North Park invites a first-year student group to join a new cohort each year. Beginning with your early arrival on campus for the fall semester, Lighthouse Scholars participate in academic, social, service, and career-planning events alongside peer mentors, faculty, and staff. We designed these programs with student success at the forefront. By studying, serving, and learning together, you’ll be part of a close-knit community and support one another through the first transitional year between high school and college—and then on until graduation.

Commitment and community

The Lighthouse Cohort Program is a four-year commitment. Scholars meet regularly and participate in workshops, seminars, and other events to help you maximize the university’s resources to help you succeed. When you’re a junior and senior, you’ll have the opportunity to return the support you received and serve as a peer mentor for other new Lighthouse Scholars.

Lighthouse Scholarship

Along with academic and social support, North Park awards Lighthouse Scholars a partial tuition scholarship, renewable throughout your undergraduate studies at North Park if you continually meet program qualifications. Scholarship amounts vary and are awarded based on need, academic record, an interview day, and other application materials.

Application process

1. Apply and receive acceptance to North Park University as a first-year student by February 14, 2025.
2. Review the Lighthouse Scholar requirements and expectations below.
3. By February 14, 2025, submit the Lighthouse Cohort Program online application, including a 300–400-word essay. See the application for more details.
4. If your application makes the next round, North Park will invite you to the mandatory Lighthouse Interview Day on March 21, 2025. Participation does not guarantee your acceptance into the program. North Park will select the Lighthouse Scholars following Lighthouse Interview Day; should you be accepted, the Office of Admissions will inform you, along with any scholarship amount you may have received.
5. If accepted, you must communicate your offer acceptance and make your tuition deposit by May 1 to reserve your spot. If you do not, North Park may offer that spot to another student.

Scholar requirements and expectations

Lighthouse Scholars meet regularly with their cohort and have access to an array of support services the Division of Student Engagement coordinates. Scholars may be required to live on campus in a residence hall during their first year.

By applying for a place in the program and accepting it if offered, you verify you understand and agree to the following program requirements and expectations.

Programming participation

• Participate in Threshold before your first fall semester at North Park.
• Throughout the academic year, meet with the following twice monthly.
  • Cohort members
  • Program staff
    • In cohort meetings once monthly
    • Program coordinator one-on-one once monthly
• Participate in academic and social programs the Division of Student Engagement offers.
• Serve as a university-sponsored organization or club student leader for at least one year (typically junior and/or senior years).
• Serve (junior and/or senior years) as a Lighthouse Peer Mentor for new Lighthouse Scholars for at least one year.

Academic requirements

Lighthouse Scholars must maintain sufficient academic progress toward earning a degree, including maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher. North Park requires this for ongoing program participation and annual scholarship renewal. Scholars must also abide by the North Park University Student Handbook and Student Standards of Conduct.

If North Park dismisses a Lighthouse Scholar from the university, the student will forfeit their scholarship, and North Park will terminate its contract immediately.