The purpose of this scholarship is to advance and improve public health in Nevada, the U.S. and in the world. The scholarship will be awarded to a minority graduate student who is pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Public Health. Preference will be given to applicants who are of Filipino descent. The scholarship will first be applied to any tuition balance the student may have; and any remaining funds shall be distributed to the student as a monetary award.

Recipients may reapply for this scholarship in subsequent years, provided they maintain the scholarship criteria and remain in good standing with the institution. Any Change of Conditions to this document references the policies of the Board of Regents of the NSHE, and the University.

The candidate(s) shall be selected by the School of Public Health (Scholarship Committee) from among those applying through Financial Aid and Scholarships (Office). If the Committee fails to determine an eligible candidate(s) for the scholarship(s), the Office shall make such determination. The Office shall administer the funding of the annual Francisco Sy Endowed Graduate Scholarship. Donorsto the scholarship fund may not participate in the selection of students for this award.

The Francisco Sy Endowed Graduate Scholarship shall be awarded to a student(s) meeting the following criteria:

  1. Membership in an organization open to all but whose mission is to advance the needs of Filipinos, Native Hawaiians and/or Pacific Islanders as demonstrated through a record of community service and volunteering that impacts underrepresented Filipinos, Native Hawaiians and/or Pacific Islanders communities. Such activities can be illustrated through submitted written materials as part of the application process
  2. Student must demonstrate financial needs as determined by the UNLV Office of Financial Aid
  3. Student may be enrolled either full or part-time
  4. Student must have a 3.5 cumulative graduate grade point average or higher
  5. Student must be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in the School of Public Health, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health
  6. Student must complete a UNLV School of Public Health scholarship application with a single page detailing the public impact and significance of their proposed research and their experience with volunteerism and commitment to philanthropy
  7. Recipients may reapply for this scholarship in subsequent years, provided they maintain the scholarship criteria and remain in good standing with the institution

Students should submit the following application materials to scholarships.sph@unlv.edu no later than March 1, 2024:

  1. Resume/ CV (including list of extra-curricular activities)
  2. Personal Statement (1000 words), which answers the following questions:
    1. Describe your reasons for entering the field of public health.
    2. Describe your research interests.
    3. Describe your current involvement in the Filipino American (or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) community.
    4. Describe your career plans and how will you serve the Filipino American (or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) community in your professional lives.
  3. Two letters of recommendation (from professors, employers, mentors, academic advisors, etc.) highlighting the following: relationship with the applicant; applicant’s personal and professional strengths; applicant’s community involvement and applicant’s potential to contribute to the field of public health.
  4. Email subject line should contain “LAST NAME and AWARD being applied to”

The awards will be given at the May 3rd, 2024 School of Public Health Honors Ceremony. Attendance is required.

Award Stipulations

In order to encourage awareness of the positive works made through private philanthropy, it is requested that current recipients of the Francisco Sy Endowed Graduate Scholarship make a notation in journal articles or in professional presentations to signify that part of their research was made possible through the charitable contributions of the Francisco Sy Endowed Graduate Scholarship.

Recipient(s) of the Francisco Sy Endowed Graduate Scholarship grant(s) UNLV the right to publish their name and use the applicant’s likeness in a photograph in any and all of its publications, including website entries, without payment or any other consideration. These materials will become the property of UNLV and will not be returned. Recipient(s) grant(s) UNLV the authority to edit, alter, copy, publish or distribute this photo for purpose of publicizing UNLV’s programs or for any other lawful purpose.