The Significance of Scholarships at

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talent.
-- John F. Kennedy

Scholarships usually take the form of financial support intended to offset educational expenses for deserving, but financially disadvantaged students. Even though USF St. Petersburg is a state university, educational expenses can be a significant financial burden for many students and their families. State and federal support sometimes fluctuates according to the strength of the economy. The additional financial support provided through scholarships is a vital component of the assistance packages administered by the University.

Education comes from living life, following passions, accessing information, observing, reflecting, and being inspired by wise and courageous elders in the community.
-- Claire Aumonier

Scholarships can also be awarded, however, to recognize distinguished success or extraordinary ability in academics, community service, athletics, leadership or other special characteristics. Scholarship awards encourage future promise and affirm the foresight of the donor. Scholarships at the undergraduate level and fellowships at the graduate level address the future proactively by investing in the University’s most precious resource…..its students.

STUDENTS

We all need someone who inspires us to do better than we know how.
-- Anonymous

For students, a scholarship honors and supports their commitment to excellence. The recognition afforded to scholarship recipients heightens their level of responsibility, particularly when award recipients interact with each other and the donor. Scholarships strengthen a student’s commitment to success by validating the student’s efforts.

DONORS

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
-- Margaret Mead

For the donor, scholarships are a material reflection of a commitment to education and a statement reflecting their ideals and values. No matter the criteria, scholarships affirm the commitment of the donor to education in general and USF St. Petersburg in particular. The university believes student-donor interaction is critical to the student’s success and the donors’ realization that their investment is worthwhile and makes a difference.