Leonhard Scholars

The William and Wyllis Leonhard Engineering Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship program for outstanding students in the College of Engineering. Through the Leonhards’ generosity, this program offers students of exceptionally high ability and motivation an opportunity for study, financial support, leadership development, and enhancement activities at one of the nation’s premier colleges of engineering. The overall goal of the program is to assist students in finding their inspiration and achieving their desired impact in the world.

Benefits of the Leonhard Scholars Program

• Scholarship Support of $3,335 each semester, renewable for up to eight semesters as long as eligibility is maintained.
• Travel Grants for Study Abroad through the Leonhard Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Education.
• Personal Development through advising from the Director of the Leonhard Center and involvement in special activities including interaction with the Leonhard Center Advisory Board, comprised of highly successful PSU graduates. In addition, the Leonhard Scholars are invited to participate in workshops on topics such as leadership and ethics.
• Improving engineering education at Penn State by providing input to the Director of the Leonhard Center on issues related to teaching and learning.
• Participation in special academic programs aimed in developing World-Class Engineering skills such as Study Abroad, the Engineering Leadership Development Minor, and the Engineering Entrepreneurship Minor.

Program Eligibility

To be considered for the Leonhard Engineering Scholars Program a student must:

• Plan to enroll or already be enrolled as a first-year, full-time undergraduate student in the College of Engineering at the University Park Campus.
• Have the promise of outstanding academic success (or have a superior academic record with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5, if already enrolled).
• Must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form on file.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities.

Maintaining Eligibility as a Leonhard Scholar

Students chosen as Leonhard Scholars will receive a merit-based scholarship award of $3,335 per semester for up to eight semesters, providing the following guidelines are met:

• Students must continue to be enrolled full-time in the College of Engineering at Penn State.
• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Students must volunteer for service that supports their engineering program and/or the College of Engineering. Examples of past service include participation in recruitment events, orientation events, and assisting at the Career Fair.

Application Process

Application must be submitted no later than January 10 to be considered for a scholarship in the Leonhard Engineering Scholars Program for the following fall semester. Those selected for the program will be notified by May 1. For questions or additional information, please email donor@engr.psu.edu.

You will be required to login with your Penn State username and password to access the application form.