Bunton-Waller Scholars Program

Supporting Academic Excellence and Student Success at Penn State

About

The Bunton-Waller Scholars Program offers multiple scholarship opportunities designed to support students in achieving academic success. Each program has specific eligibility criteria and provides structured support services provided by the Office of Scholars Programs.

All Bunton-Waller Fellow and Merit award recipients are selected by individual colleges and academic units.

Bunton-Waller Merit Award

Recipients of the Bunton-Waller Merit Award receive academic coaching through the Office of Scholar Programs and mentorship within their respective college. The program provides financial assistance beginning in a student’s first year and is renewable for up to eight semesters. Students awarded the Bunton-Waller Merit Award are enrolled at University Park.

Bunton-Waller Fellow Award

Bunton-Waller Fellow Award recipients participate in a structured academic support program that includes academic coaching through the Office of Scholar Programs and mentorship within their respective colleges. Fellow recipients engage in a first-year living-learning experience that fosters academic engagement and professional development. The Bunton-Waller Fellow Award provides financial assistance for up to eight semesters. Students in this program are enrolled in all academic colleges and the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, Harrisburg, and Erie.

Bunton-Waller Commonwealth Scholars Award

The Commonwealth Scholars Program (CSP) is a structured academic support and scholarship opportunity designed to enhance the academic, personal, and professional development of students transitioning to Penn State University Park. Formerly known as the Comprehensive Studies Program, CSP builds on a legacy of student success, offering an enriched experience tailored for high-achieving, Pell-eligible Pennsylvania residents.

This invitation-only program is extended to select students based on eligibility criteria determined by Undergraduate Admissions. Students identified as candidates will receive an official email from the Office of Scholar Programs (OSP) with an exclusive invitation to apply, along with a two-week deadline for submission.

Bunton-Waller Scholarship Award

The Bunton-Waller Scholarship Award is distributed via the Office of Student Aid to full-time students enrolled in resident instruction. This scholarship supports students with the highest financial need. It is not available for students enrolled in World Campus programs.

History of the Program

The Bunton-Waller Scholars Program was established in 1994 to support Penn State’s commitment to academic excellence by providing students with access to financial and academic resources that promote student achievement. The program began with the Bunton-Waller Fellow Award and has since expanded to include additional scholarships that support students across Penn State. Over time, the program has grown with the inclusion of the Bunton-Waller Merit Award and the Bunton-Waller Scholarship Award, which provides financial assistance to students with the highest financial need. Most recently, the Bunton-Waller Commonwealth Scholars Award was introduced to further enhance academic support for high-achieving, Pell-eligible Pennsylvania residents transitioning to University Park.

Named in recognition of Mildred Settle Bunton (‘32) and Calvin Hoffman Waller (‘04), the program has helped thousands of scholars pursue degrees in various fields, including medicine, communications, engineering, the performing arts, and finance.

Through comprehensive academic support services, mentorship, and engagement opportunities, the Bunton-Waller Scholars Program fosters student success and prepares scholars to excel in their chosen careers.

Program Contact

Morgan H. Okello, Senior Director, Office of Scholars Programs
Email: scholarsprograms@psu.edu