Strategic Planning Steering Committe| UTRGV

UTRGV Luminary Scholars

The UTRGV Luminary Scholarship program offers the brightest undergraduate students from all disciplines a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in an unparalleled learning environment. By sharing unique skills and perspectives with the greater RGV community, each Luminary Scholar can enhance the experience of a fellow student or community member at any point along the academic journey. Luminary Scholars and their accomplishments will ultimately help elevate UTRGV’s status as a global leader in higher education and serve as ambassadors for the university wherever their light shines.

QUALIFICATIONS

Academic Achievement

Applicant must demonstrate strong academic ability, as evidenced by high school course rigor, class rank, GPA, and SAT/ACT score.
_{*Graduate/earn a high school diploma from an accredited high school or homeschool}

Leadership Experience

Applicant must demonstrate responsibility and leadership via extracurricular involvement, work, or volunteer participation while in high school.

Community Involvement

Applicant must demonstrate a commitment to community involvement while in high school.

Citizenship and Residency

Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident, or meet Texas residency requirements.

College Admission

Applicant must complete the ApplyTexas Application and be admitted to UTRGV by December 1.

On-Campus Residency

Applicant must complete the University Housing Application and commit to live on campus for the first two academic years. Second-year students will serve as mentors to first-year recipients.

Rio Grande Valley Employment Commitment

Selected scholars must pledge and sign an agreement to work in the Rio Grande Valley for each year beyond their undergraduate education that is funded. For example, a three-year graduate or professional program would require a three-year commitment to working in the Rio Grande Valley post-graduation.

PROCESS

Admission Application

Complete ApplyTexas admission application; must be admitted by December 1.

Scholarship Application

Complete UTRGV Excellence Application by December 1. Students meeting initial eligibility will be identified and asked to submit two letters of recommendation (one must be from a high school teacher, advisor, or principal), and an essay.

Housing Application

Submissions of housing applications to be determined.

On-Campus/RGV Area Interview

Interview sessions to be determined soon.

_{*The UTRGV Luminary Selection Committee will contact applicants to schedule an interview - not all applicants receive an interview. UTRGV Luminary Housing accommodations and meals will be provided for out-of-area students.}

Luminary Scholars Announcement

The UTRGV Luminary selection committee will make final recommendations for scholarship recipients and announce finalists in mid/late Spring.

AWARD AMOUNTS

Luminary Undergraduate – Graduate Program Scholar

Tuition & Mandatory Fees	Years 1 – 4	$10,000 x 4	$40,000
Room & Board	Years 1 & 2	$8,500 x 2	$17,000
Graduate Tuition & Mandatory Fees	Years 5 & 6	$9,000 x 2	$18,000
Total			$75,000

Luminary Undergraduate – School of Medicine Scholar

Tuition & Mandatory Fees	Years 1 – 4	$10,000 x 4	$40,000
Room & Board	Years 1 & 2	$8,500 x 2	$17,000
School of Medicine	Years 5 – 8	$20,000 x 4	$80,000
Total			$137,000

RENEWABLE REQUIREMENTS

Enroll in a minimum of 15* hours each fall and spring semester leading to the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
Complete a minimum of 30 hours per academic year while pursuing an undergraduate degree.
Maintain a 3.0** UTRGV Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
Retain the scholarship for up to 4 years of undergraduate study or upon graduation, whichever occurs first.***
Continue to receive the scholarship for an additional 2 consecutive years if pursuing a UTRGV graduate/professional degree or an additional 4 consecutive years if admitted to UTRGV’s School of Medicine.

_{*Luminary Scholars must complete 12 of the 15 hours each term, still complete 30 hours per academic year, and maintain a 3.0 GPA while pursuing an undergraduate degree.}

_{** The UTRGV GPA is based on all grades received in college-level courses, including courses taken via dual credit from UTRGV while in high school.}

_{*** This scholarship terminates upon transfer to another institution or upon non-enrollment at UTRGV for any fall or spring semester.}

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Scholarships and Enrollment Communication Division of Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs