The Prentice Family Foundation’s Western New York (WNY) Prosperity Scholarship is intended for civic-minded students committed to the Western New York1 community. This scholarship program will assist undergraduate and graduate/professional students who are actively preparing for careers that further economic development and growth, especially in the Western New York region. Scholarship applicants will be asked to describe how their educational, civic, and professional plans will contribute directly to the economic growth and prosperity of the region and to express intent to work at some point in Western New York, thereby actively contributing to the region’s future.
Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and be pursuing studies focused on a defined professional career in the fields of engineering, business, or biomedical sciences. Scholarship recipients will utilize this 12-month scholarship (up to $25,000 per student award) to help pay for academic year expenses, to gain career-related experiences, and to offset costs associated with internship placement.
Scholarship recipients will be required to participate in a credit-bearing internship program during the summer of the award year2. Internship experiences will be limited to placements in Western New York.
WNY Prosperity undergraduate scholars who have successfully completed the scholarship requirements (academic and summer internship) will have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship renewal3. If selected, the renewed scholarship will cover the student’s unmet financial need for the fall and spring semesters of the senior year. Undergraduate students who receive a renewed WNY Prosperity Scholarship will not be required to complete a second summer internship.
WNY Prosperity graduate scholars who have successfully completed the scholarship requirements (academic and summer internship) will have the opportunity to apply for scholarship renewal4. The renewed scholarship will cover the student’s unmet financial need for the subsequent fall and spring semester. Graduate students who receive a renewed WNY Prosperity Scholarship will not be required to complete a second summer internship.
The University at Buffalo will provide WNY Prosperity Scholars assistance with pre-internship preparation and placement opportunities, career and academic counseling, and advice on graduate school admissions. WNY Prosperity Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in networking opportunities.
1An eight county definition of the Western New York region: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Orleans, Niagara, and Wyoming.
2Students must complete a summer internship to satisfy the requirement of the scholarship program. Students may choose to complete an additional internship during the fall and/or spring semesters if compatible with their academic program. Please note: compensation is only provided for summer internships.
3To be eligible for scholarship renewal, undergraduate students must continue to satisfy the grade point average for eligibility (3.0), have continued financial need, and have successfully completed the requirements for their summer internship. Adequate progress toward degree requirements will also be taken into consideration.
4To be eligible for scholarship renewal, graduate students must continue to satisfy the grade point average for eligibility (excellent academic standing), have continued financial need, and have successfully completed the requirements for their summer internship. Adequate progress toward degree requirements will also be taken into consideration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 25-Mar-2009 14:57:16 EDT