Intercultural Living & Learning Community Student Scholarship

Marshall University recognizes that each student’s educational experience is richer when it occurs in an environment that celebrates intercultural knowledge and understanding. We invite students interested in learning more about the benefits of intercultural understanding, with an emphasis on providing leadership to advance this knowledge on campus and in the community, to apply to live in our intercultural-themed living/learning community (ILLC) at Marshall University.

For this scholarship, preference will be given to applicants who best exhibit the potential to advance intercultural knowledge and understanding on Marshall’s campus. The application process will allow interested students to let us know if they have been active in working or advocating on behalf of chronically underserved populations in the past (e.g., participation in organizations that serve these populations) and/or, if they wish to do so in the future.

Prospective students who have achieved a minimum high school GPA of 2.75 and would like to be considered for these service/leadership scholarship positions are encouraged to apply to be part of the ILLC.  Admitted students should apply if they feel they will add a valuable perspective to the ILLC and are committed to participating in initiatives that will promote intercultural understanding on the MU campus.

April 24, 2026

Successful applicants will receive total annual Marshall University funded scholarships stackable up to $5,000 (WV residents); $8,500 (Metro residents); $11,000 (Non-Residents).

The ILLC scholarship is renewable each year, for up to four years.  Renewal criteria include obtaining a cumulative Marshall GPA of at least 2.5 and fulfilling all requirements of ILLC participation. Students are required to live in university residence halls for the first two years of the program (Freshman North during year one, and a residence hall of your choice for year two). Students must continue to engage in specified activities as an Intercultural Learning Community (ILC) participant. Additionally, as they progress at Marshall, they will have the opportunity to mentor new freshmen who live in the ILLC.

Successful applicants must live in the ILLC (Freshman North Residence Hall) during the academic year 2026-2027 (fall 2026 and spring 2027).  Students must participate in required ILLC programming, including reading and discussing two assigned books, attending all required meetings, and participating in at least four theme-related activities/lectures that will be offered on campus. Students who complete these activities will receive recognition on their Marshall University Co-Curricular Transcripts, which are generated through HerdLink.  Students completing at least three years of these activities will receive honor cords for commencement.

• Complete and return the scholarship application (link below) by April 24, 2026.
• To be complete, your application requires one letter of recommendation either from a teacher or school counselor.  Recommenders may upload their letters online by clicking this link or send them via U. S. Mail by April 24, 2026, to:
  • ILLC Scholarship Committee, Marshall University Office of Academic Affairs, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington WV 25755.
• Apply for admission and gain acceptance to Marshall University by April 24, 2026.
• Attain a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher.
• Complete FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa by June 30, 2026.