Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at USF UMatter Scholarship

 The Project/Challenge

The Florida Delta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at USF puts philanthropy and scholarship above all else. We believe in the power of education and inclusivity. It is with these themes and all the ideals of a True Gentleman that we proudly partner with USF's Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program to ensure everyone can benefit from a college education.

 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 program has ensured higher education is more inclusive and accessible to students who have historically been excluded from education beyond high school. 

Named for the visionary Eileen Hafer, an alumna of USF, SAE Little Sister and special education teacher during her career, the program is underway in St. Petersburg and is 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. The scholarships awarded from this fund will directly help admitted students so they are able to fully engage and enjoy a collegiate experience and complete their program 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, take traditional college courses, live in campus residence halls and experience professional training through internships. Students who complete the program earn certificates issued by USF’s Division of Innovative Education and Workplace Readiness, with endorsements based upon their individualized career goals and program of study. The ultimate goal is employment in a competitive, integrated setting aligned with the student’s preferred career path. 

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 UMatter Program are provided the resources they need to focus and complete it 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 UMatter Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Scholarship at @educationusf and directly help admitted students with special needs enjoy a collegiate experience and complete their program of study!  usf.to/UMatterSAE

Twitter: Join the @saeusf1968 fraternity at @USouthFlorida to directly help admitted students with special needs enjoy a collegiate experience and complete their program of study! Give to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at USF UMatter Scholarship today: usf.to/UMatterSAE