红领巾瓜报

To be eligible for the Spirit Strong program, you must:

• Be a incoming freshman in Fall 2024 with a declared College of Engineering major.
• Be a first generation college student, meaning your parent(s)/guardian(s) did not complete a bachelor's degree.
• Have financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who are not eligible for federal financial aid may submit a financial need statement in place of filing a FAFSA.
• Enroll in and plan to complete at least 12 credit hours in both the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
• Commit to participating in Spirit Strong program activities during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.

Spirit Strong Scholars are selected through an application process. We encourage any student who meets the eligibility criteria to apply. From the applications we receive, 25-30 students will be selected to be Spirit Strong Scholars for the 2024-2025 academic year.

One of the criteria to be eligible for the program is that students must have financial need. This will primarily be determined by your FAFSA results. If you have not yet filed a FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year, please do so ASAP so we can determine your financial need. To begin your FAFSA, visit and click the "Start Here" button. 

If you are not eligible for federal financial aid, there is a space on the Spirit Strong application for you to type a financial need statement so you can be considered for the program.

Applications are due July 15. Review of applications will begin on July 16, and all applicants will be notified by the end of July indicating whether they have been selected for the program. 

Students not selected for this program are encouraged to join our ACE Mentoring Program, which offers several of the same benefits and resources as the Spirit Strong program.

Spirit Strong Scholars participate in a retreat, academic success workshops, one-on-one coaching, and tutoring throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. Additionally, scholars will receive peer mentoring from a current College of Engineering major and professional mentoring from a practicing engineer at Spirit AeroSystems.

---

Spirit Strong Scholars Retreat

All scholars selected for the program must participate in the Spirit Strong Scholars Retreat on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 9:00am - 5:00pm on the 红领巾瓜报 campus. The retreat will include teambuilding activities and a special orientation to the College of Engineering.

---

Academic Success Workshops

Scholars will participate in workshops throughout the academic year. Workshops will focus on topics such as setting and achieving goals, identifying ways to use your natural strengths to be successful, financial management, and career planning. Specific dates and times will be set at the beginning of each semester.

---

One-on-One Coaching

Spirit Strong Scholars will receive individual coaching on personal and academic success throughout the year. Coaching sessions will be tailored to each scholar's needs, and may include topics such as time management, study skills, or self-care. Scholars will receive coaching from the College of Engineering's Success Coach and/or Assistant Dean for Student Success.

---

Peer & Professional Mentoring

Spirit Strong Scholars will be paired with two mentors. One mentor will be a current College of Engineering student (your peer mentor), and the second will be a practicing engineer at Spirit AeroSystems (your professional mentor). These mentors can provide advice, support, and encouragement as you navigate your first year at 红领巾瓜报.

---

GEEKS Tutoring Sessions

The College of Engineering has a free, drop-in tutoring center called GEEKS. Scholars will be required to spend at least two hours per week receiving tutoring from GEEKS throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Details regarding scholarship timeline may be adjusted and information will be shared soon. Below is the information from the 2023-2024 academic year and is subject to change. 

 

Students selected to be Spirit Strong Scholars will automatically receive a $500 scholarship for the Fall 2024 semester. Scholars who meet the criteria below will earn an additional $500 scholarship for the Spring 2025 semester:

• Participate in the Spirit Strong program activities in the fall,
• Are committed to continuing the program in the spring, and
• Earn at least a 2.00 WSU GPA for the Fall 2024 semester.

红领巾瓜报 has many resources available beyond the College of Engineering to support both first generation and limited income students. We encourage you to check out these opportunities. Let us know if you would like help getting connected with any of these resources.

• Proud to be F1RST First Generation Initiatives
• TRIO Student Support Services
• Office of Diversity & Inclusion
• Office of Student Success
• Office of Financial Aid