Growing up in an urban environment where education was not a priority for many of her peers, Jasmin Correa knew she wanted something better. She was determined to be the first of her family to attend college and set an inspirational example for others. Now a junior honors student majoring in sociology, she is taking advantage of all educational opportunities at Worcester State University, including studying abroad in Italy this semester.
But like many WSU students, Correa finds financing her college dream a constant source of stress.
“Education has always been a very important part of my life and I intend to keep it that way,” says Correa, who wants to become a social worker to give back to her community. “I am now the leading example for my brothers, sister, and cousins. They all look up to me to make the right decisions, even though it may be very stressful at times, especially dealing with money.”
Some of that stress has been alleviated thanks to scholarships from the Worcester State Foundation. Over her college career, Jasmin has received several scholarships, including The Ann P. Martin Memorial Scholarship, which was established by family and friends of Ann P. Martin to honor her legacy.
“I am so personally motivated and determined to make something of myself. I don’t want to struggle with the burden of financial instability,” says Correa. “I want to be able to help myself and my family, so that we are able to live a better life without financial stress.”
Correa is just one of more than 250 WSU students who received more than $250,000 in scholarship aid from the Worcester State Foundation in 2014. Awarded for both merit and need, these scholarships can allow students to take advantage of all possible learning opportunities, rather than focusing on paying bills and managing debt.
Students apply for these scholarships using an online process, which automatically matches them with some scholarships based on answers entered on the application and information uploaded from campus records database. Other scholarships are recommended to the student, and those scholarships require the student to answer other questions and complete a second essay to apply.
These scholarships, most of which are available to only matriculated students, don’t have to be paid back and they won’t affect financial aid awards. Some have specific criteria, while others are quite broad. For a complete listing of scholarships, visit www.worcester.edu/scholarships.
The online application process is open from now until April 15.
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I am proud to say that Jasmin is my daughter she continues to make me proud every day she’s always had a drive in her she is such an inspiring human being I love you Jas.
I am one of the fortunate people to know this amazing young women. Good Luck Jasmin you are truly a great role model.