Trailblazer Scholarship

Application deadline: February 12, 2027! 

Become a Trailblazer Scholar      

The Trailblazer Scholars Program was established to recognize and reward students who demonstrate commitment to advancing intercultural maturity and interfaith understanding, while supporting incoming first-year need-based, undergraduate students who are committed to personal growth, leadership, service, and building a welcoming, empowering community at Baylor and throughout Waco.

Recipients may receive up to $5,000 per academic year for a maximum of eight semesters, renewable each year for students who remain eligible until graduation. Recipients must also make satisfactory academic progress towards pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

For more information, please contact Leslie Burnias DeLaFuente, Coordinator for the Department of Multicultural Affairs at Leslie_Burnias@baylor.edu.

Who Should Apply

For consideration, applicants must:

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

How to Apply

Apply Now

All required scholarship materials are due by midnight on February 12, 2027. 

Requirements

You must submit the following required scholarship materials:  

1. Completed online scholarship application
2. Resume of your honors, awards, achievements, and extracurricular activities 
3. A typed essay answering each of the following:

(Submit answers through Scholarship Universe)

1. Leadership is not always defined by title or position. Describe an experience in which you demonstrated leadership, took initiative, or accepted responsibility for something that mattered to you. What challenges did you encounter, how did you respond, and what did you learn about yourself and the kind of leader you hope to become? (up to 500 words)

2. Describe an experience that has shaped your understanding of fairness and respect for differing perspectives or lived experiences. How have you applied that understanding in your academic or community life, and how might you contribute to fostering a welcoming, kind, and thoughtful campus environment at Baylor University? (up to 500 words)

3. The Trailblazer Scholars Program is more than a scholarship. It is highly selective, cohort-based experience designed to help scholars develop as leaders, build meaningful relationships, serve their communities, engage with Baylor, and prepare for life beyond college. What specifically draws you to the Trailblazer Scholars Program, and why do you want to be part of this cohort? What do you hope to learn, experience, and contribute through the Trailblazer Journey? (Up to 400 words)

4. A strong cohort is shaped by what each scholars brings to the community. What perspective, experience, strength, or quality would you contribute to the Trailblazer cohort? (Up to 150 words)

5. 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 advancing intercultural maturity and interfaith understanding in your community.

6. Submit all your documents through the Scholarship Universe website. (Please make sure to include your full name and Baylor Student ID number on all of your documents.)

All required scholarship materials are due by midnight on February 12, 2027.

For questions or more information, email Leslie_Burnias@baylor.edu.

Scholarship Details

Trailblazer Scholars must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average, make satisfactory academic progress towards pursuing a bachelors degree, and continue to demonstrate commitment to advancing intercultural maturity and interfaith understanding. Recipients must participate in all designated programs each semester throughout their designated time as a Trailblazer Scholar and dedicate approximately 20 hours per semester to program participation. In addition, they must attend the mandatory Trailblazer Scholars Orientation held at the beginning of the Fall semester. Thank you letters to donors are required upon request.