For DonorsFor Applicants

Youssef University's Muslim Scholarship Fund

$1,500
1 winner$1,500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Aug 15, 2023
Winners Announced
Sep 15, 2023
Education Level
Any
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Any
Religion:
Islam
GPA:
3.0 or higher

Youssef University is dedicated to providing financial assistance to deserving Muslim students who wish to pursue higher education.

Youssef University’s goal with this scholarship fund is to empower the next generation of Muslim leaders and professionals to pursue their dreams and become leaders of the future. Removing financial barriers can help students achieve their goals, allowing them to focus more on their education. Youssef University’s Muslim Scholarship Fund will support a Muslim student of any education level, promoting academic excellence and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Muslim students of any education level are eligible to apply if they have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

To apply, write about how your Muslim identity has influenced your future goals and how receiving this scholarship would help you achieve them.

Selection Criteria:
Essay, Passion, Ambition
Published May 16, 2023
Essay Topic

Describe how your Muslim identity has influenced your academic and career goals. How would receiving this scholarship help you achieve these goals?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

September 2023

Finalists
Hafeezat Ghaffar
Sami Moudarres
Mohammad Shahnoory
Ranean Salmi
Makayla Rockne
mohammad hindi
Ibrahim Abdelsalam
Racha Cherradi
Jamil Albanna
Sama Muhsen
Risala Swara
Robert Zigmund
Sara Al-Joulani
Munise Kosebalaban
Tariq Khairullah
Suhaib Mansour
Yasmine L'Bahy
Uzmaa Vhora
Khaled Ali
Nada Elarja
Jameelah Anderson
Filza Shafiq
Noor Ali
Eiad Yakout
Amin Matariyeh
Yasmin Mohammad
Adan Eftekhari
Phalestine Hamdan
Youssef ELNemr
Samaa Khan
Ahmed Elgamel
Fatima Shode
alaa almzayen
Marium Akbar
Mohamed Adam
Ahmad Naveed
Vaneeza Khan
Hamsah Ahmed
Salma Benbrahim
nawal rashid
Lillian Anderson
Saamiya Alam
sarah hasan
Fathima Izmi
Abraham Baistra
Hunaina Hirji
Muhamed Ridha
Deanna Tayeh
Noor Issa
Zoya SIDDIQUI
Layla Mahjoub
Shaikh Hamid
fatema kagdi
Adien Dewan
Yusuf Siddiqi
Lujain Saadat
Mosin Ghafary
Adedokum Alarape-Crowe
Ayyan Qureshi
Haneen Amer
Dayna Dayem
Sereen Elder
Mumtaz Cooper
Muhamed Affo
Amira Livadic
Mohammad Shedeed
Reem Saafein
Nuraaz Qadri
sarah elhammady
Mustafa Adeel
Lamia Hammad
Mehmet Tascioglu
Nezar Alsalah
Youssuf Elshabrawy
Danna Bundogji
Malak Ettahali
Iqraa Bokhari

Winning Application

Shahed Musa
Piscataway Township High SchoolPiscataway, NJ
From my earliest memories, my father instilled in me the profound identity of being Muslim above all else, emphasizing that my faith transcends any other aspect of my existence, even my Palestinian heritage. My mother, hailing from Arraba, Jenin, fervently encouraged my siblings and me to embrace our roots, particularly in light of the injustices suffered by the men in her family, who were unjustly imprisoned by the IDF for daring to voice their opposition against the ethnic cleansing of our homeland. While my father's belief in the unity of Muslims regardless of race held merit, he failed to fully grasp the significance of being a Palestinian Muslim. Recalling my recent visit to al-Quds, I vividly recall the challenges I faced, but more importantly, the unwavering unity I witnessed among my fellow travelers. Navigating through a dilapidated fence and traversing an arduous, rugged path at the early hour of 4 a.m., exhaustion and determination filled the air. Yet, amidst the fatigue, a remarkable sense of camaraderie prevailed. People selflessly took turns leading the way, ensuring everyone's safety through each obstacle. This collective spirit embodied the essence of Islamic brotherhood. In the face of rejection at the gates, they would find alternate entrances and ensure everyone gained access. When encountering someone lacking water or sustenance for the journey, they willingly shared their own provisions. It is my belief that this epitomizes the Palestinian Muslim identity—a steadfastness and kindness toward our brothers and sisters, particularly when the world seems to conspire against them. It symbolized an unbreakable bond, a pledge of unity, and an unwavering commitment to one another. In Islam, along with kindness, the pursuit of knowledge holds immense significance. It teaches us to utilize the gifts bestowed upon us by Allah and to engage in critical thinking. Motivated by personal experiences of ageism, sexism, and racism within the medical field, witnessing the struggles of my uncle, who battled cancer while imprisoned in Gaza, and the loss of my grandfather due to doctors neglecting his present afflictions, I have resolved to dedicate myself to the noble path of nursing. My ambition is to serve as a pediatric nurse, imparting empathy and understanding to children who often find their voices silenced when expressing pain deemed as exaggerated. By addressing the ageist and sociocultural constraints that contribute to health disparities, I aim to embody the principles of equality and equity advocated by Islam, ensuring that each individual receives the care they deserve. Presently, I actively engage in volunteering efforts within both medical and Islamic communities. At a rehabilitation and nursing home center, I not only gain invaluable experience but also contribute to the well-being of the broader community. Additionally, as a member of my school's Muslim Student Association (MSA), I actively participate in organizing events such as Ramadan iftars, and I intend to remain dedicated to this cause. During Ramadan, I volunteered to care for children during the first eight Rakat of Taraweeh, allowing parents to focus on their prayers. Furthermore, I volunteered as a teacher's assistant during summer school at the local masjid. Sunday school played a pivotal role in my upbringing, nurturing my understanding of Islam. As Islam emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, it also underscores the significance of imparting knowledge. Thus, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that has played an integral role in shaping my identity.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Aug 15, 2023. Winners will be announced on Sep 15, 2023.