Northeastern University Torch Scholars Program
Torch Scholars have the power to change the world.
Continuing Northeastern’s century-old commitment to educational opportunity, the Torch Scholars Program is a bold and innovative initiative that provides students with the opportunity to explore their passions and expand their global horizons. The program’s nomination and holistic review process identifies bright students from across the country who have already succeeded against the odds, but who have not yet reached their full academic potential.
Torch is dedicated to supporting these talented, first-generation college students through an extensive full-scholarship program that includes:
- a comprehensive summer immersion program,
- intensive academic planning and assessments,
- in-depth peer and professional mentoring,
- and a wide array of social events that foster group identity and camaraderie.
The program is simply unparalleled in its support for first-generation students from diverse backgrounds. Much more than a scholarship, Torch is a comprehensive model for access, retention, and achievement.
Torch Scholars have a drive to succeed—for their families and for themselves—and exhibit a universal commitment to giving back, completing 100 hours of service each academic year. Our scholars possess the ability and the will to succeed—Torch transforms them into leaders by empowering them to put those qualities into action.
EACH YEAR, NEARLY 500 NOMINEES FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES VIE FOR 10 TORCH SCHOLARSHIPS.
Torch looks to guidance counselors, teachers, mentors, clergy, and community workers to find deserving Torch Scholars.
Torch Nominators are non-family members—adults and professionals in or out of the school setting who know the student on a personal level. Nominators should be prepared to answer questions about the candidate’s family obligations, motivation, and emotional readiness for college. Please take a moment to think about the promising young people in your life who might benefit from the Torch Scholars Program. You may nominate more than one student in the same academic year.
We’re glad that you are considering nominating a student for Torch. You can nominate a student here.
If you have any questions, please email torch@northeastern.edu.
NOMINATION DEADLINES
| January 1 | Northeastern University Regular Decision application deadline (all Torch applicants must complete the Common Application.) All application materials, including your nomination form, will be considered by the Torch Scholars Selection Committee. | |
| January 15 | Torch Scholars nomination deadline. (Access our nomination form here) | |
We will waive the application fee for Torch nominees. To request a fee waiver, you must select “Other” as the fee waiver type in the payment section when submitting the Common Application and Northeastern Supplement. We will grant the fee waiver after verifying that a student has been nominated for the Torch Scholars Program. If you have questions about having your application fee waived, please contact us at 617.373.7204 or torch@neu.edu.
| February 1 | Priority deadline for financial aid paperwork. Students should complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile in order to be considered for the Torch Scholars program as well as other federal and institutional financial assistance. | |
| February | Finalists will be notified and asked to complete a non-cognitive assessment and complete three additional essays prior to their interview day. | |
| March | Torch Scholars Program decisions are announced. Due to the unique nature of this program, students selected as Torch finalists will not receive their admissions decisions from Northeastern until after scholarship recipients are announced. |