Erin Tierney Kramp Encouragement Endowed Scholarship

The Erin Tierney Kramp Encouragement Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 by the ETK Encouragement Foundation and the Dallas/Fort Worth Private Equity Forum in memory of a courageous individual, Erin Tierney Kramp. In 1994, Erin Tierney Kramp was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. Soon after her diagnosis, Erin decided to fight cancer head-on. Erin began by searching for medical specialists often calling and flying all over the country to seek their knowledge and advice. She studied alternative treatment plans and examined state of the art, sometimes unproven methods, to battle the disease. Erin’s tenacity often frustrated her medical doctors and sometimes resulted in seeking new ones who were up to the challenge Erin demanded. With no map to guide her, she set her own course.

Erin embarked on an aggressive treatment plan and over the next few years faced one medical adversity after another, her body often shutting down while her mind continued to race forward. Always demonstrating tremendous courage, perseverance and spirituality, Erin never shied away from her challenge. Throughout this struggle, Erin touched many lives and was an inspiration to those who knew her and to millions who read her book, Living with the End in Mind, or saw her on national television programs such as “20/20” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show”. She was also featured on the national broadcast of James Dobson’s “Focus on the Family” radio show. The Erin Tierney Kramp Program awards scholarships to students based upon their courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Eligible applicants include high school seniors who will graduate in the spring and current students attending Dallas County College. Recipients of the Erin Tierney Kramp Encouragement Endowed Scholarship will receive funds for tuition and books for six consecutive semesters beginning with Fall.

In addition to tuition and books, recipients also get access to a Life Skills Mentor to provide support and be a resource for recipients to achieve their academic, personal and professional potential. Life Skills Mentors and recipients develop a close relationship through planned cultural, political and social events scheduled throughout the year.

Kramp recipients are also eligible to apply for The Erin Tierney Kramp Emergency Grant which was established to provide immediate financial support for ETK scholarship recipients experiencing temporary financial hardship up to a maximum of $1,000. These funds are to be used when no other sources of assistance can be accessed. Also, recipients are also eligible to apply for the Erin Tierney Kramp Continuing Education Grant, up to a maximum of $3,500, to continue their education beyond the Dallas College at a four-year university. An award from this fund does not require repayment and should not be considered a loan.

Recipients of the Erin Tierney Kramp Encouragement Endowed Scholarship could continue their college education beyond the 6 semesters at Dallas College if they meet certain criteria, subject to scholarship availability.

Visit https://www.foundation.dallascollege.edu/scholarship-and-students/event-scholarships for details.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or B average
• Must have completed less than 30 hours prior to the period of the award
• Must exemplify courage and perseverance in the face of hardship or adversity; a moral character with leadership and scholarship qualities as evidenced by high academic standards
• Must answer the following supplemental questions as follows:
  What type of hardship and adversity have you overcome that would make you a deserving applicant for this award? Other adversities besides financial must be shared.
  What are your academic and career goals? Please explain in detail.
  Provide three (3) important leadership accomplishments. Please explain in detail.
• Must provide the names and email addresses for two recommendations from a faculty member, counselor, or community member.
• Applicant may be asked to participate in a face-to-face interview with the selection committee

Recipient Requirements:
• Recipient must maintain a commitment to the program and its goals
• Recipient must attend planned Erin Tierney Kramp Scholar events
• Recipient will be assigned a mentor for the academic year
• Recipient must successfully complete all classes each semester
• Recipient must maintain minimum of eight (8} hours enrollment status each semester-
• Recipient must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better at the end of each semester
• Recipient must maintain the above requirements to receive the scholarship for subsequent semesters. Failure to do so could result in a loss of scholarship benefits