Award will be given to underrepresented students of color

Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has established a new scholarship for underrepresented minority students.

The award, the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship, will provide financial support to one or more qualified and deserving undergraduates who have unmet needs and require additional support to enroll in or continue their studies at Rensselaer.

The scholarship was made possible by a $100,000 gift from the William Randolph Hearst Foundations. Income from the donation will be used to support the award, which will total approximately $4,900 this year.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be African American, Latino, or Native American; currently enrolled at Rensselaer; and U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They must also demonstrate financial need. Recipients will be picked on the strength of their respective academic records, work experience, career and educational aspirations, and leadership and participation in school and community activities.

The scholarship will be for one academic year, or two semesters, with the possibility of renewal. To qualify for renewal, beneficiaries must have maintained good academic standing.

Rensselaer’s Dean of Students and Office of Financial Aid will choose the winners. Recipients for the 2002-2003 academic year will be announced this January.

“I am thrilled that the Hearst Foundation has chosen to assist Rensselaer in our efforts to grow the diversity of this university,” said Eddie Ade Knowles, Rensselaer’s vice president of student life. “The Hearst Endowed Scholarship provides an important source of financial aid that helps us make a Rensselaer education affordable for members of underrepresented minority populations.”

The Hearst Foundations support undergraduate education through the establishment of endowed scholarships at private liberal arts colleges and universities. The charitable goals of the organizations reflect the philanthropic interests of William Randolph Hearst: education, health, social service, and culture. Within those four areas, the foundations assist institutions in providing opportunities to underserved and underrepresented populations. For more information on the Hearst Foundations, visit http://www.hearstfdn.org/.

Contact: Caroline Jenkins
Phone: (518) 276-6531
E-mail: N/A