John B. Ervin Medical School Scholarship for African Americans
 

Description: In honor of John B. Ervin, Washington University established the Ervin Scholars Program to help create a more diverse community on campus. Recognizing the intellectual, leadership, and service achievements of American students, this program supports students who demonstrate their commitment to bringing diverse people together. U.S. citizens who apply to any undergraduate division may also apply for this program. Multiple scholarships-each with full tuition and a $2,500 annual stipend-are awarded each year; partial scholarships also may be awarded. The scholarships support four years of undergraduate study if the Ervin Scholar maintains a satisfactory academic record.

Students selected as Ervin Scholars are expected to participate in each component of the program, including orientation to Washington University, meetings with University and community leaders, academic support and advising, and events with other Ervin Scholars and the program’s administrators. Ervin Scholars are also expected to engage in organizations and activities on campus and in service projects in the community.

Students who apply for Early Decision admission to Washington University may also apply for an Early Decision scholarship. An Early Decision applicant not selected for the scholarship may be considered for a Regular Decision scholarship.

Eligibility: The Ervin Scholars Program is competitive; awards are based on academic achievement, leadership, and service. We encourage students to apply who are U.S. citizens, who have challenged themselves and excelled academically, who have demonstrated leadership, who have engaged in or shown a commitment to community service, who can demonstrate their commitment to bringing diverse people together (as, for example, by having been involved in diversity initiatives in their schools or communities), who have demonstrated a commitment to serving historically underprivileged populations, and/or who can demonstrate achievement and determination in the face of personal challenges. Ervin Scholars should embody the spirit of John Ervin and continue his legacy in the Washington University community.

The Ervin Scholars Committee will evaluate applications and invite finalists to Washington University March 31 - April 3, 2005, for personal interviews. The University will pay expenses for on-campus interviews.

Application Requirements: Submit an application for admission to the Class of 2009 to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Also submit:

a separate Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box either for Ervin Scholars Program-Early Decision I or for Ervin Scholars Program-Regular Decision (click here). an official high school transcript (in addition to the one required for admission). one letter from a leader in your community, church, or school who has known you outside the classroom (click here). one short response and one essay (click here).

Application Deadlines: Ervin application materials must be received by November 15, 2004, for Early Decision I scholarships or by January 15, 2005, for Regular Decision scholarships.

For more information or for answers to specific questions, please call (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000.

* All applicants for the Ervin Scholars Program will also be considered for the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Scholars Program, made possible by a generous contribution from the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company. No separate application is needed.

About John B. Ervin

Nationally renowned black educator, scholar, and author, Dr. John B. Ervin committed his life to the education of all people. He saw education as preparation for a full life, a life of service dedicated to the improvement of the human condition. The story of John B. Ervin, born in Birmingham, Alabama, and reared in Kent, Ohio, is one of achievement and determination in the face of discrimination.

He received his doctorate from Columbia University. Dr. Ervin was invited to Washington University in St. Louis in 1968 as dean of the School of Continuing Education, becoming the first African American to hold a dean’s position at the University. He held leadership positions on boards for numerous St. Louis organizations, including the Danforth Foundation, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Saint Louis Art Museum, and the United Way. He was appointed by Presidents Ford and Carter to the National Advisory Council on Extension and Continuing Education. He was also a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

A beloved member of the University community, Dr. Ervin was deeply respected for his honesty and integrity. He is best remembered for his commitment to excellence, his engagement with the community, and his efforts to bring diverse people together to heal divisions among them.


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Copyright © 2004-2011 Vickie M. Mays, PhD, MSPH