For More Information contact:
Fran Boltz
Coordinator of NUCAP
Learn & Serve
(716) 286-8751
fboltz@niagara.edu

VINCENTIAN STUDY EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

WHAT ARE THEY?
Niagara University awards several $2,000 scholarships each year to students who have demonstrated an interest  in performing community service.  Founded by the Vincentian Community, Niagara follows the beliefs and values of St. Vincent de Paul who was dedicated to the service of the poor.

Scholarship winners work with a mentor during their college years in either the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Niagara University Community Action Program (NUCAP), or Learn and Serve Niagara.  These programs give students opportunities to work with the poor in a variety of settings and also to interact as a group of college students interested in understanding the problems of our society.
 

WHAT ELSE IS EXPECTED OF ME?
Scholarship winners are expected to :

1.    Volunteer to work with the poor in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and his model Jesus Christ for at least two hours a week during the semester in a project approved by one of the following:  NUCAP, St. Vincent de Paul Society, or Learn and Serve.

2.    Provide leadership to one's fellow students in the area of volunteering and participate in campus ministry activities.

3.    Have two meetings each semester with one's mentor to share your volunteering experience and its profitability for your life.

4.    Each semester all the scholarship students along with their mentors will gather twice to get to know each other and learn from one another the various techniques for working with the poor.  One of these meetings will be a designated area project of the group for assisting the poor assigned at the beginning of the semester.

5.    Once a year each scholarship student is expected to make a Campus Ministry Retreat.

6.    During one's years at Niagara each scholarship student must make one B.A.S.I.C. (service week) Experience during his or her holiday period.

7.    If the GPA drops below 2.5 in the academic year the scholarship eligibility is subject to review.

HOW DO I APPLY?
Applications are available at the Admissions office in Bailo Hall.

A committee composed of faculty and administrators will review your application.

Selection will be based on past community service and interest in participating in future academic achievement and financial need.

Applicants should file the FAF and FAFSA forms.  Scholarship recipients will be notified in April.

WHAT INFORMATION DOES THE APPLICATION ASK FOR?
The application asks for your Name, Home Address, Home Telephone, E-mail Address, High School Attended, What Year in College You are in the Fall, Your Major, Local Address if you are already enrolled.

Also:

1.    You will be asked to describe the community service you have participated in during the last three years.

2.    You will be asked for a letter of reference from someone who has supervised your service.

3.    You will be asked to write a 300 word essay stating your interest in learning about the Vincentian Mission at Niagara, your commitment to community service, and to serving the poor.

4.    You will be asked for your signature giving the Financial Aid Office permission to release your financial status to the Vincentian Experience Scholarship Committee.