Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program

The Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program recognizes students of exceptional merit who demonstrate academic and leadership achievements, as well as the passion for community service exemplified by Annika Rodriguez. In keeping with the legacy of the program, applicants should demonstrate their commitment to, or a history of, bringing diverse groups together and celebrating the cultures of different people.

Rodriguez Scholars may receive full-tuition scholarships with a $2,500 stipend or partial-tuition scholarships. The scholarship is renewed each year for the duration of the degree program, provided you progress academically and uphold the high standards of character required of scholars. 

If selected as a Rodriguez Scholar, you will be expected to participate in a program that includes orientation, meetings with university and community leaders, academic support and advising, the Rodriguez First-Year Seminar, and events with other Rodriguez Scholars. Scholars are also expected to become involved in activities on campus and in community service projects.

For more information, visit the Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program website.

Eligibility

Students who apply to any undergraduate division of Washington University may apply for the Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program. A separate application and additional letter of recommendation is required.

On-Campus Interviews for Finalists

Finalists are notified in mid-February and invited to campus for our Scholarship Weekend. The university will pay for finalists’ round-trip expenses within the United States and their expenses in St. Louis during this visit. To remain eligible, finalists must attend these activities. Each committee prepares special activities and events that allow them to get to know the finalists and that allow the finalists to interact with our current scholars, faculty, staff, and each other.  

To apply for the Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program:

• Submit an application for admission to the Class of 2025.

• Log in to the WashU Pathway and submit the separate application for the Rodriguez Scholars Program.

• Write a brief answer (150 words) to the following question:
  Describe a high school or community activity in which you have taken initiative. What were the challenges and outcomes? What did you learn?

• Write a short essay (250 words) on the following topic:
  Consider the biography of Annika Rodriguez (below) and reflect upon your commitment to bringing diverse groups together and/or celebrating the cultures of diverse peoples. How do you demonstrate this commitment? How do your service activities demonstrate your dedication to the ideals embraced by the Rodriguez Scholars Program?

• Submit an additional (third) letter of recommendation from a member of your community who knows you well. If you submit an “other” letter of recommendation through the Common Application or Coalition Application, that letter may be used.

• All applications must be submitted by January 2, 2021.

Annika Rodriguez

Annika Lynn Rodriguez was born and raised in Puerto Rico prior to attending Washington University. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in international business from the Olin Business School in 1996. While a student, she was active with the Association of Latin American Students, serving as its president during her senior year. Annika was actively involved in Alpha Phi Omega— a national community service organization on campus. She joined the Peace Corps after graduation and was sent to Honduras to aid people living in poverty, where she was tragically killed in a flash flood. In remembering her, a friend said, “Annika gave herself wholeheartedly to every person who entered her life.”