Amanda McNaughton, a 2013 UST graduate, who is currently working on her Master’s in Counseling Psychology at UST’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology, reflects that her experience as a Phillips Scholar helped put her in touch with her future career as a counselor. “The Phillips Scholarship was one of those opportunities that I just couldn’t let pass me by," says McNaughton. “I hope that many current UST sophomores are willing to apply for what truly is an opportunity of a lifetime.” McNaughton encourages sophomores to think about how the scholarship will impact not only themselves but Minnesota communities in need. “Being a Phillips Scholar is so much more than being the recipient of a generous financial gift, it means entering into an impressive legacy of students who are using their unique talents to serve and change the world.”
Each year the Office of Service Learning and Community Engagement, in coordination with other campus offices, nominates one UST student to compete. However, in an effort to increase male and student of color applicants, the Phillips Family Foundation is allowing schools to nominate up to two finalists who will compete for six $16,500 awards. Students who are selected will be given the opportunity to serve the community, gain leadership skills, build their resumes and earn scholarship money for their educations.
The Phillips Scholars Program supports potential leaders with outstanding academic credentials who intend to dedicate a portion of their lives to community service. Six competitively selected Phillips Scholars, each nominated by one of sixteen Minnesota private colleges and universities, are eligible to receive a $6,000 junior-year scholarship, a $4,000 summer award to support the development and implementation of a self-designed service project to address unmet needs in Minnesota communities, $500 project resource funding, and a $6,000 senior-year scholarship contingent on the successful completion of the summer project.
Qualifications:
- Current sophomore
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Demonstrated financial need
- History of participation in campus activities
- Have an interest in community service and volunteering
Each Phillips Scholar receives:
- $6,000 scholarship for their junior year
- $6,000 scholarship for their senior year
- $4,000 stipend for summer 2015
- $500 project-resource funding
The scholarships from The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation are administered through the Minnesota Private College Fund.
When selected, the 2013-2015 UST Phillips Scholar will become part of the rich history of former Tommie Phillips Scholars. Current scholar Mitchell Hinnenkamp completed his service project, Project HOPE (Health Offers People Enlightenment) this summer. Former 2011-2013 Scholar Amanda McNaughton is working for OSLCE this year as a graduate assistant and will help select and mentor UST nominees.
The UST Phillips Scholarship application is available online here
Email applications to ServiceLearn@stthomas.edu by Thursday, Dec. 19.
Interested sophomores should stop by OSLCE in Aquinas Hall, Room 313, to learn more about the scholarship and connect with potential community partners.
