Cedar City — Southern Utah University (SUU) and several private donors are partnering with the Utah-based Malouf Foundation™ to create a new scholarship opportunity. Funded through SUU by a network of anonymous donors, the Juniper Scholarship will help survivors of trafficking and exploitation earn a college degree through SUU’s $9,000 online Bachelor of General Studies program, commonly known as Speedway. Applications will soon be accepted online at malouffoundation.org. The scholarship award committee will include members of the Malouf Foundation™ team.           

“The Malouf Foundation™ is an incredible organization that provides long-term healing, support, and stability to survivors of child trafficking and abuse crimes,” says SUU interim president Mindy Benson. “It’s an honor to partner with the Malouf Foundation™ and other generous donors to create the Juniper Scholarship. We believe higher education is the door that opens opportunities to everyone, especially those from underserved communities.”

Kacie Malouf, co-founder and board chair of the Malouf Foundation™ says, “Our goal is to give survivors every opportunity to heal and move forward, and for many of them, continuing their education is an important part of that journey.” She continued, “It’s impactful to see a group of people come together to build this scholarship program—an incredible resource that will make a difference in the lives of survivors everywhere. We hope the Foundation continues to inspire action in the fight against trafficking.”

To date, three scholarships have been funded with hopes to expand that up to at least 20 in the near future. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must (1) be accepted into SUU’s General Studies program; (2) submit a copy of their high school diploma or GED; (3) complete a short personal essay; and (4) submit a third-party referral from a doctor, therapist, social worker or another party.

“SUU is deeply committed to providing access to affordable, quality education to those who might not otherwise be able to earn a college degree,” says SUU’s Board of Trustees Chair Rich Christiansen. “This program will help empower survivors to build a better, more stable future for themselves.”

SUU’s $9,000 Bachelor of General Studies was intentionally designed to remove financial barriers to a college degree making the program accessible, flexible, and affordable. The no-frills program offers 40 online preselected courses which are taught in seven-week sessions. Students also have the opportunity to earn college credit for prior work and life experiences, which further reduces the overall cost and time to graduation. To learn more information about the Bachelor of General Studies, please visit suu.edu/bgs.