The 30-year collaboration between the Kazickas Family Foundation and Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) proves this: ties with one’s homeland can turn into tangible support for young talent to grow – and at the same time, it is patriotism that strengthens the future of the country.

“The Kazickas Family Foundation collaboration with KTU has, over the past 30 years, grown into a strong and adaptable partnership that responds to changing national needs and keeps academic knowledge closely connected to real societal and technological challenges,” says John Algirdas Kazickas, secretary and treasurer of the Kazickas Family Foundation and the youngest son of the foundation’s founder.

According to him, this continuity has strengthened the educational ecosystem, supported generations of capable, technically skilled, and forward-thinking students, and created lasting value not only for the university community but also for Lithuania as a whole.

Support amounts to 30,000 euros

The Kazickas Family Foundation scholarship at KTU is awarded twice a year, in the spring and fall semesters, through a Sponsor Scholarship competition.

Last year, the Foundation awarded four 1,000 euros scholarships to university students who are actively involved in voluntary activities that contribute to the social welfare of society. Two students also received scholarships worth 2,000 euros for their scientific activities while pursuing for their doctorates. In addition, two scholarships (1,000 euros each) were awarded to outstanding students with disabilities or other individual needs.

The Kazickas Family Foundation is also the main sponsor of the Dr. Juozas Petras Kazickas Programming Competition for 6th–12th grade students, organized by the KTU Faculty of Informatics since 1997.

KTU Vice-Rector for Studies, Doc. Dr. Kristina Ukvalbergienė, says that this example of patriotism among the Lithuanian diaspora has a motivating and inspiring effect on the academic community and students. In addition, it promotes pride in their country and its people, both in Lithuania and abroad, and shapes the perception that even when living abroad, it is possible to remain active contributors to the prosperity of their country.

“This strengthens confidence in the university’s mission and its role in the future of the state, fosters civic engagement among young people, encourages them to see themselves as part of a global community, encourages them to become more actively involved in various international initiatives and projects, and encourages them to strive for higher academic standards,” says Ukvalbergienė.

In recent years, the Kazickas Family Foundation has allocated a total of around 30,000 euros to KTU students and the Dr. J. P. Kazickas Student Programming Competition.

The greatest aspiration – to inspire others

A. Kazickas says that looking back over the years, what he is most proud of is the fact that they have managed to reach thousands of students and children, inspiring them to explore opportunities and think creatively about what’s possible.

“Not every participant wins the competition or receives direct support, but sparking that curiosity and encouraging reflection on social responsibility and moral values is invaluable. Reaching and inspiring so many young minds over the years is truly the most meaningful result of our work,” says Kazickas.

According to J. A. Kazickas, it was his father, Dr. J. P. Kazickas, whose philanthropic mindset – seeing it as an opportunity to give back and encourage others – made the partnership with KTU feel especially aligned.

“He always had a deep appreciation for education and a soft spot for technology. My father saw this partnership as a way to inspire young people to explore technology and innovation, and to help build a foundation for the future. Supporting education and technology in this way felt like the most meaningful way to make a lasting impact,” says Kazickas.

Scholarships as a motivational tool

According to the Vice-Rector for Studies at KTU, the scholarships provided by the Kazickas Family Foundation serve as an additional incentive for students to engage in philanthropic activities and participate in various social initiatives and organizations.

“Meanwhile, supporting doctoral students and young scientists directly contributes to the development and strengthening of the university’s science, allows students and researchers to focus on conducting research, and acts as a means of encouragement and motivation,” says Ukvalbergienė.

A. Kazickas hopes that as students go through their careers – at KTU or afterward – they might look back and realize that the support they received was a turning point, a moment they understood there’s something more important than just their own field of study: a responsibility to give back and help others.

Representatives of the Kazickas Family Foundation regularly organize meetings with KTU Sponsor Scholarship recipients. One such meeting took place recently, on January 19, at KTU Santaka Valley, where J. A. Kazickas, together with the foundation’s project manager, Monika Zavistanavičiūtė, met with scholarship recipients and representatives of the KTU administration.

Press release prepared by KTU.