2024 SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION REGULATIONS
RAFAŁ BRZOSKA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND
FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND UNIQUE ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS 

PREAMBLE

The Scholarship Fund for Academic Achievements and Unique Entrepreneurial Skills, hereinafter referred to as the "Fund", operates under the auspices of the Rafał Brzoska Foundation. It was established to support talented young individuals who excel academically, exhibit exceptional entrepreneurial prowess and have the potential to become future leaders with a significant positive impact on the world and its people. The Foundation establishes the Fund by garnering resources from private sources, including individuals and legal entities ("Patrons"), who are committed to supporting young people with high academic achievements. The Fund maintains a separate accounting position and is funded annually by the Foundation through the allocation of donations and other resources provided by the Patrons for the needs of the Competition (defined below).

The Fund fulfils its mission by supporting young individuals who not only exhibit exceptional academic results but also demonstrate talent, aspirations, ideas, and achievements. To ensure optimal conditions for their development—both in Poland and internationally—the Fund will provide academic, developmental, and financial support by funding scholarships (defined below). The Fund will pay particular attention to children and youth from backgrounds with limited developmental opportunities, those in challenging economic or social conditions, or those having refugee experiences.

General Provisions

§ 1

1.	The organiser of the Scholarship Competition in 2024, hereinafter referred to as the "Competition", is the Rafał Brzoska Foundation, situated at ul. Fryderyka Joliot-Curie No. 28, unit U2, 02-646 Warsaw. This foundation is registered in the registry of associations, other social and professional organisations, foundations, and independent public healthcare facilities of the National Court Register, maintained by the District Court for the Capital City of Warsaw in Warsaw, XIII Commercial Division of the National Court Register, under the number KRS: 0000972080, NIP: 5213970707, REGON: 522187187, hereinafter referred to as the "Organiser" or the "Foundation".
2.	The Competition was publicly announced on the Organiser’s website. 
3.	These Regulations, hereinafter referred to as the "Regulations", define the rules for participation in the Competition and application for a scholarship from the Fund ("Scholarship" or "Scholarships"). 
4.	Within the framework of the Competition, the Scholarship will be awarded to Candidates (defined below), who successfully pass two stages of the application process and receive final approval from the Founder. 
5.	The number of Scholarships awarded will depend on the quality and number of applications, as well as the pool of financial resources available in a given calendar year within the Fund.

Competition Rules

§ 2

1.	Applications for the Competition will be accepted from the 23rd of April, 2024, to the 10th of May, 2024, up until 23:59. The announcement of the winners (defined below) will take place by the 16th of July, 2024. 
2.	The Scholarship is intended for individuals with a proven track of academic achievements and exhibiting unique entrepreneurial skills.
3.	Candidates who are minors on the day of application submission may participate in the Competition, provided they are registered by a parent or legal guardian. 
4.	By submitting an application, either independently or through a parent/legal guardian, it is affirmed that all information contained in the application form and the documents attached thereto are true, complete, and accurately reflect the economic and social situation of the Candidate or their family. 
5.	The Organiser is not responsible for the veracity of any data or information presented in the application. 
6.	Submitted applications will be verified by representatives of the Organiser and evaluated by the Competition Committee, hereinafter referred to as the "Committee", which operates according to the Foundation's Statutes and in accordance with these Regulations, particularly in line with § 5 of these Regulations, which defines the operation of the Committee.

Selection Criteria

§ 3

1.	The following individuals ("Candidates", or each individually as a "Candidate") may apply for a Scholarship within the framework of the Competition if they meet all the following criteria:
a.	On the last day of the application submission period (10th of May, 2024), they must be at least 13 years old but not older than 25 years.
b.	They must have demonstrated outstanding academic results as well as unique entrepreneurial skills.
2.	To identify the most outstanding Candidates, auxiliary criteria are introduced, enabling the Committee to distinguish Candidates who meet the criterion specified in § 3, item 1, letter b, in terms of:
a.	Having a clear vision of their own development, or an idea/project, and awareness of the type of support the Candidate needs to develop dynamically;
b.	Having the potential to positively influence the world, people, and the natural environment through their attitude and activities;
c.	Coming from environments with fewer developmental opportunities or being in a difficult economic, social, or refugee situation.

