CTCL celebrates important milestones by offering scholarships

Ohio Wesleyan University

To honor the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first edition of Loren Pope’s classic Colleges That Change Lives book and the 10th anniversary of the nonprofit corporation, Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) has established a wonderful scholarship for students enrolling at CTCL-member colleges or universities.

This year’s anniversaries represent important milestones for the publication of Pope’s pioneering guide to 40 lesser-known residential liberal arts schools and the organization of colleges that formed as a result. Four versions of the book have been published since 1996, with the most recent authored by Hilary Masell Oswald, who added four institutions to the organizational membership bringing the total to 44. 

In addition to supporting student-centered college search, the CTCL members represent a diverse and interesting collection of institutions.  But as a group, the CTCL schools share common characteristics, including

•  Low student-to-faculty ratios that foster collaboration, engaged learning, and personal attention
•  A commitment to undergraduate education focusing on the liberal arts and sciences
•  A living and learning environment that is primarily residential and emphasizes the benefits of community, personal growth, participation, and involvement
•  Smaller student enrollments
•  Out-of-classroom learning opportunities including participation in internships, study abroad, service to others, and special interest activities
•  Holistic admission policies including several with “test-optional” routes to admission
•  Alumni networks that stand ready to help graduates with professional and career development opportunities

Locally, CTCL colleges include Emory and Henry, Goucher, St. John’s College, Lynchburg and McDaniel. But the membership spans the country from Hampshire College and Clark University in Massachusetts to Whitman College and the University of Puget Sound in Washington State.

To help introduce students to the CTCL membership, the organization travels together as a group hosting college fairs and events designed to educate students and families about college search.

Celebrating the overwhelming successes of both the book and the organization, the Colleges That Change Lives Scholarship will be awarded for $1,000 per year, renewable for up to four years with a maximum award of $4,000 per student. New students and transfer students (including international students) are eligible to apply for the scholarship, but note that awards will only go to students who choose to attend one of the 44 CTCL-member colleges or universities.

The CTCL Board will review the applications and choose the final recipients. The number of scholarships awarded will be determined by the number of qualified applicants and the funds available at the time.  CTSL anticipates giving at least four awards in 2016.

Interested students must complete an application, including two short essay questions, by March 1, 2016.  Students must also submit copies of admission letter(s) from CTCL-member schools by emailing them to scholarships@ctcl.org by March 25, 2016.

Questions should be directed to Executive Director Maria Furtado, who may be reached at maria.furtado@ctcl.org or by calling 727.465.8005.