• Multiple full- and partial-tuition scholarships with $2,500 stipends
• Renewable annually
• Ervin applicants may apply for other programs that match their interests.
• All applicants to the Ervin Scholars Program will also be considered for the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Scholars Program, made possible by a generous contribution from Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company. No separate application is needed.

Students who apply to any undergraduate division of Washington University may apply for the John B. Ervin Scholars Program. This nationally pre-eminent program is intended to foster a richly diverse educational atmosphere on campus and to enhance the overall quality and diversity of the Washington University student body. The Ervin Scholars Program is open to all qualified applicants, regardless of race.

The University is seeking students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual and leadership achievements and who have engaged in or shown a commitment to community service. The program supports students who demonstrate their commitment to bringing diverse people together.

Multiple scholarships—each with full tuition and a $2,500 annual stipend—are awarded each year; partial scholarships may also be awarded. The scholarships support four years of undergraduate study if the Ervin Scholar maintains a satisfactory academic record and meets the expectations of the program.

The Ervin Scholars Program

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.

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.

John B. Ervin

Nationally renowned black educator, scholar, and author, Dr. John B. Ervin (1916–1992) committed his life to the education of all people. He knew the power of education in his life, and he saw it as a preparation for a full and more humane life, a life of leadership and service committed 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 and trained teachers for a number of decades. In 1968, Dr. Ervin was invited to Washington University in St. Louis 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 of numerous St. Louis organizations, including the Danforth Foundation, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Saint Louis Art Museum, and the United Way. Presidents Ford and Carter appointed him 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. Dr. Ervin published a number of articles on education in professional journals. He also served as vice president of the Danforth Foundation from 1977 until his retirement in 1986.

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.

Eligibility

The Ervin Scholars Program is open to U.S. citizens, regardless of race. Applicants should excel academically, challenge themselves, demonstrate initiative and leadership in their communities, bring diverse groups together, commit to community service, serve historically underprivileged populations, and/or persevere through challenging circumstances.

Students chosen are expected to exemplify the spirit of John B. Ervin and to commit to continuing to honor and extend his legacy in the Washington University community.

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

On-Campus Interviews for Finalists

The Ervin Scholars Committee will evaluate applications and invite finalists to Washington University for personal interviews. To remain eligible for the scholarships, finalists will need to come to Washington University March 25-28, 2010, for the interviews and related activities. Washington University will pay all expenses for this trip to St. Louis.