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

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.