BE UNSTOPPABLE. Lesley University’s Urban Scholars Initiative
Learn more about the Urban Scholars Initiative. 617.349.8800 lesley.edu/urban-scholars 092GSASFL14
You deserve the education you want and the support to make it happen. You give 110 percent no matter what. You’re a rock star in your school and in your neighborhood. Simply put, you’re the kind of person who wants to change the world. And at Lesley University, you’ll be part of a community that shares your passion, your creativity, and your desire to do something big. Lesley’s Urban Scholars Initiative was developed to recognize students like you. Each year, we partner with service organizations in Greater Boston to provide promising young leaders from economically disadvantaged families with the financial and community support to succeed in college and in life.
Shift your focus from how you’ll pay for college to how you’ll make your experience the best it can be. Our goal is to provide you with the financial support, resources, and money-management skills that will get you as close as possible to leaving college debt free, so when you picture your future, all you see is the amazing things you’ll do. As an Urban Scholar, you’ll automatically receive 50 percent off your Lesley tuition each year for your four years of study. You’ll also have the opportunity to interview for additional donor scholarships to further decrease your costs. Urban Scholars qualify for: 50% off tuition for all four years Donor scholarships (apply early to meet the deadline for scholarship interviews) Free books/art supplies each semester Other support based on need Depending on your family’s income, you may also qualify for: Maximum Federal Student Aid Massachusetts state grants
Your experience begins long before the first day of classes. In the summer before your first semester, you’ll be a part of a weeklong immersion experience we call Summer Transition. During this time, you’ll form friendships with your classmates, get to know our financial aid, internship, and study abroad staff, participate in classes, and even learn some new skills, like time management, meditation, and yoga. By the time you leave, you’ll know your way around campus, exactly how you’ll fit in here, and the people you can turn to when you need advice.
Meet the people who will always have your back. The Urban Scholars community is made up of students, mentors, and advisors. This community is your built-in support system. Within it, you’ll discover a close-knit circle of friends who know your story and are rooting for your success.
How to apply Show that you’re an active member of one of our partner organizations by including a letter of recommendation with your Lesley application. Artists for Humanity
Raw Art Works
Bottom Line
Steps to Success (Brookline High School)
Boston Red Sox Urban Scholars Foundation
Summer Search
Mentors
Breakthrough Boston
The Stepping Stone Foundation
Mentors are second-year Urban Scholars. You’ll meet with your mentor on a biweekly basis to talk about anything that’s on your mind.
KIPP Through College
Trinity Education for Excellence Program (TEEP)
Advisors
Let’s Get Ready
La Vida Scholars
Your advisor is a staff member who you’ll check in with every week. Together you’ll set goals and work through any challenges you’re facing. Monthly Seminars Seminars bring the community together to engage in discussions related to personal wellness and professional development. From them, you’ll gain new skills that set the foundation for lifelong success.
"The program is empowering. It’s about managing yourself as an adult, but with someone always there to assist and guide you." Joana Martins-Tabor Sophomore
Demonstrate financial need by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by our preferred deadline of February 15.
Apply to Lesley by completing the Common Application. Be sure to include your high school transcript, school records, standardized test scores, AP test scores, one teacher recommendation, and one recommendation from our partnership organizations. We encourage you to submit your application by our early action deadline of December 1.
lesley.edu/apply