University of Saint Joseph establishes Girls For Technology Independent Scholar Award

West Hartford, CT (02/16/2024) — In December, the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) announced its new Independent Scholar Award for incoming first-year students graduating from independent, private high schools. Now USJ has forged a new partnership with Hartford-based nonprofit Girls For Technology, Inc. (GFT) establishing The Girls For Technology Independent Scholar Award.

GFT is a non-profit organization that develops innovative programs to mobilize women of color by providing crucial training, resources, and support to build wealth through tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Since it was founded in 2015, Girls For Technology has served 3,000 girls through its K-12 Youth Initiative, which offers an immersive, hands-on after-school educational program designed to advance the success of students of color in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and prepare them for the future workforce.

At the signing of the partnership agreement between USJ and GFT are, from left to right: GFT President and CEO Sabrina Tucker-Barrett; USJ Vice President of Enrollment Management Kimberly Crone; USJ President Dr. Rhona Free; GFT Director of Workforce & Organizational Development Latonia Tabb; and USJ Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education Dr. Raouf Boules.

"GFT and USJ share common goals to enhance education and Connecticut workforce opportunities and nurture the talents of students, especially females in STEM fields," said Kimberly M. Crone, vice president for Enrollment Management at USJ. "Our common missions to enhance education opportunities and nurture the talents of Connecticut students make this partnership very special."

The new GFT Independent Scholar Award will provide GFT students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher up to $5,000 per academic year, with a maximum of $20,000 total over eight semesters/four years. The award is available to all eligible first year GFT students at the time of admission to USJ, starting fall 2024. This scholarship is renewable annually for up to four years with continued full-time enrollment and meeting of USJ's academic criteria. There is no limit on the number of scholarships awarded to eligible GFT students who enroll at USJ. USJ will also waive tuition for one free USJ course through USJ's Challenge program while the student is enrolled in the GFT program (applicable for high school juniors and seniors); and provide admission, financial aid, and career information sessions for GFT students intending to apply to USJ, as well as opportunities for GFT students and their families to visit USJ.

"I am excited about our partnership with the University of Saint Joseph," said Sabrina Tucker-Barrett, co-founder, president, and CEO of Girls For Technology. "This collaboration introduces the Girls For Technology Independent Scholar Award, symbolizing a significant leap towards educational empowerment for young women in STEM.

"Beyond financial aid, this opportunity enriches our students' educational journey through experiential learning opportunities, including free USJ courses and career sessions, further removing barriers to higher education and career readiness. My deepest gratitude goes to Dr. Rhona Free and the USJ team for their support in this transformative endeavor. Together, we're paving the way for a brighter future."

For more information about USJ scholarships and grants go to:

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