Chloe Underdue
UCLA
"I was born and raised in Sunnydale, the largest public housing project in San Francisco. As I grew older, I saw more and more violence, drugs, pollution and negativity. I knew that my only way out was through a good education. Being a college-bound senior with honors is not the typical profile of a girl from the projects. Not giving up when things seem hopeless is hard, I can testify, but the feeling of achievement is a glorious one."
What is the Scholarship?
Since 1996, Meritus College Fund has enabled talented, low-income students from San Francisco public high schools to attend college and graduate. Meritus Scholars are awarded $12,000 scholarships, $1,500 of which is disbursed each semester (twice annually) for eight semesters (or four years). Funds must be used for educational expenses: tuition, fees, supplies, equipment, and books.
The Meritus scholarship is more than just a monetary reward. Our goal is to build a community. Over the course of a scholarship, Meritus also provides Scholars with counseling, mentoring and peer buddies to help with transitions, to inspire, and to plan for the future. In addition, Meritus offers career and leadership development and resources for current Scholars and alumni to help them build a network and opportunities. Our aim is that by creating a supportive community, we provide resources, tools and incentives to help them graduate from college. On-going communications are key at Meritus.
Once awarded, Meritus Scholars must continue to remain eligible for their scholarship. Students are asked to submit proof of full-time enrollment each semester, maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.25 and provide a bi-annual update to Meritus, their mentors and donors. This tracking of student progress allows Meritus to provide insights and encouragement as appropriate.