For the 35th consecutive year, Cabrini students were given the opportunity to divide a $69,000 charitable scholarship. These scholarships we given to 32 students who their college of attendance deemed worthy and in-need.
The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust is a private foundation established by William Wikoff Smith. The trust specifically focuses on areas involving basic needs for food, clothing and shelter and enhancing higher education scholarship programs. It focuses on research involving illnesses like heart disease, cancer and AIDS.
From the start the foundation makes it available for students to get financial aid also. You have to be a full time undergrad student at local Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) colleges or universities to participate in the trust foundation. To apply for this scholarship you are required to be a resident of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties or the city of Camden, N.J.
Andrew Vernon, sophomore communication major and a recipient of the W.W. Smith Scholarship, factored in the extra money given to him to help with his decision-making process.
“It had some effect on me going to this school because money came down to my decision between Philadelphia University, DeSales University, and Cabrini College,” Vernon said.
In the Scholars Program, the percentages of students on aid determine the size of the Trust’s grant to each institution. The dollar amount of each award the student receives is determined by the financial aid office at the college or university they belong to.
“It is absolutely critical for colleges to reach out to students and give them scholarships because it can influence their life,” Vernon said. “If I had not gotten this scholarship I may not have decided to go here.”
The scholarship is renewable for more than one year. Many students will get offered a grant for multiple years starting their freshman year. Many Smith Scholars that participate in the trust fund have achieved their future career goals.
Taylor Gallagher, a sophomore criminology and sociology major, was also a recipient of this scholarship.
“Having the W.W. Smith Scholarship is an important part of my schooling. It makes things a little easier knowing that I have this scholarship to help pay for my tuition,” Gallagher said.
Gallagher expressed how important is it that colleges reach out to students with scholarships and grants. She and the other recipients were able to meet this past month at the scholarship reception.
“It helps take some of the pressure off, knowing that they have some sort of help to continue with school,” she said.
The nearest W.W. Smith Charitable Foundation is located West Conshohocken, Pa. If you would like to contact the W.W Smith Charitable Trust Foundation, call 610-397-1844. For more information visit their website at www.wwsmithcharitabletrust.org.
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