Beacon Scholars Program
Lighting the Way to Thrive at Northwestern and Beyond
Beacon Scholars is a premier four-year scholarship program that provides financial and wraparound support for eligible first-generation and lower-income students by honoring the cultural wealth and communities that shape them, and empowering them to explore their passions, education, and leadership potential while staying deeply connected to who they are.
Our Story, Your Success
Launched in Fall 2019, Beacon Scholars (formerly Knight Community Scholars) is a Student Affairs–led scholarship program that supports a selected cohort of first-generation, lower-income, and/or undocumented/DACA students at Northwestern from matriculation to graduation. Scholars receive one-on-one advising, robust support community, individualized resources, and unique opportunities designed just for Beacon Scholars. Scholars are selected based on their leadership capacity, intellectual potential, resilience, and commitment to their communities.
Our Community by the Numbers
128
Scholars in our community
1:60
Dedicated staff-to-student support
100%
Driven by student belonging
[Beacon] Scholars gave me a space to connect with people from similar backgrounds. That sense of community made Northwestern feel less overwhelming.”
Research and Impact
Beacon Scholars is continuously evaluated through collaboration with faculty researchers to better understand how structured community and access to resources influence student success.
Follow Us
Follow SES and our student-led Beacon communities on Instagram to see the scholar experience in action.
