Wake Forest University expands prestigious Stamps Scholarship to returning students

May 9, 2024

Wake Forest University is excited to announce an expansion of the Stamps Scholarship Program that will enable returning sophomores, juniors and seniors to apply for the prestigious Stamps Scholarship. Previously only available to incoming first-year students, the extension of the Stamps Scholarship Program to returning students will allow Wake Forest to identify and support exceptionally talented, engaged students who have exemplified leadership, perseverance, academic excellence, service, and innovation during their time on campus.

The Stamps Scholarship, made possible through the generosity of benefactors E. Roe Stamps IV, his late wife Penny, and through matching funds from Wake Forest University benefactor Mr. Porter B. Byrum, covers the full cost of tuition, fees, room and board. Scholars also receive a $3,400 annual allowance for books and personal expenses, with additional funding available for approved summer travel or study projects. Wake Forest’s Stamps Scholars join a network of approximately 1,000 current undergraduate Scholars around the world.

“This is a wonderful way for the university to acknowledge the accomplishments, achievements and growth that students are making during their time on campus,” said Jackie Sheridan, Director of Wake Forest’s Scholars Office. “It helps us identify students of great talent whose potential was not fully recognized in the initial selection process out of high school, or who have begun to excel in new ways as undergraduates. This will connect us with standout students who might otherwise fly under the radar.”

The rigorous application process for returning students will mirror what is used for competitive national scholarships like the Rhodes, Schwarzman and Fulbright—awards that many Stamps Scholars have gone on to receive. While the number of returning students selected each year will be limited, it marks the first time the University has offered a scholarship of this magnitude to returning students of any major.

“The Stamps Scholarship Program has been an incredible partner with Wake Forest in supporting our students’ academic excellence,” said Provost Michele Gillespie. “As one of our largest scholarship donors, the Stamps Foundation has made it possible to provide more than 80 full scholarships and significant leadership programming for our students since 2013, and we are immensely grateful for their generosity and vision.”

The application for returning students is open now through October. Interested students can learn more and apply through the Wake Forest Scholars Office website here.