Tall Clubs International Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide
Tall Clubs International (TCI) offers scholarships to tall students pursuing higher education. This article delves into the history of TCI, the specifics of their scholarship programs, eligibility requirements, and application process.
The Genesis of Tall Clubs International
The story of Tall Clubs International began with Kae Sumner, a taller-than-average young woman who experienced everyday inconveniences due to her height, such as cramped legroom in school and on buses. In 1938, she approached E.V. Durling, a columnist for the L.A. Times, with an idea for an article addressing the challenges faced by tall people. The article, featuring Sumner’s illustrations, appeared in the Times Sunday Magazine on March 20, 1938, under the name Kae Krysler. The positive response led her to found the California Tip Toppers Club (CTTC) on May 1, 1938.
One of the initial goals of the CTTC was to advocate for the development of tall furnishings and encourage businesses to reduce the cost of custom-made items. As the club grew, it gained national recognition, leading to the establishment of other tall clubs across the United States. In 1939, the Greater Kansas City Skyliners was founded. A Life magazine article on June 24, 1940, titled “Life Goes to a Tip Toppers Party,” further boosted the movement. Subsequently, Robert Ripley invited Sumner to appear on his “Believe It or Not” broadcast on November 8, 1940, challenging her to create a New York Tip Toppers club, which she successfully did in three days.
Sumner's travels to already established sister tall clubs in Europe, before World War II rumors reached the US, promoted the formation of local clubs for taller-than-average individuals. These clubs focused on social activities while also educating manufacturers and the public about the unique needs of tall people.
During World War II, many tall clubs became inactive as male members enlisted or were drafted. However, some clubs, like the California Tip Toppers (CTTC), continued under the leadership of women.
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The first convention of tall clubs was hosted by the CTTC in Hollywood, California, from July 17-20, 1947. This event led to the selection of the first queen, Miss Tip Topper of 1947, from the individual club queens in attendance. Fifteen clubs were represented at this convention. The groundwork was laid for the American Affiliation of Tall Clubs (AATC), with the Kansas City Skyliners tasked with drafting the charter and bylaws. The affiliation launched its newsletter, Tall Topix, in late 1949, published by CTTC.
In 1966, the organization adopted the name "Tall Clubs International and Miss Tall Universe." Incorporation followed in 1967, along with the selection of a new logo. By 1989, over 200 tall clubs had operated in the US and Canada, although not all concurrently. Currently, TCI consists of 54 member clubs. While tall clubs also exist in other countries such as Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Sweden, and Switzerland, they have not affiliated with TCI due to slight differences in minimum height requirements.
Tall Clubs International Foundation Scholarships
The Tall Clubs International Foundation awards annual scholarships to deserving high school seniors in North America (United States and Canada only). These scholarships aim to support exceptionally tall students in their pursuit of higher education.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a TCI Foundation scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Height: Meet the minimum height requirements for membership in Tall Clubs International- 5' 10" (178 cm) for women and 6' 2" (188 cm) for men in stocking feet.
- Age: Be entering their first year of higher education. The focus is on funding scholarships for students under 21 years of age.
- College: Intend to enter an accredited college/university as a full-time student.
- Funding: Use the awarded funds for attending the designated college/university.
- Residence: Request sponsorship from an active TCI Member Tall Club participating in the Scholarship Program in your state/province of residence - or - have a TCI Member-at-Large participating in the Scholarship Program in your state/province of residence. North America Residents only.
Application Process
The application process involves several key components:
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- Sponsorship: Applicants must request sponsorship from a TCI Member Tall Club or a Member-at-Large in their state/province of residence participating in the Scholarship Program by submitting their scholarship application form to the ‘correct’ sponsor.
- Essay: Submit an essay entitled ”What Being Tall Means to Me’‘ in .PDF Format. The essay should have a minimum of 550 words and a maximum of 650 words and must fit on one (1) page. The title is not included as part of the total word count (550-650).
- Official Transcript: Provide current transcripts that include grades from ALL courses taken during your entire high school experience (9th thru 12th grades) - including the Fall Semester grades of your 12th grade (senior) year.
- Recommendation: Submit a recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.
- Photo: Submit a current photo in .JPG format showing your face and shoulders.
- General Release Form: A blank General Release form can be found on the TCI Foundation page.
Scholarship Amount and Notification
Each year, the scholarship awards up to $1,000 to multiple tall applicants who request, complete, and submit the best applications. Applicants can expect to receive notice of their status between April 7 thru early May. The Tall Clubs International Scholarship winner will be announced in July 2025. The Tall Clubs International Scholarship is not renewable.
Additional TCI Initiatives
Beyond scholarships, TCI engages in various activities:
- Public Awareness: Promoting "Tall Awareness" in the public sector.
- Club Incentives: Establishing incentives for clubs, such as the Convention Travel Trophy, the Best Paper Award, and the Increased Membership Award.
- Charitable Contributions: Supporting charitable organizations like the National Marfan Foundation, the official charity adopted in 1987.
- Recognition Awards: Presenting awards such as the Publicity Award, the Attendance Award, the Merit Award, the “Man of the Year” - Frank’s King Size Clothes Award, and the “Woman of the Year” - Kae Sumner Einfeldt Award.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
While the TCI Foundation scholarship is a notable option for tall students, several other scholarships are available to students in general:
- "Be Bold" Scholarship: A no-essay scholarship awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile.
- ScholarshipOwl: A platform providing direct access to various scholarships.
- Niche No Essay Scholarship: A scholarship offering to cover the cost of college expenses for four years without writing an essay.
- LeverEdge Association Scholarship Program: Open to all residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry.
- The Christian Connector Scholarship Drawings: Offers scholarship drawings for Christian/Faith Based colleges and universities.
- Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship: Open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education.
- CollegeXpress Scholarship: An educational publisher and higher education marketing agency.
- Appily Scholarship: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and first semester senior students for all majors and schools.
- The Lenny Scholarship: Offers support to young individuals enrolled in college and residing in the US or India.
The Importance of Tall Clubs International
Tall Clubs International has evolved from a small group addressing the everyday challenges of tall individuals to an international organization that promotes social connections, raises awareness, and provides financial assistance through scholarships. The organization's commitment to supporting tall students in their pursuit of higher education exemplifies its dedication to fostering opportunities and a sense of community for its members.
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