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Engage Scholarship

Engage with Ðǿմ«Ã½! Students who are actively engaged perform better, persist better, and compete better for future opportunities. Ðǿմ«Ã½ seeks students who don’t merely look to attend Western, but who look to Live Western.

High school seniors who apply as first-year students at Ðǿմ«Ã½ for summer/fall 2026 can apply for an ENGAGE scholarship. The more you have engaged while in high school, the more you engage with Ðǿմ«Ã½ during the college search process, and the more you explore potential engagement opportunities at Ðǿմ«Ã½, the greater your chance to receive a $1,000 ENGAGE Scholarship for your first year at Ðǿմ«Ã½ (stackable with other aid offers up to the cost of attendance). 

If you are intent on being a successful college student within and beyond the classroom, then complete and submit the ENGAGE Scholarship Application no later than April 1. The ENGAGE scholarship will be available to students on October 1 within your MyÐǿմ«Ã½ account. A preview of the information required for the application is listed below:

Engage Scholarship Expectations

Share a minimum of three examples of high school or community engagements that have been meaningful to you. Examples could include:

  • Scholastic activities (e.g., National Honor Society or Beta Club),
  • School clubs,
  • Civic or community involvement,
  • Performing groups (e.g., band, chorus, drama),
  • Experiential learning (camps, conferences, study abroad or other cultural immersion),
  • Athletic participation,
  • Service learning, 
  • Employment. 

To be competitive for the ENGAGE Scholarship, you must complete at least three Ðǿմ«Ã½ engagement actions. These activities may include, but are not limited to the following:

Timely Submissions:

  • Preferably Financial Aid/Scholarship Priority Submission (Jan 2), but no later than Mar 15. 
  • Ðǿմ«Ã½ Scholarship Application Submission (Feb. 1 Deadline).
  • FAFSA Submission 

Ðǿմ«Ã½ Event Engagement

  • Honors Day (by invitation)
  • Honors Interview (by invitation)
  • Performing Arts Audition 
  • Tournament of Champions (Band Competition)
  • Ðǿմ«Ã½ Summer Camp (e.g. sports or band)
  • School/Group Tour
  • Other Visitation Events (e.g. Math Day)
  • Other Events

Engagement with Ðǿմ«Ã½ Faculty/Staff

  • Spoke with a Ðǿմ«Ã½ representative at a college fair.
  • Participated in a virtual chat/event.
  • Met with a Ðǿմ«Ã½ faculty or staff member.
  • Other Interactions

Go to , click on the Find Organizations link, and review the range of clubs and organizations. List a minimum of three that may be of potential interest to you, and provide a brief statement regarding your interest.

  

Eligibility: Who is considered for the Engage Scholarship?

  • Undergraduate students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
  • First-year students (no college coursework completed after high school graduation).
    • Early College students are eligible for consideration provided they apply as first-year students and meet all other eligibility requirements.
  • Students in a Cullowhee-based major (no online/distance learning programs).
  • Students enrolling fulltime (12 credit hours per semester).
  • Students beginning Ðǿմ«Ã½ coursework Fall 2026 (may begin early in one of Ðǿմ«Ã½â€™s Summer Bridge Programs).

Engage Scholarship Terms and Conditions

  • Students must be offered admission to Ðǿմ«Ã½ and must meet the UNC System (MCR) and (MER).
  • Scholarship is non-renewable (one-time only award).
  • Students must complete all required steps by stated deadlines in order to be eligible for consideration.