The Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholars Program: Cultivating Leaders at Morehouse College

The Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholars Program at Morehouse College is more than just a scholarship; it’s a comprehensive program designed to cultivate the next generation of community and global leaders. Established with Oprah Winfrey's initial $12 million investment in 1989, the program provides financial support, leadership development experiences, and service opportunities for students with demonstrated financial need, strong academic potential, and a commitment to community service. Over the past 30 years, it has funded the education of almost 600 scholars, offering them global experiences that expand their perspectives and opportunities.

Program Overview

The Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholars Program is specifically designed for students who demonstrate academic merit, a commitment to service, and financial need. A key criterion is a demonstrated commitment to service, along with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,000 or less. Each spring, the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program Office solicits applications from eligible incoming freshmen and current students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

While the Oprah Winfrey Scholarship has been associated with several institutions like Morehouse College and Spelman College, you'll need to check with your specific institution to determine if the scholarship is available there. The eligibility criteria include:

Acceptance or Enrollment: You must be accepted into or currently attending an eligible educational institution.
Demonstrated Financial Need: Students with significant economic hardship are generally favored.
Academic Performance: Maintaining good grades is crucial for being a competitive applicant. Scholars must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and complete 15 credit hours each semester.
Leadership, Service, and Extracurricular Activities: Active involvement in these areas is highly advantageous.

Key Components of the Program

The program encompasses several key components aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals prepared to make a difference in the world.

Financial Support

The program provides financial assistance to alleviate the burden of tuition costs, allowing students to focus on their studies and personal development. In 1989, when Oprah started a scholarship fund at Morehouse College, her goal was to help young men earn their degree.

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Leadership Development

A core focus of the program is to develop leadership skills through various experiences during the academic year.

Service Opportunities

Scholars are expected to engage in service activities, with the specific requirements changing each year. During their time at Morehouse College, students are expected to serve as mentors for middle and high school students, implement leadership programs at local schools, and participate in other service activities with Oprah Scholars.

The Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program

A highlight of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program is the Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program, a transformative education abroad experience. This program includes travel to Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, providing students with invaluable exposure to global issues and diverse cultures.

Immersive Experiences

During the South Africa program, students participate in meetings with community leaders, university officials, faculty, and students. They visit universities such as the University of Western Cape, University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, and Stellenbosch University. These interactions provide insights into the South African education system and societal issues.

Historical and Cultural Understanding

The program includes visits to historic sites and organizations dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of apartheid and reconciliation. Key visits include the Apartheid Museum and the Leah and Desmond Tutu Foundation. These experiences allow students to learn about South Africa's extraordinary history and the challenges it has overcome.

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Reflection and Personal Growth

Students and faculty engage in focused discussions and reflections on their experiences, examining issues of race, poverty, reconciliation, and privilege. Each student completes an electronic portfolio documenting their learning and personal growth, creating a comprehensive record of the transformative impact of the experience. Through reflections and personal narratives, the scholars chronicle the significant and transformative impact of the experience on them and their place in the world.

Impact and Success Stories

The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program has had a profound impact on the lives of its recipients, enabling them to achieve remarkable success in various fields.

Notable Alumni

Several alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to their communities and the world.

Douglas: Having applied too late for standard scholarships, Douglas received Oprah's gift right before classes started, which covered his tuition. "Her generosity turned my potential energy into kinetic energy," says Douglas, who's planning to attend law school.
Adamson: Offered the Oprah scholarship for the fall semester of his sophomore year, Adamson completed medical school, went on active duty, and is now an air force major and cardiology fellow. In 2009, he treated American soldiers and Iraqi citizens at Air Force Theater Hospital in Balad, Iraq.
Jewett: A first-generation college student, Jewett cofounded NC4GE, which has sent more than 250 students from high-needs schools to study abroad in 26 countries.
Rasheed: Granted a full scholarship just days before starting his sophomore year, Rasheed is now a hedge fund senior manager. He and two other alums encouraged 127 Scholars to donate $300,000 and pledge $1.2 million.
King: Despite undergoing three spinal surgeries and missing two years of high school, King earned a scholarship to Morehouse at age 17 and started the nonprofit A Home in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
Stallings: Awarded an Oprah scholarship at the last minute, Stallings was able to finish his education and receive his B.A. in psychology.
Cleaver: As an Oprah Scholar, Cleaver traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, to help with AIDS education efforts. Through his work with Central Outreach & Advocacy Center, Cleaver helped Atlanta's homeless obtain state identification, birth certificates, and other documentation necessary to apply for jobs.

Winfrey's Continued Support

Oprah Winfrey has remained deeply involved with the program, expressing her admiration for the scholars and her commitment to supporting African American men. She believes that Morehouse College is instrumental in changing the image of African American men and provides crucial support.

How to Apply

Each spring, the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program Office solicits applications from eligible incoming freshmen and students who meet the eligibility criteria. Current students may apply using the Morehouse College Scholarship Portal.

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Application Process

Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including acceptance into Morehouse College, demonstrated financial need, academic merit, and a commitment to service.
Complete the Application: Fill out the application form provided by the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program Office.
Submit Required Documents: Provide all necessary documents, including transcripts, financial aid information, and essays demonstrating your commitment to service and leadership.

Morehouse College's Commitment to Global Experiences

Morehouse College seeks to significantly increase the global experiences of its students. The Office of International Education (OIE) collaborates with academic leaders and faculty to integrate global experiences into the curriculum and campus life. The College offers many study abroad programs, including unique, short-term, faculty-led programs and academic term programs offered by preferred partners such as Arcadia, CEA CAPA, CIEE, IES Abroad, and ISEP, EF Abroad, and IFSA.

Resources and Support

The OIE enhances the global experiences, culture, and perspectives of Morehouse students by implementing programs that encourage study abroad and provide global experiences on campus. These include an annual international education symposium, study abroad fairs, information sessions, passport support and funding, application support sessions, pre-departure sessions, individual advising, and sessions targeting parents of students to encourage their support for study abroad. The OIE also implements a Study Abroad Ambassadors Program and social media campaigns to reach more students and provide information in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner.

Financial Assistance for Study Abroad

Financial barriers are a significant challenge for many students considering study abroad. The Andrew Young Fund for International Scholars provides scholarships for study abroad. The Office offers three to five fully funded programs each year. Students may visit the Office of International Education in the Massey Leadership Building, Room 440, for more information.

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