' control impair the integrity or proper functioning of the program. PowerNotes reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time; any changes will be posted at this URL.

10. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, PowerNotes LLC shall not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from or in connection with the scholarship program, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages. PowerNotes is not responsible for errors or failures in the application process due to technical issues beyond its control.

11. Governing law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from or in connection with the scholarship program shall be resolved in the courts of Cook County, Illinois, or by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois, consistent with the arbitration provisions in the PowerNotes Terms of Use.

12. Contact

Questions about the scholarship or these Terms and Conditions may be directed to: