From Pause to Podium: Ivory Scholarship Fast-Tracks Returning Student Degree Completion

In life, unexpected twists and turns can lead individuals to step away from their education for a time. Utah State University is committed to empowering these individuals to achieve their goals and return to complete their academic aspirations.

Through its collaboration with the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, USU has awarded more than $250,000 to 96 students to help them return and earn their college diploma from USU. The Ivory Foundation Scholarship serves as a tangible reminder that education is a lifelong journey, and USU is dedicated to empowering individuals to continue their path to success.

"We understand that life can sometimes take unexpected turns, leading students to step away from their education," said Janet Anderson, senior vice provost & senior associate vice president. "Through the Ivory Foundation Scholarship, we want to let these students know that it's never too late to come back and finish what they started. We are here to support them every step of the way."

The Ivory Foundation Completion Scholarship, a collaborative initiative between USU and the Ivory Foundation, aims to provide financial assistance and academic support to students who have left USU without completing their degree. This scholarship helps support students who have temporarily paused their educational journey and encourages them to return and complete their degrees.

"USU believes in the transformative power of education," Anderson said. "By completing their degrees, returning students not only enhance their own lives but also contribute to the prosperity and well-being of their communities. We are excited to welcome them back to the Aggie family and support them on their journey toward success."

Returning students who qualify for the Ivory Foundation Scholarship will receive personalized advising, receive tutoring services, and participate in career development workshops. Additionally, they gain access to networking opportunities that can significantly enhance their educational journey and future career prospects. All of this is in addition to the scholarship’s financial aid.

The Ivory Scholarship is available for former USU bachelor’s students who are returning to school after at least two years away and are within 40 credit hours from completing their degrees. The student must be committed to finishing their degree within the next 18 months and must commit to begin classes in fall 2024.

For some students, they find that their credits may have expired, their previous major has been discontinued or their major has new requirements that will mean extra time and courses to complete. For some, a completion degree in Integrated Studies offers greater flexibility in terms of both curriculum and online program delivery options.

Integrated Studies students pursue a curriculum aligned with their goals, values, interests, personality and strengths through one of six Career Focus Areas: Business and Communication, Social Sciences and Human Services, Humanities and Arts, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Biological and Environmental Sciences, or Physical Sciences, Engineering, Math. Using credits that have already been earned, students can cut down on the number of courses needed to earn a degree, saving both time and money.

Application for the Ivory Scholarship is open now for fall 2024 semester. Nearly $150,000 in scholarships are available, thanks to the generous grant from the Ivory Foundation. Interested students are encouraged to apply by visiting usu.edu/collaborative/ivory_scholarship. Students looking for resources to finish their degree can find additional support at usu.edu/finish.