Creating the leaders of tomorrow

"More than just a scholarship, the Powell Scholars program is a ticket to life-altering experiences. We seek high achieving students from different majors who demonstrate leadership potential, pursue creative endeavors and innovative research, and become game-changers in their communities both locally and globally. Powell Scholars are one-of-a-kind students, and it is a privilege to share in their personal and intellectual growth."

Dr. Macelle Mahala, Powell Scholars Program Director

  • To be considered for the Powell Scholars Program, first submit an undergraduate application for admission to the University of the Pacific.
  • Next, apply for the Powell Scholarship using the link below. You can access the scholarship application with the same username and password you use to access your application portal.
  • If selected as a finalist, you will be invited to participate in an interview for the scholarship.


Interview Process

In February, a select number of finalists will be invited to an interview on campus with the Powell Scholars selection committee. Selected students will compete for up to 10 scholarships awarded annually by the university. Selection involves a personal interview designed to assess each candidate's potential for intellectual and leadership development, international study, research and creative endeavors, and the ability to make a difference in the world.

Decisions will be released in March.

Profile of an Ideal Powell Scholar candidate:

  • An unweighted cumulative high school GPA of 3.7 or higher
  • Undertaken a rigorous academic curriculum - Honors, AP and/or IB courses
  • Demonstrated leadership skills or leadership potential in two or more areas, including but not restricted to student government, community service, cultural groups, research, creative activities, or sports

Students who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply to the Powell Scholars Program.

  1. Initiate a club, organization, or movement on campus or beyond for the greater good of our communities
  2. Demonstrate leadership in an organization, research, or artistic endeavor
  3. Present, publish, or perform an original scholarly or creative project
  4. Connect to local, national, and international communities through volunteerism and Powell group projects
  5. Apply for REUs, fellowships, artistic residencies, or scholarships
  6. Attend concerts, plays, films, art exhibitions, and lectures on and off campus
  7. Develop an understanding of other cultures by studying abroad
  8. Obtain hands-on experience through internships, practicums, or other opportunities for direct engagement in the field
  9. Strive for the highest level of academic excellence

Featured Powell Scholars

Media X major
Jose
jose at cannes

Jose Flores-Jimenez says it was the Powell Scholars Program that opened the door to amazing experiences like his internship at the Cannes Film Festival over the summer. 

Learn more about Jose
BIOCHEMISTRY MAJOR
Elisabeth

Elisabeth Garner '24

Elisabeth Garner is not only a star of Pacific's cross country team, but a Powell Scholar, a Humanities Scholar and a 2023 Stauffer Fellow.

Learn more about Elisabeth
English and psychology major
Angel
Angel Zhong at convocation

Guiying (Angel) Zhong says being a Powell Scholar at Pacific has enabled her to redefine what a “higher education” can be. 

Learn more about Angel
Mechanical Engineering major
Connor
Connor Lemon

After meeting a NASA scientist through Powell Scholars, Connor Lemon was able to secure an internship at NASA. That led to his decision to join the U.S. Navy as an officer.  

Learn more about Connor
powell scholars
The Powell Leadership Seminar
Design, Innovation, Inspiration

As part of the Leadership Seminar, Powell Scholars engage in the art and science of collaboration, ideation, and innovation with the aim of transforming the community, the world, and themselves. Immersed in a team-based, holistic learning environment, students gain confidence, knowledge, and skills in designing their educational and professional pathways by engaging in undergraduate research, undertaking internships, and working closely with mentors from across diverse industries and institutions.

CIP students
After Graduation

Our alumni have achieved great success as leaders and innovators in their respective fields. Powell Scholars often pursue advanced degrees, entering prestigious graduate and top Ph.D. programs across the disciplines. Some step right into exciting roles at Fortune 500 companies, while others build careers in industries ranging from data science to graphic design. Even as they become key decision-makers across a great variety of established and emerging fields, Powell alumni continue to seek out meaningful ways of serving their communities.  

 

Callison Hall

Callison Hall is the Powell Scholars’ home base for academic, creative, and leadership activities. Our students participate in field trips to world-class arts experiences and bring high-profile speakers, artists, scholars and entrepreneurs to Pacific. The building is also a dedicated study lounge, seminar room and brainstorming space, an ideal setting for exchanging ideas, engaging in collaboration and refining individual and group projects.

Scholars outside Callison Hall
Jeannette and Robert Powell
Program Benefactors

Thanks to the remarkable gift from Bob and Jeannette Powell, the Powell Scholars receive generous scholarships, enrichment opportunities and funding for research and creative projects, as well as study abroad.

The Powells had been involved with Pacific since 1989, when Robert Powell began serving as a Regent. Jeannette Powell served as a Regent from 1999 until her death in 2012. She is the only person to have been granted lifetime Regent status. Robert Powell passed away the same year the program was founded, but Jeannette Powell remained passionately involved until her passing in 2012.

The Powells have provided our students with unprecedented opportunities to fulfill their individual goals and to work collectively toward realizing the Powells' vision for the Program which, in Jeannette’s memorable words, is to “find and follow your passions.”