Office of Alumni Relations Application for the military connected student parents scholarship

SCHOLARSHIP PURPOSE
As students who are also raising children while attending college, we recognize that this combination can create financial, school-life balance, and emotional challenges. To help ease these challenges, the Office of Alumni Relations and the VSC established the Military Connected Student Parents Scholarship. We strive to encourage these unique students and show support as they strive to reach their goals of academic success and graduation.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The Military Connected Student Parents Scholarship recognizes students who are a veteran, active duty, National Guard, ROTC, and/or military connected students who have dependent children residing at home with them. This scholarship will award, a minimum of one (1) scholarship and up to a maximum of three (3) scholarships to assist military connected students in accomplishing their academic goals. Scholarships will only be awarded to undergraduates who will graduate no later than August 15, 2025. No more than one (1) award will be made to a graduate student

ELIGIBILITY

• The student must be a military connected student as defined by the Veterans Support Center.
• The military connected student must be a current full-time or half-time student in good standing with the University of Utah and will be attending during Spring Semester 2025.
• If an undergraduate, the military connected student must have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours at the University of Utah by the end of Fall Semester 2024.
• If a graduate student, the military connected student must have earned a minimum of 18 credit hours at the University of Utah by the end of Fall Semester 2024.
• The military connected student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the University of Utah.
• The military connected student must have dependent children residing with him/her.

Many students who are selected to receive a University scholarship after May 12, 2015 are required by state law to certify under penalty of perjury that they are eligible to receive the scholarship as a U.S. citizen or a citizen of another country who is lawfully present within the United States. Students who have both graduated from a recognized Utah high school and who are awarded a scholarship funded by a private donor are not required to certify their lawful presence before receiving a privately funded scholarship. (This scholarship is a privately funded scholarship.)

VSC DEFINITION OF A MILITARY CONNECTED STUDENT
A collective term for any student who served or serves in the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of location, duration, branch, or component and who has not been dishonorably discharged, is in the National Guard, Reservist, or is a spouse/dependent.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, fill out the form and complete the required essay available. Once completed, remember to submit the application and essay.

Applications must be received no later than 11:59 PM MST on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Documentation of military/veteran status will be required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The recipients of scholarships will be required to share their story and a photo with the Alumni Association and meet with members of the Alumni Association. Recipients may also be required to attend a scholarship celebration lunch in April 2025.

SCHOLARSHIP CONTACTS

Faa Taupau, Director, Veterans Support Center, ftaupau@sa.utah.edu
Angela Brink, Office Manager, Veterans Support Center, abrink@sa.utah.edu

Veterans Support Center 801/587-7722

ESSAY PROMPT

Provide an essay describing the challenges that you face while raising children and attending the U and include your efforts to overcome the challenges. (500 word minimum – 1,000 word maximum)

Optional: You may provide additional information, such as a statement of financial hardship, which you feel is relevant for consideration of this scholarship. (500 word limit).