Unity Scholars Program Expands Opportunities for Washington Students

Gonzaga University’s commitment to providing an inspiring higher education environment for students is baked right into the school’s mission statement, particularly its opening line: “Gonzaga University is an exemplary learning community that educates students for lives of leadership and service for the common good.”

The new Unity Scholars program puts that mission to work, inviting lower-income Washington state students committed to social justice, cultural awareness and leadership to apply for membership in a four-year cohort supported by an array of campus offices, and paid for through scholarships and grants that cover the cost of all tuition, fees, housing and meal plan charges for four years.

The Unity Scholars program replaces the Act Six partnership, expanding the number of students involved as well as the benefits provided. Unity Scholars is run completely in-house at Gonzaga, meaning everything from the application process to what’s required of the students aligns with expectations for the larger Gonzaga student body. The first Unity Scholars cohort will arrive in fall of 2024, and students can apply now.

“Unity Scholars builds on the Act Six legacy by providing additional funding to students for housing and meals, an increase in the number of recipients from eight to as many as 20 students, expanded support throughout the students’ degrees, and a much-simplified application process,” says Stephen Keller, GU’s senior director of undergraduate admission.

Applicants must be Washington residents, have persevered in the face of barriers to their education, have a commitment to or experience in social-justice activism, have experience in leadership within their school, community or family, have been involved in cultural awareness groups, clubs or activities, and demonstrated financial need.

All Unity Scholars will start their GU careers with a campus visit and participation in the BRIDGE Pre-Orientation Social Justice & Leadership Institute before joining their four-year leadership cohort. They will be supported by GU’s Unity Multicultural Education Center (UMEC) and campus offices including Financial Aid, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, Housing & Residence Life, Career and Professional Development and Communication Studies.

Other benefits new to students through Unity Scholars include assistance in finding paid internships, jobs and research opportunities; funding for study-abroad opportunities; and individually tailored post-graduation career preparation and advising.

Kent Porterfield, Gonzaga’s vice provost for student affairs, notes that the Unity Scholars program exemplifies what Jesuit higher education looks like.

“The new Unity Scholars program is another example of Gonzaga’s commitment to supporting students from Washington state who are from low-income and largely first-generation families,” Porterfield says. “Unity Scholars builds upon existing community commitments and partnerships, and fosters a college-going culture among local youth and their families that can contribute to the reduction of generational poverty right here in our own Spokane community.”

Julie McCulloh, vice provost for enrollment management, is excited for what a new cohort of Unity Scholars — students committed to social justice, cultural awareness and leadership — will bring to the Gonzaga community through their participation in academic and student life.

“Committed students challenge all of us to look at issues more deeply, think more critically, and find ways to engage difficult issues thoroughly and respectfully,” McCulloh says.

For complete information on Unity Scholars, including eligibility requirements, program benefits and how to apply, visit the program website.