Scholarship Criteria

Completing the Scholarship Process

The Akash Kuruvilla Memorial Scholarship Fund was formed in the Fall of 2007 to remember the life of Akash Jacob Kuruvilla and to continue his legacy of excellence and generosity posthumously. Having committed to leadership, diversity, integrity and academia, Akash Kuruvilla influenced a multitude that had the honor of being in his presence. The ideal scholarship recipients will embody those same principles and shall be committed to positively affecting the community throughout their collegiate years and beyond.

The Akash Kuruvilla Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to one male and one female in the amount of $1000 for each recipient with $500 given at the beginning of the academic year and $500 given at the midpoint of the academic year upon maintaining GPA requirements and enrollment as a full time student. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited university in the United States in the Fall of 2011. It is open to any field of study. Candidates for this scholarship must meet all of the requirements listed below and submit all requested materials to the AKMSF Selection Committee by the appointed deadline. Late applicants will not be considered. The ideal candidate must demonstrate excellence in leadership, diversity, integrity and academia. The selection committee will also base its decisions on financial need, content of character and the candidates’ potential to make an impact on his/her peers and community.

Applicants must

Have at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale if you are currently a senior in high school and will be entering a college or university for the first time in Fall 2010. If you are already enrolled at a college or university and will be returning as an undergraduate in Fall 2010, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Be accepted into an accredited 4-year college or university in the United States with full-time undergraduate status for Fall of 2011.

Complete and submit the entire online application, which includes:

  • A 750 word essay answering the question “What does the phrase “The American Dream” mean to you and how do you embody the American Dream?”
  • A 500-word personal statement. Include any information about yourself, your academic/professional goals, financial need, or any other information that will assist the selection committee in its decision.
  • A letter of recommendation from an adult who knows you in an academic or professional capacity (ex: educator, coach, employer, supervisor, etc)
  • A resume which should include your work experience, extracurricular activities and other accomplishments that you deem relevant to your consideration for this scholarship.

All applications and supporting materials submitted to the AKMSF Committee must be postmarked by June 29, 2012. Late applications will not be considered. Please note that if you do not meet all of the requirements above, your application will be disqualified.

If you are selected as a finalist of this scholarship, you will be asked to submit the following items via postal mail:

  • An official copy of your latest academic transcript
  • An official copy of your latest FAFSA SAR (Free Application for Federal Student Aid Student Aid Report)