The Simon and Odette Kassis Foundation

The Kassis Foundation supports young people committed to building a better world by investing in their education. Education brings opportunity and freedom. It inspires respect, makes clear the line between right and wrong.

Through the generosity of Gen. and Mrs. Simon Kassis, an endowment was established in 2009 as a primary vehicle of the foundation. It seeks to reward students by providing them with a grant that can be applied towards their school tuition. The scholarship, awarded annually, is based on several factors including scholastic aptitude, capacity for self-direction and future promise, as well as non-merit based factors such as economic hardship.


Instructions for applying to the Simon and Odette Kassis scholarship program
    1. Submit a cover letter to include your name, address, telephone number, month and year you
        are expecting to graduate and e-mail address.
    2. Request recommendation letters from 2 teachers you have taken classes with.
    3. Provide a copy of your latest report card.
    4. Type a 1000-word essay on how you plan to contribute to a better world through your own education.
        There is no set format, but essays generally include creative ideas to improve your immediate community         or the world you live in.
    5. Electronicly submit entire package (cover letter, scanned references and report card, essay). The deadline         for applying is May 1st of the same year you plan to receive the grant. For example, if you are looking to         receive a grant for the 2010-2011 academic year, the application must be received by August 1st, 2010.


Our response
We will send you an email acknowledging receipt of your application, and we will direct it to the appropriate review board. The review board may include teachers and administrators from your school, as well as committee members in the Simon and Odette Kassis Foundation. The review process usually takes four to eight weeks, after which you will be notified of our decision. Please do not contact us during the review process.

Everyone is encouraged to apply, as award decisions are merit-based, as well as need-based.

Sponsor A Student
Education brings opportunity and freedom. It inspires respect, makes clear the line between right and wrong. Educated individuals make better decisions when choosing between prejudice and tolerance, war and peace. Your contribution goes directly to a student of your choice.