Office of Scholars Programs

The Office of Scholars Program oversees four scholarship programs within the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity that consist of students who bring diverse perspectives, identities, and interests to Penn State. All four programs have a broad and shared goal to enhance the inclusion efforts at Penn State and provide support to underrepresented and under-served students in higher education. Each program maintains its own merit-based eligibility requirements and selection process.

Scholars in these programs will receive mentorship, academic coaching, and special programmatic opportunities. The goal of the Office of Scholars programs is to help students develop a community support amongst staff and students that promotes academic success, confidence, and self-advocacy.

First-Year Living Learning Community and Seminar

Bunton-Waller Fellows, Lenfest, Maguire, and Milton Hershey scholars will participate in the Educational Equity Living Learning Community (LLC) during their first year. Scholars will be assigned to a residence hall designated for the Educational Equity Scholars Program. In addition, these scholars will take a year-long credit bearing Scholarship and Community seminar that builds upon the Penn State values. These programs are designed to build community amongst the new students, support students’ transition to college, explore opportunities at Penn State, connect with campus resources, and develop skills for academic success.  Bunton-Waller Fellows, Lenfest, Maguire, and Milton Hershey School Scholars will automatically be placed in the LLC.  Other students interested in the Educational Equity LLC will need to complete a secondary application.