Here's what happens next...

A tour guide explains the Bloody Selma march to a group of MLK Scholars

This is an overview of our recruitment process from start to finish.

We do ask interested candidates and their support networks to please email mlkscholars@ithaca.edu if you have any questions. Please do not hesitate to ask.

Learn and Engage

These are opportunities to engage with our Program Director and current MLK Scholars to gain more insight and ask any questions you and your support network may have before the December 1 application deadline.

 Program Overview | November 2025, 6pm- 6:30pm EST

Join the Program Director, Cliff-Simon, for a brief overview and personal reflection of the MLK Scholar Program at Ithaca College. We will explore how to apply, why one would apply, and what one can expect from the process. 

First Year Insights | November 2025, 12pm EST

 A moderated dialogue with first-year students This time will cover topics like the first-year transition, why they chose the MLK Scholar Program, what the journey has been like so far, what they are looking forward to, and a word of encouragement for candidates.

Application Review Process

To be considered for the MLK Scholar Program at Ithaca College, all applications must be received with all supplemental material properly uploaded, by December 1 , 2025, 11:59pm. 

Our application review team will look over each application and select semi-finalists. Every applicant will be notified of their status in the process by mid-January, 2026.

Two young women stand in an open outdoor space taking notes while listening to a speaker

Selected semi-finalists in the process will participate in an individual video upload process. This provides applicants an opportunity to expand on submitted application materials and allow the prospective student to tell us more about who they are, what they believe, why, and what they are looking forward to with a lifelong commitment to social justice.

Once notified about their status, semi-finalists will be able to upload videos. In early January 2026, an optional family session will be held to talk through any questions before the video uploads are due. This is open not only to prospective MLK Scholars, but people in their support network as well (family, caregivers, friends, and pets).

Video submissions will be due in late January 2026.

Our Program Support Team is willing to work with candidates individually for accommodations. 

Video Submission

In addition to formally applying to the program, semi-finalists will need to upload a singular video via their application portal, totaling no more than five minutes, answering or reflecting on the following:

  1. Tell us a little about yourself and what draws you to the MLK Scholar Program at Ithaca College. (1 minute or less)
  2. What is a social, human, or civil rights issue that is important to you? How might this program provide the foundations needed to begin to impact social change or continue the work you have already started? ( 1-2 Minutes)
  3. The MLK Scholar Program values ambition, empathy, resilience, curiosity , and hope .
    Which of these qualities do you feel is most vital for building community? How has this quality shown up in your life or in the communities you care about? (1-2 minutes)

Final Selection

Our goal is to notify all semi-finalists of their status in the last portion of the process no later than mid-February. While selected finalists review their offer to join our community, our program will continue to offer opportunities to engage with current MLK Scholars, alumni, faculty, and staff. 

MLK finalist will confirm their participation in the scholar program and enrollment at the college by May 1st. See admission deadlines here.