Sarah E. Ramsey '12 Scholarship

Sarah Ramsey '12 Strong Scholarship

Be Fearless. Be Strong. Live.

The Sarah E. Ramsey '12 Scholarship Fund was established through gifts from family and friends in memory of Sarah Ramsey. The goal of the scholarship is to support students seeking a transformative experience during their junior or senior year.

The scholarship is open to all students. Students who have demonstrated strong academic performance should consider applying for this scholarship to expand their professional and international experiences through study abroad or an overseas internship program. The Sarah Ramsey '12 Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who exemplifies Sarah's qualities, including her drive, determination, passion for their profession, creative and critical thinking, individuality, and thirst to experience all life has to offer. The ideal student is one in need of financial assistance to capitalize on opportunities as outlined below:

  • Study abroad at a Champlain-affiliated campus that may include a work-based placement.
  • Study abroad through a third-party program with emphasis on expanding cultural experiences that may also include a work-based placement.
  • Completion of a high-level internship within the United States, but not within close proximity to Champlain College or the student's home and family.

"Thanks to the generosity of Sarah's friends and family, we're excited to offer this scholarship to Champlain students," said the Ramsey family. "Our hope is that scholarship recipients will continue to  honor Sarah's creative vision and drive by pursuing opportunities they may otherwise not be able to experience."

Application Timeline

scholarship timeline

Applications are due by the end of  February, the scholarship is awarded in mid-April, and funds are applied for the following academic year. For example: a current sophomore should apply during their sophomore year for a junior year experience. A junior would be applying for a senior year experience. The experience does not have to be a full year, it can be for a semester.

Criteria for Eligibility

  • Student must be a rising sophomore or current junior (open to all students).
  • Student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Student must demonstrate recent work-based or internship experience.
  • Student must demonstrate financial need based on FAFSA, or as determined and evaluated by the Champlain College Office of Financial Aid.

Application/Nomination Process and Requirements

  • Students must submit their online application via the form no later than February 28th.
  • Student Application must include:
    • A short essay (not to exceed 1,000 words) addressing which options they are applying for, how they see this experience being transformative, and how these funds will help them.
    • Two letters of reference, including one from a work-based or internship supervisor and one from a professor, emphasizing the applicant's character, self-driven thirst for knowledge and commitment to teamwork. Please note, if you were nominated by a faculty member you only need to submit one letter of recommendation.
    • A digital portfolio of work that demonstrates a positive can-do attitude throughout their academic experience at Champlain, including a willingness to take on multiple opportunities in order to learn and practice within their discipline arena. The portfolio should showcase exemplary work in their discipline and can include strategic planning, creativity, branding, events, communication, and other content that showcases their work in and out of the classroom. Copy, visuals, concepts, analysis, storyboards, and process flows are all acceptable items to submit within the portfolio. Be sure to identify clearly if these were class assignments, volunteer work, extra credit, or passion projects.
  • Heidi Lebrun, Assistant Director Communications and Engagement in consultation with appropriate faculty and staff, will review the applications and meet with top candidates for in-person interviews. Recommendations will be sent to the Ramsey family prior to spring break.  
  • Heidi Lebrun will forward the final decision to theSarah Ramsey Strong Advisory Council no later than March 31 of the award year.
  • Scholarship will be awarded during the annual honors event.
  • For more information about the scholarship please contact Heidi Lebrun at hlebrun@champlain.edu

Responsibility of Scholarship Winners

  • Scholarship recipients must demonstrate passion, drive, and a commitment to going well beyond their comfort zone  during their experience. They must also keep a record of what they accomplish in the way of a public blog or in written form to present with their portfolio.
  • Upon returning, the awardee will present their experience to the Sarah Ramsey Strong Board of Directors, as well as members of the Champlain College community (SRS and Champlain website updates, newsletters, or in person at SSB student forums).

About Sarah Elizabeth Ramsey '12

As a Marketing major with a specialization in Integrated Advertising, Sarah Ramsey studied abroad in Lima, Peru, during the fall semester of her junior year at Champlain. She embarked on a promising advertising career with internships at  Cloud 9 Caterers in Burlington, and the Blue Hive advertising in Shanghai, China, before continuing her career in New York City. In June 2013, Ramsey died tragically after being struck by a car in Brooklyn, NY.
Learn more about the Sarah E. Ramsey '12 Scholarship Fund here.


Sarah E. Ramsey '12 Scholarship Application Form

To begin your application, complete the form below. You will then need to send your essay, letters of reference, and portfolio to hlebrun@champlain.edu no later than Feb 28.

*required field


Sarah E. Ramsey '12 Scholarship Nomination Form (Faculty Form ONLY)

Submit nominations for students who meet criteria no later than February 28th.

*required field

Want to Donate?

Secured donations can be made to the Sarah E. Ramsey '12 Scholarship Fund online. Please indicate "Sarah E. Ramsey '12 Scholarship" Fund at the bottom of the online form.