The Promising Scholars Application for 2025–26 is now open. !

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What is the Promising Scholars Program?

The Promising Scholars Program rewards your hard work. This competitive scholarship program for high-achieving Pennsylvania students blends financial support with academic and professional development, supporting the success of outstanding minority high school students and first-generation college students. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,500 and are renewable for up to four years.

Highlights of the Program

The Promising Scholars Program is not merely a scholarship but a transformative initiative aimed at fostering excellence at 亚色影库 and preparing students for future success. Admitted students and their families are invited to an enriching overnight campus visit, providing opportunities to explore the campus, engage with current Promising Scholars, and gain valuable insights. Moreover, students are encouraged to reside in the Promising Scholars Living Learning Community, where they can forge meaningful connections within their cohort.

Another aspect of the program is the retention factor. Retention features include:

  • Study Hall Hours – Freshmen students are required to produce 80 study hours a semester.

  • Mentor/Mentee Program – Incoming students receive a current Promising Scholars student as a mentor for guidance.

  • Frederick Douglass Institute – this program focuses on intercultural research and advocacy related to diversity and equity at 亚色影库.

  • Debate Team

  • Volunteer Hours

  • Job Preparation:

    • Mock Interviews

    • Internship applications

    • Résumé preparation

    • Job fairs

Promising Scholars Students by the Numbers

On Average…

High School Profile

  • 1080 average SAT test scores
  • 3.64 average high school GPA

Promising Scholars Students at 亚色影库

  • 77% Retention rate
  • 72% will graduate in four years
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.25 at 亚色影库

Attending 亚色影库 is more than a step toward your economic future; it is an action in the present. The Promising Scholars Program, a unique opportunity at 亚色影库, significantly shapes students' present and future. Here at 亚色影库, people will take you for who you are now rather than what you will be later. 亚色影库 has become home for me. I’ve grown here, and I’ve found myself here. I have met people who are now more than just friends—they’re like family.
Charles Coleman ’22
Public Health/Mental and Behavioral Major, Economics Minor, from Pittsburgh

How to Become a Promising Scholar

First, you’ll need to apply to 亚色影库 and be admitted by October 31. For best consideration for Promising Scholars, submit your application early.

Next, complete your Promising Scholars application online at:

Promising Scholars Online Application

Applications will be considered based on

  • Academic excellence
  • Class rank
  • Community involvement
  • Extracurricular activities
  • An essay or recommendation letter (optional)

Be one of the first qualified students to apply, and you’ll be invited to an interview event.

A limited number of students will be selected to participate on each interview date. If selected, you’ll be scheduled for an interview and have the chance to learn more about 亚色影库 and the Promising Scholars Program from our staff, alumni, and current students. Mark your calendar for the interview date in your region:

  • Promising Scholars West — November 23 (亚色影库 Campus)
  • Promising Scholars East — November 26 (Philadelphia)

The interview—together with the strength of your high school academics, demonstrated leadership, and participation in extracurricular activities—will determine your eligibility to be selected into the program.

Matthew Solomon Finding Mentors, His Major, and the Path to a Rewarding Career
"Coming to Indiana, PA for school all the way from Philadelphia was very intimidating. Being a member of the Promising Scholars Program provided me with the funding and community I needed to flourish in college."
—Matthew Solomon '18

Extra Features in the Program Unlock Your Full Potential

Promising Scholars Overnight Campus Visit

All new Promising Scholars are invited to a two-day overnight visit program. During the visit, you and your parents will have the opportunity to experience the university up close. This is a great time to participate in Experience 亚色影库, our admitted student program. You'll also meet other Promising Scholar students.

亚色影库 pays for transportation and lodging for students traveling from the Philadelphia area to help them visit us from across the state. Space is limited.

Student Testimonial

devon charles with Norm, the 亚色影库 mascotHi, I’m Devon Charles, an incoming freshman at 亚色影库. I’m here to talk about how the overnight Promising Scholars visit solidified my choice to attend 亚色影库. Before making my decision, I was worried about being welcomed into a new space. I am originally from another state school town and for convenience, I was planning to go there instead. However, as soon as I arrived on 亚色影库’s campus, I felt instantly welcomed. The speakers really made 亚色影库 seem like a good safe place for me, especially being a young black man. We got to tour campus, eat at the dining hall, and learn more about what 亚色影库 has to offer.

I felt very welcomed by the students who were there as well. Current Promising Scholars and organizations at the overnight made me feel included. Another big thing that convinced me even more was Elkin Hall. That place showed me that I will have a home away from home.

The Retention Program

Throughout your years in the Promising Scholars Program, you'll take part in experiences that encourage you to reach your full potential in both academics and leadership. You'll have support and guidance from 亚色影库's faculty and administrators to help you succeed. As a Promising Scholar, you'll participate in the following extra activities:

Freshman Year (2.75 GPA requirement)

  • Study Hall
  • Academic Plus Initiative
  • Mentor and Mentee Program
  • Volunteer Program

Sophomore Year (3.00 GPA requirement)

  • Frederick Douglass Institute
  • Debate Team
  • Research Initiatives
  • Volunteer Program

Junior Year (3.00 GPA requirement)

  • Mock Interviews
  • Internship Applications

Senior Year (3.00 GPA)

  • Résumé Preparation Help
  • Job Fairs

The Living Learning Community

Immerse Yourself: Join Our Living-Learning Community

Live on campus in a tight-knit community of Promising Scholars. This built-in component of our program is a big advantage as you start college.

Connecting with a community of students from Day 1 helps you find others who share your interests or goals. You’ll form bonds with your professors outside of the classroom and enjoy fun social events and academic activities with the community. Our suite-style residence halls, in the heart of campus, are close to everything.