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How to Write the MLK Scholars Program NYU Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Moriah Adeghe in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info. 

What’s Covered:

Approaching the prompt.

• Why You Should Do Your Research

Example Essay

The Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Scholars Program at New York University (NYU) has an extra essay with a 200-word limit. The prompt asks:

“In what ways have you enacted change in your community and what has been your motivation for doing so? This can include enacting change globally, locally, or within your family (200 words, optional).”

In this article, we go over the best ways to approach this essay and how to make yours unique. For more information on NYU’s other application essays, check out our post on how to write the NYU supplemental admissions essays .

The MLK Scholars Program is an NYU program dedicated to educating and empowering students to build an inclusive and civically engaged community of leaders. The prompt for the MLK Scholars’ essay is completely optional, so you only have to write this essay if you want to be a part of the program. 

This prompt is a generic, open-ended question that enables you to respond in many different ways.

As a general tip, your response to this prompt should not only express your interest in the program but also reflect the values that led you to apply. These should align with those of the MLK Scholars Program and how you’re committed to contributing to social justice both inside and outside your community. 

Why You Should Do Your Research  

Before you begin writing your response, you need to research Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his work, and his message thoroughly. This will help you understand which of your values are relevant, what you should highlight, and how you can align your essay with the values that he embodied. You want to prove to admissions officers that your values and characteristics align with the mission and spirit of the program. By doing your research, you can strategically position the experiences that you write about to show that you are the type of student the program is seeking. 

The ideal response to this prompt would include the following information: an experience that sparked your interest in social justice, an issue that you want to tackle, and how being an MLK Scholar will help you reach your future goals and how these goals align with the program’s mission. Including these three topics in your essay will demonstrate why you are a good candidate for the program.

A good way to brainstorm how you want your essay to sound is by reading other students’ essays for inspiration. The following essay was written by an MLK Scholars applicant who was accepted into the program.

“‘No! Por favor!’ I checked the clock. 10:30 a.m. and already the fourth time I’ve heard someone scream from Mr. Wilson’s office. When I accepted a summer internship as a law clerk, I never anticipated 90% of the cases would be deportation based. 

“Nearly every hopeful face I greeted with a smile on the way in, walked out with their head down and their cheek stained with tears. How foolish it was to think that I could make a positive impact on the world this summer when all I do is file paperwork as people’s lives are torn to pieces. While nowhere near the despair the deported clients felt, my personal frustration toward my helplessness manifested into resolve to fix this country’s immigration policies. Instead of working within the restraints of unjust laws, I plan to be leading discussions and writing the language that will help aspiring citizens, not punish them. 

“As an MLK Scholar, my ambitions will be fostered and hopefully blossomed into a reality. I’m eager to work with faculty that will aid my research on immigration policies and other nations during the first-year research seminar. Not only will I have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with immigration lawyers in the heart of New York City, but the program’s travel colloquia will perfectly allow me to get an up-close look at the immigration policies of the countries I researched. While my journey with immigration law had a disheartening beginning, the MLK Scholars Program will turn my dream of justice into a reality.”

The student established an emotional connection to the topic of social justice with their anecdote; they then explained what they hope to change about the world and what they plan to do at NYU to achieve this. This student’s drive and passion for social justice are exactly what admissions officers are looking for. They want students who will be leaders both on campus and beyond. This essay shows the student’s drive, passions, and how they believe that they will be able to make a difference and impact the problems that they are passionate about.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Published September 18, 2023

Your Guide to the NYU Supplemental Essay

Katie Hindman

Senior Assistant Director of Admissions

As part of this year’s first-year application , you’ll have the option to answer a new NYU supplemental essay question. This year, we’re asking something brand new:

We are looking for peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives and innovators – Choose one quote from the following and let us know why it inspires you; or share a short quote and person not on our list who inspires you, and include why (250 words).

