Salem State University’s seniors are determined, resourceful, and ambitious. By the time they reach the final semester, however, many are experiencing significant economic need, as they have exhausted the diverse financial supports available.
The Viking Completion Grant program, generously established by Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ‘18H, and Philip Schiller, aims to annually award 50 to 75 microgrants of up to $6,500 each to university seniors with high academic merit who are most at risk for dropping out. The program will combine this financial support with ongoing coaching to encourage awardees’ successful on-time completion.
To select awardees judiciously, the Viking Completion Grants will enact strict eligibility criteria, a comprehensive application process, a pay-it-forward philosophy, concrete post-award milestones, and intensive coaching to ensure that grant recipients successfully cross the commencement stage.
Selection Criteria
- Undergraduate students with 30 credits or fewer remaining to graduate
- Enrolled in a degree program
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, with professional judgment for extenuating circumstances in cases of a lower GPA; for instance, if a student’s academic performance is negatively impacted by work.
- Within a year of graduating, as documented by academic major credit requirements and verified by the Student Navigation Center
- Documented financial need as shown by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Utilized all available aid, including the Pell Grant, Federal Direct Student Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized), and other applicable loans (e.g., Federal Nursing Student Loan, Massachusetts No Interest)
- Expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 - $15,000
- Outstanding balance and/or students with financial holds, which prohibits them from registering
Eligible candidates will be contacted directly by the Student Navigation Center.