Merit-Based Scholarships

for incoming undergraduate students

Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarship

The Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarships, Lewis & Clark’s highest merit awards, recognize incoming first-year students of exceptional academic achievement and distinctive personal accomplishment. Up to five scholarships are awarded to entering first-year students and are renewable annually, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. The scholarships provide full tuition and fees, valued at more than $154,000 over four years.

The Neely Scholarships are made possible by Barbara Hirschi Neely, who established numerous trust funds to benefit Lewis & Clark. When she died in January 1990, these trust funds were designated as endowment funds for student aid.

Research Stipend

In addition to the scholarship, each Neely scholar is granted a $2,000 stipend that may be used after the fourth semester at Lewis & Clark on projects approved by the scholar’s faculty advisor and the director of academic awards and grants.  Possible applications for the stipend include research, internships, or artistic projects related to the scholar’s academic program and civic engagement initiatives.

Merit Scholarships

Up to half-tuition scholarships are available. Students with exceptional academic credentials and preparation for meaningful involvement in the Lewis & Clark community are considered each year to receive these awards.  Additional scholarships may be available to students with an interest in the sciences or international issues. No separate scholarship application is required.

Leadership & Service Scholarships

These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding academics combined with exemplary leadership and/or service in their school or community. For students entering the College during the fall 2012 and beyond, the Leadership & Service Scholarship may be valued at up to half of tuition. The award is renewable for three additional years based on continued leadership and/or service activities and satisfactory academic progress. All admitted students are considered for these scholarships; no separate form other than the application for admission is required.

Herbert Templeton National Merit Scholarships

A merit-based scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to entering first-year students who have been selected as National Merit Scholars and who have designated Lewis & Clark as their first choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by May 1. To qualify, you must take the PSAT no later than your junior year of high school. The scholarship is renewable provided the student makes satisfactory academic progress.

Music Scholarships

A merit-based scholarship awarded to students who have outstanding talent in music. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $8,000. Application includes an audition. To renew the scholarship, students must participate in activities within the Music Department and maintain satisfactory academic progress. For details, contact:

Department of Music
Lewis & Clark College
0615 SW Palatine Hill Road
Portland, OR 97219
503-768-7460
music@lclark.edu

Forensics Scholarships

Forensics Scholarships are available to students who have an outstanding record of achievement in debate and forensics. Students must participate in forensic competition and maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible to receive the scholarship. For further information, contact:

Professor Bjørn Stillion Southard
Director of Forensics
503-768-7615
bjorn@lclark.edu

External Scholarships

External scholarships, many of which are based on merit or special criteria, are an increasingly important source of funding for students. Last year, Lewis & Clark students garnered almost $1.4 million in external scholarship money awarded by businesses, community groups, and religious and fraternal organizations. Your high school counselor should be able to refer you to local scholarship sources. There are also several online resources to aid in your scholarship search.

For more information about these merit-based scholarships:

Office of Admissions
503-768-7040
800-444-4111 toll free
admissions@lclark.edu