Students interested in becoming part of the Act Six Scholars program at North Central University have until Nov. 7 to apply for the 2018–19 program.
In partnership with Urban Ventures’ Act Six program, Minneapolis-St. Paul’s only full-tuition, full-need urban leadership scholarship, North Central provides annual scholarships to qualifying students that cover the cost of tuition, required fees, books, and supplies, plus some or all of the cost of room and board, based on individual need. The Act Six scholarship is available to high school seniors going into their first year of college.
Now in its third year at North Central, the first two cadres of Act Six scholarship recipients have embraced campus life here and are actively developing as leaders in NCU’s unique urban setting.
Valuable conversations
Edwin Quinon ’20, a member of Cadre 1, has used his scholarship to inspire him to higher levels of engagement on campus. “Since I was selected, I want to give my 100 percent in every way. Sometimes it feels like I don’t deserve this, that I’m not supposed to be here; but here I am. And I’m going to take advantage it.”
Another Cadre 1 member, Juliann Cole ’20, finds that her Act Six participation has led to learning that extends far beyond the classroom. “Act Six training has helped me have productive conversations with people who come from different backgrounds than me,” Cole said. Cole is actively engaged in leadership on campus as the PSEO Student Director.
Making an impact is a core component of the Act Six program, which seeks to develop urban and community leaders to be agents of transformation on campus and in their communities. North Central Act Six students are actively involved in campus leadership and serve as student colleagues in various departments on campus.
Noah Newbauer ’21, a member of Cadre 2, uses his skills as a videographer to produce video content for the North Central marketing department.
Visible campus impact
Director of Multicultural Engagement/Community Outreach Bill Green serves as North Central’s Act Six coordinator, who is thrilled with how much impact the first two cadres have had on campus. “We are seeing an increase in healthy dialogue about complex issues of our time, and our Act Six scholars have a role in advancing that discussion,” Green said. “Likewise, I appreciate how the ongoing leadership training with NCU faculty continues to inspire greater understanding and leadership development opportunities for cadres.”
As a student, Cole shares Green’s point of view. “Not only does Act Six bring diverse students, but it brings diverse opinions to the campus community,” Cole noted. “I think this really enriches the conversations Act Six students have on campus.”
Strong base of support
Individual Act Six students find a strong base of support from within and outside of their cadre of scholars. Cole said, “I love being a part of a cadre that can support and affirm me when things get rough.”
That support is especially important because the majority of Act Six scholars are first-generation college students. Being part of a group navigating the new college experience together makes a big difference.
Josue Boutouli ’20, member of NCU Act Six Cadre 1, said, “Being part of the Act Six program is a privilege. I get to be surrounded by intuitive individuals who give their very best in everything they do. [Together] we can focus on making an impact.”
Best preparation
Act Six students become leaders by growing together with a diverse, multicultural group of peers, who are also striving to make a difference on campus and in their home communities.
Scholars engage in several months of training with fellow Act Six scholars and support each other and succeed academically.
In addition to North Central University, Minnesota schools with Act Six programs include Augsburg College, Bethany Lutheran College, Bethel University, and University of Northwestern.
Qualifications and application information for the Act Six Scholarship can be found on the Act Six website.
The deadline for scholarship applications is Nov. 7, 2017.
Learn more about the Act Six program.
