Young Catholic Scholars

“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.” (Fides et Ratio)

The Young Catholic Scholars program is an 8-month program that encourages a deeper appreciation, understanding and dialogue on the intersection of faith and academics. The program offers students resources and guidance to embark on a personal investigation of how their faith impacts their academic studies and how their academic study impacts their faith. The program also offers students an opportunity to engage in active dialogue with Catholic professors and mentors from a variety of disciplines and to take a leadership role in the creation of a Young Catholic Scholars event for the greater CSC community.

Program Committee

  • Sr. Catherine Kirwan-Avila, ACI, Program Coordinator (Theology & Spirituality)

  • Dr. Laura Westhoff, Program Scholar (History)

  • Dr. David Bundy, Program Scholar (Biomedical Engineering & Neuroscience)

Scholarship Information:

Recipients of the Young Catholic Scholars grant will be awarded $500 for the length of the program (Late August– April). The scholarship award is based on full and active participation in all aspects of the program.

Application Information

  • Interested students must meet the following requirements to apply:

    • Be a full-time graduate or third- or fourth-year undergraduate student in solid academic standing

    • Be an active member of the Catholic Student Center

    • Have a strong desire to invest time and effort in a personal study of how their Christian faith impacts their academic study, and to engage the CSC community in a discourse on this topic.

  • Catholic Student Center Young Catholic Scholars will:

    • Come prepared and engage actively in all monthly sessions with Faculty and fellow Scholars. Attendance is required at each session.

    • Engage in monthly Spiritual Accompaniment and twice-a-semester mentoring conversations.

    • Write a final paper at the end of the scholarship period integrating their reflections and learning over the course of the year.

    • In the Spring Semester, work with Program Committee and fellow Scholars to provide an opportunity for the CSC community to grow in the understanding of the integration of faith, scholarship, work and daily life through an event such as a visiting speaker, a panel conversation, a book discussion, etc..

  • The following materials must be submitted to Sr. Catherine Kirwan-Avila, ACI:

    • A completed application form

    • A letter of interest, indicating the applicant’s reasons for wanting to participate in the program, qualifications, and willingness to meet the requirements

Apply Here!

Contact Information:

If you have questions about the program, contact Sr. Catherine Kirwan-Avila, ACI for more information.