UNLV Engelstad Scholars Program
Scholarship, Leadership, Service
About
The Engelstad Scholars Program was established by the Engelstad Family Foundation through an endowment of $12.625 million to UNLV in 2009. At the time, the gift was the largest active scholarship in the university’s history and the largest endowment in the history of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Scholars admitted to the program are required to complete 100 hours of community service annually through one of our partnering nonprofit organizations. The scholarship awards $3,500 per semester for up to eight consecutive fall and spring semesters to students who maintain their eligibility.
The mission of the Engelstad Scholars Program is to benefit students in financial need by granting scholarships to individuals enrolled full time in an accredited program and who seek to improve the quality of life of those in the Las Vegas valley through community service initiatives.
The Ralph & Betty Engelstad Scholarship Program was established to afford students an opportunity to use their abilities, talents, and leadership to serve the community; provide opportunities to value and include young people in meaningful acts of citizenship; and provide access to a college education to students with financial need, therefore helping retain them through graduation.
In November of 2009, the Engelstad Family Foundation endowed $12.625 million to UNLV to create the UNLV Engelstad Scholars Program. At the time, the gift was the largest active scholarship in the university’s history and the largest endowment in the history of the Nevada System of Higher Education. About 325 scholars have been funded through the Engelstad Scholars Program.
Eligibility
To apply to the program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be starting enrollment as a full-time (12 credits) first-year student at UNLV for the fall 2024 semester.
- Have a 3.25 cumulative unweighted high school G.P.A. or higher from a Southern Nevada High School.
- Demonstrate financial need. This is typically accomplished by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are unable to complete the FAFSA, you should complete the Alternative Need Form.
- Successfully navigate the application process. Those who are selected from their application materials (including successfully demonstrating financial need) will move on to the interview round. Final decisions will be made from the pool of applicants who successfully interview.
Annual Application Timeline
- August: Application opens
- November: Application deadline and Interviews of selected candidates
- December: Selection notification
- January: Final decision deadline for selected candidates (will open to the waitlist if spots become available)
- May: New Scholar Orientation
- August: Enrolled scholars begin scholarship program
Contact
Engelstad Scholars Primary Email
Director of Student and Community Engagement
College of Liberal Arts
Jenna Heath
jenna.heath@unlv.edu