For many high school students, college acceptance letters might cause feelings of depression rather than gratitude. In recent economic trends, higher education has become virtually unaffordable to a wide margin of people and the dependence on scholarships and financial aid becomes more necessary with every passing year. This is why the Kean University Foundation (KUF) exists: to assist those who, without rewarded funds, wouldn’t be able continue on their journey.

Approximately 361 scholarships have been awarded within the last year. KUF scholarships are awarded on annual bases, fulfilling the needs for one full academic year. The deadline for applications was March 1, 2016, and was to be submitted through the Foundation’s website via its scholarship manager. The application process is simple: create an account and enter information, such as address, income, financial aid and a statement of financial need. The statement of financial need is paramount; it gives one the opportunity to express the importance of assistance. After submission, the application requires review.

One of last year’s scholarship recipients, Alexis Morales, a (now) senior sociology major and original transfer student, reaped the benefits throughout this academic year. Morales received a Foundation scholarship last year due to her well-off academic standing and involvement on campus as a Resident Advisor (RA) and a tutor. With the help of the Foundation, Morales is closer to her career as a counselor.

“My dream does not lie in a career but to pursue my dream and make it into a career,” said Morales.

The application review process is pretty straight forward: during the first two weeks of March, the campus wide committee reviews each and every application that is submitted. Factors taken into consideration are academic merit, financial need, community service/volunteer work and faculty references. The final step is for the Director of Scholarships Services, Brian Treanor, to decide who is awarded based on the board’s recommendations.

“Our extremely generous donors come from all walks of life,” said Treanor. “Many are Foundation Board and Alumni members as well as Trustees, while others are alumni, friends of the University and charitable organizations who are seeking to support our world-class students.”

KUF distributes $650,000 to $700,000 annually to deserving students. Once awarded, KUF holds a ceremony for the lucky recipients. This event serves as an opportunity for recipients to meet face-to-face with the gracious donors and express their gratitude. The ceremony will be held this year on Sunday, March 13, 2016, in Harwood Arena from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

KUF is a non-profit organization that receives, invests and administers for Kean University. According to its mission statement via keanfoundation.org, “Foundation resources support the present and future needs of Kean. Private contributions to Kean make it possible to help deserving students through scholarships and endowments, and provide support for many innovative programs and initiatives. Our donors help to sustain our tradition of academic excellence and meet the needs of our students -- the leaders of tomorrow.”

Many services are offered to move along the scholarship process; The Office of Scholarship Services advertises external scholarship opportunities as well as internal. For more information on scholarships, visit Townsend Hall room 112, email kuscholar@kean.edu or call the Scholarship Information Line at 908-737-3480.