Kayifi Caribbean Scholars Achievement Program (K-CSAP)

Purpose

The Kayifi Caribbean Scholars Achievement Program (K-CSAP) is established to support international students born in the Caribbean who are studying in the United States on J-1 or F-1 visas. This scholarship aims to break financial barriers, enabling students to excel academically and use their education to make a positive impact in their home countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the K-CSAP, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Nationality: Must be born in a Caribbean country.

  2. Visa Status: Must hold a valid J-1 or F-1 visa during the application and award period.

  3. Academic Performance (AP) & Exceptional Financial Hardship (EFH):

    AP: Must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4-point scale for the semester in which they are applying.

    EFH: Must demonstrate exceptional financial hardship

  4. Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university.

  5. Essay Submission: Submit a compelling essay (750-1,000 words) addressing the following:
    • Why they chose their field of study.
    • How they plan to use their education to make a positive impact upon returning to their home country.
Scholarship Award Program

Number of Scholarships:
Six scholarships are awarded per academic year.

Award Categories and Amounts:

    I. Academic Excellence Award – $5000
    • Awarded to a student with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
    • The award is applied toward tuition or fees.
    II. Financial Hardship Award – $2500
    • Awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional financial hardship through a 500-word essay.
    • The applicant must also meet the requirements for the Academic Excellence Award except for the GPA.
    • Students with a GPA slightly below 3.5 may still qualify based on the strength of their essay and overall application.
    III. Supplemental Financial Hardship Award – $500
    • Awarded to a student who demonstrates significant financial need in a 500-word essay.
    • This essay must be submitted alongside the application for the Academic Excellence Award.
    • Students with a GPA slightly below 3.5 may still qualify based on the strength of their essay and overall application.
Application Process

  1. Complete Online Application Form: Include personal information, proof of visa status, and GPA verification (e.g., unofficial transcript).

  2. Essay I. Essay Submission: Attach a Word or PDF document with the essay.
    Essay II. Essay Submission: Attach a Word or PDF document with the essay.

  3. Recommendation Letter (Optional): Applicants may submit one letter of recommendation from a professor or academic advisor. (Applicants will be considered preferentially if they include a letter.)

  4. Submission Deadline: Applications must be submitted by June 5th for the Fall Semester and January 10th for the Spring Semester.

Notification: Recipients will be notified via email and announced on our website and social media page.

Expectations from Recipients

  1. Recipients must submit a brief semester-end progress report summarizing academic achievements and the scholarship's impact.
  2. Recipients are encouraged to promote academic excellence and cultural exchange as K-CSAP ambassadors.