Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis

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Scholarship Name: Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis

Status: CLOSED

Posted Date: October 31, 2019

Due Date: January 2, 2020

Named in honor of William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth, the former Chancellor and First Lady of Washington University from 1971 to 1995, the program is a tribute to their exemplary leadership and service.

The Danforth Scholars Program honors students with a passion for helping others. We are looking for students who have demonstrated leadership in service and a strong commitment to community. Danforth Scholars are also known for their academic excellence, personal integrity, and high ideals.

Danforth Scholars may receive full- or half-tuition scholarships. The scholarship is renewed each year for the duration of the degree program, provided you progress academically and uphold the high standards of character required of scholars.

For more information, visit the the Danforth Scholars Program website.

Eligibility

You may apply for the Danforth Scholars Program after you complete and submit an application for admission. You will need to provide a separate application and an additional letter of recommendation.

We’ve eliminated the nomination requirement from the application process to ensure equal access for all students wanting to apply to this program. This ensures students from under-resourced schools and communities will be able to apply for and be considered for this program.

On-Campus Interviews for Finalists

Finalists are notified in mid-February and invited to campus for our Scholarship Weekend, March 26-29, 2020. The university will pay for finalists’ round-trip expenses within the United States and their expenses in St. Louis during this visit. To remain eligible, finalists must attend these activities. Each committee prepares special activities and events that allow them to get to know the finalists and that allow the finalists to interact with our current scholars, faculty, staff, and each other.

To Apply

  • Submit an application for admission to the Class of 2024.
  • Log in to your WashU Pathway account to submit the separate application for the Danforth Scholars Program.
  • Write a brief answer (250 words) to the following question:
    The Danforth Scholars program is looking for students with a strong commitment to community, and demonstrated initiative in leadership and service. Please share an example of your personal experience as a leader that would clarify why you would be a good fit for this community of scholars.
  • Write a short essay (250-500 words) on the following topic:
    What matters to you?
  • Submit an additional (third) letter of recommendation from a member of your community who knows you well. If you submit an “other” letter of recommendation through the Common Application or Coalition Application, that letter may be used.

Deadlines

All applications must be submitted by January 2, 2020 and complete in our office by January 6, 2020. For best consideration, we encourage you to submit your applications by December 15, 2019.

William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth

As the former Chancellor and First Lady of Washington University, the Danforths inspired countless others with their values, character, and commitment.

Dr. Danforth spent 20 years at the university as a medical resident, faculty member, and, eventually, Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs. He began serving the university as its 13th Chancellor in 1971. When he retired 24 years later, he was credited with leading the effort that molded the University into one of the nation’s finest teaching and research institutions. Following his retirement as Chancellor, Dr. Danforth served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for four years and now is the University’s Chancellor Emeritus.

Dr. Danforth and the late Mrs. Danforth devoted countless hours to building the university and maintaining ties with its students and alumni. But their reach has extended well beyond the University. Dr. Danforth continues to be one of St. Louis’ most highly regarded public citizens and a tireless champion of the community.

The Danforth Scholars Program is funded by friends of the Danforths.