Opportunity Scholars Program

The Opportunity Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for St. Louis-area high school students to receive an all-inclusive, four-year scholarship to the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and opportunities to develop career experience. Interested candidates will need to meet the following general guidelines:

1. Candidates must be graduates of high schools in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area;
      * Missouri Counties: Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, St. Louis County, Warren, and Washington
      * Illinois Counties: Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair

2) Current high school seniors, starting college in the Fall Semester following the application deadline, who meet 2 of these 3 criteria:
      * Rank in top 10% of high school class,
      * Have earned a 3.5 cumulative high school GPA,
      * Have a composite score of 26 or higher on the ACT (or SAT equivalent);

  • If your school does not rank, you only need to meet 1 of the above criteria

Preference is given in this scholarship to individuals who identify as first-generation or face substantial challenges in accessing a university education. Students will be asked in an essay to comment on the specific challenges they face. Further preference is given to students entering STEM fields.

For a detailed list of criteria and applications deadlines, or for more information about the program in general, please visit the Opportunity Scholars Program web site.

Donor
Opportunity Scholars Program Sponsors
Award
This award covers tuition, fees, books, and on-campus living expenses.
Deadline
01/06/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Guardian 1 (If the question does not apply, please enter "N/A.")
    • 1. Name
    • 2. Occupation
    • 3. Position
    • 4. Place of Employment
    • 5. Highest Level of Education Completed
  2. Guardian 2 (If the question does not apply to you, please enter "N/A.")
    • 1. Name
    • 2. Occupation
    • 3. Position
    • 4. Place of Employment
    • 5. Highest Level of Education Completed
  3. Please describe why you want to attend UMSL and your reasons for pursuing your chosen major.
  4. Please discuss how you will use your intended major to become a vital contributor to the St. Louis workforce and community.
  5. Describe how you believe your goals for a college education are impacted by specific challenges you have faced in achieving access to a college education. Draw upon examples from your life, a quality of your character, and/or a unique ability you possess.
  6. Are there other factors you wish the committee to consider in making their decision? This can include any special talents, skills, abilities, or personal achievements you would like to note that you have not had a chance to write about in other parts of your application. If yes, please describe them at this time.
  7. Please provide the name and email address of two school officials who are familiar with your academic performance and extracurricular involvement. We will contact them on your behalf for a recommendation. You are encouraged to contact any potential references before submitting their names here.
    • Reference 1
    • Reference 2
  8. Students who are selected as scholars in the Opportunity Scholars Program will be active participants in the Program and in the academic community. As such, they are required to live on campus in Oak Hall, our residential hall. The Program will cover the normal costs of room and board for Scholars. Do you understand and agree to these expectations?
  9. Show 3 more