ExCEL stands for Excellence in Commitment to Education and Leadership. The program is a leadership development initiative that recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, and a dedication to positively impacting their community. Each year, 25 first-time freshmen are chosen as ExCEL Scholars from a competitive pool of over 100 applicants. Each participant is awarded up to $4,000.00 ($500.00 each semester; total of 8 semesters) in scholarships for their commitment to becoming prominent campus leaders throughout their undergraduate studies.
The ExCEL Scholarship provides $500 per semester across eight fall and spring semesters, totaling $4,000. The scholarship is renewable each semester based on the recipient’s continued commitment to leadership.
The program offers scholars valuable leadership development opportunities, supporting their growth as influential leaders within the campus community.
Submit the Application | January 17, 2025 |
Semifinalists Notification | Late February 2025 |
Semifinalists Video Submission Deadline | Mid-March 2025 |
Scholars Award Notification | Mid-April 2025 |
Students must accept the ExCEL Scholarship | May 2, 2025 |
To ensure your application is considered, please complete it no later than Friday, January 31, 2025.
For questions on the ExCEL Scholars Program, please email us at [email protected] or call us at 985-549-2120.
The ExCEL Freshmen Scholarship offers $1,000 per year, disbursed in two equal installments of $500 during the Fall and Spring registration periods. This financial support will continue for a total of eight (8) semesters if requirements are met.
The ExCEL Scholarship can be awarded alongside other scholarships, grants, or TOPS. Total scholarships taken must not exceed the federal calculated cost of attendance.
A specific ACT score is not required for the application, however, you must be eligible to take college-level English and Math (without a co-requisite need).
Applicants must be a member of at least two extracurricular activities (organizations, athletics, community groups, etc.) and must hold a leadership position in at least one of those activities. Examples include but are not limited to, president/vice-president/secretary of student organization, team captain of sport, co-captain of cheer or dance, 1st chair of music ensemble or drum major, etc.
Although there is not a current ExCEL LLC, you may be an ExCEL scholar as a member of a different LLC, depending on that LLC’s requirements.
To apply for the ExCEL scholarship, click here.
After review of the initial application, semi-finalists will be asked to submit a three-minute video submission answering three questions that will be provided. The video will be reviewed alongside the application to select the 25 scholars as well as the alternates
Yes, we have many extraordinary applicants and as one of the selected, we want to make sure that we inform the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of Admissions, and the Office of First-Year Success about your selection so that the your award package is updated and so your orientation advisor ensures that you are in the appropriate SE 1010 course.
Once you have accepted your award, we can inform your high school counselor or principal of your selection so that they can include it in any awards ceremony or marketing. You can opt out of this option if you choose.
Contact the Office for Student Engagement at [email protected] or 985-549-2120.