The following information was provided by Mercyhurst University.
"Guided by the Mercy values of service, hospitality, and justice, Mercyhurst University promotes respect for the dignity of every person as we build a community that that extends beyond mere tolerance to dedicated advocacy for social change. With social justice at the forefront of our nation’s consciousness, our mission compels us not only to speak out against racism wherever it exists, but also to recognize where we as a university can take productive, meaningful action toward equity, inclusion, and justice. In our ongoing conversations on campus and with the surrounding community, we see issues of diversity and inclusion bear on both the Mercyhurst family and our neighbors in the city of Erie. Mercyhurst’s dedication to these principles and commitment to Erie run deep, and we feel the urgency to act in expanding opportunities for future leaders in our neighboring communities of color. As part of that commitment, the university is pleased to announce the Beyond Scholarship. The goal of this prestigious program is to connect promising students with world-class education and experiences to positively influence lives and broaden possibilities for change beyond all expectations.
The Beyond Scholarship is awarded each fall to up to 10 high-achieving students of color from the city of Erie whose family circumstances might not otherwise afford them the opportunity for higher education. The scholarship includes the full cost for tuition, fees, room, and board, less any federal or state grant aid for which the student is eligible, for four years of full-time, on-campus study."
Who is eligible for the BEYOND Scholarship?
Students interested in applying for the Beyond Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
- Be eligible for admission to Mercyhurst University.
- Have graduated high school no more than 18 months prior to their college entry term.
- Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
- Self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color (BIPOC), including Latinx, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, and individual of multiple races.
- Have resided in the city of Erie for at least two years prior to their college entry term.
- Be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and PA State Grant at the point of admission. This requires the annual completion of the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). (As an example of the typical Pell-eligible student, during the most recent financial aid year, 75 percent of Mercyhurst students who qualified for Pell grants came from families with household incomes below $54,000.)
The scholarship application process is open to high school seniors and recent high school graduates who meet the criteria above.
What does the BEYOND Scholarship cover?
The Beyond Scholarship is designed to cover the full cost of attendance — including tuition, fees, and room and board — for four years of full-time, on-campus study at Mercyhurst University, less any federal or state grant aid for which the student is eligible. (Federal or state grant aid eligibility is determined by the FAFSA.)
Scholarship recipients may also be eligible for additional support during the summer terms. Additional academic, community-building, leadership, and mentoring opportunities will also be reserved for scholarship recipients over the course of their undergraduate careers.
The scholarship renews for four years of full-time, on-campus study, provided the student meets Satisfactory Academic Progress as outlined in the undergraduate catalog for annual renewal of the scholarship. In addition, scholarship recipients must complete the FAFSA each year by the appropriate deadline.
Application and Additional Information
