Building the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders
The Belmont 8 Scholarship Program is a unique student-first program that builds the next generation of diverse leaders to achieve higher education and serve in the global community. Belmont 8 scholars showcase leadership promise at an early age by embracing and engaging in a journey towards equity, inclusion and belonging. In celebration of their academic and community and family-based accomplishments, the Belmont 8 Scholarship Program provides a culturally-responsive educational experience annually beginning in the sixth grade that prepares youth for college success and a life of leadership and service opportunities. Scholars who successfully complete the program and are admitted to Doane University are awarded financial assistance to fully cover their undergraduate tuition. Additional funding for room and board, and fees may be available with the goal of removing financial barriers for students and families to achieve a college education at Doane.
The Experience
Sixth to tenth grade:
- One-day Presidential Visit to Doane University during sixth, eighth, and tenth grades: Engage with the President of Doane University to learn more about the university and leadership.
- College Access Day during seventh and ninth grades: Engage in a one-day session on college access, scholarship, advocacy, inclusive leadership, and service
- Scholars and their families/legal guardians receive invitations to attend and engage in special events at Doane, including commencement ceremonies, faculty and department-led experiences, camps, among other learning opportunities
Eleventh and twelfth grade:
- Annual one-day Presidential Visit to Doane University: Engage with the President of Doane University to learn more about the university and leadership
- Leadership Academy: During the fall semester of twelfth grade, engage in a two-day academy on college access, scholarship, advocacy, inclusive leadership, and service
- Scholars and their families/legal guardians receive invitations to attend and engage in special events at Doane, including commencement ceremonies, faculty and department-led experiences, camps, among other learning opportunities
- Scholars are paired with a Doane University student starting in eleventh grade to receive ongoing coaching sessions (primarily virtual).
Scholar Eligibility
The Belmont 8 Scholarship Program admits students who:
- Showcase academic, leadership, community, and/or family-based accomplishments
- Demonstrate contributions to advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
- Enlist family/legal guardian/community involvement in scholar’s education
- Submit Belmont 8 Scholarship Program application during 5th grade* (Exceptions may apply under extraordinary situations)
- Accept their contingent Doane University Financial Aid Award letter and Agreement to Participate in scholarship program
- Intend to apply to Doane University-Crete Campus within one year of their respective high school graduation and be admitted by the university
- Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year of their college enrollment
- Remain in good standing throughout the program to maintain eligibility
- Participate in Tiger Takeoff the summer before their first year at Doane; Tiger Takeoff is Doane’s bridge program that prepares first-year students to launch their college experience
- Are committed to traveling to Doane University’s campus locations for the outlined programming. If travel to Doane University’s campus locations becomes a significant obstacle, cases will be reviewed on an individual basis and accommodations will be implemented when appropriate.
Doane University’s Financial Commitment
Doane University is committed to removing financial barriers for Belmont 8 scholars and families to achieve a college education. Scholars who successfully complete the program outlined above and are admitted to Doane University are awarded financial assistance to fully cover their undergraduate tuition. If the scholar qualifies for state and federal grants and outside private scholarships, those funds may be applied towards room and board, and fees. Additional funding for room and board, and fees may be available based on the current availability of endowed scholarship funding.