Drexel Liberty Scholars Program
The Drexel Liberty Scholars program was established to continue Drexel University's nearly 120-year tradition of providing quality education to Philadelphians without restrictions on religion, race, gender, or social class and to reaffirm our commitment to engaging with the communities that make up our city.
Through the Liberty Scholars program, Drexel provides 50 recent Philadelphia high school graduates with annually renewable scholarship awards covering 100 percent of tuition and fees. These Drexel Liberty Scholars will enjoy all of the benefits of a Drexel education as well as a mentorship program designed to ensure continued success at the college level. All recipients will live on campus as part of a learning community. (Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.)
Eligibility Requirements
Low-income students who have graduated from a public, private, parochial, charter, or preparatory high school within the Philadelphia city limits during the 2011–12 academic year are eligible to apply for the scholarship. City residents who were educated outside of the city, homeschooled, or who completed a GED will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
To receive the scholarship, the candidate must be accepted to Drexel and enroll as a new matriculated student in a full-time day, face-to-face undergraduate program of study at the University starting in the fall for the 2012–13 academic year.
Application Process
- By January 15, have a complete admission application, including high school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and SAT or ACT scores.
- By January 15, complete the Drexel Liberty Scholarship application.
- By February 1, applicants are required to file a 2012–2013 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at www.fafsa.gov. Drexel's school code is 003256.
- By February 1, also submit financial verification materials to Drexel, including: Custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) 2010 or 2011 tax returns and W-2 forms; Noncustodial parent financial aid form [PDF] (if applicable); and the 2012–2013 Verification Worksheet [PDF].
- Final candidates will be required to participate in on-campus interviews.
Final candidates will be contacted in February regarding interview times, and Drexel Liberty Scholars will be announced in early April 2012.
Renewal Requirements
The scholarship will be renewable for the four or five years required to complete the undergraduate degree, providing the student:
- Continues enrollment in a full-time day undergraduate program
- Maintains a 2.75 cumulative grade point average at the end of each academic year. (Students who remain in good standing but do not meet the minimum cumulative grade point average will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a Scholarship Committee.)
- Files a renewal FAFSA by May 1
- Meets with assigned mentor at least once per term
- Participates in all Liberty Scholars activities
- Lives on campus
- Participates in at least one extracurricular activity (campus or community organization)
Inquiries can be sent to lbtysch@drexel.edu.
Drexel thanks 6ABC Philadelphia for supporting the launch of Liberty Scholars by producing and airing a public service announcement featuring Mayor Michael Nutter. View the 6ABC Philadelphia news segment on this new scholarship program.