The Office of Undergraduate Education

UT Dallas Cultural Scholars

The UT Dallas Cultural Scholars strive to create a community of academic enrichment, contribute to the University and surrounding areas through service, create a comfortable social environment, and promote cultural unity and awareness.
— Cultural Scholars Mission Statement

The Cultural Scholars Program provides specialized programming of underrepresented minority students who receive a merit-based scholarship upon admission to the university. The program provides an enriching college experience by fostering academic achievement, network building, engagement on campus, and supports students in refining and achieving their post-undergraduate educational or career goals.

The Cultural Scholar Student Experience

Support

One-on-One Meetings: Cultural Scholars have access to a dedicated team of professionals who keep them informed about opportunities and can support them holistically, maximizing outcomes and the undergraduate experience.

“…being a part of Cultural Scholars and actually talking about different opportunities for leadership/career stuff has really helped me - otherwise I might not be thinking about them. I have never considered myself a leader but with a little push I now have two positions in that area and I am really grateful to my advisors!”
— Lily George, class of 2023

“Being a Cultural Scholar has not only led me to open new doors and face challenges head on, but it has also led me to some of the most sincere and supportive people I've ever met. Whenever I felt doubtful about my ability to succeed, the Cultural Scholars team was always there to lift me up and remind me otherwise.”
— Aurora Rochin, class of 2023

Programming

The Cultural Scholars team works with the Cultural Scholar Leadership Committee to conceptualize and host exclusive events and activities. This includes service, cultural, social, and networking events, as well as information sessions about important topics and opportunities. With so many enriching opportunities available at UT Dallas, it can be difficult to keep track of them all. Cultural Scholars receive weekly emails with up-to-date information and a curated list of both program and campus-wide events.

“I'm a pretty reserved person when it comes to socializing-- I tend to forget that I should engage with others while in college instead of just focusing on my school work, grades, and personal goals. I feel like Cultural Scholars was the first club/program that pulled me into a little community of like-minded yet very diverse people. And of all the other clubs and mentoring programs I've been a part of, I feel like Cultural Scholars is really doing the best of them all.”
*— Cultural Scholar*

Leadership

Cultural Scholars can apply to serve as a leader on the Cultural Scholar Leadership Committee and/or apply to serve as a mentor for an incoming Cultural Scholar in the Freshman Mentor Program.

“…probably the biggest reason I felt like I belonged was being part of the Cultural Scholars program. Getting involved early as an officer allowed me to work with great people.”
— Anthony Mata, Cultural Scholars Leader and Alumnus (pictured right)

Cultural Scholar Commitments

We are proud to invest in our Cultural Scholars to ensure success while at UT Dallas and beyond. As part of their participation in the program, Cultural Scholars are expected to meet with the program specialist at least twice per semester and attend ate least one event in both the fall and spring semesters.

Contact Us

The Cultural Scholars team is committed to students’ success. You can reach out to the Cultural Scholars Program via the following:

Email: dric.jackson@utdallas.edu
Phone: 972-883-2563

Cultural Scholars can book an appointment with their support team via Microsoft Bookings. Additionally, there is a dedicated Cultural Scholars Program Team on Microsoft Teams.