Scholarship program will create a partnership with area agencies to work together to alleviate poverty and social injustice.

Niagara University is pleased to be launching the Vincentian Scholars Program, an intensive service and learning experience for highly qualified undergraduate students. Through this program, the university, its students and community leaders will work together to alleviate poverty and social injustice.

The Vincentian Scholars Program is a unique four-year curriculum that will have students work with specific themes, goals and learning outcomes in each year. The program culminates in a full year clinical internship during the fourth year. In order to meet the needs in the community, the essence of the Vincentian Scholar Program would be to prepare students to step in and assist local, regional and possibly even national organizations that work with the poor and oppressed.

"The Vincentian Scholars Program will be an incredible experience for our students, and for the communities they will serve throughout the program," said Dr. Marilynn Fleckenstein, associate vice president for academic affairs at Niagara. "A Niagara education is designed to nurture all areas of a student's growth, and this program will further our students' ability to assume leadership roles in their careers and in their communities."

The Vincentian Scholars Program has been developed by a team of university and community partners. Through this partnership, community organizations would also be involved in identifying and finding solutions to community issues. Administrators and executive directors will lead workshops in nonprofit administration and other topics that will enhance the skills and resumes of the students participating in the program.

The Vincentian Scholars Program offers an annual, renewable scholarship of $5,000 to three incoming freshmen each year. The deadline for students to apply for the Vincentian Scholars Program is Friday, Feb. 19, 2010. The requirements for the scholarship can be found at http://apps.niagara.edu/admissions/vincentian_scholarship.php.

Founded by the Vincentian Community in 1856, Niagara University is a private liberal arts university with a strong, values-based Catholic tradition. Its four academic divisions include the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Hospitality and Tourism Management. The university also maintains an Academic Exploration Program that provides a learning community for students who are undecided about their major.