Making Continuing Education Affordable Through Cost Savings and Scholarships – University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati Online Scholarship Initiatives Supporting Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to Scholarship Programs

The University of Cincinnati (UC) Online has introduced multiple scholarship opportunities aimed at increasing access to higher education, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. These initiatives provide financial assistance to diverse student groups, promoting inclusive and equitable education.

Summer and Fall 2023 Scholarship for Master’s Students

1. UC Online launched a scholarship for Summer 2023 students, offering up to $2,000 to cover tuition for their first class.
2. Due to high demand, this scholarship has been extended to all master’s students enrolling in Fall 2023.
3. This effort supports SDG 4 by reducing financial barriers to advanced education.

Military and Veteran Scholarship Program

In alignment with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH) has established a dedicated scholarship for military-affiliated students, including active-duty, reserves, veterans, and National Guard members.

• Scholarship Value: Up to $2,500 per semester toward tuition costs.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • New admission from Summer 2023 semester or later.
  • Enrollment in CECH undergraduate or graduate degree programs (e.g., criminal justice).
  • Excludes spouses or dependents of UC instructors or staff.
• Financial Support Details:
  • Full-time students: $2,500 per semester.
  • Part-time students: $1,500 per semester.
  • Duration for bachelor’s degrees: up to 10 semesters (full-time), 16 semesters (part-time).
  • Duration for master’s degrees: up to 4 semesters (full-time), 6 semesters (part-time).

Scholarship for Fraternal Order of Police Members and Dependents

Supporting SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, UC Online offers scholarships covering 20% of instructional fees for members of the Fraternal Order of Police and their dependents enrolled in online criminal justice bachelor’s or master’s programs.

Conclusion

These scholarship programs by University of Cincinnati Online demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education opportunities. By targeting underserved and service-oriented populations, UC Online contributes to reducing inequalities and fostering lifelong learning and career development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on scholarships and educational opportunities, directly relating to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The scholarships target specific groups such as military personnel, veterans, National Guard members, and Fraternal Order of Police members and their dependents, aiming to reduce inequalities in access to higher education.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • By supporting education in criminal justice and related fields, the article indirectly contributes to building effective, accountable institutions and promoting peaceful societies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.
   • Indicator 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all education indicators that can be disaggregated.
2. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
   • Implied measurement of inclusion through scholarship distribution to marginalized groups (military, veterans, police families).
3. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
   • Implied progress through educational programs in criminal justice enhancing institutional effectiveness.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: uc.edu