Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is there a McConnell Center at the University of Louisville?
U. S. Senator Mitch McConnell is a 1964 graduate of the University of Louisville. In the early 1990’s, Senator McConnell came to the University in hopes of giving something back to the Institution that had given him so much. Together Senator McConnell and the University came up with the idea of creating a scholarship program for young leaders that would give them the kind of opportunities usually found only at the most elite private schools in the northeast. The McConnell Center for Political Leadership was the product of these discussions and was formally launched in 1991.
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How do I become a McConnell Scholar?
Applications are open to any high school senior in the state of Kentucky. Students must first apply for admission to the University of Louisville and then apply specifically to the McConnell Scholars program. All application forms are available on-line at www.louisville.edu. The application process is rigorous and demands an outstanding academic record in high school, strong ACT scores, and demonstrated leadership ability. Students should have inquisitive minds, be interested in politics and government, and be dedicated to a life-long process of learning.
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What is the application process like for McConnell Scholarships?
There are three basic stages to the process we use to choose new McConnell Scholars each year. First, the paper applications are vetted by faculty and staff associated with the McConnell Center for Political Leadership. The top 26-30 applicants are then invited to personal interviews at the University of Louisville. All interviews occur on the same day in late February or early March and are conducted by a panel of faculty, students, and community leaders associated with the Center. Several panels of judges throughout the day interview each student. Third, all judges then convene of a debriefing meeting where a final list of top candidates are finalized. Finalists are offered scholarships, which they have until May 1st to accept.
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What can I expect if I am offered a McConnell Scholarship?
McConnell Scholars are given full-tuition scholarships to attend the University of Louisville. If they meet basic academic and participation requirements of the Center, the scholarship is renewable for four years. Each semester students get to meet national leaders and take part in weekend colloquia on interesting books and topics that are not usually discussed in the classroom. Students take part in at least three trips during their four years at the University including trips to Washington, D.C. and the People’s Republic of China. The Center also helps McConnell Scholars fund travel and educational opportunities that have taken them around the world from India to Spain.
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Do I have to major in Political Science?
McConnell Scholars do not have to major in political science but they do have to at least minor in political science in order to stay eligible for their scholarship.
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Is there a political bias to the programs?
Though Senator McConnell is obviously affiliated with the Republican Party, the McConnell Center is not affiliated with either party and works hard to maintain its outstanding reputation for non-partisan educational opportunities. The Center never makes admissions decisions based upon the party affiliation of applicants and every year sports a diverse educational program featuring leading Democrats and Republicans.
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Do I have to be interested in politics to be in the program?
While a strong interest in politics and government is not a formal requirement of the program, most McConnell Center programs do involve discussions of current events and public affairs and would not be interesting to those who lack a strong engagement with political ideas and personalities. The Center does attempt to offer a diversity of programs from leadership to literature every year but the bulk of programs each semester relate to politics and government in one form or another.
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What is Senator McConnell’s Role in the Center?
In cooperation with the University, Senator McConnell established the McConnell Center twelve years ago and has generously raised a multi-million dollar endowment to support its programs and scholarships. The Senator continues to be engaged with the Center by helping us attract the most outstanding leaders in the nation to speak to the University community and the McConnell Scholars. Recently, he helped the Center acquire visits from Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Secretary of Defense William Cohen, and Senators Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD). Senator McConnell also gives generously of his time as he meets informally with McConnell Scholars several times each semester. The Senator, however, plays no role in the governance of the Center or in the selection of students who receive McConnell Scholarships.
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If I am not a McConnell Scholar, but attend the University of Louisville, can I take part in Center programs and events?
Absolutely. Most McConnell Center programs are free and open to the public. We encourage students and faculty at the University to attend as many of the Center’s programs as they are interested in each semester. The diversity and distinction of the McConnell Center’s educational programs help make the University of Louisville an outstanding place to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science and related fields.
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Does the Center offer any opportunities for graduate students?
The Center annually offers a graduate assistantship (tuition, healthcare and stipend) to at least one graduate student at the University of Louisville. Most often, these students are pursuing a Master’s Degree in either political science or history. Interested students can inquire by e-mailing mcconnell@louisville.edu.
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