About the Program
History of the Program | Eligibility + Opportunities | Program Activities
Based on academic merit and personal achievement, the King-Chavez-Parks Award is available to students from disproportionately represented groups. The award was created in honor of these outstanding civil rights leaders.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)
With a deep commitment to social justice for all, this powerful leader improved the human condition for many in the United States. Through nonviolence, he became one of the most important figures of the civil rights movement.
Cesar E. Chavez (1927-1993)
Founder and leader of the first successful farm workers' union, this Mexican-American fought for the rights of laborers, and his legacy lives on in the work of the United Farm Workers.
Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
On December 1, 1955, in a simple act of dignity and self-respect, Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This courageous act challenged the status quo and helped spark a national movement to improve the lives of African-Americans.
Eligibility and Opportunities
To be Eligible
To be eligible for the King-Chavez-Parks Award, students must be admitted to Ohio University and have demonstrated academic excellence and personal achievement in high school. Those who qualify will be notified by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and the President's Office for Diversity.
Opportunities to Grow
Ohio University cherishes diversity and holds it to be a critical component for achieving excellence in education and necessary for real-world preparation.
Among the exciting intellectual and cultural opportunities at Ohio University is the King-Chavez-Parks (KCP) Award Program. This program provides many opportunities to experience the traditions of diverse cultures and engage in a wide range of interesting intellectual discussions.
Members of the KCP community meet influential and innovative people, engage in meaningful dialogues with faculty, and are a part of a learning community that enriches understanding of the world's complexities. In the classroom, students explore a multitude of perspectives about life experiences and learn new information offered by leading scholars in different fields. This educational experience is complemented by the renowned speakers and leaders brought to campus throughout the academic year.
In addition to Ohio University's academic programs and its dedicated faculty and staff who will help students along the way, the campus environment is special because of the many friendly people students will meet from around the world. One can meet and engage faculty, students and administrators from regions of of six continents.
As Ohio University continues along this pathway of excellence, each student is encouraged to become a part of this legacy and join us in helping to shape the future.
Program Activities
Welcome Reception
A social program that provides new students with an opportunity to meet Ohio University faculty, staff, and students.
Opening the Way
An introduction to Ohio University and various campus organizations serves to invite students into the University community.
Touching Base
A program for upperclass KCP award recipients that provides an opportunity to connect with KCP staff and discuss intellectual, cultural, and scholastic programs occurring during the academic year.
Academic Advising Social
A Fall Quarter event for first-year students sponsored by the President's Office for Diversity and the KCP college representatives to explore academic programs, provide career advice, and ensure that students are developing study habits for success.
LINKS Summer Program
This student support network gives upperclass students the opportunity to be linked as peer mentors to first-year students. The program also includes academic workshops, assemblies, social activities, and semimonthly discussions.
Monday Meetings
Weekly meetings facilitated by Ohio University students, administrators, faculty, staff, and visiting professionals who focus on cultural, health, scholastic, professional, and social issues.
Scholars Community
A weekly learning community that encourages group support and academic networking among first-year KCP students.
Social and Cultural Enrichment
An opportunity to participate in many interesting University-sponsored cultural events.
Personal Growth Journal
A reflective essay that encourages students to share collegiate experiences, explore values, discuss belief systems, analyze challenges, and engage in evaluative planning regarding academic and career goals.
Community Service
An opportunity to explore and identify with the community and make a difference in the lives of those with special needs.
Mentoring
Student and mentor pairing will provide every individual student with guidance regarding personal, academic, and career goals.
