Build Community. Lead with Respect. Shape the Future.
The Civic Friendship Scholarship at Assumption University recognizes students who are passionate about building bridges across differences and contributing to a community grounded in respectful dialogue, mutual understanding, and the common good.
Launching with the incoming Fall 2025 class, this renewable four-year award provides a $10,000 scholarship each year. The program reflects the University’s belief that living and learning in community is one of the most powerful ways to develop the skills of civic friendship.
Civic Friendship Scholars will engage with the University’s Center for Civic Friendship, participate in programs and events that foster constructive engagement across diverse perspectives, and build the critical skills needed for a future of impact and purpose.
The program affirms that disagreement, approached with respect, attentiveness, and curiosity, can be a path to deeper understanding and is essential to leadership in a diverse and democratic society.
Become a Civic Friendship Scholar
Application Requirements: Complete the below application, including a written or video response to the question prompts
Application Window: August 14 – November 15 (award notifications in December 2025)
Scholarship Amount: $10,000 renewable scholarship
For questions, please contact Kaitlyn Hastings.
What is Civic Friendship?
Civic friendship is about building bridges, not tearing them down.
Rooted in a commitment to building strong communities, civic friendship encourages people from diverse backgrounds to connect beyond their differences, forming more welcoming and inclusive societies.
Civic friendship is the foundation of who we are at Assumption University. Through the Center for Civic Friendship, our mission is to cultivate the virtue of civic friendship in students and teachers at Assumption and across the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application and essay/video due?
The application will be live starting December 15, 2024. All materials are due no later than 11:59pm on January 31, 2025.
When will applicants find out if they are awarded?
February 2025
What is the scholarship amount?
First-year students who will be entering college in the Fall of 2025 are eligible for this $10,000 scholarship. This scholarship is renewable for 4 years as long as the student is making satisfactory academic progress and is a residential student. In addition to the award above, students will receive a $500 book award.
Why is housing part of the scholarship program?
Housing is central to this initiative because living in community offers an invaluable opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships, encouraging students to build bridges across differences.
Are the scholarships stackable?
The two awards are stackable with other merit awards.
How will my application be reviewed?
Applicants will be reviewed by a carefully selected committee of dedicated Assumption faculty and staff members who are committed to building the inaugural cohort of Civic Friendship Scholars. This committee with be steered by Mary Jane Rein (mj.reinkates@assumption.edu).
How many words should my essay be?
300-500 words.
Can my essay be the same as my CommonApp Essay?
Please ensure that your essay is in response to one of the questions listed on the application. We encourage all applicants to take the time to be reflective and diligent in their submission.