The Herbert B. Jacklyn Program is Open For 2024-25 Submissions

“It is my wish and desire that the United States Chess Federation use this gift to establish a fund in my name and that the income generated therefrom be used for the furtherance of the chess capabilities of chess players from 18 through 21 years of age.” – Dr. Herbert B. Jacklyn

Note, August 7: Due to a problem with the original Google Form Application, we have extended the deadline this year to August 22 from the normal August 15 deadline. The new form link is here. 

US Chess is opening the application process for the 2024-2025 Herbert B. Jacklyn Program. The program is funded by a generous bequest to US Chess from the late Dr. Herbert B. Jacklyn. It was the wish of Dr. Jacklyn that income derived from investing his gift be used to improve the chess of players 18 to 21 years of age. The deadline to submit is August 15, 2024.

US Chess aims to provide opportunities for chess players who lack the economic resources to acquire chess coaching and instruction on their own. 

The criteria will include the following considerations:

1. Applicants must be United States citizens and reside in the United States of America.
2. Applicants must be US Chess members in good standing. For teams applying, all team members must meet eligibility requirements.
3. Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and no older than twenty-one (21) at the time the Herbert B. Jacklyn selection is announced.
4. Applicants must have an established US Chess regular over-the-board rating of at least 1500 and not higher than 2000 at the time they apply. Prospective applicants for a chess scholarship are ineligible.
5. Applicants must not have a negative judgement, past or pending, rendered against them by the US Chess Ethics Committee or have ever been found in violation of the US Chess Code of Ethics. 
6. Preferential consideration will be given to:
   1. Applicants who attend an accredited school of higher learning in the United States;
   2. Applicants who have demonstrated a sustained history of playing in US Chess-rated events;
   3. Applicants who are members of groups that have been historically under-represented in the chess community, such as women, and underserved students from rural and urban backgrounds; and
   4. Applications who demonstrate financial need.
7. Applicants are encouraged to provide a letter of recommendation from one of the following:
   1. Their current or past chess coach or mentor
   2. A former or current high school/college teacher/professor
   3. A former or current school or community Guidance Counselor

A letter of recommendation should be from someone who knows the applicant well and can address why the applicant is a good candidate to be selected for the Herbert B. Jacklyn Program. It is important that a letter of recommendation speaks to either the character of the applicant, their financial need, or the applicant’s potential and promise as a chess player. Letters from family members are not allowed.

1. Applicants are required to write an essay on why they are a good candidate for the Herbert B. Jacklyn Program. Applicants should address what the game of chess means to them and how it has impacted their life, their goals for improving their game, as well as anything else that they believe the committee should know about them that could contribute to a decision in their favor.
2. Applications are due annually by August 15, with selections and notifications made by September 15. Submit your application at this link

Past winners are welcome to apply again if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

You can read about the 2022 recipients here.

You can read about the 2023 recipients here. 

The selection committee will award up to $7,500 annually (depending on the fund’s investment income for the year), split among individual and team applicants. Individual awards will be capped at $1,000 and team awards will be capped at $1,500. 

For more information, contact US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett.