Through the lens of social justice and service, the principles of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were called upon as a philosophy for leadership and civic engagement. The vision for the MLK Scholar Program would also give students the opportunity to be introduced to research with experiential learning opportunities (domestic and international travel) while supporting their studies and personal development.
Over a four-year experience, MLK Scholars have studied civil and human rights, developed case studies in global justice under the leadership of esteemed faculty, and have been challenged & supported to develop their reach and impact in the Tompkins County and Ithaca College communities. These 60 students haverepresented a wide range of human diversity as people from various geographic locations, ethnicities, values, skills, majors, and focus areas in social justice.
From 2002 to 2025, the program strives to support the leadership development of students across academic disciplines at Ithaca College. Whether a student is in the medical field or has obtained a business degree or a degree within the performing arts, the MLK Scholarship Program at Ithaca College has contributed to the development of amazing change agents through the lens of social justice.
Historically, the MLK Scholarship was been awarded to student leaders who have earned a 3.0 or better grade point average (GPA), demonstrated leadership within their academic or home communities, and belong within a minoritized community. Today, the program is open to all and is not based on any race or gender or identification with or affiliation to any minoritized communities.
If you are a prospective Ithaca College student with demonstrated leadership, service in your local community, and have a lifelong commitment to social justice, we look forward to connecting with you soon. we encourage all interested prospective students to apply.
