What Do Lincoln Scholars Receive?
Prior to matriculating at Centre, first-year Lincoln Scholars participate in a series of virtual activities leading up to an in person, multi-day introspective workshop on leadership, a colloquium on Abraham Lincoln, and sessions to help them chart their paths as Lincoln Scholars.
Academic year programming focuses on the development of individual scholars as well as cohort and community building. Regular mentoring sessions, scholar led seminars and retreats, and opportunities to share learning outcomes punctuate the year.
Summer enrichment experiences contribute substantially to each scholar’s personal and intellectual development. Rising sophomore and junior scholars pursue two out of the three themes available, one each summer (see below.) These four- to five-week summer experiences expand scholars’ perspective, lead to personal and intellectual growth, strengthen leadership skills, and further increase their capacity to become change-makers. Ambitious proposals for alternative experiences in the summer prior to the junior year may be considered the approval of the Lincoln Scholars Program director.
Rising seniors complete a high-caliber summer experience closely aligned with their major, potential career or graduate study, and/or pursuit of prestigious postbaccalaureate fellowships. Scholars work closely with the program director and other on and off-campus resources to plan, develop, and complete this endeavor.
The Scholarship Includes:
- Four-year, full tuition, fees, room and board
- Individual mentoring from the director of the Lincoln Scholars Program
- Three fully funded summer enrichment experiences
- Special academic year programming and seminars
Rising Sophomore and Junior Summers are Designed Around Three Themes:
- With Outstretched Hands—Serving Humankind
- Engaging Big Ideas and Challenges
- Grit and Tenacity in the Making
Who Should Apply?
Named for the 16th president of the United States, the Lincoln Scholars Program honors Abraham Lincoln’s rise to greatness from his humble birth in Kentucky and the influence of John Todd Stuart, Centre Class of 1826, who encouraged Lincoln to study law and became his first law partner. Domestic or international high school students or gap year students who possess a deep desire to improve our world, and the intellect and capacity to do so, should apply.
Competitive Candidates Will Also Demonstrate:
- Strong character and leadership potential as a change-maker
- Significant past involvement in personal or extracurricular activities, such as the arts, athletics, community life, service, and paid or unpaid work
- Persistence and drive to achieve goals
- Creative problem solving and innovation
- A GPA that reflects high achievement in challenging coursework
- Test scores are not required to be considered for the Lincoln Scholars Program
How to Apply
Students may apply for more than one premier scholarship program, but a student will only be selected as a finalist for one program. In the case that a student is a strong candidate for more than one premier scholarship program, our selection committee will place the student in the finalist pool which the applicant will be the most competitive.
- Apply for admission by December 1. There is no fee to apply. Applicants may select any application plan (an early plan isn’t required) but all application materials must be submitted by December 1 to be eligible.
Apply Now - The deadline to submit a Scholarship Application for the Lincoln Scholars Program is December 1st.
Lincoln Scholars Application - Applicants will be notified of their status in early February. Approximately 30 finalists will be invited to participate in a special selection process taking place virtually, with optional on-campus visit days in late February/early March. 10 recipients will be named by mid-March.
Nominations
Although a scholarship nomination is not required in order to apply for premier scholarships, the admission office welcomes nominations to help us identify and learn more about potential scholarship candidates. A nomination can be completed by a school counselor, core-course teacher, community-based organization liaison, employer, or independent college counselor. The priority deadline for nominations is December 1st, but we accept nominations through December 8th.
Scholarship Nomination Form
