UMatter Scholarship Fund

The Project/Challenge

The Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program is an innovative, inclusive postsecondary education program created to provide opportunities for young people with intellectual disabilities to experience higher education and campus life.

Since its inception in 2020, the UMatter Program has ensured higher education is more inclusive and accessible. Named for the visionary Eileen Hafer, an alumna of USF's College of Education and special education teacher during her career, the program is underway in St. Petersburg and set to expand to all three USF campuses. In addition, the mission is being extended by establishing the UMatter Scholarship fund to make a greater impact for students with intellectual disabilities who face financial hardships. 

While scholarship funds are available, there are often immediate needs that become apparent. The UMatter Scholarship Fund will directly help admitted students to fully engage and enjoy a collegiate experience and complete their programs of study. 

For details on the Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program, click here to view the brochure. 

The Impact

With support from UMatter professional staff and mentors, students in the program navigate the transition from high school to college, acquire skills in socialization and independent living, and experience professional training through internships. Students who complete this program earn a Career Readiness Badge that specifically prepares them with eight essential skills employers look for when hiring interns or new employees: career management, communications, critical thinking, global citizenship, leadership, professionalism, teamwork and technology.

The Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program doesn’t just make education more accessible and inclusive, it prepares young Bulls with intellectual disabilities to obtain jobs and navigate their respective career fields. 

According to a survey commissioned by the Special Olympics, only 44 percent of adults (age 21 to 64) with intellectual disabilities are in the labor force, compared to 83 percent without such disabilities. The Hafers aim to change that, opening doors to the dream of a college experience and ultimately employment for this population of young adults through UMatter. 

What Your Gifts Will Do

Make your gift today to support UMatter students as they embark on their collegiate journeys. Your gift of any size will have an immediate impact and ensure students in the Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program are provided the resources they need to focus and complete the program without financial burdens. 

Thank you for making a difference and contributing to student excellence and inclusivity at USF.

Spread the Word!

Help us spread the word by using the social media links at the top to share this HerdFunder and make an even greater impact for UMatter students. You can use the caption below to get you started!

Give a gift of any size to support the Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program at the University of South Florida and directly help admitted students with special needs enjoy a collegiate experience and complete their program of study!  usf.to/UMatterScholarship

Twitter: Give a gift of any size to support the Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program at @educationusf and directly help admitted students with special needs enjoy a collegiate experience and complete their program of study!  usf.to/UMatterScholarship