• “We’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. So we did what we do best. We reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society.”  Judith Heumann, 2022 NYU Commencement Address
• “ I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard. That is the essence of good citizenship .” Sherilynn Ifill, 2015 NYU Commencement Address
• “If you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn’t that be sad?” Lang Lang, 2015 NYU Honorary Degree Recipient
• “ You have the right to want things and to want things to change. ” Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland,  2023 NYU Commencement Address
• “It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.” Taylor Swift, “Change,” Released 2008, 2022 NYU Commencement Speaker
• Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you.

No matter your initial reaction to this new question (perhaps “How or where do I start?!” or  “Hmm, nobody has answered this before…” or even “Woohoo! I get to be the first to take this on– no expectations!”), we want this question to give you a chance to shine.

Remember that there are real people (like me!) on the other side of the screen reading your application, and no matter what you write, we are grateful that you’re willing to share with us. 

We encourage you to approach the (optional!) NYU supplemental essay question with a sense of curiosity and excitement– because, after all, it’s all about YOU! 

HOW SHOULD YOU START?

Everyone’s writing process is distinct and personal. To begin, it might be helpful to jot down some ideas about what inspires you in each of these quotes. Even if one jumps out immediately, give some thought to them all! Is there a common theme that comes up in the ways you relate to each? Do they remind you of another quote that inspires you? Brainstorm in the way that works best for you, but give yourself a fair opportunity to consider your best answer.

Once you’ve chosen the quote you’ll reflect on, get all of your thoughts on paper. Sometimes the best writing comes from fragmented and unedited ideas, so try to stay away from judging your own writing before it’s time to edit.

WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY?

While each of the selected quotes has a specific connection to NYU, we want your answer to be about YOU. We assume you’re excited about NYU because you’re choosing to apply, so there’s no need to use this as a way to tell us about your interest in the school. You also don’t need to give us a literary or academic analysis! We’re confident you’re developing these skills in school. Rather, this is our opportunity to read about what inspires you as an individual (because we’re inspired by these quotes, too)!

Finally, think about how your answer might enhance what you’ve already shared with us through the rest of your application. Remember, you only have 250 words to answer the NYU supplemental essay, so start big and then narrow your ideas down to their most succinct form. Pick an idea and get right to it.

THE BOTTOM LINE…

There is no right or wrong way to answer as long as your answer is genuine to you. 

Remember that this question is completely optional (we promise). If you decide that you don’t want to answer the question, you will not be penalized in the admissions process. 

All of us admissions counselors are wishing you the very best of luck as you complete your college applications. We are already looking forward to learning more about the unique and dynamic class of 2028!

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MLK Scholarship of NYU

I'm a prospective int'l student. I'm very interested to know the following about MLK scholarship program.

What is the procedure for applying for the scholarship?

What is the eligibility criteria?

Is there any specific deadline for applying for the Scholarship?

Is the application process different from that of the procedure for applying to NYU?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund

About the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program

NYU’s MLK Scholars are members of a highly selective university leadership program dedicated to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program engages, educates, and empowers scholars on social justice and advocacy, for building Dr. King's vision of a "beloved community." Centered around an immersive, cohort-based learning community, this program offers a rich and unique combination of faculty engagement, travel colloquia, undergraduate research, and service-learning. As a distinctive community of students and alumni, the MLK Scholars Program has developed some of NYU's best and brightest thought leaders for over 35 years.

Why are donations necessary?

Students thrive in this program. For Gianna Jirak, a rising junior majoring in Global Public Health and Sociology, being an NYU MLK Scholar has been a source of support for her, especially academically. “The program connects me with funding sources, from study abroad scholarships to grants to take on research projects and unpaid internships,” she says. Gianna’s interests center on sexual and reproductive health and education. “I hope my career allows me to empower people to make informed decisions about their bodies and have greater access to health resources,” she explains.  The MLK Scholars spring break trip to Ghana was another standout opportunity for Gianna. “It was an experience I never thought I would have,” she recalls. “It was so incredibly meaningful to me. As a biracial (Black/white) person, I have always wanted to go to Africa to connect with my ancestors. I am so grateful I had that opportunity. It’s something I will always cherish.”

Thanks To Our Recent Donors!

Search NYU Steinhardt

Martin luther king- jr. scholars seminar.

