Purpose of the Marquette University Urban Scholars Program:

• To increase educational access to students from the Milwaukee area, in line with Marquette's Jesuit mission​
• To intentionally diversify ​the lived experiences of the Marquette community​
• To remove financial barriers to Marquette University education​
• To build a generation of students as leaders who serve the Milwaukee community.

Program History:

• In 2006, Father Robert A. Wild, S.J., who served as the 22nd President of Marquette University, established the Urban Scholars Program.​​
• In 2007, the first cohort of scholars entered the program. ​​
• In 2020, based on the program's success, the late Marquette President Michael R. Lovell expanded the Urban Scholars Program to provide 40 more full-tuition scholarships​
• Fall 2025 is the 19th cohort of Urban Scholars.

Program Values & Outcomes:

• Academic Excellence
  • Value: 
    A Marquette University education can open doors to self-actualization, build curiosity, and transform students' lives. Striving academically can lead to your success and readiness to impact the community and the world.
  • Learning Outcome:
    As an Urban Scholar, you will develop time management and study skills. You will engage in high impact practices/experiential learning opportunities that allow you to apply their knowledge in scholarly activity.
  • Learning Experiences: 
    Holistic Advising • Individualized Academic Coaching  • Peer Study Groups • Academic Intervention Plans • Tutoring & Other University Resources
• Leadership & Professional Development
  
  • Value: 
    We believe it is crucial for students to develop as leaders who are career ready, connect with a network of faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners, and gain access to future job and internship opportunities.
  • Learning Outcome:
    As an Urban Scholar, you will develop the ability to effectively network and build relationships. You will successfully grow as a professional in preparation of your career.
  • Learning Experiences: 
    Leadership and Professional Development Series • Milwaukee Bucks x Marquette University Urban Scholars Fellowship • Resume Workshops • Urban Scholars Student Governance 
• Cura Personalis  & Advocacy
  • Value: 
    As a Jesuit institution, Marquette stands on the principle of cura personalis, "care for the whole person". We see our scholars as whole people with complex lives beyond the University. As students face real-world challenges with food insecurity, mental health struggles, transportation issues, etc., Urban Scholars staff will advocate for students inside and outside the classroom.
  • Learning Outcome:
    As an Urban Scholar, you will build self-advocacy and understand the Ignatian practice of discernment.
  • Learning Experiences: 
    Holistic Advising & Wraparound Support • Bo & Candy Ellis Emergency Grant • Food Security Initiatives in Scholar’s Lounge  • Referrals to University Resources & CARE Team • All-Scholar Meetings
• Service & Contribution to City of Milwaukee
  
  • Value: 
    The nature of the Urban Scholars Award is an investment in the education of Milwaukee's best and brightest. We're happy to give back to the city and become the servant leaders our urban areas deserve. 
  • Learning Outcome:
    As an Urban Scholar, you will demonstrate a commitment to serve and meet the needs of our community.
  • Learning Experiences: 
    Make a Difference Day • Fortunate Choices • MLK Day Service • MU Day of Service • Keeping Greater Milwaukee Beautiful
• Community & Belonging
  
  • Value:
    A signature aspect of the Urban Scholars Program is its legacy of fostering community for its Scholars. In line with the spirit of Dumela, we believe belonging is a fundamental to foster a community that believes in the potential and uniqueness of every scholar. We embrace our shared humanity and work together to ensure every person is seen and affirmed.  
  • Learning Outcome:
    As an Urban Scholar, you will develop interpersonal skills and gain a sense of support from the program.
  • Learning Experiences: 
    All-Scholar Monthly Meetings • Scholars Keeper Peer Mentoring • New Scholar Retreat and Other Signature Programs • Scholar-Lead Events