How to Become A Muhammad Ali Scholar

How to Become a Muhammad Ali Scholar

Inspired by the Greatest of All Time, the Muhammad Ali Scholar Program was created in 2004 with the goal of continuing Muhammad Ali's legacy and commitment to social justice. The Muhammad Ali Scholars Program is designed to expose students to the scholarship and best practices as it pertains to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. This unique two-year experience for undergraduate students cultivates social justice leadership development, academic research, community engagement, service. With a focus on violence prevention, this program aims to engage youth through mentoring, service, and programming. As participants in the program, scholars host on-campus and community events, further the collaborative work of the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice and the Muhammad Ali Center, and work alongside campus, local, national, and international practitioners learning about community action to promote positive change.

The application for the 2025-2027 cohort will not be open until Fall 2024. Scholars will receive a $500 per semester (Fall and Spring) stipend, for a total program stipend of $2,000. In addition, scholars will receive financial assistance for the domestic and/or international experience that occurs the summer after their first year in the program. Muhammad Ali Scholars are required to maintain a GPA of 2.7 to be admitted and continue in the program. In addition, you must submit the following:

  • Copy of your resume that includes any co-curricular activities, community service, and/or experience relevant to the program
  • Nonfamilial letter of recommendation
  • Responses to these two short answer questions:
    • Reflecting on social justice and peace building, please articulate your understanding of both concepts and share examples of your demonstrated commitment to this work. Additionally, identify one social justice issue in which you might be interested in researching and exploring solutions. (Please limit your response to 250 words maximum.)
    • The work of the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace & Justice centers Ali's six core principles (confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, spirituality). Select one that resonates with you and share how you would operationalize this principle as an Ali Scholar. (Please limit your response to 250 words maximum.)

If you have any further questions please email muhammad@louisville.edu .