The 2025–26 Promising Scholars Application is open!
First, you must submit your application for admission: Apply now.
Once you submit your application, you can find the link to the Promising Scholars Application on your IUP App Status page.
Make sure to submit your transcripts to complete your admissions application so you can be admitted by October 31. This information will be used with your Promising Scholars Application to determine if you are selected to interview.
What is the Promising Scholars Program?
The Promising Scholars Program rewards your hard work. This competitive scholarship program for high-achieving Pennsylvania students blends financial support with academic and professional development, supporting the success of outstanding minority high school students and first-generation college students. Scholarships range up to $3,000 and are renewable for up to four years.
Promising Scholars Students by the Numbers
On Average…
High School Profile
- 1080 average SAT test scores
- 3.64 average high school GPA
Promising Scholars Students at IUP
- 77% Retention rate
- 72% will graduate in four years
- Cumulative GPA of 3.25 at IUP
Highlights of the Program
The Promising Scholars Program is not merely a scholarship but a transformative initiative aimed at fostering excellence at IUP and preparing students for future success. Admitted students and their families are invited to an enriching overnight campus visit, providing opportunities to explore the campus, engage with current Promising Scholars, and gain valuable insights. Moreover, students are encouraged to reside in the Promising Scholars Living Learning Community, where they can forge meaningful connections within their cohort.
Another aspect of the program is the retention factor. Retention features include:
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Study Hall Hours – Freshmen students are required to produce 80 study hours a semester.
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Mentor/Mentee Program – Incoming students receive a current Promising Scholars student as a mentor for guidance.
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Frederick Douglass Institute – This program focuses on intercultural research and advocacy related to diversity and equity at IUP.
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Debate Team
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Volunteer Hours
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Job Preparation:
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Mock Interviews
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Internship applications
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Résumé preparation
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Job fairs
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Attending IUP is more than a step toward your economic future; it is an action in the present. The Promising Scholars Program, a unique opportunity at IUP, significantly shapes students’ present and future. Here at IUP, people will take you for who you are now rather than what you will be later. IUP has become home for me. I’ve grown here, and I’ve found myself here. I have met people who are now more than just friends—they’re like family.
Charles Coleman ’22
Public Health/Mental and Behavioral Major, Economics Minor, from Pittsburgh
How to Become a Promising Scholar
First, you’ll need to apply to IUP and be admitted by October 31. For best consideration for Promising Scholars, submit your application early.
Next, complete your Promising Scholars application online at:
Promising Scholars Online Application
Applications will be considered based on
- Academic excellence
- Class rank
- Community involvement
- Extracurricular activities
- An essay or recommendation letter (optional)
Be one of the first qualified students to apply, and you’ll be invited to an interview event.
A limited number of students will be selected to participate on each interview date. If selected, you’ll be scheduled for an interview and have the chance to learn more about IUP and the Promising Scholars Program from our staff, alumni, and current students. Mark your calendar for the interview date in your region:
- Promising Scholars West — November 22, 2025 (IUP Campus)
- Promising Scholars East — November 25, 2025 (Philadelphia)
The interview—together with the strength of your high school academics, demonstrated leadership, and participation in extracurricular activities—will determine your eligibility to be selected into the program.
Dr. Erin Conlin
“The Promising Scholars Program represents excellence. Many are campus leaders. All come to IUP ready to leave their mark on the world. They inspire and challenge me to be the best instructor I can be. The entire IUP community benefits from engaging with our Promising Scholars students, whether it's in a formal classroom setting, an extracurricular activity, or simply hanging out. Their energy, creativity, and commitment to excellence enrich IUP's campus culture, community, and academic achievements.”
Loretta Perna
“The Promising Scholars program is a true game-changer for graduating high school seniors. It provides the academic support and, most importantly, the scholarships these students need to succeed in college. Time and again, I've heard nothing but positive stories from my students about their experiences with the program and the dedicated professors and administrators who guide them. It instills a sense of achievement, alleviates financial burdens, and ultimately equips our future generation for a promising future.”
Hi, I’m Devon Charles, an incoming freshman at IUP. I’m here to talk about how the overnight Promising Scholars visit solidified my choice to attend IUP. Before making my decision, I was worried about being welcomed into a new space. I am originally from another state school town and for convenience, I was planning to go there instead. However, as soon as I arrived on IUP’s campus, I felt instantly welcomed. The speakers really made IUP seem like a good safe place for me, especially being a young black man. We got to tour campus, eat at the dining hall, and learn more about what IUP has to offer.
Throughout your years in the Promising Scholars Program, you’ll take part in experiences that encourage you to reach your full potential in both academics and leadership. You’ll have support and guidance from IUP's faculty and administrators to help you succeed. As a Promising Scholar, you’ll participate in the following extra activities: