Radford University Beacon Scholars

Do you want to save the world? Do you seek to become your best self with other students who want to serve their communities or ecosystems? Do you want to learn leadership and collaborative skills in a hands-on environment that will serve you throughout your life and career? Are you excited to join a community of like-minded students?

Radford University is pleased to invite students to apply to be Beacon Scholars. Successful applicants will have a record of community service and/or environmental stewardship. Supported by the Highlander Center for Character and Public Impact, Beacon Scholars will be campus leaders in community-engaged learning as they apply their values and skills to serving the local and campus communities.

During their time at Radford, Beacon Scholars will be expected to build their skills of character and service by:

Taking a “wicked problems” course dealing with an intractable public problem
Serving in a leadership position, such as being a peer mentor in a wicked problems course or taking a leading role in a Radford University student organization committed to public impact, such as the Wicked Society or Model United Nations.
Completing a capstone research project or course with a focus on character development, wicked problem solving, and a topic that is closely aligned with the mission and mandate of the Highlander Center for Character and Public Impact
Serving others on a collaborative service project that contributes to the resilience of our built or natural communities, with financial support from the Highlander Center for Character and Public Impact

Beacon Scholars will receive up to $500 in “book” scholarships (funding for books, course materials, and supplies at the campus bookstore) and will be eligible to receive research and travel funding from the Highlander Center for Character and Public Impact.
Students who have applied to Radford University by November 1 are invited to apply to be Beacon Scholars with:

A statement of specific public impact (such as a service project, significant community service, or leadership in a public service setting), including the applicant’s role in leading the initiative or project. (limit 400 words)
A personal statement that answers the following questions: What character trait or personal value do you want to grow that will help you make a positive impact in the world? Why is this trait important to serving the public? How do you think studying at Radford will help you achieve this growth? (Examples of character traits include humility, hope, care, empathy, and moral courage, but applicants are not limited to these). (limit 400 words)
At least a 3.5 GPA"