Burke Scholars Program

The Burke Foundation and Marquette University are pleased to offer the Burke Scholarship Program. This scholarship was created through the generosity of the late Richard A. Burke, a 1956 graduate of the College of Business Administration and the founder of Trek Corp. The Burke Scholarship is a four-year program for first-year, full-time undergraduate students who have a passion for social justice and a commitment to serve others.  

This full ride scholarship (tuition, fees, housing and food) is awarded annually to 10 academically talented Wisconsin high school seniors who exhibit leadership, have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community and aspire to pursue careers that benefit the public good.  

The Burke Scholarship is an intensive program that links academics, career goals and engagement with the community in order to deepen scholars’ abilities as change-makers and active citizens. A significant part of the program is the commitment to serve 10 hours of community service per week during each academic semester (equal to 300 hours of community service per academic year). Additionally, the program includes weekly seminars, leadership development, peer and staff support, and extracurricular activities that are immersed in the Milwaukee community and the spirit of Jesuit education. (To learn more about the program, visit the Burke Scholars website.) 

The full-ride scholarship is renewable each year of the recipient’s four-year (eight-semester) undergraduate program, provided the recipient maintains good academic standing, meets program requirements and lives on campus for all four years. For additional program details about this award, review the applicable Award Information Guide, available from the Office of Student Financial Aid.  

Scholarship information

Award amount

• Full Ride – tuition, fees, housing and food (10 awards available) 

Deadline

• March 1
• For this scholarship, students must submit additional materials. Once students are admitted, more information will be shared in their student status page about the process and next steps. 

Selection guidelines

• Wisconsin high school senior or entering first-year student following a service gap year. 
• Must be accepted to Marquette University prior to applying. 
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and community through volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, career goals and passion to make a difference. 
• Demonstrated academic excellence with a preferred minimum 3.75 GPA. Applicants applying under the test-optional policy are eligible to apply and will be given equal consideration.  
• Applicant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Net Price Calculator. For any scholarships or grants that require the FAFSA, undocumented, Dreamer and DACA students may fill out the Net Price Calculator for verification. 
• International students are not eligible for this scholarship.