- What advice would you give a prospective student that is interested in the MLK Scholar Program at IC and considering applying?
- Another great question; thanks for asking! Be yourself. You are enough and a powerful, beautiful human being. If you have clicked through our site and landed here, we imagine you have a deep interest in social justice. We validate everything you have done, are currently doing, and will do for social change. As you apply, take some moments to reflect on your "why" as it relates to your leadership and social justice commitment. Reflect that "why" in your application materials. We want to learn more about you and your personal story throughout this process. We are here to support you as you make a huge decision around your college selection process. We want the prospective students we select to ultimately choose us, too, at the end of this and stand proud as IC Bombers. Be yourself.
- How can I better prepare for the interview process?
- We encourage you to explore all of the associated pages here in our MLK Scholar Program website. Reflect on your personal values and interest around social justice and service as you'll be asked to articulate those points and expand on your application materials. Also, attending the scheduled webinars and engagement sessions to learn more about the program and connect with current students can be insightful. We are loving these questions; keep them coming!
- Can you talk more about how MLK Scholars are personally supported? Social justice work can be pretty heavy, draining, and tiring in addition to a student's academic commitments.
- At the peer level, we have the Bigs and Littles program. This is a 100% student-led effort from within our community in which MLK Scholars are paired according to interests, values, majors, and other factors, creating a support system. This is an optional resource.
- Each MLK Scholar is also paired with a faculty or staff member from our Program Support Team. 'Scholars connect with these mentors and develop a relationship as they see fit that will support their individual journey at IC and beyond.
- Students will also have the support of Program Director. Students can always make an appointment or stop in the office.
- What's going down with the travel opportunities? Could you say more about that?
- First-year MLK Scholars are required to travel on the Civil Rights Tour during IC's fall break. Over 4-5 days, you will speak with footsoldiers that were active in the movement and continue to advocate for justice in the 21st century. You will visit museums and touch history while processing course material from the 3-credit seminar to ground your knowledge in US Civil Rights. All of the trip logistics are coordinated by the program and come at no additional expense to the MLK Scholar outside of some personal spending money for a few meals and souvenirs. We travel together as a cohort so it may be wise to bring your official photo ID needed to fly, a few business and business casual outfits, and luggage.
- So I need a 3.0. cumulative GPA to maintain my scholarship each semester. What happens if I am not able to achieve that?
- We are dedicated to supporting our MLK Scholars and committed to keeping our students active and engaged in the program if they desire to remain. We have a warning system in place that puts the 'Scholar in charge at each level, allowing them to work with the Program Director and their Program Support Team mentor on a specific plan/ course of action that will put them back on track for 'good standing.' Each student may have a unique situation so we handle things on a case-by-case basis to better support the individual. Please know, we are committed to your wellness and want you to be an active participant in your learning and success. We are here to work with you and never against you (you asked some dynamic questions, too! We are here for it).
- I have questions about life on campus and other opportunities that may help me consider if I should apply to the MLK Scholar Program.
- Please contact us at mlkscholars@ithaca.edu. We would be happy to answer all your questions. If you would like to talk to a current scholar, let us know! We will do our best to schedule a chat.