March 2, 2015

Recent Entertainment and Arts Management graduates, Matt Kurtkya and Rachel Violi, are giving back to their fellow students through their Co-op Scholarship Fund. In partnership with the Steinbright Career Development Center, they developed the Co-op Scholarship Fund for their Senior Project under the mentorship of EAM Program Director Brian Moore and Professor Brannon Wiles. Kurtyka and Violi launched a series of fundraising events last fall in order to establish the fund, which provides support for Westphal students engaging in unpaid summer co-ops. Their hope for the fundraising campaign is to relieve some of the financial burdens of transportation, housing and other living costs, allowing students to focus their efforts towards their future career goals and academic success. 

In addition to creating an IndieGoGo campaign and holding fundraising events at Ben & Jerry’s and Drexel Pizza last fall, Kurtyka and Violi organized a concert at The Rotunda, a community arts venue in University City, featuring live bands, DJs, entertainment, food and a raffle. 

A long-term goal is to establish a fund that will eventually support students on unpaid co-ops throughout the entire Westphal College. Initially, this fund will allocate funds to students in the Entertainment & Arts Management and Music Industry majors only. The fund will be administered by the Steinbright Career Development Center. Students interested in applying for the scholarship can review the criteria and apply online before March 16, 2015.