Annual Award for 2021-22: $43,000
The Powell Scholarship is the university's premier academic merit award, and is designed to cultivate future leaders through mentoring, instruction and service.
For fall 2022, qualified Powell Scholars candidates have:
- A 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 or creative activities, or sports
Students who meet these minimum criteria are encouraged to submit their application to the Powell Scholars Program by Dec. 1. A select number of finalists will be invited to campus to interview with the Powell Scholars selection committee.
Selected students will compete for up to 10 scholarships awarded annually by the university. Selection will involve 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.
In addition to the generous scholarship award, Powell Scholars will have special access to research opportunities, study abroad programs, and nationally recognized speakers visiting Pacific. They participate in extensive mentoring and leadership development. Each Powell Scholar will have access to up to $5,000 for research projects and up to $2,500 for international travel.
To view the components of the program and some accomplishments of our Powell Scholars, visit the Powell Scholars Program website.
Students apply for the Powell Scholars Program in their senior year of high school. The application deadline is Dec. 1. Students enter the program as college freshmen; upperclassmen and transfer students are not eligible. The Powell Scholars award is renewable each year of your undergraduate studies assuming a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 is maintained. The award may be accompanied by additional need-based financial aid, but not other merit-based scholarships from Pacific (including the President's or Regent's awards). If you are selected for more than one of these scholarships you will receive the most advantageous award.
Given the opportunities in research, fellowships, study abroad, cultural experiences and community service supported by the scholarship, the Powell Scholars Program is designed to coincide with a four-year undergraduate curriculum. Therefore, students who apply for and are offered admission to the Powell Scholars Program AND a Pacific accelerated program must choose either the Powell Scholar Program OR an accelerated program for enrollment by May 1. All Powell Scholars must earn an undergraduate degree.
Powell Scholars Program Key Dates (Fall 2022 Applicants)
Dec. 1, 2021
- FAFSA priority deadline (for best possible financial aid eligibility)
- Powell Scholars Program application deadline
February 2022
- Students selected as finalists will be invited to interview with the Powell Scholars selection committee
Late February 2022
- Powell Scholars Program winners announced
May 1, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my GPA doesn't meet the minimum?
Students are at a disadvantage if they do not meet the minimum requirements. The average GPA for recipients in the past has considerably exceeded the minimum requirements.
What kinds of leadership skills?
Any kind of leadership is fine, but some are more common than others.
- Common types of leadership experiences: Student government, band leader, camp counselor, Sunday school teacher, Girl Scouts, Eagle Scouts. Note: Students involved in these activities should try to explain the uniqueness of their particular experience. For example, how is it different than all of the other student body presidents?
- Uncommon: Leader/organizer of club of special cause (Save Darfur, breast cancer, etc), founding of a club, exceptional research or creative activity.
Can I receive more than one merit scholarship?
Powell Scholars Program recipients are not eligible for other merit scholarships at Pacific (specifically, the Regent's, President's, Provost's, Dean's or Pacific). Other need-based financial aid is permitted.
What GPA is required to renew my Powell Scholars Program award?
At the end of the academic year (spring term) Satisfactory Academic Progress is assessed for all students. If a Powell Scholar fails to attain the minimum cumulative GPA required for renewal, the scholarship will be withdrawn. 3.3 is the minimum GPA for renewal.
If I'm below the required GPA standard after spring term and not eligible to renew my Powell Scholars Program award, how can I regain my eligibility?
Students may regain their scholarship at any time during their four years once their GPA meets the required standard.
- Use of Summer Courses: A student who does not meet the appropriate GPA standards after the spring semester may take summer courses at Pacific to improve their GPA. If the GPA for summer raises their GPA above the required standards, they may request the scholarship to be reinstated for fall semester.
- After Fall Semester: A student may also regain eligibility at the end of the fall term if their cumulative GPA is above the requirement after fall grades are posted. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office and request reinstatement.