New Manchester scholarship honors Multicultural Excellence in Leadership
Manchester University has created the Multicultural Excellence in Leadership Scholarship, designed to lift up exceptional and talented students who identify as a racial or ethnic minority.
The full-ride scholarship is renewable each year, for a total of four years. It covers tuition, fees and on-campus room and meal plan expenses. Manchester will award one scholarship each year.
“This scholarship allows us to honor and encourage the leaders of tomorrow,” said Ryon Kaopuiki, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “Part of the process is identifying those who demonstrate a strong commitment to advocate for change and strengthen their own community.”
Multicultural Student Leadership Awards of $2,000 a year will go to the next five top finalists. They are renewable each year for up to four years.
“It is amazing that Manchester University values the need for minority students to demonstrate their academic prowess, which at times can be overlooked. At Manchester, we are creating the 
next generation of medical practitioners, lawmakers, social justice champions, artists, educators and people of business,” said Maegan Pollonais, director of student diversity and inclusion. “I believe that this scholarship will increase our relevance and help recruit exceptional students. This scholarship is a step in the right direction toward a more inclusive and equitable campus community.”
All admitted Manchester undergraduates receive financial aid, and their admissions counselors help them go through the process of finding the best combination to suit their needs.
To be eligible for the new multicultural award, applicants must:
- Be an incoming first-year, undergraduate student
- Identify as a racial or ethnic minority on the scholarship application
- Have been admitted to Manchester University
- Have a 3.5 or higher unweighted high school GPA
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
To apply for the scholarship, admitted students must complete the application, submit a required essay and provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or community leader who can speak to their qualifications for the scholarship. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15.
Go to the undergraduate scholarships page https://www.manchester.edu/admissions/cost-financial-aid/how-will-i-afford-it/manchester-scholarships, for more information about MU scholarships. Those with questions should contact their admissions counselor or email admissions@manchester.edu.
For the media
- Ryon Kaopuiki, vice president for vice president for enrollment and marketing: rdkaopuiki@manchester.edu, 260-982-5045 https://www.manchester.edu/about-manchester/leadership/presidents-cabinet/ryon-kaopuiki
- Dr. Maegan Pollonais: mdpollonais@manchester.edu, 260-982-5444
Related links
- Indiana Tuition Bridge Program eliminates out-of-pocket tuition expenses for eligible first-year students entering MU in the fall of 2021
- Jean Childs Young Intercultural Center
- Office of Multicultural Affairs
- Multicultural student organizations at Manchester
- The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Manchester
- Manchester has oldest undergraduate peace studies major in the world
Our mission
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
November 2020