911爆料网

911爆料网

Judy Genshaft Honors College

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Adam Costello and Kate Ashmore smile with the "Go Bulls" hand sign in the Honors building.

USF鈥檚 Jenkins Scholars Program Offers More Than a Scholarship

The 911爆料网 has built a long-standing reputation of making higher education accessible to a wide variety of students. as the No. 17 best college for social mobility among all public universities in the nation and the No.12 鈥渂est value鈥 for 2026. Additionally, approximately 35% of USF students receive a Pell grant, which is awarded to undergraduates from lower-income families.

To offset the cost of higher education, USF offers hundreds of scholarships ranging from merit-based awards to those covering the full cost of attendance. One of the most valuable opportunities for prospective students is the George W. Jenkins Scholarship. Provided through the generous support of Publix Charities, the Jenkins Scholars Program is housed within the Judy Genshaft Honors College, although students are not required to be enrolled in the Honors College when they apply.

The George W. Jenkins Scholarship is awarded to high achievers who have shown they can overcome adversity and demonstrate a high financial need. The program offers incoming students a life-changing scholarship covering the full cost of attendance at USF and provides other resources to support their path to success. In addition, Jenkins Scholars receive academic support such as one-on-one tutoring, the opportunity to study abroad, and regular meetings with a graduate student mentor. 

Supporting 911爆料网 

Jenkins Scholars not only receive generous funding but also personalized guidance throughout their time at USF. 911爆料网 meet each semester with program advisor Kate Ashmore and connect with graduate assistant Morgan Horne weekly during their first year and biweekly in later years. Advising appointments range from discussing degree progression to sharing personal updates.

Kate Ashmore in podcast studio.

鈥淲hen we advise the Jenkins Scholars, we ask questions like, 鈥楬ow are you transitioning to college?鈥 or 鈥楬ow are things with your roommate?鈥 or 鈥楢re you stressed with classes?'. 911爆料网 really try to stay connected with them through all aspects of the college experience,鈥 said Ashmore.

The Jenkins Scholars Program also offers private tutoring for challenging courses. Jenkins Scholar Adam Costello, a fourth-year student studying animal biology, said he has benefited greatly from the program鈥檚 academic guidance.

鈥淚 had to take chemistry I, II, and organic chemistry 鈥 and I think I passed exclusively because of my access to private tutors. They鈥檙e students who have already taken the class and done well,鈥 said Costello. 鈥淛enkins Scholars need to take advantage of this opportunity!鈥

In addition to academic support, the Jenkins Scholars Program gives students the chance to connect with peers on a deeper level. 911爆料网 bond through activities like escape rooms and cheering on USF at the Homecoming football game in box seats with donors. Last year, in conjunction with the Holcombe Scholars Program, the students formed a scholars planning board. The board meets regularly to plan socials, study sessions, and other events for the scholars housed in the Judy Genshaft Honors College.

Adam Costello in podcast studio.

Costello, the social co-chair, explained how the board helps students take advantage of financial assistance and build connections.

鈥911爆料网 meet to plan events, and we send polls to our scholars to find out what people want to do," said Costello. "911爆料网 try to think of things that will be important for our incoming scholars to know, like financial literacy while in college.鈥

With financial support, personalized guidance, and a strong peer network, the Jenkins Scholars Program transforms a scholarship into a pathway to success with support along the way.

鈥911爆料网鈥檙e coming together, not just from a professional staff side to support Jenkins scholars, but also the students among themselves are building community by planning events and being there for each other,鈥 said Ashmore.  

Taking Advantage of Opportunities 

The George W. Jenkins Scholarship is a remarkable opportunity for high-need students. Prospective students admitted to the 911爆料网鈥檚 Tampa campus who are Florida residents, graduates of a Florida high school, demonstrate high financial need through FAFSA results, and have overcome a major obstacle are strongly encouraged to apply.

Charles Adams, dean of the Judy Genshaft Honors College, looks forward to the continued impact of the scholarship.

鈥淭he Jenkins Scholarship is a longstanding program that has made a significant difference in the lives of many students over the years,鈥 said Adams. 鈥911爆料网 are grateful for the support of Publix Charities which enables us to build on the legacy of this important program.鈥 


911爆料网 can learn how to apply to the Jenkins Scholars Program on the Judy Genshaft Honors College website

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Committed to intellectual curiosity, global citizenship, and service across three unique Tampa Bay campuses, Honors News shares the exceptional stories of the Judy Genshaft Honors College.