SUU Partners with Malouf Foundation to Create Scholarship for Trafficking Survivors
Published: August 03, 2021 | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University is partnering with the Malouf Foundation to create a new scholarship opportunity. Funded through SUU by a network of donors, including the So & So Group, the Juniper Scholarship will help survivors of trafficking and exploitation earn a college degree through SUU’s $9,000 online Bachelor of General Studies program, commonly known as Speedway. The online application will be available at the end of August, but interested individuals can start the process by emailing the Malouf Foundation at info@malouffoundation.org.
“The Malouf Foundation is an incredible organization that provides long-term healing, support and stability to survivors of child trafficking and abuse crimes,” said SUU Interim President Mindy Benson. “It’s an honor to partner with the Malouf Foundation and other generous donors to create the Juniper Scholarship. We believe higher education is the door that opens opportunities to everyone, especially those from underserved communities.”
Kacie Malouf, co-founder and board chair of the Malouf Foundation, said, “Our goal is to give survivors every opportunity to heal and move forward, and for many of them, continuing their education is an important part of that journey. The Juniper Scholarship is named after the Utah Juniper tree, which is known for its ability to grow despite harsh conditions. In naming this scholarship after the Juniper, we hope to honor survivors’ remarkable strength and their incredible spirits.”
To date, 40 scholarships have been donated by a collection of anonymous donors who form the So & So Group, and three additional scholarships have been funded by another private donor. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must (1) be accepted into SUU’s General Studies program; (2) complete a short personal essay; and (3) submit a referral from a doctor, therapist, social worker or another third-party. The scholarship award committee, consisting of Malouf Foundation™ team members, will review the applications and notify the recipients.
SUU’s $9,000 Bachelor of General Studies was intentionally designed to remove financial barriers to a college degree making the program accessible, flexible and affordable. The no-frills program offers 40 online preselected courses which are taught in seven-week sessions. Students also have the opportunity to earn college credit for prior work and life experiences, which further reduces the overall cost and time to graduation.
“Not only is this the most affordable online bachelor’s degree in the country, it’s also a quality education that will help a person achieve their personal and professional goals,” shared SUU Provost Jon Anderson. “These scholarships will provide opportunities for people who have endured horrific trauma, a chance to move on and build their future.”
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About Southern Utah University
The caring campus community at SUU puts students first by creating access to a quality education at an affordable price. SUU goes above and beyond to find innovative solutions to help the nearly 13,000 students succeed on campus and online. With more than 140 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate and certificate programs, students are offered world-class, hands-on learning opportunities to gain professional experience giving them a competitive edge before entering the job market.
About the Malouf Foundation
Formalized in 2016 and operating out of Logan, Utah, the Malouf Foundation™ is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to confronting child sexual exploitation, specifically sex trafficking and online abuse. The Foundation fulfills its mission by providing education through OnWatch™, promoting healing through Rooms Restored™ and the Utah Trafficking Aftercare Center, and ensuring justice for survivors through children’s advocacy centers. Supported by the network of Malouf Companies™, the Malouf Foundation™ gives 100 percent of its resources to the people it serves. For more information or to make a donation, visit malouffoundation.org.
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