Future Focus

 

Future Focus is a new initiative designed to make sure you graduate with real work experience that helps you land your first post-college job.

THE REQUIREMENT

Recipients must work 250 hours during your second and third year of college. This work can be completed in the fall, spring or summer.

ACADEMIC YEAR IN COLLEGE TIMELINE
Second year 8/1/26 – 7/31/27
Third year 8/1/26 – 7/31/27

HOW WE’LL TRACK IT

Starting fall 2026, work experience becomes part of your regular reporting for Scholarship renewal. You’ll report hours to us three times: fall (December), spring (May) and summer (June).

Each report will include:

  • Employer name
  • Hours worked that period 
  • Supervisor or manager contact info for verification

We will communicate after each report where you stand relative to the requirements for Scholarship renewal.

A quick note on summer reporting: We’ll request those hours in June, and any hours worked in the remaining weeks of summer will be confirmed directly through employer verification.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOUR RENEWAL

Completing 250 hours each year is a condition of your Scholarship renewal; you must complete the hours to receive the Scholarship again.

HOW TO GET STARTED

  • Talk to your campus career center now. They maintain lists of part-time employers on and near campus and are set up to help students find something quickly.
  • Map out your 250 hours within this academic year. A tough courseload this fall might mean completing more work hours during spring or summer. That’s fine, as long as the 250 working hours are completed by July 31, 2027.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We prefer recipients to find career-aligned experiences, but a part-time job will meet the renewal requirements.

While we value entrepreneurial spirit, there is immense value in working within a broader organization. Generally, self-employment will not count toward the 250-hour requirement. However, we are open to hearing more about your experience and whether it may qualify. Reach out to Abby Kaiser if you have questions about self-employment. 

Questions?

Reach out to Abby Kaiser, Director of Student Success.

EMAIL ABBY

Questions?