MLK Scholar Program

Social Justice | Civic Engagement | Leadership Development | Scholarly Excellence
Class of 2024 and 2025
The time has always been "now"
"The time is always right to do what is right." -The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1968. "Remaining Awake through a Great Revolution.")

Welcome to the MLK Scholar Program at Ithaca College!

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Scholar Program at Ithaca College is a transformative, co-curricular, leadership and scholarship community that empowers talented students to create positive change through academic excellence, community engagement, social justice, and service.

For more than a 25 years, the MLK Scholars Program has supported students who are committed to Dr. King's vision of justice, equity, inclusion, and civic responsibility. Through mentorship, leadership development, educational experiences, and meaningful community connections, scholars are challenged to become thoughtful leaders who make a lasting impact on campus and beyond.

Our Mission

The Martin Luther King Scholar Program prepares academically talented undergraduate students for the development of knowledge, skills, and ethical values by engaging them in meaningful learning opportunities that foster social justice service and leadership development.

A Legacy of Leadership

MLK Photo

The civil rights leader Martin Luther King waves to supporters at the National Mall in Washington, Aug. 28, 1963.

Inspired by the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the MLK Scholars Program empowers all students. Scholars develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead with purpose, integrity, and compassion while addressing the complex challenges facing our communities and society.

Whether advocating for social change, engaging in community service, conducting research, or assuming leadership roles across campus and beyond, MLK Scholars carry forward a tradition of courage, excellence, and meaningful impact.

Since its founding in 2002, the MLK Scholars Program has cultivated generations of changemakers dedicated to advancing equity and justice. The program welcomes students from all five schools within Ithaca College and supports scholars across every academic discipline. No matter your major or career aspirations, there is a place for you in the MLK Scholars community.

Whether pursuing careers in healthcare, business, education, communications, the performing arts, the sciences, or any other field, MLK Scholars are united by a shared commitment to leadership, service, and creating a more just and equitable world.

Our Vision

The Martin Luther King Scholar Program facilitates the students' pursuit of academic and personal success within a challenging developmental experience by fostering scholarly excellence, social justice service, and leadership development.

a graphic design of books against a green background.
Explore the First-Year
Take a closer look at how we structure the first year of the program, focused on the Civil Rights Movement.
Explore!
a graphic design of a smart phone showing GPS navigations against a red background.
Sophomore-Senior Year
Discover what the remaining undergraduate experience entails as MLK Scholars advance their focus to human rights.
Discover!
A graphic design of a pencil against a paper on a blue background.
Apply
Learn more about the next steps in the application process.
Apply!

For More Information, Please Contact

Unity Center
Ithaca College
953 Danby Road
Ithaca, NY 14850-7000
(607) 274-7777
 

(607) 274-7777 or (800) 429-4274