Diversity Scholarship for Incoming Students

This scholarship provides 50% tuition reimbursement for up to two qualified students from each incoming class in these three programs:

• College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
• College of Chiropractic (including B.S. completion program for chiropractic students)
• School of Massage Therapy (certificate and A.A.S. degree)

Purpose

• To increase the numbers of underrepresented students enrolled at Northwestern
• To attract students with a strong commitment to provide health care to underserved populations
• To attract students who would otherwise not be able to attend Northwestern
• To fulfill our commitment to the development of a culturally competent University
• To build connections with local and global communities with limited access to natural health care

Award amount

Scholarship recipients receive an award equal to 50% of the academic program tuition for each term during which the student remains eligible.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants will be considered if they meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Incoming students who have submitted an application for full-time admission.
• Must be an individual who has shown leadership and organizational ability in working with underrepresented groups AND/OR demonstrated an ability to lead peers in acknowledging and limiting bias in health care.
• Must either be an individual from a group which is underrepresented in his or her chosen professional field AND/OR an individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity and serving minority communities locally and globally
• Evidence of service to underrepresented communities of need.
• Evidence of participation in multicultural/diversity organizations or activities.
• Evidence of financial need (although all candidates are encouraged to apply).
• Evidence of high academic achievement (minimum 2.75 GPA).

Maintaining your eligibility each term:

• Maintain full-time student status.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA.
• Remain in good academic and behavioral standing.
• Participate with University staff and students in projects on and off campus ranging from 5-10 hours per week - or approximately 100 hours per term. This includes participation on the Commission for Diversity and Inclusion, in student clubs, on committees or in the off-campus promotion of Northwestern.
• Demonstrate professional conduct and be a positive advocate for diversity efforts at Northwestern
• Meet at least once per trimester with the Chair of the Commission for Diversity and Inclusion to establish and discuss assigned projects, and discuss scholarship eligibility and expectations.

Personal/medical leave

Any personal or medical leave must be approved by the Diversity Scholarship Committee and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarship limits/restrictions

• Incoming students may only apply once every three years. Once enrolled, a student may apply for the Diversity Leadersip Scholarship.
• Students may receive other scholarships that are equal or less than the remaining portion of their tuition. However, students are not eligible to receive a combination of scholarships and/or tuition remission benefits totaling more than 100% of the cost of their tuition.
• The scholarship applies to one academic program at a time. An applicant must complete the first academic program in which they received the award and apply again for the scholarship for a second academic program.
• The scholarship is not available for students enrolling in the College of Graduate Health Sciences (Master of Health Science programs) or B.S. in Human Biology Completion Program for non-chiropractic students.
• The Diversity Scholarship Committee reserves the responsibility to not award any scholarships if there are no qualified applicants.

Application procedure

The expectations of the Diversity Scholarship for Incoming Students take commitment, time and effort while you are in school. Take this into serious consideration when you apply.

1. Submit an Application for Admission (if you have not done so already)

Your scholarship application will not be reviewed until you have submitted an application for admission.

2. Complete a Scholarship Application, including:

• Statement of Diversity Commitment. An essay in which you discuss your qualifications for this scholarship, including: 1) your past service to underrepresented communities; 2) your past participation in multicultural/diversity organizations or activities; and 3) your plan to serve your community after graduation.
• Resumé of Relevant Experience. Your resumé should include the name of the organization, dates of service, role or position, and duties/responsibilities.
• Statement of Financial Need. An essay explaining financial need, including availability of student loans, family support and other financial aid.
• Two (2) Professional Letters of Recommendation. At least two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals you have worked with previously on projects concerning diversity and inclusion.*

* Letters of recommendation should be mailed or emailed directly to:
Alejandra Estrin Dashe, PhD
Chair of Commission for Diversity & Inclusion
Northwestern Health Sciences University
2501 W. 84th St.
Bloomington, MN 55431
adashe@nwhealth.edu

3. If requested, participate in personal and group interviews with the Diversity Scholarship Committee. You must be physically present for the interview. Interviews take place within 3 weeks of the scholarship application deadlines. (In your application, you may discuss the interview: the timing, your ability to be present and any barriers to attending.)

Scholarship application deadlines

• Incoming January class (College Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, College of Chiropractic): November 1
• Incoming January class (School of Massage Therapy): December 1
• Incoming May class (School of Massage Therapy only): April 1
• Incoming September class (College Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, College of Chiropractic): July 1
• Incoming September class (School of Massage Therapy): August 1

Award notification

Scholarship recipients are notified by letter within 3 weeks of the application deadline. 

Upon completion of your education

The spirit of the Diversity Scholarship is to inspire you to continue to serve communities in need of natural health care following graduation. By reducing your educational debt, you may be able to focus more of your time and energy on diversity-related activities in your clinical practice and community. Northwestern encourages you in remaining engaged with the campus community after graduation to share your experiences with current students, staff and faculty.