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University of Wyoming


Deadline for application materials:  All required materials must be postmarked by Monday, November 30, 2009.  Please mail materials to: Outreach School Dean's Office, 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3106, Laramie, WY 82071 or deliver to Wyo Hall room 333 on the Laramie campus.

 

CLICK HERE for application materials

 

The Edelweiss Fund

 

In the fall of 2008, donors who wish to remain anonymous made a generous gift to the University of Wyoming Outreach School.  This gift has been placed in an investment account managed by the UW Foundation and is to be known as The Edelweiss Fund.  It is the desire of the Edelweiss Fund to make a difference for a few select students and award scholarships for the duration of the recipients’ degree program. The fund should not be used to support numerous individuals for short periods in a way that is inadequate for degree completion. This will decrease the probability of scholarship students not completing their academic programs due to financial hardship.

 

 The purpose of this fund is to award scholarships to one or more University of Wyoming Outreach School students so they can complete their recognized University distance delivered academic programs. The scholarship will be for the duration of the time required for the recipients to complete their selected academic programs or until they no longer meet the criteria set forth below, complete their degrees, or discontinue their education. 

 

Priority for receipt of a scholarship will be given to:

  •         Students newly or recently enrolled in an academic program delivered through the University of Wyoming’s Outreach School.

  •         Non-traditional, preferably Wyoming resident, female, “first-generation” students (i.e., students coming from families that have not had members graduate from college).

  •         Single parents.

  •         Qualified students having longer term attachments to the State of Wyoming, such as having been born or raised in Wyoming or having lived in Wyoming for a number of years. However, non-Wyoming residents may also be considered on merit and their depth of need of assistance with living expenses.

 

The scholarship will be given to a student for up to 6 years or until completion of the proposed degree program. To maintain the scholarship the recipient must show continued academic progress and maintain a grade point average at or above the required level to receive the proposed degree. Students receiving scholarships will be evaluated annually to determine if funding should continue for the coming year. Students will also maintain regular contact with a mentor assigned by the Outreach School. In addition, recipients will be required to complete any additional requirements as determined by the Dean of the University of Wyoming Outreach School or the Edelweiss Committee (i.e., thank you correspondence and communication with donors, periodic review of academic performance, agreeing to participate in events to celebrate the Edelweiss Funds and/or the UW Outreach School; and participation in a community service activity).

 

Should the Edelweiss Fund Scholar receive other funding, such as Pell Grants or similar funding, the Edelweiss Funds may be withdrawn or reduced.

 

Edelweiss Fund Scholars Program Criteria

 

Students applying for consideration as an Edelweiss Fund Scholar must meet the following criteria:

 

            Selection Criteria:

  •         be a part- or full- time student enrolled in at least 3 credit hours through the University of Wyoming Outreach School;

  •         be pursuing a University of Wyoming degree delivered  through the Outreach School;

  •         be eligible for federal student financial aid through the University of Wyoming (must have filed a FAFSA for 2009-2010 prior to the application deadline); and

  •          have demonstrated promise of academic excellence.

 

Conditions of Maintaining the Award:

  •         must be making satisfactory progress toward the proposed degree as outlined in the selected  program of study;

  •         maintain required GPA for academic program;

  •         Undergo annual review by the Outreach School Edelweiss Committee;

  •         meet with mentor (such as a regional Academic Coordinator or other Outreach School advisor regularly, but at least at mid-year to review academic progress;

  •         agree to participate in a year-end luncheon program to share publicly how receiving the scholarship positively affected family life and academic endeavors;

  •         agree to send a thank-you letter for the award to the Fund within 30 days of notification of selection; and

  •         complete any other requirements as specified by the Dean of the Outreach School and/or the Edelweiss Committee.

 

 

CLICK HERE for application materials

 

Application Procedure and Materials

 

To apply for the Edelweiss Fund Scholars Program, students must:

1.      Complete the Edelweiss Fund Scholars Program application (attached).

2.      Provide a complete copy of college transcripts (an unofficial copy may be obtained through WyoWeb).  If the student is new to UW, she or he must provide a transcript from their previous college or university and/or high school.

3.      Compose a three-page, double-spaced essay that addresses:

a.       how she or he meets the Edelweiss Fund Scholars Program criteria;

b.      what her or his academic, career, and personal goals are;

c.       how receiving this scholarship will make a difference in her or his life and academic endeavors.

4.       an academic plan outlining courses to be taken.

5.      a proposed budget outlining the applicant’s living and academic expenses, how much financial support she or he will require to pursue the academic program, and how she or he will spend the award.

6.      Submit three letters of reference which substantiate the student’s academic potential and dedication to completing a UW distance-delivered degree program, including:

a.       two letters from college or university faculty members describing academic qualities and potential, and

b.      one letter from an outside reference.

7.      Submit a copy of her/his FAFSA Student Aid Report for 2009-2010 (This information can be obtained from UW Student Financial Aid).

8.      Finalists may be required to participate in a personal interview with the Selection Committee.

9.      Confer with any federal/state agencies supplying recipient with living allowances to make sure funding such as this does not affect benefits.

 

Selection Process

Recipients of the Edelweiss Fund Scholarship shall be selected by the Edelweiss Committee appointed by the Dean of the University of Wyoming Outreach School according to procedures determined by the Outreach School and according to UW policies and procedures.  Selection of recipients will be based on the priorities stated above, financial need, and academic performance and potential. The Edelweiss Committee, in consultation with the representatives of the Edelweiss Fund, will determine the number of awards to be made each year and the amount of each award.  Applications for scholarship awards from the Edelweiss Fund shall be on such forms and in keeping with such procedures as are normally prescribed for applicants for scholarships/aid at the University of Wyoming.

 

CLICK HERE for application materials

CLICK HERE for the Edelweiss Fund flyer (hi res)

CLICK HERE for the Edelweiss Fund flyer (low res)