Centennial Scholars
What is it?
The Centennial Scholars program is designed to support incoming students who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership and growth through their experiences in high school and home communities. Each Centennial Scholar arrives on campus already a part of a cohort of students and will spend the next four years continuing their journey of developing into ethical, inclusive and value-based leaders.
How does it work?
Centennial Scholars engage with a cohort of student leaders, both in their own entering cohort and with upper-class Centennial Scholars. Centennial Scholars have access to five leadership workshops per semester taught by experts in their field, priority sign-ups for attending the Leaders in Residence program, as well as invitations to seasonal Centennial Center events. After they attend three leadership events, Centennial Scholars can opt into the Centennial Scholars Mentoring Program. This program is designed to connect current HWS Leadership students with dedicated HWS Leadership alumni and is only open to Centennial Scholars. Students will be paired with volunteers based on similar interests, professional pursuits, and those who are currently working in their desired field. Centennial Scholars and their mentors are expected to meet twice a year (once per semester). Scholars are responsible for sharing their current commitments with their mentors, as well as their plans and goals for the current semester. Mentors are responsible for advising current students on helpful courses to consider, on and off-campus opportunities to focus on, and how to best leverage their Leadership Certificate for internship opportunities, research opportunities, job shadowing and eventual job placements. Outside of this advising, Centennial Scholars will also receive mentorship and guidance from the Centennial Center’s staff and faculty.
After completion of the first semester, Centennial Scholars may begin their coursework in the HWS Leads certificate program, or complete a degree with leadership distinction by enrolling in courses on Leadership Theory and/or Public Speaking.
In order to maintain their scholarship, Centennial Scholars are encouraged to attend three Leadership events per semester.
Who is eligible?
HWS funded scholarships recognize outstanding academic and personal achievement gained through hard-work and commitment.
The Centennial Center Leadership Scholarship is awarded to academically high-achieving students who are leaders in their communities, demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, and may be great candidates for leadership programs in the Centennial Center at HWS. The Centennial Scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff.
What will students learn?
Centennial Scholars are immersed in a leadership program focused on encouraging students to explore the layers of leadership theory and public speaking, and the necessary dynamic skillset to apply this knowledge to their future endeavors. Guided by the Centennial Center’s signature model of leading self, leading others and leadership in action, students will develop competencies geared for creative problem solving, effective communication and ethical decision-making, to name a few.
How do students apply?
Qualification is determined through a separate application process at the discretion of the Committee on Admissions. More information is available on the Centennial Center Leadership Scholarship Page.
To access the Centennial Center Leadership Scholarship application, you must have already applied for admission to Hobart and William Smith. The due date for the scholarship application aligns with your admissions deadline (December 1 for Early Action/Early Decision, February 1 for Regular Decision).