Scholarship Overview:

The Bertha Kalm Scholarship, established in 1995 by Bertha Kalm to honor her parents Amanda and Charles Kalm, is a significant financial aid initiative at San Jose State University (SJSU). This scholarship is designed to support first-year undergraduate students across all disciplines who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to positively impacting humanity. It embodies SJSU's dedication to nurturing future leaders by offering substantial financial assistance to students passionate about making a difference in the world.

Host Institution(s):

San Jose State University, located in the dynamic Silicon Valley, California, is a distinguished public university offering a plethora of undergraduate and graduate programs. SJSU's College of Graduate Studies plays a pivotal role in facilitating academic and professional growth among students by offering scholarships like the Bertha Kalm Scholarship.

Level(s)/Field(s):

The Bertha Kalm Scholarship is open to first-year undergraduate students enrolled in any field of study at SJSU. It encourages a wide range of academic pursuits, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Scholarship Value:

Recipients of the Bertha Kalm Scholarship are awarded up to four scholarships of $10,000 each for the academic year 2023-2024. This significant financial support underscores the scholarship's role in easing the financial burden on students and enabling them to focus on their academic and societal contributions.

Eligibility:

Eligible candidates for the Bertha Kalm Scholarship must:

  • Be enrolled as first-year undergraduate students at San Jose State University.
  • Exhibit a strong academic record and a dedication to making a positive impact on society.
  • Be nominated by a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at SJSU, highlighting the collaborative spirit between students and faculty in recognizing and supporting outstanding academic potential.

Application Instructions:

The application process for the Bertha Kalm Scholarship is as follows:

  1. Nomination: Eligibility begins with a nomination from a tenured or tenure-track faculty member, who must also provide a primary letter of recommendation.
  2. Application Completion: The nominated student must complete the scholarship application form and compile all necessary documents, including a personal statement, academic transcripts, a resume or CV, and a letter of recommendation.
  3. Submission: The completed application packet is to be submitted to the nominating faculty member, who will then forward it to the student’s respective college for initial review.
  4. Selection: Each college selects up to four applications to be forwarded to the College of Graduate Studies, which conducts the final review and selects the scholarship recipients.

Deadline:

The nomination deadline is set for March 24, 2024. Applicants are advised to verify specific deadlines with their faculty nominators and respective colleges, as some may close the nomination period earlier.

The Bertha Kalm Scholarship at San Jose State University represents a remarkable opportunity for students with a vision for change and a need for financial support to achieve their academic goals. Through this scholarship, SJSU continues to invest in individuals committed to making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.