Trailblazer Scholarship

Become a Trailblazer Scholar      

The Trailblazer Scholars Program was established to recognize and reward incoming freshmen, as well as upperclassmen, who demonstrate commitment to advancing racial equality and diversity. Recipients are awarded a maximum of $5,000 their freshman year, renewable for three additional years. Current college students are awarded a maximum of $5,000 per year, renewable until graduation. Trailblazer Scholars can only receive the scholarship for a maximum of eight semesters. 

Who Should Apply

For consideration, applicants must:

1. Demonstrate commitment to advancing racial equality and diversity
2. Complete the FAFSA or TAFSA
3. Complete CSS Profile
4. Complete the online application 
5. Be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent U.S. resident
6. Have two consecutive (or more) semesters remaining at Baylor University
7. Qualify for need-based scholarships
   • Please click here for more information regarding Scholarships & Aid

How to Apply

Apply Now

The online application, resume, typed essay, and nomination letter are all due by midnight on February 12, 2025.

Requirements

In addition to submitting the scholarship application online, you must also submit the following scholarship materials: 

1. A resume of your honors, awards, achievements, and extracurricular activities.
2. A typed essay answering each of the following:
   1. Describe a personal experience that shaped your understanding of racial equality and diversity. (up to 200 words)
   2. Explain how you have promoted cultural awareness and inclusivity in your past academic or extracurricular activities. (up to 200 words)
   3. What new initiatives or ideas would you bring to Baylor University to further these efforts? (up to 200 words)
3. One specific nomination for the Trailblazer Scholarship Program that should be from a teacher, professor, counselor, principal, etc. Please ask your nominator to explain why you deserve this scholarship and to provide at least one example detailing your efforts to advance racial equality and/or diversity in your community.

Please submit your resume, typed essay, and nomination letter to MA_Scholarships@baylor.edu.

Scholarship Details

Trailblazer Scholars must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average, make satisfactory academic progress towards a degree, and continue to demonstrate commitment to advancing racial equality and diversity. Recipients must participate in six events/programs per semester (diverse in nature/culturally based) during each year they are a designated Trailblazer Scholar. In addition, they must attend the Trailblazer Scholars Orientation and Trailblazer Welcome Reception held at the beginning of the Fall Semester.  Thank you letters to donors are required upon request. Trailblazer Scholars are encouraged to maintain a relationship with Baylor and the Trailblazer Scholarship Program to mentor future scholarship recipients and illustrate the program’s positive results. Scholars are also asked to provide current mailing address and email address to the Trailblazer Scholarship Committee each year after graduation.