Lions 1st Scholars Award Application

Lions 1st Scholars Community

The Lions 1^st Scholars Community is dedicated to empowering first-generation college students through their academic journey, from the transition to college life to preparing for career readiness after graduation. This program promotes academic success, helps navigate the college experience, and creates an enhanced sense of belonging through meaningful engagement with faculty, staff, and peers. Scholars participate in intentional programming that includes personal development workshops, community-building activities, and valuable networking opportunities.

The Lions 1st Scholars Community seeks students who are first-generation college students.

Are you a first-generation college student? At MSJ, first-generation college students are defined as students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

Natural or adoptive parents have not received a bachelor’s degree
Regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, an individual whose only such parent did not complete a bachelor’s degree
Prior to the age of 18, you did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.

Individuals selected as Lions 1^st Scholars receive a $1,000 annual award of $500 per semester, renewable for up to eight (8) consecutive fall/spring semesters, provided the recipient is enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at the Mount, maintains a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average, and is actively involved in Lions 1^st programming.    

All academic majors and interests are welcomed.

Criteria to be considered for the award:

Admitted unconditionally to Mount St. Joseph University for Fall 2026 with a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average in high school or from a transferring institution;  
Meet the criteria of a first-generation college student;
Submit a personal essay (up to 300 words) using the prompt: As a first-generation college student, what challenges do you anticipate in your transition to college, and how will you engage with support, mentorship, and programming?
Submit a completed application.

Questions may be directed to:
Katrice Quitter
Chief Belonging and Experience Officer
Phone: 513-244-4313
Email: Katrice.Quitter@msj.edu

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS ARE DUE JANUARY 31, 2026. APPLICATIONS ARE COMPLETE ONLY WHEN ALL MATERIALS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

* required field

First Name

Preferred Name (if different from First)

Last Name

Birthdate

Email Address

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Mobile Phone Number

Personal Essay Prompt (300 words or less):

As a first-generation college student, what challenges do you anticipate in your transition to college, and how will you engage with support, mentorship, and programming?

Scholarship awards are made at the sole discretion of Mount St. Joseph University. By submitting this scholarship application, applicants, on behalf of themselves and their parents, guardians, spouses, heirs, and assigns (as applicable), waive any and all claims against Mount St. Joseph University and its employees, officers, directors, representatives, and volunteers related to, in connection with, or arising from applying for this scholarship, including, but not limited to, a decision that results in applicant not receiving a scholarship in any amount.