Founder’s Scholarship Application

Established in honor of HEPNet’s founders, the Founders Scholarship helps expand access to HEPNet membership for youth protection professionals who lack institutional financial support. Scholarship recipients receive a complimentary one-year individual membership.

HEPNet Founders Scholarship

The Higher Education Protection Network (HEPNet) was established in 2017. The steering committee members who signed the articles of incorporation were Ann Franke of Wise Results, LLC; Omar Andujar of the University of Florida and later the University of Connecticut; Anne Koester of Georgetown University; Lindsay Bond of The Ohio State University; Dawn Riddle of Vanderbilt University; and Sandy Weaver of Pennsylvania State University.

The Founders Scholarship was established in 2022 as part of HEPNet’s 5-year celebration as a way to recognize our founders and give the gift of HEPNet to others.

This award enables youth protection professionals who lack institutional financial support to participate in HEPNet membership benefits. The HEPNet Finance Committee will select the scholarship recipient.


Scholarship Value

Scholarships are valued at approximately $270 and include:

  • Complimentary 1-year higher education individual membership to HEPNet


Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are individuals who:

  • Work in or are associated with higher education and could benefit from HEPNet membership
  • Do not have organizational support to obtain membership


How to Apply

Complete this online application form, which includes:

  • Contact and demographic information
  • Three essay questions about your career and learning objectives
  • Your resume
  • A statement of support from a supervisor that includes the institution’s inability to pay for the membership*

Complete responses, including the supervisor statement, must be received by November 1.

*The statement must be completed by a supervisor and be on university letterhead. The applicant must request the statement of support through the online application. The statement of support is made up of a series of short-answer questions and must be completed via invitation through the online application. Statements from individuals other than supervisors or individuals in leadership positions will not be accepted.


Selection Criteria

The review committee will select one individual whom they believe is most likely to leverage the opportunity. They will seek a candidate who is eager to learn and plans to apply the skills and knowledge gained to benefit their career, organization, and community. New youth protection professionals are encouraged to apply.

All applicants will be notified of results via email by close of business on November 30.


Expectations of Scholarship Recipients

If selected for an award, the recipient will be encouraged to serve on a committee starting in January 2026.