A model of the administration of an endowable non-financial need based scholarship program

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to document the administration of the TAMU President's Scholars Award Program as a model for other non-financial need based scholarship programs. The many facets of the program are examined in detail to illustrate the effect on various areas of the university, primarily recruitment and resources. The endowment of over 2.5 million dollars resulting from the program is described. Some qualitative effects of the program on entering freshman classes of the university which contained President's Scholars from 1969-70 through the 1973-74 academic year were evaluated. Effects on the number of high achievers (SAT 1300 or greater) and number of high school valedictorians is examined. A comparison of the high school averages and mean SAT scores of the students enrolling from high schools with President's Scholars and university means was accomplished. Some quantitative influences of the program on entering freshman classes of the university which contain President's Scholars were evaluated. The number of students enrolling from each high school with a President's Scholar was compiled for each of the years covered by the study. The high schools with the greatest input of the students to the university were determined for the study period and examined for incluence of the program. The academic success and leadership roles fulfilled by the President's Scholars are elaboratedl