First Stage of the Competition

§ 4

1.	The first stage of the Competition entails completing and submitting an online application form via www.rafalbrzoskafoundation.org. Candidates must provide the following information and attach the requisite documents:
a.	Candidate's identification and contact details;
b.	Identification and contact details of the parent or legal guardian (for minors);
c.	A list of academic results and achievements from the last two years prior to the application date, along with documentation confirming these results and achievements;
d.	Information about the Candidate’s entrepreneurial skills and achievements;
e.	Information about the economic and social situation of the Candidate or their family;
f.	An essay, video, or presentation showcasing the Candidate’s potential, aspirations, and achievements;
g.	References from individuals who have collaborated with the Candidate in the field of business and entrepreneurship (mentors, professors, teachers);
h.	Declarations and consents regarding personal data and other required areas.

2.	The application form may be submitted between the 23rd of April, 2024, and the 10th of May, 2024 (until 23:59). Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
3.	The text of the online form is available at www.rafalbrzoskafoundation.org. Once an application has been submitted in the system, resubmission using the same PESEL number of the candidate is not possible.
4.	Applications will be verified for formal and substantive compliance by representatives of the Organiser, appointed by the Foundation's Board. 
5.	The Organiser reserves the right to contact selected Candidates or individuals submitting applications to clarify the application or verify information provided in the application form. Refusal to provide additional information, as mentioned previously, may result in the exclusion of the application from further consideration in the Competition.
6.	Should the Organiser, at any stage of the Competition, obtain knowledge or reasonable suspicion that the information provided in the application is false, they are entitled to exclude the respective Candidate from further participation in the Competition.
7.	Representatives of the Organiser will assess the applications of the Candidates in terms of meeting the competition criterion referred to in § 3, item 1, letter b, assigning scores from 0 to 10. They will also assess the fulfilment of the criteria indicated in § 3, item 2, letters a-c, assigning scores from 0 to 10 for each of these criteria.
8.	Based on the assessment of all applications, a ranking list will be compiled, containing a maximum of 25 Candidates whose applications will proceed to the second stage of the Competition. Other applications that passed verification in the first stage will form a reserve list. The ranking list is created starting from the Candidates with the highest scores for the criterion referred to in § 3, item 1, letter b. Candidates with the same number of points for this criterion are placed on the ranking list according to the number of points awarded in relation to the criteria from § 3, item 2, letters a-c.
9.	Candidates qualified for the second stage of the Competition, hereinafter referred to as "Competition Finalists'', will be informed electronically by the 4th of June, 2024. The names and first names of the qualified individuals will also be published on www.rafalbrzoskafoundation.org.

