Kelsey P. Dresser Memorial Scholarship
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Key Statistics
Grant Amount
Varies by year
Location
Deadline
Varies by year
About this Scholarship
The Kelsey P. Dresser Memorial Scholarship is a need-based financial award established to honor the memory of Kelsey P. Dresser, a former student of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need and who embody the values of community service, academic dedication, and leadership that Kelsey exemplified during her time at the university. The scholarship supports students enrolled in a variety of disciplines, with an emphasis on those pursuing studies in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. It is intended to ease the financial burden of higher education, enabling recipients to focus more fully on their academic and personal development. The scholarship is administered by the university’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and is awarded annually based on a combination of financial need and the applicant’s alignment with the scholarship’s core values. The amount awarded varies each year depending on available funds and the number of recipients. Students interested in applying should consult the university’s financial aid website or contact the financial aid office directly for the most current information regarding application procedures and deadlines.
Eligibility & Overview
Financial Grant
Varies by year
Scholarship Type
Need based
What's Covered
Description
The Kelsey P. Dresser Memorial Scholarship was created to provide financial support to undergraduate students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who demonstrate substantial financial need. Named in memory of Kelsey P. Dresser, a student known for her commitment to academic excellence and community involvement, the scholarship reflects her legacy by supporting students who face economic challenges but show promise in their academic and extracurricular pursuits. The scholarship is open to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in any discipline, with a preference given to those studying in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Applicants must submit a detailed financial aid application along with supporting documentation that verifies their financial need. Additionally, candidates are often required to provide a personal statement or essay describing their community service activities, leadership experiences, and how they embody the values represented by the scholarship. The selection process is conducted by a committee appointed by the university’s financial aid office, which reviews all applications to ensure recipients meet both the financial and character criteria. The award amount is determined annually based on the funds available and the number of qualified applicants. While the scholarship primarily assists with tuition costs, it may also be applied toward other education-related expenses such as books, supplies, and living costs. Recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress and remain enrolled full-time to continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years. The scholarship contributes to the university’s broader commitment to supporting students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and promoting equal access to higher education.
Key Benefits
Provides financial assistance to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, reducing the economic barriers to higher education.
Supports students across multiple disciplines, with a focus on arts, humanities, and social sciences, encouraging academic diversity.
Can be applied toward tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses, offering comprehensive financial support.
Encourages community service and leadership, fostering student engagement beyond academics.
Offers renewable support contingent on maintaining academic progress and full-time enrollment.
Financing Information
Funding and Financial Support for the Kelsey P. Dresser Memorial Scholarship
The Kelsey P. Dresser Memorial Scholarship is funded through a dedicated endowment established by family, friends, and alumni in memory of Kelsey P. Dresser. The endowment generates income annually, which is allocated to support scholarship recipients. The amount awarded each year depends on the investment returns of the endowment fund and the number of eligible applicants. The scholarship is administered by the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, which manages the application and selection process. Students seeking this scholarship must complete the university’s standard financial aid application, which includes submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other relevant financial documentation to demonstrate need. The scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the student’s university account to cover tuition and fees. If the scholarship amount exceeds tuition costs, the remaining funds may be used to offset other educational expenses such as books, supplies, and room and board. Recipients are required to maintain full-time enrollment status and satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for renewal in subsequent academic years. The university encourages applicants to apply early and to consult the financial aid office for guidance on the application process and deadlines, which may vary annually. As a need-based scholarship, the Kelsey P. Dresser Memorial Scholarship complements other forms of financial aid, including federal grants, loans, and work-study programs, to provide a comprehensive funding package for students.
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* Disclaimer: The information provided about the Kelsey P. Dresser Memorial Scholarship is subject to change. Prospective applicants are advised to verify all details, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award amounts, directly with the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships or through official university communications.