Changemaker Scholars
Changemaker Scholars
Do you want to live your life in a way that makes it a better place for others? The Changemaker Scholars program helps students build the skills and knowledge to address society’s most pressing issues through direct service, business as a force for good, systems change and more.
Changemaker Scholars gain exclusive access to personalized mentoring, skill development, and career preparation that will position them to be difference makers in the world. Scholars will learn alongside each other in the classroom and community from their first year through senior year at Drake. The program provides access to experts in the community, hands-on learning opportunities with start-ups and non-profits, and education in entrepreneurism, leadership and civic engagement. Scholars take what they learn and put it to work in their communities through mission-driven work and model the spirit of Drake’s inspiration statement that together we transform lives and strengthen communities.
Changemaker Scholars will:
- Take courses that emphasize civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and leadership
- Learn about systems change by confronting the root causes of issues and exploring ways to transform structures and power dynamics
- Get out into the community with site visits to non-profits and businesses that serve as a force for good, and meet and network with community leaders
- Participate in hands-on experiences such as doing a service-learning project with a local non-profit and working alongside small-business owners
- Take part in leadership and professional development opportunities like the Civic Action Academy
- Receive personalized mentoring from staff, faculty and community members and assistance obtaining internships and paid employment
- Have the opportunity to earn a minor in Leadership
This 4-year program is open to any entering first-year student in any major who has been admitted to Drake.
All members accepted into the program will receive a renewable $5,000 scholarship for four years.
Application Requirements
- Gain admission to Drake University.
- Eligible candidates must have a 3.0 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale. Official transcripts must be postmarked or submitted with your Drake application for admission by January 29, 2026.
- Apply and complete the separate Changemaker Scholars application by January 29, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Learn more about the program on the Changemaker Scholars web page.
Please log in using your Office of Admission application credentials. (If you have not yet started your admission application, you must start it before you can set up a scholarship/special program application.)
For more information, please contact Mallary Allen, Director of Community Engaged Learning, at mallary.allen@drake.edu or 515-271-2902.
Recipients will be notified by March 20, 2026. Students who are selected must enroll at Drake by May 1, 2026 in order to hold their place in this program.
Undergraduate scholarships are available only to students enrolled at the undergraduate level, for up to 4 years total or until a Bachelor's degree is earned (whichever comes first). Students entering one of Drake's joint undergraduate/graduate degree paths should refer to Program-Specific Policies to understand which years are designated as undergraduate-level for billing and financial aid purposes. Scholarships will renew automatically if all renewal requirements are satisfied.
