Inclusive Leadership Scholarship

The application for the 2024 Inclusive Leadership Scholarship is now closed.

Lindenwood University upholds a mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all. As a key part of advancing this mission, we are pleased to offer the Inclusive Leadership Scholarship. The Inclusive Leadership Scholarship recognizes exceptional student leaders who exhibit a passion for inclusivity and who will advocate for a diverse, inclusive, and accepting campus community.

The scholarship can be used to cover education-related expenses including tuition, fees, food and housing. Each recipient will receive an award of $2,000 per year, for up to eight consecutive semesters of undergraduate study. This scholarship is stackable with other awards, up to the full cost of attendance.

In addition to the financial award, recipients will also receive support through the PILLAR Program (Promoting Inclusive Learning Leadership and Retention). The PILLAR Program helps students successfully transition into their undergraduate journey by providing learning and leadership opportunities that support and encourage their academic success, financial security, sense of belonging, and career development; thus promoting their ability to persist, have the tools to overcome challenges they will face, and develop a solid support system.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Inclusive Leadership Scholarship, you must be a new traditional student (freshman or transfer) who has applied and is admissible to Lindenwood University for Fall 2024. Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

Submit an application for the Inclusive Leadership Scholarship
Submit a resume
Submit personal essays answering the two selected questions (below)
A completed FAFSA (excluding international students)

Renewal Criteria

Pillar Program – Promoting Inclusive Learning Leadership and Retention

P- Participate in or help to promote a DEI program on campus. Proof of participation or things you did to promote a program are required.
I – Write a one-page paper at the end of your 1st semester on “What does it mean to foster an inclusive environment on campus” now that you have completed your first semester. The paper should be turned into the Center for Diversity and Inclusion Office and will be reviewed by the CDI staff. (Note: A new assignment will be created for your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year as well.)
L – Attend at least one CDI Training to contribute to your learning within your first full school year.
L – Meet once a month with a staff member of the CDI to have a 30-minute discussion on inclusive leadership
A – Anything you want to do that is a learning experience or you feel might contribute to or support DEI. Describe what you did and how you benefited from it in your monthly 1:1 with the CDI staff. (Note: at least 1 activity per semester)
R – Submit a one pager with at least 1 recommendation on how to achieve better student retention

Deadlines

The deadline for the Inclusive Leadership Scholarship application is Sunday, February 25, 2024. A committee will review the applicant submissions and invite finalists to complete a virtual interview. Finalists will be notified by March 1, 2024, and virtual interviews will take place between March 27-29, 2024. Recipients of the scholarship will be notified by April 12, 2024.

Essay Questions

Please upload a copy of your resume (pdf or doc).

As a part of the Inclusive Leadership Scholarship application, you will write a short essay answer to each the following questions, aimed to help us get to know you and your potential as a leader on Lindenwood’s campus:

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why is it important for universities, businesses, and our country to fully embrace it?
Describe a time when you experienced or observed a situation that made you more aware of the importance and benefit of creating a more inclusive world. How did you handle it then, and how would you handle it now, if different?