The Scholars Program promotes excellence in academic achievement and leadership. Entering freshman, who present a record of distinction in scholastic achievement and leadership activities, are invited to become members of the Scholars Program, participating in a rich mix of seminars, cultural events, domestic and international travel colloquia, research, and community service. Membership in the Scholars Program is renewable annually, based on participation and academic achievement. Scholars must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5.

Washington Square News

NYU to resume merit scholarships for MLK program after outcry

The university announced that it will resume merit-based scholarships for students in its flagship MLK Scholars program, following years of criticism from students.

Sabrina Lee

Students meet with administrators at NYU’s Bonomi Family Admissions Center to voice their concerns regarding the university’s MLK Scholars program. (Sabrina Lee for WSN)

Sabrina Lee , Contributing Writer April 14, 2023

NYU will reinstate merit scholarships for all students in its Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars honors program, nearly two years after it decided to discontinue merit-based aid for students who applied after the 2020-21 admissions cycle. The policy change comes after years of pressure from students, including current first-years and sophomores, who said the discontinuation of merit scholarships was not made clear to them, and that they matriculated at NYU expecting to receive scholarships that never came.

When the current sophomore class of MLK Scholars students were applying to NYU, the program’s website misleadingly stated that both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid would be available to them, despite the fact that the university had decided to stop providing merit scholarships for incoming students. The inaccurate webpage was finally taken down in June 2021, a month after the enrollment deadline for those students passed, without any explanation or communication.

Ashley Mui, a sophomore in the MLK Scholars program, said a financial aid officer told her to expect around $35,000-40,000 in aid as part of the program after she was accepted during the 2021-22 application cycle. During her first semester, she was told she would not be receiving anything.

“I brought up my concerns during the second meeting — that my dad could possibly lose his job, and I was just concerned about where the promised scholarship had gone,” Mui said. “They told me, ‘Well, we shouldn’t have told you to expect that amount of money.’”

At a meeting on Tuesday, April 11, attended by approximately 40 undergraduates in the program,  students demanded they be given the aid they thought they would receive when they accepted their NYU admission offer. Two days later, first-years and sophomores in the program received an email in which they were told they would now receive merit scholarships.

“The April 11 meeting between MLK scholars and NYU administrators was a very frank discussion at which students very openly shared their concerns and their experiences as participants in the program,” NYU spokesperson John Beckman said. “It is hoped that these changes will permit everyone involved in the program to move forward in a positive direction.”

The email, signed by two senior university administrators, said that the changes would be made by April 17, and that retroactive scholarship allocations for the current academic year would also be provided — a significant victory for the protesting students.

Students who receive need-based financial aid from the program that is less than the amount granted for merit-based aid will have their scholarship increased to match the merit scholarship grant. The email also said that the program is searching for a new director and will soon contact current sophomore students to establish how they might be compensated for the pause in merit-based aid during the 2021-22 academic year.

At the Tuesday meeting that led to the policy change, MJ Knoll-Finn, one of the administrators who later authored the email to students, said that she recalled students having been informed of the change before the enrollment deadline, but students said this was not the case. Knoll-Finn serves as NYU’s senior vice-president for enrollment management and student success, and oversees the university’s admissions and financial aid offices.

“I cannot go into right now your assertion that we told you you would be getting the aid, for those of you who are sophomores. My recollection is that this was a situation where students were told this before May 1,” Knoll-Finn said. “I am not a scam artist, and I do take offense to that considering that I have given my life’s work here.”

Amy John-Terry, a sophomore in the program, addressed Knoll-Finn directly at the meeting, accusing her of trying to evade accountability.

“I’m horrified at the way that you, specifically, have been speaking to the students who have been sharing their experiences to conflate your own experience to a student that is visibly crying and sobbing and telling you about her personal struggles,” John-Terry said. “Especially as a white woman to a roomful of Black and Brown and POC students.”

The MLK Scholars program has long been criticized by its students, who, in 2020, criticized it for engaging in tokenism and performative activism . An open letter from MLK scholars to program staff penned earlier this year called the program a “misleading emblem of the university” and “a tool to garner social capital.” The writers of the letter noted that the program’s budget had increased by $6 million only three years ago, and questioned why the added funding was not allocated toward maintaining merit-based scholarships.

According to the letter, current sophomores were also told they would receive a grant of $7,500 to be used for research or go toward summer study at NYU. The students said that this, too, was never received. 

Beckman previously said that at the time, the MLK Scholars program had opted to provide more need-based aid to students rather than give all of those enrolled in the program merit-based scholarships. 

Rohail Jafri, a sophomore in the program who co-wrote the open letter, said that while she is glad that the university decided to address the concerns of MLK Scholars, students will still continue to advocate for the program to be improved.

“There is still more to be done,” Jafri said. “The other scholars and I don’t intend to stop our efforts to improve the program and maximize funding for the cohorts.”

Contact Sabrina Lee at [email protected] .

• Amy John-Terry
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• financial aid
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• Georgette Edmomndson-Wright
• John Beckman
• leadership program
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• New York University
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Sabrina Lee is a senior majoring in Journalism and Public Policy. Born and raised in Singapore, she is interested in evaluating questions of culture, identity...

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program at NYU

<p>I just got my acceptance/likely letter which basically said that my official offer of admission to Sterns is on its way. Under that it invites me to join the MLK Jr. Scholars Program and it says that I was selected for this. And then it says that as an MLK Scholar I will recieve a $25,000 scholarship renewable over 4 years and I can get additional scholarship based on FAFSA. It sounds like this MLK deal is all merit based. </p>

<p>I guess my question is does anyone know anything about this scholars program? Does this mean that I am pretty much guaranteed the $25000 scholarship or do I need to apply for it and get selected?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Congratulations, Jimmy. I was also accepted into the MLK Scholars program. The program’s webpage ([Martin</a> Luther King Scholars Group I New York University](<a href=“ The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program at NYU ”> The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program at NYU )) indicates that you have to maintain at least a 3.5 gpa in order to stay in the program. Therefore, I am assuming that the $25,000 scholarship can be renewed each year as long as you maintain that academic standard.</p>

<p>Congratulations again.</p>

<p>BTW, Is New York University your top choice?</p>

<p>According to the NYU website, [NYU</a> > Undergraduate Admissions > Financial Aid > Scholarships](<a href=“ Undergraduate Admissions ”> Undergraduate Admissions )</p>

<p>Please note that no special applications are required for NYU merit scholarships. All qualified applicants are automatically considered. Students wishing to be considered for need-based aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For detailed information on filing the FAFSA</p>

<p>CONGRATULATIONS!!!</p>

<p>yo ditto on this.</p>

<p>haha it wasn’t my top choice but now its looking pretty good. 25000 a year?!? thats a sweet deal. I’m still waiting for other decisions though. What about you?</p>

<p>In all honestly, <em>apologize if this offends</em>, NYU is my second to last choice. My state school is my last.</p>

<p>Foremost I don’t like NYU’s lack of campus, but maybe a visit will change that view.</p>

<p>are all scholars notified early? or do you think it’s just random</p>

<p>why would it offend? no school is for everyone. no one should have to defend their college choices. </p>

<p>definitely visit the campus. the whole ambiguous campus boundaries thing CAN be a little weird at first.</p>

<p>NYU wasn’t my top choice as well, but the $25,000 scholarship plus financial aid has pushed it up pretty high. But I am still waiting for decisions from other schools before I make my final decision.</p>

<p>Anyone hear back about actual travel arragements. Cause if it’s supposed to be in late march, I’d like to know when exactly.</p>

<p>It takes place the weekend of the 28th. Your letter should have included a card with contact info. If you need to know more try contacting them tomorrow. :)</p>

<p>I mean, did they book your flight yet or anything. I heard from them like a week ago, but now …</p>

<p>i got an email today saying that a ups package should arrive shortly with travel arrangements and stuff in it. so what do you guys think. are any ivy leagues really worth 25,000/year more?</p>

<p>25k?! Dayyyummm! I’m Latinolicious, I could qualifiy for that. I need it because I was told (by the NYU rep at our transfer fair) that with my EFC I would prolly get 14k in aid. That extra 25k would help my @ss out a lot.</p>

