The NIU Foundations invites applications for the Impact Scholarship. This highly prestigious, competitive, and significant award is based on academic excellence, outstanding work ethic, and Huskie Pride. Simply put, our Impact Scholars reflect the highest echelon of NIU academic excellence.
Applications can be made through Academic Works beginning on November 13. Specific criteria include 3.0 cumulative GPA, and Financial Need (see Academic Works for full criteria).
Here is information regarding past Impact Scholars: https://www.thousandsstrong.com/impact-stories/
Academic Excellence
Impact Scholars are full-time undergraduate students in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. A letter of recommendation from a member of NIU’s faculty, staff, or administration is required. Many Impact Scholars go on to great academic success, presenting at conferences, publishing research, and studying abroad in prestigious fellowship programs.
“I was fortunate enough to be selected to work (on an archaeological excavation) on an Ojibwe reservation. It was incredible.” – Talon Diaz, 2019 Impact Scholar
Outstanding Work Ethic
Impact Scholars understand and value the meaning of hard work. They are as committed to their family and community as they are to their studies. Many are juggling commitments to dual majors, student organizations, and employers while maintaining excellent grades.
“As a working single mother, it can be difficult to keep up with the many expenses for school, daycare and other bills. I work very hard to maintain good grades, and it means a lot to me to be acknowledged for my hard work and dedication.” – Amber Sayles, 2018 Impact Scholar
Huskie Pride
Impact Scholars appreciate and support NIU’s mission and the opportunities they have here. They are committed to paying their success forward and give generously of their time and talent to support the campus community.
“Volunteering in the psychology labs at NIU is where I developed the passion for psychological research and ultimately, the desire to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology.” – Krista Ekberg, 2018 Impact Scholar
The Impact Scholarship helps outstanding students with demonstrated financial need to continue their journey toward excellence. Several 2020 recipients might have been forced to take a break from their studies to work and save if it hadn’t been for the Impact Scholarship.
- The scholarship made it possible for business administration major Caitlynn Nardi, ’23, to go from three jobs and two student loans to one of each.
- Nursing major LaMya Webster, ’22, and her mother both cried in relief when they realized the scholarship would save them from taking out yet another loan.
- And it answered the question Morgan Cunningham, ’21, had been asking: how she would find the funds to finish the last year of her early childhood education degree?
