McConnell Scholars Program

The McConnell Scholars Program is a prestigious leadership and scholarship program at the University of Louisville open to graduating Kentucky high school seniors with a strong demonstrated record of leadership, scholarship, and service. Around ten students (one cohort) are added each year with a maximum of 40 McConnell Scholars (four cohorts) in the program at one time.

McConnell Scholars receive four years of enhanced academic experiences outside of the traditional classroom under the direction of Gary L. Gregg, PhD. Programming focuses on the foundations of leadership and political and social thought in America. General opportunities include participating in Socratic-style seminars with UofL faculty and nationally-recognized experts, authors, and leaders on a variety of topics related to American social and political thought. Recent examples includes discussions on dystopian literature, the women's suffrage movement, "America's British Tradition," and the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates at the American founding.

Meet the Scholars

Current McConnell Scholars at the University of Louisville
In their own words: Scholars share about their undergraduate experiences and research.
In their own words: Alumni share about the McConnell Center's impact on their lives and careers.

Application & Eligibility

Applications are due December 15
Must be a senior graduating from a Kentucky high school at the time of application
Minimum 3.5 GPA and 26 ACT/1230 SAT
Must at least minor in political science at the University of Louisville
Frequently Asked Questions

Program Benefits

	Meet Local, State & National Leaders Since 1993, the McConnell Center has welcomed a wide variety of political leaders and public servants to the University of Louisville. Scholars have the opportunity to meet privately with these leaders and ask hard-hitting policy questions and receive internship and career advice.
	Travel Scholars take part in domestic & international travel packages designed by the Center. Our Washington, D.C., trip includes meeting with politicians, policy analysts and experts, with visits to the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol, and Mt. Vernon. Additional signature travel opportunities include leadership retreats to destinations in Kentucky. Funding for individualized study and internships may also be available.
	Access Our Leadership Network The center is affiliated with similar civic organizations and university programs across the country allowing McConnell Scholars opportunities to participate in leadership conferences. Affiliations include Harvard University's Institute of Politics' National Campaign and West Point's Student Conference on US Affairs, among others. Scholars also have access to our 250+ global McConnell Scholar alumni network with mentors in a variety of fields.
	Compete with Our Nationally Ranked Moot Court Team Coached by McConnell Scholar alumnus Sean Williamson ('11), our undergraduate moot court program is ranked as a top-10 oral advocacy program in the country, and a top-25 moot court program overall. In the 2024 National Competition at Texas Tech University School of Law, McConnell Scholars Caleb Aridano (left) and Megan Crowley (right) placed in the top-15 teams in the nation.
	Financial Awards McConnell Scholars receive a a four-year renewable scholarship to the University of Louisville. Exact scholarship amounts vary based on a student's overall university scholarship package, but Scholars are guaranteed full in-state tuition to attend UofL. Scholars can also apply for internship and professional development grants (funds permitting) from the Center.

McConnell Center

McConnell Scholars Program

Meet the Scholars

Application & Eligibility

Program Benefits

Meet Local, State & National Leaders

Travel

Access Our Leadership Network

Compete with Our Nationally Ranked Moot Court Team

Financial Awards

Sherry Allen (email) or 502-852-3130

#VisitTheVille or 502-852-7540