JOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY
Diversity Scholarship Program Overview and Application Packet
Alice Walker and Jacqueline Kennedy Scholarships
2016 – 2017 Academic Year
The Diversity Scholarship Program rewards those who have been traditionally underrepresented in
higher education and who have demonstrated a dedication to personal growth and leadership
through their commitments to family, community, education and/or work. Each scholarship award
is for $5,000.
Scholarship recipients are expected to serve as ambassadors for JFK University’s “living culture of
diversity” on campus and within our broader community. Both Alice Walker and Jacqueline
Kennedy scholars are required to participate with the Diversity Council in the spring or summer of
2017, to share their experience and provide input into the goals and values of the Council. All
scholarship recipients are asked to write a letter thanking University donors for their support.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
(1) All underrepresented students are eligible to apply. Both undergraduate and graduate
students may apply. Priority will be given to first generation students who are attending
our post-secondary institution.
(2) Students must have formal admittance to a JFKU degree program or must be currently
enrolled, in good standing in their department, (e.g. not be on academic probation or a
financial aid “warning”).
(3) Recipients are required to maintain a minimum enrollment of 4.5 units per quarter for
graduate students, 6 units per quarter for undergraduate students.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
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Complete application and answer the three (3) essay questions listed in the following
Application Checklist. A letter of recommendation is optional.
Submit the above items by mail postmarked by February 24, 2017. Application materials
can also be submitted electronically to: [email protected]. Include “Diversity scholarship
application” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed by the Diversity Council. Candidates may be contacted
for interviews as part of the final selection process.
Enrollment status in JFK University will be confirmed prior to awarding of scholarship.
Awards will be determined, and awardees notified, by March 30, 2017.
JOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY
Accredited by WASC
Rev. January 2017
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(925) 969.3572
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www.jfku.edu
JOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY
Diversity Scholarship Program, 2016 – 2017 Academic Year
Alice Walker and Jacqueline Kennedy Scholarships
Application Checklist
( ) Completed Application (Application is included on the last page of this Application Packet.)
( ) Respond to the following essay questions. Answers should be no more than 300 words
each (maximum of TWO pages for all three responses) combined in one typed, doublespaced document in no smaller than 12 point font.
1. Diversity scholarships reward students who have been traditionally underrepresented in
higher education. What does this scholarship personally mean to you? How would it
help you in your success while you are at JFKU and beyond graduation?
2. Diversity scholarships reward students who have demonstrated a dedication to personal
growth and leadership through their commitments to family, community, education and/or
work. How has your involvement in your community activities, educational
experiences, life experiences, and/or work experiences contributed to your personal
growth?
3. As a recipient of a diversity scholarship, you are expected to be an ambassador for JFK
University’s vision for a “living culture of diversity.” (See attached). How do and/or
would you promote this vision during your time as a student at JFK University?
( ) OPTIONAL: A letter of recommendation from a professional (such as teachers,
supervisors, pastors, school officials, etc.) who can testify to the applicant’s merit may be
included to support the application. Letters of recommendation should be a maximum of
ONE page and must be included with the application.
( ) Submit the completed application package by February 24, 2017.
o By Mail: The complete package in one envelope should be postmarked by February
24th. Please send to:
JFK University Financial Aid Office
ATTN: Diversity Scholarships
100 Ellinwood Drive
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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By Email: Send the complete package by February 24th to [email protected]
with “Diversity Scholarship Application” in the subject line.
For questions or further information, please contact:
Mindy Bergeron, Director of Financial Aid
[email protected] (925) 969.3385
Benisa Berry, PhD, Diversity and Inclusion Officer [email protected]
(925) 969.3572
Rev. January 2017
JFK University’s Vision of a Living Culture of Diversity
In service to our mission of academic excellence, John F. Kennedy University strives to embody a
Living Culture of Diversity. We recognize that a diverse school environment is one that supports the
academic community in gaining the awareness, knowledge and skills to work effectively with all
people. We understand that this goal is an ongoing process requiring an active commitment from all
levels of our University. John F. Kennedy University is dedicated to developing a supportive,
diversity-rich environment.
Recognizing the impact of negative attitudes and systemic discrimination at all levels of individual
and group interaction at our University, in our local communities, and in the wider social/global
milieu, JFK University seeks to establish a Living Culture of Diversity, characterized by these five
principles:
1. An ongoing practice of openness and respect for people with experiences, beliefs, and
traditions different from our own;
2. An understanding that diverse cultural backgrounds, life experiences, challenges, and values
of faculty, students, staff, and administrators creates a dynamic learning community vital for
academic excellence;
3. A recognition that, in alignment with our commitment to academic excellence, openness to
difference exposes students and faculty to broader perspectives, fosters deeper critical
analysis, and opens new vistas for scholarly inquiry;
4. A commitment to eradicating intolerance, oppression, prejudice, discrimination, and
harassment in all interactions within the JFK University community in order to impact,
through our example, the local, national, and global communities we inhabit. We appreciate
the value of self-reflection in reaching these goals;
5. A commitment to supporting and providing accessibility of education and resources to equip
the student body, faculty, and administration with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes
required to "work together across our differences to forge the bonds of understanding
essential for success in our interdependent global community."
Rev. January 2017
JOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY
Diversity Scholarship Program, 2016-2017 Academic Year
Alice Walker and Jacqueline Kennedy Scholarships
Application
– Please type or print legibly. –
Status
( ) Incoming Student (Must be formally admitted into JFK University.)
( ) Current Student (Must be enrolled in a degree program.)
Last Name:
First Name:
M.I.
Student ID No.
Degree Program:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone Number: (
)
Email:
Expected Graduation Date:
Highest Level of Education Completed:
Father
Mother
( ) High School
( ) College
( ) High School
( ) College
Signature
Rev. January 2017
Date: