McConnell Scholars Program
The McConnell Scholars Program is a unique leadership-based scholarship program at the University of Louisville. Scholars are selected from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky based on their interest in and commitment to leadership, scholarship and service. Scholarship recipients spend four years strengthening their skills in those areas as they pursue a variety of academic studies and extracurricular activities.
Program Benefits
Meet local, state and national leaders
Since 1993, the McConnell Center has welcomed a wide variety of political leaders and public servants to the University of Louisville. Scholars have the opportunity to meet privately with these leaders and ask hard-hitting policy questions and receive internship and career advice.
Travel
Scholars take part in fully-funded domestic and international travel packages designed by the Center. Our Washington, D.C., trip includes meeting with politicians, policy analysts and experts, with visits to the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol and Mt. Vernon. Additional signature travel opportunities include an international trip experience in the summer following students' junior year and annual leadership retreats to destinations in Kentucky. Funding for individualized study and internships may also be available.
Access our leadership network
The Center is affiliated with similar civic organizations and university programs across the country, allowing McConnell Scholars opportunities to participate in leadership conferences. Affiliations include Harvard University's Institute of Politics' National Campaign and West Point's Student Conference on US Affairs, among others.
Scholars also have access to our 285+ global McConnell Scholar alumni network with mentors in a variety of fields.
Compete with our nationally ranked Moot Court team
Coached by McConnell Scholar alumnus Sean Williamson '11, our undergraduate moot court program has ranked as a top-10 oral advocacy program in the country, and a top-25 Moot Court program overall.
Financial Awards
McConnell Scholars receive a a four-year renewable scholarship to the University of Louisville. Exact scholarship amounts vary based on a student's overall university scholarship package, but Scholars are guaranteed full in-state tuition to attend UofL.
Scholars can also apply for internship and professional development grants (funds permitting) from the Center.
Points of pride
McConnell Scholars serve in top leadership positions on campus and go on to win prestigious campus, national and international awards and scholarships.
"The McConnell Scholarship added so much value to my education. I am grateful that such a wonderful program exists in my home state."