<p>But basically what are the qualifications for the program?</p>

<p>Based on posts I’ve read, it’s not just the color of your skin, but look here: [Martin</a> Luther King Scholars Group I New York University](<a href=“ The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program at NYU ”> The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program at NYU )</p>

<p>Do these scholarships take the place of financial aid grants, or will a 25K scholarship be in addition to the financial aid package (loans/grants/work study) you’d get anyways?</p>

<p>Hi! Do you have to be an American to get the MLK Scholarship? I probably won’t get the scholarship and I know you’re selected and there’s no application but it would help if I knew if I was even eligible. Knowing my chances I probably won’t get financial aid either because I’m an international and both of my parents have regular income.</p>

Martin Luther King, Jr.

About the martin luther king, jr. research and education institute, recommended readings from the king institute.

• Staff Picks
• Audio/Visual Materials

Building upon the achievements of Stanford University's Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project, the King Institute supports a broad range of activities illuminating Dr. King's life and the movements he inspired.

Since its founding, the King Papers Project’s mission has expanded to include various educational and research activities. In 2005, Dr. Clayborne Carson created the Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute as a permanent endowed center to sustain the King Papers Project and its related initiatives. With initial support from founding donor Ronnie Lott and his All Stars Helping Kids organization, the Institute is continuing its effort to secure a $12 million endowment.

The books featured on this page are part of the King Institute's Recommended Readings list. Visit the King Institute website to learn more about their resources.

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• Last Updated: Jun 4, 2024 12:46 PM
• URL: https://guides.nyu.edu/mlk

Washington State Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund was started in 1985 by a small group of neighbors in Seattle’s Mount Baker community and is a sponsored activity of the Mount Baker Community Club. The fund was intended to capture the spirit and vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to ensure that his dream lives on in all of us.

The scholarship is renewable for all four years of college. Students attending four-year colleges will receive $4,000 per year for four years. Students attending two-year colleges will receive $2,000 per year for two years. If they transfer or transition to a four-year college, they will receive $4,000 per year for their final two years.

The goal of this scholarship is to help deserving students achieve the dream of a higher education. The scholarship seeks out students who show financial need and academic promise, have overcome obstacles, and who contribute to their community. The scholarship is limited to students from ethnic or racial groups that are underrepresented in higher education.

This application is now closed.

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Application Eligibility

To be considered for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship, students must:

• Be a high school senior who is a resident of or attending school in one of the following zip codes and be on track to graduate by June 2023: 98104, 98108, 98118, 98122, 98134, 98144; (Franklin, Garfield, NOVA, interagency sites, Rainier Beach, South Lake, Cleveland and independent schools in these zip codes are all eligible).
• American Indian or Alaskan Native
• Cambodian, Filipino, Laotian, Vietnamese
• African or Black
• Pacific Islander
• Multi-racial
• Have a family income for 2022 that does not exceed the amount listed by family size in this chart .
• Have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.50 through fall 2023 term. An ideal candidate will have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.6.
• Plan to enroll at a not-for-profit, accredited college or university in the United States starting in fall 2024.
• File a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
• Complete and submit the application along with the required supporting documents. 

Please note : International students, students on foreign exchange or visas and out-of-state residents are not eligible.

The 2024-25 application opens on October 1, 2023 and is due on January 31, 2024. Supporting documents are due February 7, 2024.

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Application

To be considered for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year, you must meet the eligibility criteria and complete each step below:

Required Documents  

• Submit an online application by January 31, 2024 .
• If you are a Running Start student, make sure your college credits are reflected on your transcript.
• L etter of recommendation :  Ensure your recommenders submit their letter of recommendation by February 7, 2024 .

Eligibility

I am now a Washington state resident, but I graduated from an out-of-state high school. Why does graduating from a Washington state high school matter?

The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is awarded to Washington state high school students only because the founding organization and its funding comes from a specific region in Seattle with the intent to support students who are in need in that particular community.

If I already have an associate degree, can I apply for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship?

If you are enrolled in Running Start and completed 90 credits or less, you can apply for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship. Do keep in mind you have to be a high school senior at one of the eligible high schools the time of application.

I do not have a social security number. Can I apply for this scholarship?

Yes. Applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents to apply for the Martin Luther King Jr.  Scholarship. If you do not have an SSN, please use “000-00-0000” when answering that question.

Can I apply for this scholarship if I’m not planning to enroll full-time?

To be eligible, students must be planning to attend college full-time. If you are planning to attend less than 12 credits fall term, please contact us. The intent of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is to fund students who will be enrolling full-time (12+ credits) each term to complete their degrees. If you are selected, you must enroll full-time each term or your scholarship may be forfeited (see continued eligibility criteria). Students who are enrolled less than full-time at the time of application are eligible to apply as long as they are planning to enroll full-time in the fall.

Will I still be able to receive the scholarship if I transfer to another college or attend a different college than I originally reported on my application?

Yes, the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship does not specify a particular college/university. You may transfer to another institution without penalty provided you meet all the other eligibility criteria.

The only criteria is that the institution has to be a not-for-profit, accredited institution . May I major in more than one degree and still be eligible for the scholarship?

If you are enrolled in two degrees concurrently, you will only receive payment for study in one of your majors.

Application

I am a Running Start student. How should I complete the application?

If you are a Running Start student, please ask your high school to make sure to include your Running Start courses.

I am not sure what college I will be attending in the fall. What college should I put on the application?

If you have applied to more than one college, you may not know by the application deadline which college you will be attending in the fall. If you are still deciding which college you’ll be attending, please complete the application with your current first choice. Students who are selected to receive the scholarship will be asked to complete an online scholarship acceptance form in April; at that time, you will be able to confirm the college you will be attending.

I have AP and/or IB courses. Are those courses counted towards my class level?

Once you are in college and your college accepts your AP and/or IB courses as part of your degree program, then you will count those AP and/or IB credits to determine your class level.  Generally the college lists the credits they have accepted on your transcript.

How can I update information on my application once it has been submitted?

Once you have submitted your application, you cannot make corrections or provide updates through the online application portal. If you need to update the information you provided, please email us the corrections or changes. Be sure to include in your email your full name, date of birth, preferred phone number, and school or college you have last attended.

I don’t meet all of the criteria to apply this year but think I may next year. Can I re-apply then?

No, you must be a high school senior at the time of application.

If I am not selected this year, will I be able to re-apply again next year?

May I apply for more than one scholarship administered by College Success Foundation (CSF)?

Yes, you may apply for more than one scholarship administered by CSF. Please visit the CSF website for all scholarship opportunities.

How many years can I receive the scholarship?

The length of time you are eligible to receive scholarship funding will depend on the length and amount stipulated in the Award Notification that is emailed to you.

Disbursement

When is my check going to be mailed?

Your check is cut the day listed in the “Payment Information” section of this site. You can also check a customized email sent to you in July confirming your school of attendance, disbursement amounts and disbursement dates of your scholarship.

I don’t see my scholarship check applied to my account. What can I do?

We recommend you give it 10 business days for the check to arrive in the mail at your school and for your school to apply your funds to your account. If after 10 business days from the date published in the “Payment Information” section you contact your financial aid office and they tell you they haven’t received your scholarship, please contact us so that we can cancel that check and issue a new one.

How will my dollar amount award be disbursed?

Awards are divided in equal amounts per academic term based on the number of credits you are enrolled. We assume fulltime enrollment unless you or your school let us know otherwise. We cannot disburse full year awards in just one term.

If you received a scholarship offer you should complete this form whether or not you are accepting the scholarship .

• Upload your donor thank you note (instructions below).
• Upload a copy of your 2024-25 Financial Aid Award Offer from the school you are planning to attend.
• Students who are declining the scholarship must also complete this form to formally decline the scholarship. 

Accept/decline your scholarship

Deadline: TBD

Thanking Your Donor

Continuing scholarship recipients receiving the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship must complete a scholar update for their donor.

Scholar Update/Thank You Template & Instructions

End of Year/Renewal Form for Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars

Instructions.

ALL Martin Luther King Jr.  scholars must complete the end of year form and donor update each spring to let us know whether or not they will be renewing the scholarship for the following academic year.  In the form, you will be able to indicate to us whether:

• You are renewing your Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship for the next academic year;
• You have graduated with a degree; OR,
• You are not renewing the scholarship because you no longer meet the renewal criteria.

If you are graduating or not planning to renew, please complete the end-of-year form and donor update to formally decline the scholarship. 

The form will open on May 1 and must be completed by the June 30 deadline every year. Failure to complete this process by the deadline may result in losing your scholarship.

Complete your form

Continued Eligibility Requirements

To continue receiving the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship, scholars must meet the eligibility criteria below. Your scholarship will be cancelled if you do not meet all the requirements:

• If you have extenuating circumstances that require you to take a term off, please contact us.
• You must continue to pursue a degree (either two-year or four-year degree). 
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies. 
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the free Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) by November 1 every year. 
• Demonstrate financial need as defined and determined by your financial aid office. CSF reserves the right to review your financial aid need and your scholarship may be forfeited if that need is fully met through other resources.
• fill out the renewal form online;
• upload the donor update;
• upload an unofficial college transcript. 

Students who do not complete this process may lose their scholarship.  The following are not requirements for renewal; however, we recommend that you:

• Keep contact information current: Please tell us when you have changes to your contact information so we can stay in touch with you regarding your scholarship. If there are any changes to your email, phone, or address please send updated information in an email. 
• Watch for emails from us: You may receive requests to attend events or participate in media activities. If so, we hope you will participate! You can also serve as a role model or mentor to other students. If you miss an email from us, please check your spam settings — be sure to add [email protected] as an approved sender if needed. 

Deadline: The form will open on May 1 and must be completed by the June 30 deadline every year.

Scholar Update Instructions

Scholar Update Template & Instructions

How You Will Receive the Scholarship

We will email you in August to confirm where you will be attending college and the amount you’ve been awarded per term.

Funds can be used for tuition, fees, housing, food, books, transportation and personal expenses as detailed in the cost of attendance.

Your scholarship check will be sent directly to the financial aid office at your college following this schedule:

Please allow processing time for the college/university to apply the scholarship funds to your student account and revise your financial aid. In some cases, the funds may not be applied to your account until after the start of the term. Please follow up with your college/university’s financial aid office to determine the timing of the scholarship payment.

Your scholarship will be divided equally over the number of terms of enrollment at your college/university. You must be enrolled full-time and meet your college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy in order to receive the funding.

If you are not enrolled full-time at the start of the term, your scholarship funding will be delayed until the matter has been resolved. Generally, Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time each term. As a general rule, when students do not enroll full-time, their award is prorated to reflect their enrollment status. However, if you are planning to enroll in less than 12 credits for a term, please contact us.

Applicant Questions and Documents

Email Applicants: If you have questions about your application, please email us . Please include in your email:

• Date of birth
• Preferred phone number 
• Preferred email address

This will allow us to identify your application and answer any questions.  Phone: Call toll-free (877) 655-4097 (option #4) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. PST time Monday through Friday.  If you have trouble logging into the application, please contact the Helpdesk .

Current Scholars

Questions about scholarship disbursements, additional funds, extension of your scholarship, etc.:

Questions About Your Scholarship:

• Email us here

Questions About College Support Services:

The Experience

An MLK Scholar during a domestic travel colloquium, Washington DC

"Everyone in the community has a role to play in transforming our community. Everyone must ask themselves, what is at stake in these times?”

-Bree Newsome, Filmaker and Activist

The First Year

MLK Scholars are selected for the program at the time of admission and join a cohort of approximately 60 fellow student social and academic leaders. A few staples of the first year experience include:

• Program Seminar - All incoming MLK Scholars are enrolled in a fall seminar (SAHS-UE2). This Seminar introduces first-year Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars to the study of social justice in the United States through the historical lens of the Civil Rights Movement and the contemporary exploration of human rights.
• Researching Social Justice - Scholars will be introduced to research opportunities and resources, including the Program Faculty Associates. During the seminar, each student will identify a research topic in social justice of interest, furthering its development through travel coloquia.
• Travel Colloquia - Unique domestic or international travel programs tied to the curriculum and learning in the first-year seminar course and fully funded by the MLK Scholars Program. International travel, in particular, is designed to work in tandem with New York University's commitment to global learning and cooperation.

