Helping Hand Scholarship Application
Supported by Friends of Irene Fisher and the University of Utah Office of Alumni Relations
Purpose
The “Helping Hand Scholarship Fund” was created in honor of Irene Fisher, founding executive director of the Bennion Center, and her legacy. Its purpose is to provide a “helping hand” to students in need of financial support as they fulfill their community engagement commitments on our campus and in our community. This scholarship aims to eliminate barriers to participation in community engagement, especially barriers that disproportionately affect students of color. Support is provided by the University of Utah Office of Alumni Relations.
Please note that scholarships range from $50-$500 and limited funding is available. Please ask for what you need. Because our resources are limited and we aim to ensure support is given where it is most impactful, we ask that any student completing the application do so with integrity—authenticity to their self and their experiences. Applicants are encouraged to take their time to provide honest responses to each of the questions below. Also, please note that funding for project/program implementation will not be approved.
Recipients are selected who
- Have an interest in pursuing community engagement that is limited by financial barriers
AND/OR
- Have a demonstrated commitment to community engagement
Preference will be given to students who have a need related to fulfilling academic expenses and/or those currently involved with the Bennion Center. In the event of insufficient funding to meet all requests, preference will be given as noted above.
Please note that you must be enrolled as a full-time student for the semester you are applying. This is 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 9 for graduate students.
Recipients will receive
- A scholarship of up to $500 per semester to support the recipient in their community
engagement endeavors.
- Applicants should plan to reapply each semester.
Application Deadline
- Fall 2021: Sunday, August 22,2021 (11:59pm)
- Spring 2022: Sunday, January 9, 2022 (11:59pm)
- Summer 2022: Sunday, May 1, 2022 (11:59 pm)
For more information or if you need accommodations to complete the application, contact:
BobbiJo Kanter, 801.585.9103
Associate Director, Co-curricular Engagement
Bennion Center
Please note that all applications will be reviewed anonymously—names, uNIDs, and contact information will not be shared with the review committee. The Bennion Center's Associate Director and Administrative Assistant will see and use this information to create and award scholarships. Student names and UNIDs may also be shared with the Alumni Association as part of this scholarship partnership.
The University of Utah is fully committed to policies of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity, and vigorously pursues affirmative action in all programs, activities, and employment with regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, and status as a person with a disability. Religion, sexual orientation, and status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era also are protected under nondiscrimination and equal opportunity employment policies. The University seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities.