President Lester A. Lefton

Recognizing the potential for a reduction of state and federal aid for 2011-2012, Kent State University introduces a new scholarship program for incoming Ohio freshmen to the university's Kent Campus this fall.

The new program, called the Kent State Scholarship Match Program, will match any outside (or nonuniversity) scholarship that an incoming freshman receives for the fall semester up to $1,000. Examples of outside awards eligible for matching include local high school scholarships, as well as scholarships given by local clubs, churches, businesses, agencies and organizations.

"Kent State is committed to remaining one of Ohio's most accessible and affordable public universities," Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton, says. "Though we do not know the outlook for higher education until the state budget is submitted next month, we are taking all efforts to minimize the financial burden on students. This new Scholarship Match Program is one way Kent State is being proactive in anticipation of lower state funding and during a time of increasing need for more college-educated Ohioans."

To be eligible for the Kent State Scholarship Match Program, a student must meet the following criteria:

• Be an Ohio resident
• Be admitted to the Kent Campus as a new incoming freshman for the Fall 2011 Semester
• Enroll in a bachelor's degree program
• Register each semester for a minimum of 12 credit hours that are designated as Kent Campus courses
• Complete the 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) and have results sent to Kent State
• Be eligible for the federal Pell Grant (as determined by the FAFSA results)

The matching award from the university will be in the amount of up to $1,000, depending on the total of the outside awards. The award will be split between fall and spring semesters, even if the outside scholarship award is only for the fall semester. The student's account will be credited, and the award will be applied only to tuition charges. The award is nonrenewable.

"There are scholarships available in the community, and many go untapped because no one has applied for them," says T. David Garcia, Kent State's associate vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. "We encourage students and parents to look for those scholarship opportunities to help defray costs of a college education, whether or not they are eligible for the Kent State Scholarship Match Program."

To be considered for the Kent State Scholarship Match Program, complete the application form available at www.kent.edu/financialaid/scholarshipmatch. For more information or to contact Kent State's Student Financial Aid Office, e-mail finaid@kent.edu.