Download image.
May 11, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A unique new scholarship program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Graduate School will offer significant support to students who want fulfill their dreams of completing a research-based doctoral degree but face obstacles in the form of family-related financial commitments.
Providing as much as $5,000 annually per recipient, the Graduate Family Assistance Scholarships are being made available with funds generated by the investment of a 2009 anonymous gift of $5 million to UAB.
"Thanks to the generosity of our anonymous donor, the new UAB Graduate Family Assistance Scholarship could be the key that opens doors to new academic opportunities for those who would otherwise not be able to enroll in a doctoral program because of financial pressures related to childcare or care of a parent and other similar expenses," said UAB President Carol Garrison.
As many as 10 assistance scholarships will be granted each year to full-time eligible students. The awards will be renewable annually if recipients are able to demonstrate continued financial need and satisfactory progress in their graduate program.
"Through one generous donor's selfless act of giving, UAB is now able to recognize motivated students who want to both pursue their academic dreams and serve their family members," said Bryan Noe, Ph.D., dean of the UAB Graduate School. "UAB is proud to be able to offer this unique scholarship opportunity."
Jeffrey R. Bolland, president of the UAB Graduate Student Association, applauded the institution for its efforts on behalf of its graduate students and their families.
"I have found UAB to be a vibrant academic community that challenges its students to new heights of engagement, all while providing the resources and support to aid students in their many successes," Bolland said. "The family assistance scholarship program makes me incredibly proud to be a part of the UAB graduate community."
Scholarship payout totals will fluctuate based on individual student circumstances and will be provided in addition to any stipend or other financial support granted to students through their graduate program.
"The scholarship program is another example of the UAB commitment to developing and extending family-friendly policies and programs to our students, faculty and staff," said UAB Provost Eli Capilouto. "It also furthers our university pledge to extend learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds and circumstances who are seeking to advance."
Interested parties can only apply for the Graduate Family Assistance Scholarship after receiving an offer of acceptance into a research-based Ph.D. program at UAB. Women, minorities and others who have financial responsibility for supporting children, a parent or sibling are encouraged to apply, and prospective students having other financial needs may qualify as well.
For additional information or to make application, visit the Graduate School website at www.uab.edu/graduate and use the link for Online Forms, then click on Funding Information for Graduate Students.
About the UAB Graduate School
The Graduate School at UAB offers 47 masters and 38 doctoral programs in disciplines that encompass health-related professions, arts and humanities as well as natural, social and behavioral sciences, biosciences, education, engineering and business. UAB graduate students can expect a learner-centered approach in the laboratory and classroom led by world-class faculty at a university ranked among the top 20 institutions in the country in federal research funding and in key areas of health care.