Our Program

The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar Program is open to academically talented students from ethnic and racial backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in American higher education. Scholars receive up to full tuition in aid every year, with a minimum merit-based scholarship of $18,000.

The benefits of this prestigious program go far beyond the financial, however. As a member of this dynamic, interdisciplinary community, you'll focus on building the skills and perspectives you'll need to live King's legacy -- no matter what your chosen career path.

Through a collaborative mentoring process, you'll be challenged to connect your academic coursework with a related social justice research project. You'll travel the globe to gather data, and link your research to real-world service right here in Ithaca. And as a senior, you'll share your findings with pride, confidence, and authority at the College's annual Whalen Symposium event. It's an intense and rewarding undergraduate experience you won't find anywhere else.

MLK scholar awards are renewable annually. In return,  scholars are expected to

• maintain a cumulative B+ average
• participate in community service each semester
• live with the H.O.M.E. program, Ithaca's multicultural living learning community, during your first year
• travel annually
• complete a three-year independent research project
• produce an electronic learning portfolio reflecting on service, travel, and leadership experiences
• and participate in all required programs, including orientation, seminars, and meetings, and in at least 80 percent of other planned events and activities.