Over the years, travel colloquia to domestic locations have included Alabama, Atlanta, Georgia, the Gullah Islands, New Orleans, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C. International locations have included Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Greece, Israel, Morocco, Paris, Peru, Senegal, and Spain.

Sophomore-Senior Year

As MLK Scholars progress through their collegiate journey, they will continue to engage as a cohort, deepening their commitment to our values through regularly scheduled cohort meetings, continued civic engagement across local communities, and leadership development opportunities within and outside of the MLK Scholars program.

NYU Global Programs

Check out NYU’s incomparable network of global cities

Explore and discover new knowledge through scholarship.

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Letter From Birmingham Jail — Martin Luther King Outline

Martin Luther King Outline

• Categories: Letter From Birmingham Jail Martin Luther King

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Published: Jun 14, 2024

Words: 603 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

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MLK Scholarship Applications Are Now Open

The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship application for current SLU students is now open. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 19, at 11:59 p.m.

The MLK Scholarship is a competitive award granted to undergraduate students committed to social justice, academic success, service, leadership, and cultural awareness experiences. Each of these characteristics equips our scholarship recipients to develop their potential as agents of positive social change.

The MLK Scholarship has an award value of at least $3,000 per year (in addition to any previously awarded SLU scholarship(s) and keeping within SLU scholarship policies) and is applied to undergraduate tuition charges only. This award in combination with other SLU merit and/or SLU Grant awards cannot exceed tuition charges.

Application Requirements

• Must be a current Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior student at Saint Louis University.
• Have a minimum of 24 credit hours by the end of the semester
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
• For students with less than 24 credit hours, awards will be contingent on final grades and credits earned by the end of spring 2022 semester.

MLK Scholars Program Requirements (upon admittance)

• Attend all MLK Monthly Meetings for Fall and Spring Semester(s)
• Participate in MLK Day of Service
• MLK retreat (all new scholars must attend in the Fall semester)
• Participate in MLK Visit Weekend
• Participate in MLK Interviews
• Participate in MLK Month activities
• Participate in Tunnel of Oppression
• Participate in Atlas week (volunteer, intern and/or ambassador)
• Participate in Occupy SLU
• Complete 10 hours of physical community service for the Fall & Spring Semester
• Maintain average of 2.7 GPA cumulatively (once you are in the program)
• Complete Service Hour Log at the end of each semester
• Scholarship renewal is contingent upon scholar compliance and adhering to all the requirements

The application can be filled out online.

The application deadline is Sunday March 19, at 11:59 p.m. Applications will be reviewed by a committee, and candidates will be contacted if you are granted an interview. 

Anyone with questions should contact Erica McBride .  McBride will reach out if you are selected for an interview. If candidates do not receive an email that means they were not selected at this time. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Guide

Scholarship opportunity.

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Dr. MLK Jr. Day Essay Contest - 2024

The annual MLK Day Essay Contest is open to all Davenport students* currently enrolled for Winter 2024. The selected winner must be enrolled at least part-time to utilize the scholarship. The author of the winning essay will receive a scholarship of $750. Second place will receive a scholarship of $250. Recipients will have four semesters to redeem the scholarship toward university expenses on campus (tuition, fees, bookstore, etc.). Additional details and the link to submit your essay are available on the Engage@DU event page. 

The deadline to submit essays will be at  11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024 . 

Winners will be announced on Tuesday January 16th, 2024 at DU's Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration .

*Students currently receiving certain tuition discounts are not eligible, including State of Michigan, Biggby, etc. Please check with Student Financial Services to confirm eligibility if your expenses are already covered by other existing scholarships. 

*Full-time university employees taking classes are not eligible to win the essay contest. Work-study student employees are eligible.

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