AIKCU has distributed $48,000 in UPS Scholarships to students at private colleges and universities in Kentucky. The need-based scholarships were made possible by a grant from the UPS Educational Endowment Fund administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC.
Nationally, CIC and the UPS Foundation teamed up to provide nearly $1.45 million in student scholarships this year. The awards are distributed through state-based private college associations around the country.
Here in Kentucky, a student with financial need at each of the 20 AIKCU member institutions received a UPS Scholarship of $2,400 thanks to the generosity of UPS and CIC.
Here’s what a few of the AIKCU UPS Scholars had to say to the officers of the UPS Foundation about their awards:
I appreciate the fact that you are taking initiative and helping first generation college students have some form of financial assistance….I feel obligated to you and any other organization like UPS that would even take the time to invest in our futures. You not only focus on our educational endeavors but also look at who we are as a person. I sincerely thank you for what you are doing. Your actions will not go without recognition.
– Candace, Berea College
I am a premed student with hopes of continuing on to be a general practitioner. When I have made it through school, I hope to provide the very same assistance to students. I am both inspired and thankful to you for the encouragement and assistance you provide for students like me.
– Caris, Campbellsville University
I am writing to extend my deepest appreciation to you and your organization for awarding me the AIKCU scholarship. I believe that it is generous people like you that allow college students to excel. In today’s market, a college education is the key to success. Unfortunately, attending college can create a heavy financial burden. I want to thank you for lightening that load for me. The lighter the load, the more courses I can take to prepare for the future!
– Natalie Brooke, Lindsey Wilson College
It is important for me to be a positive role model for my younger brother. He needs to see that even with the absence of a father figure in our home; he can still achieve anything he puts his mind to. I want him to have something to strive for especially seeing me graduate and get a degree.…I do appreciate this opportunity that I have been given. It takes away some of the financial strain of having to pay for college on my own.
– Marlon, Mid-Continent University
I am an 18 year old mother of a 2 year old boy named Kayden. He’s my world, my reason for wanting to succeed!…Being the first in my family to attend college, I am determined to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Thank you for helping lift the financial burden of continuing my education. Your support allows me to focus on earning my nursing degree from Spalding University. I promise I will make good use of your investment.
–Amanda, Spalding University
This scholarship means a lot to me and my mother. Without this scholarship I was going into her retirement funds and taking out loans. I still have another little brother that has to go to college and I want him to have the same chance as me.
–RaShawn, University of Pikeville
Learn more about these and all the other AIKCU UPS Scholars in the UPS Named Scholars booklet (PDF) AIKCU assembled for the UPS Educational Foundation.
The UPS Educational Endowment Fund, which is held and administered by CIC, was initiated through endowment gifts from the UPS Foundation totaling $4 million and is now valued at $39 million. Since its inception, the fund has awarded over $48 million in scholarship support to over 16,000 students nationwide.
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The Council of Independent Colleges is an association of nearly 700 independent, liberal arts colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations that work together to strengthen college and university leadership, sustain high-quality education, and enhance private higher education’s contributions to society. To fulfill this mission, CIC provides its members with skills, tools, and knowledge that address aspects of leadership, financial management and performance, academic quality, and institutional visibility. In addition, 32 State Fund Members (including AIKCU) coordinate programs, provide information, and generate contributions, grants, and gifts in support of private colleges and universities within their respective states. For more information, visit www.cic.edu.