Ingram Scholars Program

Mission and History

E. Bronson Ingram, chairman of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust from 1991 until his death in 1995, conceived of the Ingram Scholars Program in 1993 as a way to encourage Vanderbilt students to combine a professional career with a commitment to community service. Ingram's own life exemplified volunteerism and an untiring commitment to mobilizing resources of the business community to assist nonprofit community groups. His endeavors are being continued by his family, including his wife, Martha Ingram, an emerita member of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust.

The Ingram Scholars Program challenges students to create and implement substantial service projects in the community. The program supports students who demonstrate a willingness and ability to combine a successful business or professional career with a lifelong commitment to finding solutions to critical problems facing modern society. Ingram Scholars are expected to devote approximately twenty hours each month during the academic year and at least one of their undergraduate summers to relevant community outreach and service projects.

Scholarship Benefits

Ingram Scholars receive full-tuition, all required fees, and the value of on-campus housing each year plus a stipend for a special summer service project. Vanderbilt will provide additional need-based financial aid to those Ingram Scholarship recipients whose demonstrated financial need exceeds the amount of full tuition. Scholarships are renewable annually through the senior year contingent on the maintenance of a 3.0 minimum GPA and fulfillment of service-related requirements. Throughout their years as an Ingram Scholar, students are required to maintain a twenty-hour monthly service commitment and to complete one summer service project following their sophomore year. Ingram Scholars meet weekly in large and small groups to discuss individual and collective progress, and to reflect on the personal meaning and societal implications of service. The Ingram Scholars Program is coordinated by a faculty director who oversees scholar activities associated with the Ingram program.

Application and Selection

• The Ingram Scholars Program application is strongly encouraged; preference is given to those who apply. Applicants apply via MyAppVU after submitting admission application. Ingram Scholars Program applications for prospective first year students must be submitted electronically via your MyAppVU account by December 1, 2024.
• Currently enrolled first year students may apply for 2025-2026 and must submit the electronic Ingram Scholars Program Application which will become available mid-January. Applications and reference letters are due February 28.

Ingram Scholars are selected on the basis of commitment to civic-minded service, an entrepreneurial spirit, strength of personal character, and leadership potential. In evaluating candidates, the selection committee reviews the Ingram Scholars Program application along with the entire application for first-year admission. Ingram Scholar Finalists are also required to interview with the selection committee.

Learn how to apply  for our signature scholarships, find more information about  other merit-based scholarships , and get answers to  frequently asked questions.