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 2025-26 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 2025 and spring 2026 semesters
 

TIMELINE

Scholarship Application Steps - 2025-26 Academic Year

Please follow these steps carefully.

1. Prepare and save the following items to submit:
   1. An Unofficial Transcript  Follow these steps to print/save an unofficial transcript to submit.
      • Log into FlashLine, and go to the “Student Dashboard."
      • Find the box labeled “Priority Resources.” You’ll see a link to “View Unofficial Transcript.” Click on that link.
      • For Academic Transcript Options, the default Transcript is “All Levels,” and the default “Transcript Type” is “Advising.” Click “Submit,” and your unofficial transcript will open.
      • To print the entire transcript, right click and then select “Print.”
        • Note: This may not work in every browser; Internet Explorer seems to work the best.
      • The file must be in PDF format to submit.
        • If you are using a browser with the functionality, or have an extension or add-on in your browsers, you may be able to choose "Save as PDF" in some way when printing.
        • If not, you can print the document and bring it to the Library, where we can show you how to scan and convert it to PDF format.  
   2. Your Essay  Answer the question, "How has University Libraries contributed to your success as a student?" Compose your essay so it contains 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.")
   3. Statement of Financial Need (strongly encouraged, but optional)  Indicate financial need by submitting an optional typed personal statement of financial need with the required Academic Year 2025-26 FAFSA, along with documents A & B noted above. All information must be submitted by the posted deadline. This document must be saved in PDF format for final submission. PLEASE NOTE: Information contained in the Academic Year 2025-26 FAFSA (required) will be considered for determination of financial need.
2. Once your application documents are prepared, visit: ScholarshipUniverse. The application form will ask you for biographical information and allows you to upload your documents for different questions. This application must be completed and submitted by the deadline of January 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm. We are not able to accept late submissions.

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.

Essay Topic 2025-26

How has University Libraries contributed to your success as a student?

Essays are to be at least 600, but not 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.