The Burke Scholarship Program

More than a scholarship

The Burke Scholarship Program, supported by the Burke Foundation, is a four-year program for full-time undergraduate students who have a passion for social justice and a commitment to serve others. This full-tuition scholarship is awarded annually to 10 academically talented Wisconsin high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their community through service, leadership and social justice and aspire to pursue careers that benefit the public good. Beyond the tremendous scholarship award, students are provided support and mentorship, attend social justice seminars and retreats, grow strong relationships with peers and community partners, and enhance their college experience through weekly community service. Burke Scholars receive more than a scholarship. They are given a tremendous gift to which they respond in creative, sustained and meaningful ways — as undergraduate students and then as responsible, active citizens. In doing so, they reflect the best elements of Marquette’s Catholic, Jesuit tradition.

The Program Experience

Wisconsin high school seniors are invited to apply for the Burke Scholarship Program after they are accepted to ÏòÈÕ¿ûÊÓƵ as a first year student. The application process includes written materials and an interview. The winners will be selected in March and once accepted, are invited to campus in early May to celebrate their award and are inaugurated into the program. Burke Scholars will experience the following during their four years at ÏòÈÕ¿ûÊÓƵ:

• Annual Burke Summer Retreat (Three days - takes place the week before orientation)
• 10 hours of service per week (150 hours per semester) at a local community organization, church, nonprofit or governmental organization as a direct way to experience social justice issues in our city, with guidance and support from the Burke Scholarship program 
• Bimonthly evening seminars with the entire group of 40 scholars, focusing on reflection, teambuilding and social justice issues in Milwaukee and beyond
• Additional time spent in Cohort meetings, peer mentorship groups, reflections, group service and social activities to build lasting relationships
• Burke End of Year Celebration (Sunday before finals week)

Students should expect to dedicate 12-15 hours per week to the Burke Scholarship Program as part of your ÏòÈÕ¿ûÊÓƵexperience. Students must live on campus all four years. Though our scholars are involved in many other activities on and off campus, the scholarship commitment must take priority along with your academics. Your service, retreats, Burke seminar and various community events and activities serves to form, inform and ultimately transform the Burke Scholars individually and as a scholarship community. By actively developing leaders who engage the greater Milwaukee community during their time at ÏòÈÕ¿ûÊÓƵand beyond through service and social justice work, the Burke Scholarship Program positively addresses some of Milwaukee’s most pressing issues while serving as a conduit for the Scholars to establish genuine relationships with community members and nonprofit agency staff. Therefore, the Burke Scholars integrate energy, perspective and classroom knowledge with service to foster a community-engaged education at ÏòÈÕ¿ûÊÓƵ. 

Learn more about the Burke Scholarship Program celebrating 25 years