What is the Scholar Lead Program?
The Scholar Lead Program connects Opportunity Scholars with experienced peers who help share resources, information, and support that can contribute to academic and career success. Scholars are matched with Scholar Leads based on established program criteria, and not every Scholar will be matched with a Scholar Lead.
Through customized support and outreach, Scholar Leads help foster connections among Scholars and strengthen the Scholar community across Washington state.
Why is the Scholar Lead Program important for new Opportunity Scholars?
Research shows peer mentorship is one of the most important factors in degree completion. The Scholar Lead Program helps connect Opportunity Scholars with community, resources, and support that can contribute to their success in college and beyond.
The Scholar Lead Program:
- Provides access to peer support and guidance. Scholar Leads share insights and encouragement to help Scholars navigate college and career planning.
- Connects Scholars with resources and opportunities. Scholar Leads help Scholars learn about scholarship requirements, key deadlines, campus resources, and opportunities available through WSOS.
- Supports Scholar success. By sharing their experiences, promoting engagement, and encouraging persistence, Scholar Leads help create a supportive environment where Scholars can thrive.
“WSOS has given me the opportunity to find a supportive community in a large university. Coming in as a freshman, I was homesick and felt very lost, physically as the campus is huge and socially as all my friends went to colleges farther away. However, my first WSOS meeting with my Scholar Lead made me feel very welcome and gave me a lot of good advice for making new friends and finding organizations.”
Almond, Opportunity Scholar
Why should students with more experience become Scholar Leads?
The Scholar Lead mentorship program prepares Scholar Leads to be future leaders and mentors. Scholar Leads receive professional development and mentorship support from WSOS staff to grow as leaders and mentors.
The Scholar Lead program is a wonderful opportunity for you to become a community leader in a supportive and positive environment.
As a Scholar Lead, you can expect the following:
- A stipend delivered throughout the academic year
- Advising and professional support from a WSOS staff member
- Additional professional and leadership development support through WSOS resources
- The opportunity to participate in exclusive WSOS opportunities (that look great on a resume!)
- The chance to grow your leadership skills
- A community of peers to connect and collaborate with
Scholar Lead Responsibilities
If selected as a Scholar Lead, you will be expected to:
- Serve as an enthusiastic, empowering role model for Scholars.
- Communicate with Scholars on a regular basis via email, text, phone calls, or online or in-person meetings.
- Share information about WSOS resources, opportunities, expectations, and deadlines.
- Support Scholars in navigating college and connecting with campus and community resources.
- Help foster a welcoming and engaged Scholar community.
“The opportunity to be a Scholar Lead for a year was both a great resume builder for me and a chance to build my own professional skills, meeting and connecting with people, and a way to support other students in STEM majors to give them the encouragement to continue and pursue great careers, which will benefit themselves and society as a whole.”
Isobel, Opportunity Scholar
Frequently Asked Questions about the Scholar Lead Program
Can I be a Scholar Lead if I have already graduated from college?
Yes, recent alumni are eligible to apply to be a Scholar Lead.
Note for Baccalaureate alumni: If you graduated during or before last summer, you are NOT eligible to be a Scholar Lead.
I am currently/planning to live out of state. Can I apply to be a Scholar Lead?
No. Applicants must currently reside in Washington state to be eligible to be a Scholar Lead. This includes alumni who intend to work outside the state.
Am I able to participate in a study abroad while being a Scholar Lead?
Yes, applicants are eligible to be a Scholar Lead while studying abroad. As part of the Scholar Lead application, you will be asked to share your time management and communication plan while abroad.
When is the earliest I can become a Scholar Lead?
Baccalaureate Scholars:
- Have been on their college campus for at least two full academic years, not including Running Start.
- Have submitted their Major & Credit Verification.
- Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) at their college. SAP is defined and determined by your college.
Career &Technical Scholars:
- Have completed at least one-quarter of their program.
- Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) at their college. SAP is defined and determined by your college.
How are Scholars and Scholar Leads connected?
Scholar Leads support the Opportunity Scholar community through mentorship, outreach, and resource sharing.
When possible, Scholars may have opportunities to connect directly with a Scholar Lead based on factors such as school, program, area of study, or program needs. However, not all Scholars will be matched individually with a Scholar Lead.
Is the WSOS compensation taxable income?
Yes. By considering this opportunity as a WSOS Scholar Lead, the stipend you will receive is taxable income.
You will complete a W9 form and will be considered “self-employed” for tax purposes. Tax owed will not be withheld from the stipend.
You will receive a 1099-NEC form and will need to file a tax return and pay any taxes owed.
While we cannot provide tax information or advice, we strongly encourage you to seek additional tax resources as needed.
I am an undocumented Scholar. Am I eligible to be a Scholar Lead?
The Scholar Lead Program requires Scholars to be authorized to work in the United States. DACA Scholars with work authorization are eligible to apply.
As a Baccalaureate Scholar, am I required to complete the Major & Credit Verification before submitting the Scholar Lead application?
You must submit your WSOS Major & Credit Verification and Renewal on time. Your Major & Credit Verification and Renewal form can be found in your Scholar Portal. If you don’t think you’ll be able to complete your Major & Credit Verification by the deadline, please email us at success@waopportunityscholarship.org.