The Student Government Association at Elon University has received fewer applications for its SGA Scholarship than last year, which was the first year the scholarship was offered. Last year, more than 100 students applied for the scholarship, but this year, less than 50 have applied. The deadline has not yet closed.
The SGA Scholarship awards two $2,000 scholarships to two students, one male and one female, who have demonstrated service and leadership during their time at Elon. Sam Warren, who preceded Darien Flowers as SGA Executive President, established the SGA Scholarship in spring 2012. The first two scholarships were awarded to junior Kyle Keith and senior Elizabeth Capel.
"I'd say that being selected as a recipient of the SGA Scholarship was a great honor and that it felt wonderful to be recognized by my peers as deserving of this award," Keith said. "Naturally, the $2000 went a long way in an increasingly tough economy, and an increasingly more expensive Elon."
According to junior Scott Bishopric, SGA Executive President-Elect, last year's application rate may have been higher because the scholarships were heavily promoted. He said he hopes more students apply.
"The idea of the scholarships is very much along the lines of the SGA giving back to Elon," he said.
SGA Executive President Darien Flowers, who will cede his power to Bishopric in April, expressed a similar sentiment. He said he hopes the SGA Scholarship will encourage SGA members and their constituents to continue to give back to their community.
"We'd like to create a culture of giving and lead by example by taking our funds and giving them back to our constituents," he said "Only 81 percent of the school year is funded by tuition and fees, while the other 19 percent is funded by philanthropic donations from foundations and other benefactors. It's important to begin a pattern of giving back as an undergraduate."
To apply for the SGA Scholarship, students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA, and they must be in good judicial standing with the university. All applications must be submitted by March 14.