About us

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.

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 2024 the 18th cohort of Urban Scholars entered the program.

Academic Excellence
- Academic excellence is a part of Marquette University's Mission in Action. Urban Scholars work with staff for holistic advising, individualized academic coaching sessions, and referrals to a plethora of university resources and high impact practices. Scholars can join peer study groups with Scholars in their major area and a positive learning community.

Leadership & Professional Development
- We believe it is crucial for students to develop as leaders who are career ready. Urban Scholars connect with a network of faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. They gain access to future job and internship opportunities and gain skills through the Leadership & Professional Development Workshops on topics ranging from Resumes to Emotional Intelligence.

Cura Personalis & Advocacy
- As a Jesuit institution, Marquette stands on the principle of cura personalis, "care for the whole person". As an Urban Scholar, we see you as a whole people with complex lives that extend beyond the University. As students face real world challenges with food insecurity, mental health struggles, transportation issues, etc., Urban Scholars staff will advocate within their power for students inside and outside of the classroom.

Service & Contribution to City of Milwaukee
- 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. Each Urban Scholar completes a 20-hour service requirement each academic year for the public good.

Community & Belonging
- A signature aspect of the Urban Scholars Program is its legacy of fostering community for its Scholars. Scholars benefit from peer mentorship and monthly community meetings. Scholars can enjoy a socio-cultural calendar built around them and created to help develop a sense of belonging within the program and on campus.