Osher Scholarship
The Osher Reentry Scholarship Program
The School of Continuing and Professional studies (SCPS) is the beneficiary of a generous grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation to be used use to assist returning students working toward undergraduate degree completion. Over the course of the academic year, twenty $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to students pursing a bachelors degree in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
All SCPS full-time (12 or more hours per semester) and part-time (less than 12 hours per semester) degree-seeking students are welcome to apply; preference is given to newly matriculating students and previous Osher Reentry Scholars.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants will meet the following qualifications:
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Have experienced a gap in time of at least five years during the pursuit of a degree. This gap in time need not be consecutive.
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Are in current in pursuit of a first baccalaureate degree in SCPS
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Are between the ages of 25-50
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Have an intent to remain in the workforce for a significant time after gradation
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Demonstrate financial need, as indicated on a filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
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Show academic promise and commitment toward degree completion; A minimum cumulative GPA is 2.5 is recommended
Of those who meet the above qualifications, preference will be given to eligible applicants who meet the following criteria:
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Newly admitted and matriculated SCPS students
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Prior Osher Reentry Scholar recipients
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Students in their first year of studies at in SCPS
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Students showing high academic achievement
Application Procedures
- Be sure to complete your application before the deadline: August 1st for Fall, December 1st for Spring!
- Download and complete the application.
- Compose a 300-350 word essay addressing the following information:
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Circumstances that lead you to your current degree program, and any obstacles that have been overcome while pursing your degree (in SCPS or prior)
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Your career goals and how obtaining your degree will help achieve your stated goals
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Your future plans, academic, career, and interests
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Ensure that you filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
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Submit the application and the essay in a sealed envelope, not later than 5:00 p.m. of the deadline date to: The Osher Reentry Scholarship Program, C/O the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Loyola University Chicago, 820 N. Michigan Avenue, LT 401, Chicago, IL, 60611
About the Bernard Osher Foundation
Founded by California businessman Bernard Osher in 1977, the The Bernard Osher Foundation’s mission is to improve quality of life. By supporting education and the arts, The Foundation focuses on the needs of college students and lifelong learners as they work toward their educational goals. One of their many priorities is to support scholarship funds at colleges and universities across the nation, with special attention to reentry students.
Along with providing educational support, The Foundation also supports multiple avenues of learning. These include integrative medicine programs in the US and overseas; the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, run on over 115 college campuses nationwide; and an array of performing arts organizations, museums, and selected educational programs in Northern California Maine. For more information on the Bernard Osher Foundation, visit www.osherfoundation.org