IUPUI-Olaniyan Scholars Program

The Olaniyan (Oh-LAWN-eee-yawn) Scholars Program promotes the development of undergraduate research and professional development facilitated through the interdisciplinary lens of Africana Studies, or the study of African peoples still living in Africa and those populations scattered around the globe since slavery and colonization.

The Scholarship Offers:

  • The value of full in-state tuition (renewable for up to four years) to be used for tuition, fees, housing, or other costs associated with educational expenses and up to the Cost of Attendance (may also be used to cover educational expenses that might otherwise be covered by student loans)
  • A $2,000 stipend per year
  • The opportunity to engage in research work with a full-time faculty member

International and out-of-state students must make special arrangements to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state costs; students should discuss options with the Office of Student Financial Aid Services (317-274-4162) and the Office of Student Scholarships (317-274-5516)

The program is open to freshmen, sophomore, and junior students (you must be classified a freshman, sophomore, or junior by the university in the fall of the year that you enter the program) who meet regular admission requirements to enroll at IUPUI and who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Students must also have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) to apply, but a 3.3 GPA is preferred.

The program is open to students of all races, nationalities, and backgrounds. However, priority consideration will be given to students underrepresented in higher education majoring in the Humanities and Social Sciences (or the School of Liberal Arts). Applicants must also be working toward their first bachelor’s degree (dual degree students with at least one major in the School of Liberal Arts may also apply).

The Olaniyan Scholars Program is highly selective and yet very supportive of student goals. Once each student’s interests and major are identified, the program is customized to enable each scholar to optimize their academic, professional, and educational goals. Throughout their years of eligibility, each scholar is not only mentored and supported within the program, but also works under the guidance and mentoring of a faculty member engaged in research that benefits populations of color. Scholars also gain valuable experience, not only as researchers, but in presenting their work at conferences and/or student research forums.

Although the application deadline is not until February 15th priority will be given to those submitted by February 1st.

Award
The value of in-state tuition up to the cost of attendance
Deadline
02/15/2022
Supplemental Questions
  1. Olaniyan Scholars Essay -

    This essay should be organized and well-structured using complete sentences and the 5-paragraph essay structure.

    It goes without saying that essays should observe the general rules of English grammar and contain no misspellings. Please keep in mind that your answers don’t have to be in any particular order. Also, avoid simply listing your answers.

    Please address all of the following questions in your essay:

    * What is your particular area of interest as it relates to people of African descent and why do you want to study them? How does this interest fit into your career and personal goals?

    * What is your planned major at IUPUI and how would you connect it to Africana Studies (or the study of people of African descent)?

    * What have you done so far that demonstrates achievements, service, and/or learning goals (including classes/books studied or read, or academic work completed) that illustrate your commitment to and interest in people of African descent (please include academics, extracurricular, and community service activities that you have participated in)?

  2. Olaniyan Recommendation Letters
    • Applicants must provide at least two (and no more than four) letters of recommendation. At least one letter should address academic performance or aptitude and at least one letter should address extracurricular and/or community service activities. Letters may be from teachers, guidance/academic counselors, school administrators, coaches, and/or community contacts. Please make sure that those persons recommending you include their contact information