Wilcox Scholars Program

The Wilcox Scholars Program (WSP) is a new program for Judy Genshaft Honors College Students. The program is designed for students of any major who are interested in public policy, civic engagement, leadership, and community service. Wilcox Scholars are admitted to the program at the conclusion of their first year at USF and are expected to continue to be active cohort members during their second, third, and fourth years at USF.

Wilcox Scholars will have access to unique networking opportunities with local, state, and national public affairs professionals while gaining tangible, real-world experiences to strengthen their resumes. Once students have completed their first year as a Scholar, they are eligible to receive a $2,000 scholarship to be used for an approved internship, fellowship, service opportunity, or similar activity. All Scholars will meet regularly with a dedicated Scholars Advisor within the Judy Genshaft Honors College and are expected to actively engage in events sponsored by the program.

ELIGIBILITY

A Wilcox Scholar is a highly motivated student passionate about public policy, community engagement and leadership at the local, statewide, national, and/or global level. Through access to mentorship and unique opportunities, a Wilcox Scholar will become a leader who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to serving their community. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong sense of personal responsibility and shows initiative to pursue academic and extracurricular activities.

All interested students must:

• Be in good standing with the Judy Genshaft Honors College
• Have taken and passed at least one IDH course
• Be a first-time in college undergraduate student
• Have a faculty member to complete a reference form

Students in the following majors and concentrations may be especially interested to apply:

Students with concentrations in any of the above majors or the following may also be interested in applying: Government, Global Affairs, Public Administration, Leadership Studies, Urban Studies, and Public Service and Leadership.

• Applications open: Week of February 19, 2024
• Applications close: March 18, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Apply to the Wilcox Scholars Program

APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Students will complete a short application form and submit a video response to the questions listed in the application. Please carefully follow the video guidelines provided. Videos must not exceed four minutes in length.
• Students will need one faculty member, preferably from the Judy Genshaft Honors College, to complete a reference form.

Faculty Reference Form Link

The mission of the Wilcox Scholars Program is to recruit and refine cohorts of highly motivated, first-year Judy Genshaft Honors College students engaged in civic service, community organizing, and public policy. The program is committed to providing an environment that attracts visionary undergraduates and helps them refine their skills to become dynamic leaders. Through mentorship, experiential learning, and a strong sense of responsibility, Wilcox Scholars will be equipped to inspire positive change on campus, in their communities, and across the globe.

Year 1: Admission

First-year students apply for the Wilcox Scholars Program. There will be a welcome event for all accepted Scholars at the end of the Spring semester.

Year 2: Participate & Grow

Scholars attend WSP events and take advantage of networking and volunteer opportunities. Scholars should meet with the Office of National Scholars and discuss internship opportunities with the Scholars Advisor. Involvement in Student Government or Judy Genshaft Honors Student Council are highly encouraged. At the end of their second year, Scholars are eligible to utilize the Wilcox Scholars Program scholarship towards an approved service trip, internship, or similar and relevant experience.

Year 3: Develop

Scholars will continue to attend WSP events and network with community and state leaders. As experienced Wilcox Scholars, they will be expected to mentor younger Scholars through their initial experiences and help them find relevant opportunities. Third-year Scholars should also be applying for internships, fellowships, and study away or study abroad opportunities. If they have not utilized their WSP scholarship, they will need to do so, or have a plan to do so, by the start of their fourth year. 

Year 4: Lead

Fourth-year Scholars are encouraged to participate in shaping the Wilcox Scholars Program experience, using their expertise and networks to improve theirs and fellow Scholars’ experience. As graduating seniors, they will work with the Scholars Advisor to decide on their post-graduate steps.

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CONTACT

Students interested in learning more about the Wilcox Scholars Program can email the Wilcox Scholars Advisor.