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More than 1,200 first-year and transfer students were honored for high academic achievement at the University’s recent reception.

The Success Scholars program recognizes students who earn a grade point average of 3.75 or higher in their first semester and have completed a minimum of 15 credits and are in good standing with the University.

The honor comes with a $500 per semester Invest in Success Scholarship ($1,000 per academic year). The award is renewable each semester for up to four years if the student completes 30 credits a year and maintains a minimum 3.25 grade point average.

The program began in 2019 to foster academic excellence and retain exceptional students. Since then, more than 8,400 students have received Invest in Success scholarships.

Nurturing a Community

The scholarships represent the University’s investment in the individuals chosen to receive the awards as well as an overarching commitment to sustaining a community of achievers, innovators and scholars, says Tommy Powell, assistant provost, academic programs.

“Success Scholars is about more than recognizing a GPA. It’s about sending a clear message to students that Syracuse University sees them, believes in them and is invested in their success from the very beginning,” Powell says. “When you bring together more than 1,200 students who have all committed to excellence in their first semester, you’re not just awarding scholarships, you’re building a community.”

A Confidence Booster

Recipients say the recognition carries meaning beyond the financial award.

student Sanjana Venkatesh ’29 says the recognition provided her with early tangible evidence that she is capable of success. “[It] has given me the confidence that I will achieve this success throughout my next four years. Through the support and resources the University provides, I believe everyone is capable of the same.”

Mya Davis ’29, who attends thes, appreciates the scholarship’s extra financial support as well as its underlying message. “I have always put a lot of pressure on myself academically…That internal drive pushes me forward, but it also means I rarely stop to appreciate how far I have come. This recognition kind of forces me to stop and acknowledge that the work is paying off.”

For Presli McCarty ’29, also a Newhouse School student, the award represents “a reflection on my hard work and dedication to my studies. Understanding that I am being recognized for this truly encourages me to continue striving for greatness.”

Griffin Brown ’26, who is enrolled in the and the Newhouse School, says, “[This] scholarship is a two-way promise between the student and Syracuse University. It’s a commitment that I, the student, will strive for success, and that the University will champion that effort. Better yet, it provides a built-in community for the students who have also made that commitment.”