Watson and Odyssey Programs

The deadline has been extended through Feb. 13.

An Elon education emphasizes immersive experiences that transform the way students see the world. The Watson and Odyssey Programs were created as a means of assistance for students poised to take advantage of an Elon education but for whom this possibility might not be an option for financial reasons.

Students selected for the programs are recipients of a number of prestigious, endowed scholarships and, depending on the particular scholarship received, will participate in either the Watson or Odyssey Programs, which include monthly meetings, activities and workshops.

The four-year programs empower students through peer and administrative support so they can excel and have an impact at Elon and in the greater community.

Should You Apply?

The ideal candidate will have good preparation for college, but even stronger academic potential. The selection process will give preference to students who meet as many as possible of the following criteria:

• Are the first members of their family to attend college
• Have not had the opportunity for enriching educational or personal experiences due to personal circumstances or the socio-economic climate of their community
• Have achieved success despite hardship or unusual challenge
• Will bring cultural or socio-economic diversity to Elon
• Exhibit excellent potential to benefit from an Elon education

To be considered for these scholarships, students must Apply Online or complete the Watson and Odyssey Programs Application (PDF)  and financial aid applications, and all required financial aid forms: the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Upon completion and submission of these materials, the Scholarship Committee will review your application and you will be considered for all awards for which you are eligible (based on gender and geographic restrictions).

Two Programs. One Exceptional Experience.

Students in both the Watson and Odyssey Programs meet one-on-one each month with the program coordinator to track their goals and progress within the program. Odyssey and Watson students also gather monthly for Legacy Nights. These meetings bring together students in each year of the program to connect, converse and reflect on their experiences.

The programs are housed in Elon's Multicultural Center. Learn more about the four-year programs on the center's website.

The Watson Program

The Watson Program, which consists of 18 students per year, includes eight recipients of The Leon and Lorraine Watson North Carolina Scholarship and 10 recipients of The Elon Commitment Scholarship.

Applicants must:

• Be North Carolina residents who have attended a North Carolina high school for one or more year(s) and will graduate from a North Carolina high school
• Have a solid record of academic achievement.

Scholarship:

• Eighteen $21,000 awards will be awarded annually. The Watson Program also includes a $4,000 study abroad grant, which may be used for a university-approved study abroad experience.

The Odyssey Program

The Odyssey Program, which consists of 10 students per year, includes recipients of the following scholarships:

The Honorable Thad Eure NC Achievement Scholarship (for North Carolina students in 13 counties)

Applicants must:

• Live in Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Gates, Guilford, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham or Wake counties
• Graduate from a North Carolina high school
• Have a strong record of achievement and leadership through school, place of worship or community organizations.

Scholarship:

• Three $12,000 scholarships will be awarded annually. The Eure Scholarship also includes a $4,000 Elon Experience grant, which may be used for a university-approved study abroad, internship, research, service or leadership experience.

The John L. Georgeo Scholarship (all students are
eligible for consideration)

Applicants must demonstrate:

• High school performance and standardized test scores that indicate promise of academic success
• Activities and involvement that indicate leadership and commitment.

Scholarship:

• Two scholarships of $7,500 will be awarded each year. These scholarships are for tuition only and are renewable annually based on academic performance, financial need, citizenship and full-time enrollment. Recipients also receive a one-time $4,000 study abroad grant.

The Margaret Ann Hall Scholarship (for women from Virginia)

Applicants must:

• Be female
• Graduate from a Virginia high school
• Demonstrate verified financial need (preference given to Pell eligible students).

Scholarship:

• The Hall Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship and also carries an Elon Experiences grant of $4,000, which may be used for a university-approved study abroad, internship, research, service or leadership experience. One scholarship is awarded and is renewable annually. A new recipient is selected every fifth year. The next anticipated award date is April 2012.

The Mac Mahon Family Scholarship (for students from Alamance County, NC or designated counties in NJ)

Applicants must:

• Live in Alamance County, NC or Essex and Hudson counties, NJ, or other identified counties in urban areas of northern New Jersey and graduate from a high school in the designated areas
• Have a solid record of academic achievement and leadership through school, place of worship or community organizations.

Scholarship:

• One student is selected annually to receive this $10,000 scholarship, plus a $4,000 Elon Experiences grant, which may be used for a university-approved study abroad, internship, research, service or leadership experience.

The Susan Scholarship (for women)

Applicants must:

• Be female
• Have a solid record of academic achievement and leadership through school, place of worship or community organizations.

Scholarship:

• Four $12,000 scholarships are awarded annually. Recipients are also given a $4,000 Elon Experience grant, which may be used for a university-approved study abroad, internship, research, service or leadership experience.