Boundless Opportunity Scholarship Supports Non-Traditional Students at SUU
Published: May 27, 2022 | Author: Kenzie Lundberg | Read Time: 2 minutes
Southern Utah University has received an $18,000 grant from the Daniels Fund to provide Boundless Opportunity Scholarships (BOS) to non-traditional students. The grant benefits non-traditional students who recognize the power of education to create a better life for themselves and their families.
“The impact of the BOS program is significant for our students' ability to accomplish their academic goals,” said Linda Hudson, non-traditional student services coordinator at SUU. “Many returning non-traditional students are confronted with additional challenges and barriers beyond financial restrictions. In addition to the financial support that the BOS program provides, our Non-Traditional Student Services Center also provides necessary peer advocacy and mentorship, additional resources, and tools to eliminate educational and social barriers. Having the students feel as though they belong and are connected to the university and other students is crucial to achieving academic success. The Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarship grant is a much-valued part of this support network for students.”
These need-based scholarships are available to full-time non-traditional students and military veterans who served active duty. Non-traditional students are 25 years or older, are married, have children, or took at least a three-year gap before starting college, and typically have different needs from the average undergraduate. The scholarship can be used to pay direct expenses like tuition and fees, and indirect expenses such as books, supplies, and transportation to campus.
“Our office assists students in developing time and fiscal management skills, self-care, and overcoming the fears of returning to a classroom environment,” said Hudson. ”Students often lack self-confidence, are intimidated by returning to college, and lack current academic knowledge to feel comfortable conversing with faculty and traditional students.”
The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative.
“Boundless Opportunity Scholarships benefit non-traditional students who desire to create a better life by investing in their education,” said Hanna Skandera, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “As our founder Bill Daniels once said, ‘America remains the greatest nation on Earth, where boundless opportunities still exist for each and every one of us.’”
At SUU, Non-Traditional Student Services is located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center. The Center assists non-traditional students in making meaningful connections to campus that will support and facilitate successful retention and completion, and provide a sense of belonging. They advocate on behalf of these students with various departments across campus to build a strong foundation of support unique to their situation.
For more information on this scholarship or to apply, contact Non-Traditional Student Services or visit the scholarship website.
Tags: Financial Aid