Niebuhr Service to Society Scholarship Competition

Registration for the Niebuhr Service to Society Scholarship Competition is now closed. For Fall 2024 applicants, please check back later for information on next year’s competition.

The Niebuhr Service to Society Scholarship Competition identifies and rewards prospective Elmhurst University students with significant interest in service to society as an aspect of their college search process.

Grounded in the University’s core values of community, social responsibility, and stewardship, we seek students motivated to transform their communities in line with the teachings of Reinhold Niebuhr and H. Richard Niebuhr.

View the 2022 Niebuhr Service to Society Competition first-place winner Zachary Carter’s video submission.

Format

Round 1: Due February 9, 2024

By February 9, 2024, create a video no longer than three minutes on the topic: “How have you contributed to positive change within your community?”

All Round 1 participants are automatically invited to the Round 2 competition. We look forward to viewing student videos from all who applied for Round 1 — and seeing you on campus for Round 2.

Round 2: Saturday, March 9, 2024

Saturday March 9, 2024 | 8:30–11:00 a.m.

The Round 2 event includes a small group exercise for students and concludes with an awards ceremony hosted by Elmhurst University President Troy D. VanAken.

• FIRST PLACE: The winner receives a four-year, full-tuition scholarship.
• SECOND PLACE: The winner receives a four-year, $10,000 annual stipend.
• ALL STUDENTS WHO COMPLETE BOTH ROUNDS OF THE COMPETITION will receive a four-year, $1,000 annual Niebuhr Grant, which can be added to previously awarded merit scholarships and/or grants.

The Niebuhr Service to Society Scholarship Competition is open to incoming first-year students. Students who plan to apply for the American Dream Fellowship are not eligible to also apply for the Niebuhr Service to Society scholarship.