Olivet College
Olivet College

    KBB Scholars Application




    In the spirit of the first graduating class comprised of three women — Sophia Keyes, Mary Barber, and Sara Benedict, The University of Olivet offers students a scholarship and leadership development opportunities.

    KBB Scholars Program – The University of Olivet

    Since its founding, The University of Olivet has been committed to educating and advancing leaders from all backgrounds. The Keyes-Barber-Benedict (KBB) Scholars Program brings that mission to life—a leadership development experience built around student-led growth.

    Start as a KBB Pioneer

    Every participant begins as a KBB Pioneer member. As a Pioneer, you'll learn what it means to be on a team—from following effectively to leading as part of an executive board. You'll collaborate with other student organizations, create cross-disciplinary activities, and help fellow students find belonging across majors and departments. You'll also learn to align with a shared mission and pass those values on to the next generation.

    Through active listening, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, you'll become a calm, grounded, and centered leader. As a Pioneer, you're always leading—and growing from the inside out.

    Become a KBB Scholar

    KBB Scholars are Pioneers who are accepted into the scholarship program. To apply, you'll submit:

    • An essay about your leadership experience and ambitions

    • A letter of recommendation

    • A current resume

    Once accepted, you'll receive a financial award and an unmatched opportunity to grow as a leader and team player. Your commitment and attendance are tracked each semester to support your success in the program.

    Ongoing Requirements for KBB Scholars

    To maintain your scholarship and active membership each semester, you'll need to:

    • Communicate proactively with the leadership team about your participation and availability

    • Excel academically with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

    • Grow as a leader by attending at least two workshops per semester

    • Serve your community through at least one volunteer event per semester (civic engagement)

    • Build career readiness with one activity per semester (workshop, career exploration event, resume review, etc.)

    • Share your journey with a year-end capstone presentation on your leadership growth

    What You'll Gain

    KBB Scholars learn how to inspire innovation and facilitate growth in others. You'll practice real-world skills: social and emotional intelligence, networking, and presentation. You'll also have access to education opportunities, career exploration resources, and opportunities for mentorship with professionals in your field. Confidence comes naturally through hands-on practice and a supportive community of allies. By graduation, you'll step into your future with clarity, purpose, and self-assurance.

    This program is designed to connect you with your academic, career, and civic engagement passions—and prepare you to be an exceptional leader. You'll embrace your unique qualities, build leadership muscle memory through practice and workshops, and develop the courage to lead from your values. You'll discover your power to influence others and make the impact you want to see in the world.

    Open to All

    The KBB Scholars Program is open to all students, regardless of gender, gender identity, or gender non-conforming identities. Any student interested in developing leadership skills will benefit—whether you start as a Pioneer or go on to become a KBB Scholar.

    KBB Scholars have access to:

    • A KBB Scholarship – Amount varies based on your Financial Aid determination.

    • Leadership team roles – Serve on the KBB Executive Board and lead the KBB organization.

    • The Leadership Learning Community – Where you'll connect with premier leaders and alumni from diverse backgrounds, career fields, and experiences.

    • Experiential learning opportunities – Including internships, job shadowing, leadership retreats, conferences, and more.

    Eligibility & Application Process:

    • New first-year or transfer students (new to The University of Olivet) may apply directly for the KBB Scholarship.

    • Current students must first participate as KBB Pioneer members, demonstrate their commitment, and then apply for the KBB Scholarship in the following semester.

    • All applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

    • Online students are not eligible for the KBB Scholarship, as their tuition already reflects a discounted rate.

    • Applications received by February 1st will be given priority consideration.

    Personal Information
    Birthdate
    Birthdate
    Mailing Address
    Mailing Address
    Preferred Method of Contact
    KBB Scholars Program - Essay Question

    The KBB Scholars leadership development program is designed to unleash your potential by activating your innate power and focusing your passion toward achieving the vision you set forth. Please provide one 500-word statement about your interest in the KBB Scholars Program that includes reference to the following items:

    • Describe what you hope to gain by belonging to the KBB Scholars Program.

    • Describe your vision of yourself as a leader. What are your strengths? What are your growth areas? What type of leader do you aspire to become?

    • Share a moment of growth and learning that you have experienced. What lessons did you learn? How do you see yourself using these past experiences to launch your University career and beyond?

    • If resources were unlimited, what would your ideal leadership training experience look like?

    Please note: If you are considering participation in an NCAA Division III sport while at The University of Olivet, under NCAA guidelines, to be eligible for a KBB Scholarship, please ensure that any mention of athletic leadership or participation focuses on the skills and knowledge you gained from those experiences.

    The advisor of KBB Pioneers and the KBB Executive Board will complete the review of all applications. The advisor will then provide final acceptance recommendations to Financial Aid, who will make the final scholarship decisions.

    Search