Second Stage of the Competition

§ 5

1.	The second stage of the Competition requires the qualified individuals to engage in an individual meeting with the Committee, preferably face-to-face in Warsaw. In exceptional cases, the meeting may be conducted remotely. 
2.	These meetings are scheduled to occur between the 10th of June, 2024, and the 13th of June, 2024.
3.	The aim of these meetings is to gain a deeper understanding of the Competition Finalists, examining their academic results more closely. Additionally, the Committee will assess the finalists' motivation, attitude, values, and further explore their ambitions, talent, aspirations, plans, and developmental needs. Each meeting with the Competition Finalists should not exceed 30 minutes.
4.	The Committee, comprising 3 to 7 members, includes authorities and experts in the field of business and entrepreneurship. The members are socially esteemed, possess unblemished reputations, and have notable professional achievements. Members of the Competition Committee are invited and nominated by the Foundation's Board. Members of the Foundation's Programme Council and Mentor Council may also serve on the Committee. At their first meeting, the Committee members elect a Chairperson who ensures the proceedings are conducted smoothly and reliably, upholding the principles of objectivity and equality.
5.	The Committee operates according to the Regulations and the Statute of the Organiser.
6.	Decisions within the Committee are made by a simple majority of votes. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson's vote is decisive.
7.	Committee meetings are convened by the Foundation Board, either in writing or via email, at least 7 days before the scheduled meeting. Committee members may also participate using electronic communication means, ensuring: 
a.	Real-time transmission of the meeting proceedings,
b.	Two-way real-time communication, allowing a Committee member to speak during the proceedings.
8.	Meetings are recorded. The Committee makes decisions after analysing the submissions of the Competition Finalists and conducting individual meetings with them. Each Committee member involved in evaluating a given Finalist assigns scores from 0 to 10 based on the application analysis and the outcome of the meeting. The average of all scores awarded by the participating Committee members determines the Finalist’s score. Based on the scoring, the Committee presents its recommendations to the Founder in the form of a ranked list of Competition Finalists.
9.	The Committee may also suggest potential areas of support for a given Competition Finalist. 
10.	The Founder will hold individual meetings with selected Competition Finalists from the ranked list, and if necessary, their parents or legal guardians, between the 21st of June, 2024, and the 24th of June, 2024.
11.	After reviewing the ranked list presented by the Committee, the decision on awarding Scholarships is made by the Founder. The selection of Competition Winners ("Winners" or each individually as a "Winner") will be concluded by the 16th of July, 2024. The Competition Winners will be informed individually.
12.	Decisions made by the Founder regarding the awarding of Scholarships are final and not subject to appeal.

Awarding of the Scholarship

§ 6

1.	The Founder's decision to award a Scholarship will represent an individual support proposal for the Winner, based on their academic performance and considering their capabilities, aspirations, needs, and the financial possibilities of the Organiser.
2.	Concurrently, the Founder will present the Winner with a proposal for an Annual Individual Development Plan, hereinafter referred to as the "Development Plan", recommending outcomes to be achieved by the Winner. The Winner must respond to the development plan proposal within five working days of its receipt.
3.	The final version of the development plan will be established through joint arrangements between the Organiser and the Winner. The awarding of the Scholarship will be contingent upon the Winner, or their parents/legal guardians, consenting to implement the development plan and signing a scholarship agreement. 
4.	The final signing of the scholarship agreement must occur no later than the end of October 2024. 
5.	Signing the scholarship agreement signifies the Winner's entry into the Scholarship Programme organised by the Fund, hereinafter referred to as the "Programme", and the Winner thereby attaining the status of Grantee ("Grantee").

Subject of the Scholarship

§ 7
1.	The Scholarship will be individually tailored to meet the needs of the Grantee, reflecting their academic and entrepreneurial achievements . It will encompass elements designed to provide comprehensive developmental and educational support, enabling the achievement of further distinguished academic and entrepreneurial results. 
2.	Scholarships may be awarded long-term but will be subject to annual review based on the Grantee ’s fulfilment of developmental goals outlined in the Development Plan.
3.	Upon the Grantee 's request, the Organiser may assign an individual guardian—a developmental advisor—who will work closely and directly with the Grantee, as well as with parents/guardians and teachers. 
4.	The guardian’s responsibilities will also include analysing the developmental needs and advising on which opportunities and offers to pursue within the Fund. The guardian will continuously monitor and support the Grantee’s development, inspiring them to achieve the goals set out in the individual Development Plan.
5.	The Scholarship may include the following benefits:
a.	Financial support: Depending on the academic and entrepreneurial  accomplishments, the Grantee's individual situation, and the chosen development path, appropriate financial support may be provided to cover costs associated with education and development, including: 
i.   tuition, other fees related to education/studies, 
ii.  accommodation, 
iii. travel costs to school, 
iv.  textbooks, work tools, 
v.   specialised courses/conferences/workshops.
b.	Mentoring: Individual work with a selected expert proposed by the Foundation, depending on the needs of the Grantee. Mentors will be experienced individuals, recognised specialists, and authorities in the field of business and entrepreneurship.
c.	Psychological support: A team of psychologists will provide ongoing support to Grantees depending on their individual needs.
d.	Foreign languages: Additional classes in English or another language, including preparation for language exams.
e.	Individual preparation for selected individuals who wish to pursue international studies.
f.	Participation in regular meetings of the group of Grantees (during holidays/breaks), including:
i. training in social skills—communication, collaboration, empathy, influence, etiquette,
ii. training in professional skills—working methods such as design thinking, agile, public speaking.

