The Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program recognizes students of exceptional merit who demonstrate academic and leadership achievements, as well as the passion for community service exemplified by Annika Rodriguez.
In keeping with the legacy of the program, applicants should demonstrate their commitment to, or a history of, bringing diverse groups together and celebrating the cultures of different people.
Rodriguez Scholars may receive full-tuition scholarships with a $2,500 stipend or partial-tuition scholarships. The scholarship is renewed each year for the duration of the degree program, provided students progress academically and uphold the high standards of character required of scholars.
Rodriguez Scholars are expected to participate in a program that includes orientation, meetings with university and community leaders, academic support and advising, the Rodriguez First-Year Seminar, and events with other Rodriguez Scholars. Scholars are also expected to become involved in activities on campus and in community service projects.
Eligibility
The Rodriguez Scholars Program is open to students applying to any undergraduate school.
To apply
- Submit an application for admission to the Class of 2030.
- Write a short answer (maximum 100 words) on the following topic:
Annika Lynn Rodriguez championed awareness for students of all backgrounds, including starting WashU’s first Latin American Awareness Week. Share a specific example of how you have made a commitment to fostering cultural awareness and understanding.- If you’re submitting the Common Application, you can find the required short answer question in the Writing Supplement section.
- If you’re submitting the Coalition Application, you will complete the short answer question in the WashU Pathway, after you’ve submitted your profile and the WashU-specific questions.
- In addition to the required short answer question, we highly recommend you complete our optional Writing Supplement.
- The scholarship committees will review the required counselor and teacher letters of recommendation submitted with your Common or Coalition Application. You may submit an optional third letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your contributions and commitment to community.
Deadlines
All applications must be submitted by January 2, 2026. Finalists will be notified by the end of February and invited to a virtual interview. Finalists must attend the interview to remain eligible. Scholars will be notified in March.
About Annika Rodriguez
Annika Lynn Rodriguez was born and raised in Puerto Rico prior to attending WashU. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in international business from the Olin Business School in 1996. While a student, she was active with the Association of Latin American Students, serving as its president during her senior year. Annika was actively involved in Alpha Phi Omega— a national community service organization on campus. She joined the Peace Corps after graduation and was sent to Honduras to aid people living in poverty, where she was tragically killed in a flash flood. In remembering her, a friend said, “Annika gave herself wholeheartedly to every person who entered her life.”