Siegfried G. & Ellen G. Karsten Foster Care Scholarship

Overview: The Siegfried G. & Ellen G. Karsten Scholarship is for undergraduate students who are currently (or have been) in the foster care system.

Eligibility: Eligible students are those who have been in foster care with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services. Scholarship applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 20 when applying for admission as an undergraduate student or no older than 22 if a transfer or returning student. In addition the applicant must be admitted to the University of Utah, be eligible for in-state tuition, and demonstrate a strong desire to obtain a university education. The award is for $7,000 annually and can be renewed (not to exceed 10 semesters). The scholarship recipient may choose to major in any field at the University of Utah.

Questions: Please email scholarships@csbs.utah.edu

Award
Varies
Deadline
02/01/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. What is your anticipated semester and year of graduation? (EX: Spring 2024)
  2. Please include a personal statement describing your background, educational and career plans, and how receiving a scholarship would help you to continue your education. You should be thoughtful and clear in your personal statement to help the reviewer understand what has brought you to this point in your life, and where you intend to go. This statement will also help the reviewer ascertain how well you write.
  3. Please upload a copy of your transcripts (high school for freshman applicants and college for transfer or continuing applicants) Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
  4. Upload documentation from the Division of Child and Family Services confirming that you are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

  5. Letters of Recommendation - Siegfried G. & Ellen G. Karsten Scholarship

    • One letter of recommendation is required. Two or more letters are recommended. 
    • The letters should be from someone who knows you and who can address your academic promise, maturity, and perseverance (such as a teacher, counselor, caseworker, employer, or foster parent, NOT a personal friend.
    • Your reference must agree to write a letter BEFORE you put their contact information into your application. The very moment their contact information is input, an auto notification will be sent to them. If your reference did not agree to write a reference letter for you, they have every right to reject the system’s request.
    • Once your reference has agreed to write a letter for you, it is up to YOU to check your application to make sure the letter was submitted. You cannot see the letter but will be able to tell if it was received. Check the status of your letters by clicking on the "References" tab above.
    • Letters must be submitted by your reference by February 7, 2024.
    • Please enter the name and email address of a person who has agreed to be a reference for you.

  6. This scholarship opportunity requires proof of financial need.

    Applicants who are US Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, and Eligible Nonresidents as defined by FAFSA are encouraged to complete an online federal financial aid application. Students not able to file an online FAFSA application and who graduated from a Utah high school (i.e., Dreamers with or without DACA) can fill out a paper application and submit it to the University Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid. Click here to determine if you are eligible to complete an online FAFSA application.

    • Are you completing an electronic or paper FAFSA application?
    • Will you have completed your FAFSA application by February 1, 2024?
  7. Upload a course plan.
    Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to develop a course plan (or educational plan) showing the courses and semesters you need to compete your degree. This plan must be completed with an advisor.
  8. I will be applying to enter the U of U as a
  9. Name of High School
  10. List of High School activities
  11. Name of College(s) attended (if a Transfer or Continuing applicant):
  12. List of College Activities:
  13. Advance Placement courses taken (if applicable):
  14. Honors Courses taken (if applicable):
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