Kellogg/Universtiy Scholar La Shawn Garnett graduated in June with a management & human resources degree.

If it weren't for the Kellogg/University Scholars Program, Cal Poly Pomona senior La Shawn Garnett would have had a difficult time trying to balance a job and working toward a management & human resources degree.

"This program has been an extremely wonderful blessing in my life," says Garnett, a 21-year-old Diamond Bar resident. "I would have gone to Cal Poly Pomona either way, but I am grateful I didn't have to worry about finding the money for school. I was able to just concentrate on my school work."

Developed to draw the highest caliber of students to Cal Poly Pomona, the Kellogg/University Scholars Program recognizes and rewards the academic and civic excellence of deserving high school graduates throughout the state.

"This program is meant to bring in higher academic achievers from area high schools to help Cal Poly Pomona remain competitive with other universities," says Melanie Saracco, director of financial aid. "It's the only merit-based scholarship offered at Cal Poly Pomona that covers full tuition fees, so there are many students who turn down offers from other schools because of this scholarship."

Kellogg/University Scholar recipients are chosen based on an exceptional GPA, high class rank, proven leadership ability and community and work-related involvement.

Approximately 550 high school students, with GPAs ranging from 4.0 to 4.76, applied for the 2003-04 Kellogg/University Scholars Program. The selection committee, comprised of faculty and administrators from each college, awarded scholarships to 42 students, 90 percent of whom rank in the top 2 percent of their class, and 11 are valedictorians.

Students are awarded a four-year renewable scholarship of $1,800 per year; reductions for on-campus room charges; free preferential parking for their freshman year; and recognition at several events including an annual reception hosted by President Suzuki for scholars and their parents. The prestigious scholarship can total $10,000 over the course of a student's education. A GPA of 3.0 in 36 units completed at Cal Poly Pomona is required for students to continue in the program.

Scholars are eager to admit the program has greatly contributed to their success as undergraduates, providing leadership and networking opportunities both on campus and in the community.

"This program helps you focus because you have to stay on track and maintain good grades to remain in the program," says Matthew Kou, 19, of Temple City. Kou is a freshman hotel & restaurant management major with a 3.67 GPA. After graduation, he plans to become a chef.

Cal Poly Pomona established the scholarship program in 1996 as a way of demonstrating the university's commitment to academic excellence and carrying on the tradition of service and excellence of one of its founders, W.K. Kellogg.
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To learn more about how you can support students through named Kellogg/University Scholars endowments, contact Melanie Saracco, director of financial aid, at (909) 869-3714, or mssaracco@csupomona.edu.