Ignite Excellence Scholarship Application 2027

Applicants for the Ignite Excellence Scholarship will compete for 8 full tuition scholarships. Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Faith & Purpose: Applicants demonstrate how their faith, values, and sense of purpose have shaped their lives and the way they hope to use their education and God-given gifts.
Contribution to Community: Applicants demonstrate the unique gifts, talents, experiences, perspectives, and strengths they would bring to the Gardner-Webb community and the ways they hope to invest in the lives of others.
Academic Excellence: Applicants demonstrate a commitment to learning and excellence through their academic achievements, intellectual curiosity, initiative, and desire to continue challenging themselves and growing.

Please complete the application in its entirety to be considered for this scholarship. To be eligible for scholarship consideration, you must be admitted to Gardner-Webb University. Should you have any questions, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@gardner-webb.edu or 704-406-2550.

Please submit your essay, recommendations, resume and completed application by January 10 at 11:59 p.m.

Your Information

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Email Address
Please provide a personal email address rather than a school-issued email address.

Student Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Birthdate

Mobile Phone Number

May we text you?

Yes

No

School Information

High School Name

School CEEB Code (Hidden)

Essay

A Gardner-Webb education is an opportunity to grow in faith, pursue academic excellence, discover your purpose, and use your God-given gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.

In an essay of 1000 words or fewer, explain why you want to pursue a Gardner-Webb education and how you believe you will contribute to and grow within the Gardner-Webb community. As you develop your response, address the following areas:

Faith & Purpose
How have your faith, values, and sense of purpose shaped who you are? How do you hope your education will help you grow in your faith and pursue your purpose?
Contribution to Community
What unique gifts, talents, experiences, perspectives, or strengths will you bring to Gardner-Webb? How might you use those gifts to encourage, serve, and contribute to the community around you?
Academic Excellence
What experiences have shaped you as a learner and challenged you to pursue excellence? How do you hope to continue growing academically and intellectually at Gardner-Webb?

Your essay should be a cohesive reflection rather than a series of responses. Use specific examples and experiences to help us understand what motivates you, what you value, and what you hope to contribute at Gardner-Webb.

We are looking for more than a list of accomplishments or a description of your future plans. We want to hear your voice, understand the person behind your application, and see how you would make the most of the opportunity to become more at Gardner-Webb.

This essay must be your original work and written entirely in your own words. Please do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to write, generate, or substantially revise your essay. We want to hear directly from you and understand your experiences, perspective, and voice.

Upload your Ignite Excellence Scholarship Essay:
Your response of 1000 words or fewer should be submitted as a PDF or Word document using the format provided below.

Letters of Recommendation

Academic Recommendations (2) - You should submit two letters from individuals who can speak to your academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, approach to learning, character, and potential for continued growth. The letter should provide insight into the qualities and contributions that distinguish you as a student and member of your school community.

**Recommendations should be written by individuals who know you well and should not be submitted by a family member or relative. These letters may be sent directly to the applicant for submission.*

Upload your Academic Recommendation #1:

Upload your Academic Recommendation #2:

Resume

Resume - Your resume should highlight your extracurricular involvement and interests, including clubs, leadership roles, and service activities through your school, church, or other organizations. The resume should not exceed one page.

Upload your Resume:

Interview Information

Please select which days you would be available for your on campus interview. (Please select at least 2 dates)

Wednesday, January 27, 2027

Thursday, January 28, 2027

Friday, January 29, 2027

Wednesday, February 3, 2027

Do you or any of your guests attending the scholarship event require any accommodations (such as food allergies, accessibility, or communication needs)?

Yes

No

If yes, please give a brief overview of the accommodations that will be needed: