Saint Joseph’s University McConnell Scholars Program
Scholarship Amount: $35,000 Eligibility: 1st year students Deadline: Feb. 15 Open to: All majors Apply Now
Saint Joseph's University’s McConnell Scholars Program is a four-year co-curricular $35,000 scholarship open to all majors that focuses on building leadership skills for students interested in issues of gender justice and advancing gender equity. It enables high-achieving students to build the skills and capabilities to make a difference within their communities and throughout their careers while receiving dedicated support and mentorship.
Through wrap-around, high-impact experiences and targeted advising from a dedicated program director, McConnell Scholars form lasting bonds within and outside of their classrooms as members of a true living-learning community. The program honors Saint Joseph’s first woman president, Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD.
*provided student maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and meets program requirements
McConnell Scholars students receive mentorship from faculty and staff throughout their time in the program.
Benefits include:
- $35,000 annual scholarship
- Priority registration
- A guaranteed spot in the campus' newest, state-of-the art residence hall - Sister Thea Bowman Hall - where you can develop confidence and leadership skills through a cohorted learning community
- A dedicated study space at the headquarters of the McConnell Scholars, the Cura Collective, where scholars can also socialize and pursure gender equity initiatives sponsored by the Collective
- Advance your knowledge through coursework and mentorship, including a seminar taught by the McConnell Scholars Program Director
- Engage in research, workshops and events that contribute to gender justice and equity initiatives
- Opportunities to participate in the Summer Scholars Program and other faculty-mentored projects
- Build, practice and apply Career Readiness Competencies that employers seek in a strong intern/job candidate
McConnell Scholars students are required to:
- Live in Sister Thea Bowman Residence Hall during their first year as a cohorted learning community.
- Complete six Program-approved courses to earn the McConnell Scholars designation upon graduation: four academic classes; one experiential learning opportunity; and one service-learning course. Scholars need to take a minimum of one Program-approved course every year.
- Actively participate in workshops and meetings related to the Program, including attending monthly meetings and occasional events.
- To continue as a McConnell Scholar, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
The scholarship not only helped me make meaningful friendships but also helped me mature as a person. This program helped make freshman year run more smoothly and gave me a sense of comfort knowing I had like-minded peers on campus.”
![Taylor Rosen]()
Taylor Rosen, ’29McConnell Scholar
- Applicants should have a minimum 3.3 cumulative high school grade point average on a 4.0 scale
- Application deadline is Feb. 15
- Applicants must have already applied to Saint Joseph's University main campus for admission. Application includes a short essay demonstrating a commitment to gender justice and equity through an intersectional lens.
- Program is competitive and accepts students with a demonstrated commitment to building inclusive leadership skills through the lens of advancing gender justice and equity
- The selection process is handled by McConnell Scholars Program directors
Saint Joseph’s Unveils McConnell Scholars Program
The four year co-curricular program honors President Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, and focuses on advancing gender equity.
Programs
About Dr. McConnell
Cura Collective
Cura Collective
The Cura Collectiveserves as a hub for social justice leadership in gender equity, identity, and activism.
Sister Thea Bowman Hall
Sister Thea Bowman Hall
Learn more about Saint Joseph's University's newest and most state-of-the-art residence hall - home to the McConnell Scholars.