Transform Your Community. Win a Scholarship.
The Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship Competition gives high school seniors and transfer students the opportunity to win a full scholarship by creating a plan to solve a real problem in their community.
This competition embodies our commitment to developing leaders who see challenges as opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
The Challenge
The challenge is to create a community service project that solves a real problem and makes a lasting difference. We’re seeking students who can:
- Identify a compelling problem in their community
- Develop an innovative, sustainable solution
- Create a detailed implementation plan
- Demonstrate how their solution will improve lives
Award Opportunities
| Award Level | Scholarship Value | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Winner(s) | Full Scholarship ($59,200/year, $236,800 total) | Coaching, mentoring, and independent study credit to implement your plan |
| Runner(s)-up | $34,000/year ($136,000 total) | Coaching, mentoring, and independent study credit |
| Honorable Mention(s) | $30,000/year ($120,000 total) | Coaching, mentoring, and independent study credit |
Note: The Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship cannot be combined with other PC merit scholarships. If you’ve already been offered a scholarship, it will be replaced by this award.*
Real Students. Real Impact.
Want to change your community—and your future? These past winners of the Service Entrepreneurship Competition turned their ideas into action. From launching mobile markets to creating mental health resources and medical equipment banks, they’re proof that one student can make a big difference. What will you do?
Real Students. Real Impact.
Want to change your community—and your future? These past winners of the Service Entrepreneurship Competition turned their ideas into action. From launching mobile markets to creating mental health resources and medical equipment banks, they’re proof that one student can make a big difference. What will you do?
How to Apply
1. Apply to Presbyterian College by November 1
2. Submit your proposal by November 1 (individual or team of 2-3)
Proposal Guidelines
Your submission should address these key areas:
Problem Statement
- Describe the problem and how you identified it.
- Explain current approaches and why they’re insufficient.
- Demonstrate the urgency and importance of addressing this issue.
Solution Design
- Detail your innovative approach.
- Show how it creates sustainable value.
- Explain how you will measure the success of your proposal.
Implementation Timeline
- Provide a realistic execution plan.
- Identify key milestones and phases.
Research & Resources
- Reference qualified guidance that informed your proposal.
- Identify potential barriers and how you’ll overcome them.
- Detail resources needed and already available.
How We Evaluate Entries
The Service Entrepreneurship Competition Committee will review all submitted proposals and invite selected students to campus based on the strength of their ideas. Finalists will participate in two rounds of evaluation: a semi-final round and a final round. During the semi-final round, students will explain and defend their proposal during a 15-minute interview with a distinguished panel. This panel typically includes business leaders, philanthropists, impact investors, representatives from capacity-building organizations, and successful social entrepreneurs who provide valuable feedback and assessment of each proposal’s potential impact.
Your proposal will be judged based on your concept and execution:
Concept (50%)
- Innovative Approach: Clear understanding of the issue, recipients, and feasibility.
- Social Impact: Potential for substantial, sustainable contribution.
- Community Connection: Demonstrated understanding of the community served.
Execution (50%)
- Team Capabilities: Relevant skills, experience, and diverse perspectives
- Community Engagement: Personal experience or community involvement
- Contextual Awareness: Understanding of regulatory landscape and potential risks
- Resource Planning: Sensible funding and resource acquisition plan
- Measurement Strategy: Practical approach to tracking outcomes
- Communication: Persuasive presentation of idea and potential
Heart of Service: The Blue Hose Difference
Being a Blue Hose means seeing the world through the lens of service. At Presbyterian College, you’ll be transformed in mind, heart, and spirit—achieving more than you thought possible.
Our commitment to service isn’t just a program; it’s woven throughout everything we do. This competition is your chance to join a community where service is the air we breathe, where you’ll be raised to your highest potential while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.