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How to Apply
How to Apply
How to Apply
Criteria
To be considered for one of the multiple $1,000 scholarships that University Libraries will award, you MUST meet ALL the following criteria:
1. Completed an Academic Year 2026-27 FAFSA form
2. In good standing with the University with a 3.0 GPA or better
3. Sophomore, junior or senior undergraduate student
4. Must attend the Kent Campus
5. Must be enrolled for fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters
TIMELINE
|
October 1, 2025 |
Scholarship application materials available |
|---|---|
|
February 1, 2026 |
Application and essay must be submitted online by 11:59 pm |
|
April 2026 |
Scholarship winners will be contacted |
|
Spring Semester 2026 |
Scholarship recipients honored at celebratory event (date TBD) |
|
August 2026 and |
Bursar's Office applies $500 (each semester) to recipients' accounts |
Essay Topic 2026-27:
"How has University Libraries contributed to your success as a student?"
Essays must be at least 600, but no more than 1,000 words. Successful essays will be focused, thoughtful and free from grammatical and spelling errors. Excerpts from the winning essays may be published, so please do not include sensitive personal information in your essay.
Scholarship Application Steps - 2026-27 Academic Year
Please follow these steps carefully.
- Prepare Your Essay: Answer the question, "How has University Libraries contributed to your success as a student?" Compose your essay using at least 600 words but no more than 1,000 words. Type it and save it in PDF format. Submit online. (See the FAQ for information about "word count.")
- Once your application essay is prepared, visit ScholarshipUniverse. The application form will ask you for biographical information and allows you to upload your essay, as well as include a statement for financial need.
- Statement of Financial Need: Indicate financial need by submitting a personal statement of financial need along with your essay. PLEASE NOTE: Information contained in the Academic Year 2026-27 FAFSA (required) will also be considered for determination of financial need.
- This application must be completed and submitted by the deadline of February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm. You will not be able to submit a late submission.
If you have any questions not answered in the FAQ or anywhere else on these web pages, please contact Cynthia Williams, University Libraries' Communications Office, at cdwillia [at] kent.edu (subject: University%20Libraries%20Student%20Scholarship) for additional information.