Duties of the Grantee

§ 8

Grantees are obligated to:

1.	Continue development based on their own talents, abilities, and resources;
2.	Make every effort to implement the agreed Development Plan;
3.	Adhere to the provisions of these Regulations, the scholarship agreement, and other requirements resulting from receiving the Scholarship;
4.	Utilise the Scholarship to its fullest extent;
5.	Participate in research and engage in joint events organised for all Grantees, such as summer and winter trips;
6.	Engage in activities of the Fund and Organiser;
7.	Mention in their communications that they are Grantees of the Fund.

Collaboration with Parents/Legal Guardians

§ 9

1.	Parents/legal guardians of minor Grantees are required to keep the Foundation informed about significant events affecting the Grantee’s participation in the Programme, including significant changes in social and living conditions. 
2.	They are also required to maintain telephone or email contact with the Organiser.

Withdrawal from the Programme

§ 10
1.	Grantees have the right to withdraw from the Programme due to significant unforeseen circumstances that prevent further participation in the Programme and the achievement of the Scholarship’s objectives, at any time, without the need to repay the support costs incurred up to the point of withdrawal. 
2.	The Grantee or their parent/legal guardian is obligated to inform the Foundation in writing about the decision to withdraw from the Programme. 
3.	Withdrawal entails a complete cessation of support provided to the Grantee as stipulated in § 7 of these Regulations.

Conditions for Suspension, Revocation, or Repayment of the Scholarship

§ 11

1.	In addition to the situation referred to in § 10 item 1 of these Regulations, the Foundation may suspend the provision of benefits under the Scholarship in the event of:
a.	A breach by the Grantee or their parent/legal guardian of the provisions of the scholarship agreement, particularly if the Grantee fails to fulfil the obligations specified by the scholarship agreement;
b.	Circumstances coming to light indicating that the award of the Scholarship was based on the presentation of false or misleading information or documents.
2.	In the cases mentioned in item 1 letters a and b above, the Foundation may also terminate the scholarship agreement and demand the repayment of all or part of the amounts paid as the Scholarship up to the time of the agreement’s termination.

