Providing services for all students at Penn State
The Office of Scholars Programs, housed within the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, is committed to supporting all underrepresented and underserved students across Penn State, in addition to students in its five prestigious scholarship programs. These programs attract students with diverse perspectives, identities, and interests and share a broad goal of enhancing inclusion efforts at the university. Each scholarship program has distinct merit-based eligibility requirements and selection processes.
Beyond the scholarship programs, the Office of Scholars Programs provides services for all students at Penn State, including mentorship, academic coaching, and special programmatic opportunities designed to foster personal and academic growth.
The office actively promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment by offering resources, workshops, and events open to the broader student community. Through its initiatives, the Office of Scholars Programs strives to build a campus culture where all students—whether part of a scholarship program or not—can access the tools and support needed to achieve academic success, confidence, and self-advocacy.
Bunton-Waller Fellows and Merits Program
Bringing a community of curious, talented, and dynamic students to Penn State.
Lenfest Scholars Program
Supporting the talent and excellence of Philadelphia students.
Maguire Scholars Program
Prepares students to make a positive contribution to society.
Milton Hershey School Scholars Program
Honoring Milton Hershey’s commitment to nurturing students in a supportive learning environment.
First-Year Living Learning Community and Seminar
Bunton-Waller Fellows and Merits, Commonwealth, Lenfest, Milton Hershey School, and Maguire 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. Scholars will automatically be placed in the LLC. Other students interested in the Educational Equity LLC will need to complete a secondary application.