Scholarships

Wide-ranging opportunities to help students build their résumé, serve their community, and pay for education.

Educational Opportunities at USEF

USEF believes in developing the next generation of Muslim leaders and community servants. Our scholarship programs reward service, academic commitment, and leadership while providing meaningful financial support to students across the Fresno area.

Scholarship recipients also gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a deep connection to the community they serve.

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Wasila Fellowship

$1,000

$2,000 for Senior Fellow renewal

A 6-month service-based award for students committed to community welfare. Complete 250 hours of meaningful service and earn your fellowship upon completion.

Requirements

  • Complete 50 hours of volunteering for USEF minimum
  • Actively enrolled in education or committed to an educational pathway
  • Complete family counseling training courses (all certification costs covered)
  • Provide wrap-around family counseling assistance during program
  • Complete orientation and attend award ceremony

Application Requirements

  • Résumé or CV (LinkedIn profile preferred)
  • Letter of recommendation from USEF Advisor
  • Two essays with prompts provided in application
Duration 6 Months · 250 Hours
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Applications Closed

Nana Asmau Scholarship

$6,000

$9,000 for Senior Scholar renewal

Named after the legendary West African Islamic scholar Nana Asmau bint Usman dan Fodio, this prestigious year-long scholarship recognizes outstanding students who lead community impact projects.

Program Expectations

  • Lead a community project with measurable, documented impact
  • Submit monthly progress updates to your advisor
  • Publish a final report with advisor approval
  • Maintain highest standards of character and professionalism
  • Complete 500 hours of service over 52 weeks

Application Requirements

  • Résumé or CV (LinkedIn profile preferred)
  • Three letters of recommendation from specified sources
  • 3-page personal statement (life story, past service, project proposal, and connection to Nana Asmau)
Duration 1 Year · 500 Hours

Who Was Nana Asmau?

Nana Asmau bint Usman dan Fodio (1793–1864) was a West African princess, scholar, poet, and educator who became one of the most prolific Islamic scholars of her era. Despite living in 19th-century West Africa, she authored over 60 works in Arabic, Fulfulde, and Hausa.

Most remarkably, she trained a corps of women educators (called jajis) who traveled through villages teaching women who could not leave their homes, making Islamic knowledge accessible to all.

USEF named this scholarship in her honor to inspire scholars who carry that same spirit: learning deeply, serving broadly, and uplifting their communities.

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"Knowledge is a shield and a sword. It protects the righteous and advances justice."

In the spirit of Nana Asmau bint Usman dan Fodio

Start as a Volunteer

The Wasila Fellowship begins with volunteering. Sign up as a USEF volunteer, complete your service hours, and you'll be on the path to earning your fellowship. All students are welcome. This is open to both current and new volunteers.

Apply for Fellowship Volunteer First