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The John and Betty Pope Caregivers Scholarship
The John and Betty Pope Caregivers Scholarship is designed to support students engaged in informal caregiving roles, while helping them learn about the importance of caregiving and ultimately reach their higher education goals.
The scholarship encourages recipients to explore career opportunities within the care economy, as well as bring strengths and skills developed through their personal caregiving experiences to other fields. The scholarship is open to full-time Georgia Southwestern State University students who are providing care for a loved one or pursuing a career related to caregiving. Students are awarded funding to cover in-state tuition, with additional funding allotted to on-campus housing and books as needed.
Caregiving can overshadow students’ academics and other personal responsibilities. The Pope Scholarship alleviates some of the financial burdens for students while facilitating meetings, projects, and community engagement to better their understanding of caregiving.
Interested students should apply for the Pope Scholarship by March 29, 2024
Eligibility requirements
- The scholarship is open to full-time Georgia Southwestern State University students who are providing care for a loved one or pursuing a career related to caregiving.
- Enrollment in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester (undergraduate) or 9 credit hours (graduate) for a full award. Students who are unable to maintain full-time status due to caregiving-related duties are encouraged to apply as well and, dependent on annual funding availability, partial awards may be considered.
- At least a 3.0 GPA, with awardees expected to maintain while receiving scholarship funding.
- Three letters of recommendation from an individual familiar with the applicant’s academic, professional, and/or caregiving background. At least one must be focused on their caregiving background. Candidates are discouraged from submitting a letter from a family member, but these can be accepted.
- Provide a resume that is tailored to the student’s personal and/or professional caregiving experience as well as volunteer activities, special projects, and any other relevant information.
“It is because of the Rosalynn Carter Institute For Caregivers that allowed me to complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and be able to provide the best care possible for my community. Caregiving is hard and one of the most selfless acts, but one of the most fulfilling to be a part of. This institution has opened doors to educational opportunities that I could once only dream about, and for that I’ll be forever grateful.”
– Shannon Gibson, Pope Scholar
Get Help Now
Crisis TEXT Line
If you are a caregiver in need of support, you can text TOUGH to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling.
Manage Your Stress
RCI has partnered with Sharecare to offer a mini course through their mental wellbeing app, Unwinding with Sharecare, which is available to all caregivers.