Program Overview
With a permanently endowed fund, the Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship is awarded to selected students who do not otherwise have the financial means to attain a Rochester education. Scholars are selected on the basis of academic excellence, outstanding potential to be future leaders, and demonstrated mastery of complex challenges.
The Handler Scholarship is the University’s leading award. Handler students will receive assured, complete financial support (tuition, fees, room, board, books, personal expenses and transportation), as well as individual and group opportunities, for the duration of the regular four-year academic program.
Scholarship Benefits:
- A more-than-full-tuition, four-year scholarship to the University of Rochester
- Individual mentoring and academic support
- $5,000 in guaranteed funding to support academic or professional enrichment
- Access to a special alumni network made up of past Handler Scholars
Ideal Candidates:
- Demonstrated academic excellence
- Potential to be future leaders
- Mastery of complex challenges
- High financial need
Scholar Profiles
Luka Sherman from Seattle has raised over $120,000 as captain for cancer research in honor of her late brother, Ezra. She is a pianist, tutor, certified puppy raiser through Guide Dogs 4 the Blind, and served as President of LDS Young Women Seattle. Chosen as the UPrep global ambassador, Luka lived in Colombia for nearly a month. She was one of only 120 girls selected for Microsoft job shadowing and workshops for empowering women in engineering and is pursuing a degree in computer science.
Demeara Torres is a member of the Girls Who Code organization and has a deep passion for computer science and helping young women become more involved in STEM education. With a clear flair for teaching, it should be no surprise to hear she is a tutor and has taught young underprivileged kids swim lessons. She has helped run a club called Tuesday’s Children that helps spread awareness about terrorism in hopes to bring about peace.
“Any burden I can take off of my mom is a plus.”
Samantha Ganey served as president of the Environs Careers in Medicine Program and was a member of her school’s chapter of both SADD and LGBT clubs. An avid, long-time, award-winning dancer, she also won a first place award in the county for her mock trial team.
“I have had the freedom to find what I’m passionate about.”