College Plans Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program

A new scholarship program will provide substantial financial assistance to incoming Ithaca College students of exceptional academic ability who are members of ethnic or racial groups that have historically been underrepresented in American higher education. The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program, a recruitment and education effort jointly sponsored by the Office of Admission and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, will be inaugurated with 15 recipients selected from the entering freshman class in the fall of 2002.

"We will encourage applications for the scholarship from high school students whose life and aspirations are to exemplify the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr.," says Roger Richardson (left), director of OMA. "We are looking for more than just high grades from our King scholars. We expect them to participate in a wide variety of educational, cultural, and social activities that demonstrate leadership, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to community service."

All students selected for the program will receive a scholarship ranging from $12,000 to $20,000 or more in direct financial support from Ithaca College. Scholars are also eligible for other forms of financial assistance and need-based aid. Participation in the program includes funding support for travel within the United States and abroad, so scholars can broaden their knowledge of and appreciation for different cultures.

Scholars will be required to attend an orientation program as well as a weekly seminar, complete a minimum of 30 hours of community service each semester and implement a service learning project, participate in an annual research seminar, and maintain a minimum grade point average. Scholarships will be renewed annually for four years of undergraduate study, contingent upon academic performance and fulfillment of program requirements. Additional need-based aid may be adjusted in accordance with significant changes in family need.

Application procedures will be available from the Offices of Admission and Multicultural Affairs beginning this October.

Roger Richardson holds a doctorate in higher education administration from New York University.