The Connecting What Matters Award recognizes a transformative learning experience with a College of Arts & Sciences faculty member—an experience that changed how you think, challenged your perspective, or shaped your personal growth.
Transformative learning can come from an inspiring class, a meaningful conversation, a difficult challenge, or a new way of seeing the world. What matters most is the lasting impact the experience has had on you.
Each year, eligible students submit a short essay about that experience. The winning student receives a cash award (typically around $200), and the faculty member featured in the essay received a professional development award in recognition of their impact on your learning.
$200
average award
750
maximum essay word count
Eligibility
- You are a current GCSU undergraduate student with 30 or more earned credit hours.
- You may submit one essay per award year.
Essay Requirements
- Your essay describes a transformative learning experience with one College of Arts & Sciences faculty member.
- Your essay clearly demonstrates how the experience led to meaningful growth, new insight, or lasting change.
- Your essay is 750 words or fewer.
- Your essay is your own original work and is not generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Share Your Story
Share the learning experience that changed your perspective for a chance to be recognized with the Connecting What Matters Award. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 18.
Award FAQs
What is the Connecting What Matters Award?
The Connecting What Matters Award recognizes an undergraduate GCSU student whose learning has been meaningfully shaped by a College of Arts & Sciences faculty member. It celebrates transformative learning experiences that inspire personal growth, broaden perspectives, and leave a lasting impact.
Eligible students submit an essay reflecting on a transformative learning experience with a College of Arts & Sciences faculty member. One essay is selected each year, and both the student and the faculty member featured in the essay are recognized through the Connecting What Matters Endowment.
Who is eligible to apply?
You are eligible to apply if you have earned at least thirty credit hours at the time of the application.
Your essay should describe a transformative learning experience with one College of Arts & Sciences faculty member whose teaching, mentorship, or guidance had a meaningful impact on your learning and growth. This experience may have occurred in a previous semester or year.
You may submit one application per award year.
What kind of award can I receive?
If the scholarship and awards committee selects your essay, you will receive a cash award in recognition of your transformative learning experience. The College of Arts & Sciences faculty member you recognize will also receive a professional development award in recognition of their contribution to your learning. The faculty member must still be employed by the College of Arts & Sciences at the time the award is made to receive professional development funds.
Award amounts vary annually based on the investment earnings of the endowment, but a typical award amount to a student with the winning essay will be around $200.
What are judges looking for?
Judges are looking for essays that thoughtfully reflect on a learning experience that had a lasting impact. The strongest essays go beyond describing an event—they explain how the experience changed your perspective, deepened your understanding, strengthened your skills, or influenced your future goals. Authentic reflection and personal insight are more important than the type of experience itself.
What is the timeline for this award?
The award cycle begins at the start of the fall semester when the application period opens. Essays are due in mid-September and are reviewed by the College of Arts & Sciences Scholarship and Awards Committee, which selects the winning essay using an established evaluation rubric. The recipient is typically selected by mid-October, and the winner is announced by the College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Office.
How do I apply?
Complete the online application and upload your original essay, written in your own words and not generated by artificial intelligence (AI), of no more than 750 words. Your essay should reflect on a transformative learning experience with a College of Arts & Sciences faculty member and explain how the experience influenced your learning, perspective, or personal growth. All application materials must be submitted by the published deadline.
What happens if my essay wins?
If you are selected, you will be notified by the College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Office and will receive a cash award. The College of Arts & Sciences faculty member featured in your essay will also be recognized with professional development funding through the Connecting What Matters Endowment.
What are my responsibilities if I win the award?
As part of accepting the award, you will write a personal thank-you to the donor in appreciation of the support provided through the Connecting What Matters Endowment. You and the donor will receive an invitation to attend the annual scholarship and awards recognition event, if the award is made prior to the recognition event deadlines.