Personal Data Processing

§ 12
1.	"GDPR" refers to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation).
2.	In accordance with applicable personal data protection regulations, including the GDPR, the Foundation informs that:
a.	The data controller of the personal data of Candidates to the Programme (at each stage of participation in the Competition) and participants of the Programme and their parents/legal guardians (in the case of minor Candidates/participants) is the Rafał Brzoska Foundation, located in Warsaw at ul. Fryderyka Joliot-Curie no. 28 loc. U2, 02-646 Warsaw, registered in the registry of associations, other social and professional organisations, foundations, and independent public healthcare facilities of the National Court Register, operated by the District Court for the Capital City of Warsaw in Warsaw, XIII Economic Department of the National Court Register, under KRS number: 0000972080, NIP: 5213970707, REGON: 522187187.
b.	Contact with the Foundation can be made via traditional mail (correspondence address: ul. Fryderyka Joliot-Curie no. 28 loc. U2, 02-646 Warsaw) and by email (email address: kontakt@rafalbrzoskafoundation.org).
c.	The personal data of Candidates to and participants of the Programme and their parents/legal guardians are processed for the following purposes:
i.   conducting the recruitment process and implementation of the Programme, in accordance with the Regulations;
ii.  contacting and handling, pursuit, and defence in case of mutual claims;
iii. fulfilling legal obligations, including those arising from tax law regulations.
d.	The legal basis for the Foundation's processing of personal data of Candidates to and participants of the Programme and their parents/legal guardians, for the purposes indicated above, is:
i.   consent to process personal data for conducting the recruitment process and implementation of the Programme (according to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR);
ii.  execution of the contract, in the case of awarding a Scholarship (according to Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR);
iii. Legitimate interest of the Foundation - for handling, pursuit, and defence in case of mutual claims (according to Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR);
iv. Fulfilment of legal obligations, including those arising from tax law regulations (according to Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR);
v.  Realisation of statutory tasks of the Foundation necessary for performing tasks carried out in the public interest (according to Article 6(1)(e) of the GDPR).
e.	In connection with the processing of personal data by the Foundation for the above-mentioned purposes, they may be transferred to collaborators and partners of the Foundation and entities providing legal, marketing, accounting, and IT services for the Foundation.
f.	The provision of personal data is voluntary, but necessary to apply for a Scholarship and, in the case of its award, to sign a contract and provide benefits. Refusal to provide personal data will prevent the implementation of the Programme.
g.	Personal data will be processed for the period necessary to implement the Programme, as well as until the settlement and expiration of mutual claims arising from the implementation of the Programme, and for the period necessary to fulfil public-law obligations incumbent on the Foundation.
h.	Personal data will not be transferred to entities outside the European Union and the European Economic Area or to international organisations unless it is necessary for the implementation of the Programme organised by the Foundation. The Foundation will ensure that in every case, the transfer of personal data to foreign entities or international organisations is carried out in accordance with applicable legal provisions and in a manner that ensures data security. The Foundation may in such a case ask for separate consent to transfer data to a third country - this applies to the transfer of data to countries that do not provide a level of personal data protection equivalent to that in the European Union.
i.	In cases and to the extent specified by the GDPR provisions, persons whose personal data are processed by the Foundation have the right to request from the Foundation access to their personal data, their rectification, deletion or limitation of processing, the right to object to processing, as well as the right to data portability.
j.	Persons whose personal data are processed by the Foundation have the right to withdraw their consent to the processing of personal data at any time. Withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out by the Foundation before the withdrawal of consent.
k.	In the event of irregularities related to the processing of personal data by the Foundation, persons whose personal data are processed by the Foundation have the right to lodge a complaint with the President of the Personal Data Protection Office, whose contact details are available at: https://uodo.gov.pl/en/p/contact.
l.	Personal data will not be used for making decisions based solely on automated processing, including profiling.
3. Candidates to the Programme, participants of the Programme, and their parents/legal guardians voluntarily consent to communicate with them by the Foundation in connection with their participation in the Programme - to the addresses and phone numbers provided during the recruitment process described in the Regulations, and also during the duration of the Programme.

Final Provisions

§ 13

1.	At every stage of participation in the Competition, the Candidate (and in the case of minor Candidates, also their parent/legal guardian) is obligated to adhere to and apply the provisions of these Regulations.
2.	At no stage of the Competition is the Organiser obligated to provide Candidates or their parents/legal guardians with a rationale for decisions concerning the qualification or disqualification of a given Candidate for the next stage of the Competition, or the awarding or denial of a Scholarship to a given Candidate.
3.	Registering for the Competition in the manner prescribed in § 4 constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of the provisions of these Regulations.
4.	Issues not regulated by these Regulations are resolved by the Board of the Foundation.
5.	The Foundation reserves the right to change the provisions of these Regulations at any time, about which it will inform on the website www.rafalbrzoskafoundation.org. The Regulations, as amended, are effective from the moment of their publication on the Foundation's website.
6.	The current content of the Regulations is available on the website www.rafalbrzoskafoundation.org.