Uplift Community Alliance Endowed Scholarship
Uplift Community Alliance Endowed Scholarship
In Honor of Karen Schmitt Johnson
In the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, University of Utah
In February 2026, Uplift Community Alliance established a scholarship endowment in honor of Karen Schmitt Johnson in the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering at the University of Utah.
Karen was a vibrant, active member of Uplift Associates (formerly Consociates of the Assistance League Salt Lake City) whose life was tragically cut short in a cycling accident in 2010. At that time, she was chairperson of the Consociates group and passionately led them in projects that directly benefited the local community. This scholarship honors Karen’s enduring commitment to service, education, and community impact. She graduated from the College of Engineering in 1989 with a major in Electrical Engineering. Total funding of the initial endowment was provided by Karen’s family and close friends.
Uplift’s goal is to help defray the cost of higher education with this scholarship to be awarded annually to students pursuing a degree in the College of Engineering. Candidates must have been accepted into their major/department (typically junior- and senior-level students) and must demonstrate financial need and community engagement or volunteer experience. Preference will be given to students who: a) are Electrical Engineering majors; and b) are non-traditional students, generally meaning those whose educational journey has included a significant gap from high school, career, or previous higher education (may also include barriers to education related to employment or career change).
The scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more students, as available expendable funds allow, and may be renewable for up to 3 years to candidates who continue to qualify. Additional consideration may be given to students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, particularly that which supports children, women, and families in need, causes that were central to Karen Schmitt Johnson’s life and values.
- Donations can be made directly to Uplift Community Alliance designated either to:
- Karen Schmitt Johnson Scholarship Endowment to directly grow the endowment fund at the University of Utah
- Karen Schmitt Johnson Scholarship Expendable to grow the scholarship's expendable account at the University of Utah to provide $6,000 per student.
For more information on how to donate, contact: treasurer@ulcautah.org