About the Program

The McConnell Scholars Program is a rigorous and prestigious academic program for a select group of interdisciplinary undergraduate students majoring or minoring in political science at the University of Louisville. Over the course of four years, McConnell Scholars meet a variety of national, state and local leaders and study with some of the finest faculty in the nation. All McConnell Scholars have a strong passion for leadership, scholarship and service.

Only 10 graduating high school seniors from Kentucky are awarded the McConnell Scholarship and admitted to the McConnell Scholars Program.

Program Benefits

Connecting Leaders of Today with Kentucky's Leaders of Tomorrow

For the past 20 years, the McConnell Center has welcomed numerous political leaders and public servants to the University of Louisville. These leaders represent all levels and branches of government and run the full political spectrum.

McConnell Scholars have the opportunity to meet privately with these leaders, asking hard-hitting policy questions, insight into Washington politics and internship and career advice.

Last year's distinguished speakers include U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court John Roberts and U.S. Senator John McCain. Former speakers have included heads of state, foreign ambassadors and U.S. cabinet members.

Learning to Lead

McConnell Scholars are exposed to leadership principles through both literature and practice.

• Experts, authors and politicians are invited to facilitate discussion between and among McConnell Scholars about current and historical events and concepts.
• Scholars exercise leadership within the program and on campus. More than 25 percent of Scholars are currently serving in elected or appointed Student Government Association positions, including two top-four officers, a supreme court justice and several undergraduate senators.

Scholarship: It's a Way of Life

The McConnell Center welcomes a diverse group of interdisciplinary, top-ranking Scholars to take part in liberal arts seminars.

Scholars participate in about 400 hours of community service each semester. Projects vary each year, but annual favorites include Halloween at the Zoo, Project Warm and Habitat for Humanity.

• Incoming freshmen trek to Washington, D.C., during the summer, meeting with politicians and their staffs, policy analysts, and experts. Visits to the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Capitol, and Mt. Vernon are part of the annual itinerary.
• During their junior year, scholars venture to the People's Republic of China for a five-week study abroad program. In addition to studying Chinese politics and government at a Chinese university, McConnell Scholars travel to Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai.
• Before school resumes in August, all 40 Scholars gather at a Kentucky state park for an annual fall retreat. The location rotates each year, exposing Scholars to the diversity of the Commonwealth.

Brief History of the Program

The McConnell Scholars Program was established in 1991 by U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and the University of Louisville. Sen. McConnell argued that for Kentucky to progress in the 21st century, a new generation of Kentuckians must be prepared to lead.

"The McConnell Center is dedicated to developing that leadership for our Commonwealth and our nation — not only in politics, but also in business, law, health care, the arts and community service," he said.