Who are we looking for?
Most scholarships today are considered need-based or merit-based. We look at things differently. We seek students with high potential to become effective adults. There is no magic formula in identifying the best candidates. Our selection process is a work in progress. Each application cycle we learn more, gain new insights and refine our process for the future.
We believe students and their families should understand how we evolved into our current structure. In our early days, we had limited financial resources and granted modest scholarships to students how learned about us through word of mouth. Requests were simply brief letters of introduction and an explanation of financial need. We read and discussed each one, spoke with applicants briefly by phone, and granted awards to those we thought would make the most of their education.
Today we’ve increased our financial resources, are coaching and funding more students, and have modified our mission: Helping students become effective adults. We invite referrals from high schools, employers, friends and families. We have a small staff and a growing, dedicated coaching team that help us select and work with our ZF students. We develop resources and tools as we learn of their need through our coaches and our students.
We believe students and their families should understand how we evolved into our current structure. In our early days, we had limited financial resources and granted modest scholarships to students how learned about us through word of mouth. Requests were simply brief letters of introduction and an explanation of financial need. We read and discussed each one, spoke with applicants briefly by phone, and granted awards to those we thought would make the most of their education.
Today we’ve increased our financial resources, are coaching and funding more students, and have modified our mission: Helping students become effective adults. We invite referrals from high schools, employers, friends and families. We have a small staff and a growing, dedicated coaching team that help us select and work with our ZF students. We develop resources and tools as we learn of their need through our coaches and our students.
A college education requires a significant investment of time and money. We think of ourselves as co-investors with our students, their families and their schools. We recognize that every situation is unique and that family participation depends on financial resources and emotional support; and these may change over time.
When considering a student, we explore three dimensions:
When considering a student, we explore three dimensions:
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Academic Determination
Education is the primary career of high school and college students. At ZF, we examine academic performance to measure how effectively students commit to their academic career, not to measure how smart the student is. Their approach and determination are more important than their final grades. Do they seek help when needed? Do they help others? How do they prioritize and balance academic and non-academic commitments? |
Financial Accountability
Financial resources dictate lifestyle, but do not dictate life values. How we manage our financial resources, whether great or small, reflects our personal sense of reality & accountability. Do you have a plan on how to approach paying for college? Have you discussed this plan as a family? Did you help financially support your family while attending school? While not a determining factor, financial need may be taken into consideration when determining grant amount. |
Personal Values
While intangible, values are the pathway to being an effective adult. Academic determination and financial accountability provide some insight into values, but non-academic activities often highlight real core values. We value self-awareness, financial accountability and the pursuit of life-long learning; and, perhaps most importantly, we seek students who embrace their interdependence and search for win/win solutions to their challenges. |
Quite simply, we are looking for students who are exceptional in their circumstances.
We believe higher education and college are the foundation for young adults to develop into effective adults and future leaders. Our goal is to help students apply this knowledge and experience to their lifelong personal development and achieve their full potential.
We believe higher education and college are the foundation for young adults to develop into effective adults and future leaders. Our goal is to help students apply this knowledge and experience to their lifelong personal development and achieve their full potential.