Qualifications & Application

The Changemaker Scholars Program

Changemaker Scholars

The Changemaker Scholars program invites up to 50 outstanding changemakers to join our program each fall.

Applications for Fall 2025 are now open. The application deadline is Feburary 1st, 2025. If you have questions about the application process, please email Daniel Hedden at hedden@etsu.edu.  

Changemaker Application

NOTE: You must apply first to ETSU and use your @etsu.edu email to apply to Honors College Programs

If you don’t know your ETSU email address, contact the Admissions Office to get it.

Qualifications

The Changemaker Scholars Program seeks applicants with a demonstrated interest in and commitment to community involvement, social innovation, and other efforts to enact positive change in their communities. Students must have a 26 ACT (1230 SAT) or a 3.5 (unweighted) high school GPA.

Please Note:

  • Currently enrolled ETSU students, transfer students, non-degree seeking students, and second baccalaureate degree students are not eligible for this program.

  • If you are graduating from high school with dual enrollment credit or an Associate Degree earned at the same time, you will be considered an incoming freshman by ETSU and you are eligible for the Changemaker Scholars Program.

Application

  1. You must complete the general application for admission to ETSU. For more information concerning the application process for admission to ETSU,please visit the Admissions How to Apply web page. To be eligible for the Changemaker program, you must be enrolling at ETSU as an incoming first-year student in the fall.

  2. Gather the information you need to apply. You will need:
    1. Your basic personal and academic information.
    2. A resume or list of activites detailing your educational and extracurricular accomplishments. Potential sections include scholastic honors, extracurricular activities (including sports and arts), volunteer service, and work experiences. Please clearly indicate any leadership activities or positions.
    3. Two to three application essays (approximately 500-750 words each). The reviewers will be looking for the following in your essay: originality and creativity; strong point or argument; evidence of care, effort and clarity; essay organization, grammar, structure and language. Please respond to the essay prompts below.
    4. Contact information (name, title, and email addresses) for your two academic references. Please provide the names and email addresses of two individuals who will serve as your references for the Changemaker Scholars application. Choose individuals who know you well, particularly in terms of your academic achievement, your potential for honors work at the university, and your involvement with efforts to improve your community. References do not need to provide a letter. They will be contacted as needed after interviews. 

  Changemaker Application

NOTE: You must apply first to ETSU and use your @etsu.edu email to apply to Honors College Programs

If you don’t know your ETSU email address, contact the Admissions Office to get it.