Xavier Scholars Program
The Xavier Scholars Program develops a student's passion in an academic field of study of their choice through individualized courses of learning and experience. Scholars work with faculty mentors to explore new ideas, assist with research, and create a network of community members who share expertise in that field. Download the Xavier Scholars Program booklet for more information.
- Qualifications and requirements vary for each program. See a member of the respective department for more information.
- Students may apply to be a scholar in the spring of each school year; a student may only participate in one Scholar Program during high school.
Creating art, whether it be in the form of music, visual art, theatre, or other performance art, is at the very heart of who we are as people of God’s creation. Through the Fine Arts Scholars program,
we seek to provide advanced opportunities for students wishing to more deeply pursue the fine arts in one of three main areas— Music, Theatre, or Visual Art.
Students selected as Fine Arts Scholars will work closely with the Xavier Fine Arts faculty to tailor the program to their own specific needs and interests, as well as to their life after high school. Our hope is that this program will allow the Scholars to engage in their specific area of the arts in a way that allows them to learn in new and more innovative ways than regular courses provide.
Program Length: 3 years
Avid readers, future journalists and authors, and those with a passion for literature, language arts or writing are invited to become St. Lucia English Scholars. Students will work with members of the English Department to explore a variety of cultural activities such as plays, book clubs, poetry readings and lectures. Next, students and their mentors will design a project to be presented to the English Department, fellow Scholars, and the public.
This project may be based on research, original writing, or other subjects of interest in the realm of English and Language Arts. Final presentation of one’s work and consent of the English Department earns a student the St. Lucia of Syracuse Medal.
Program Length: Varies by project
St. Albert the Great Science Scholars participate in a three year course of study to complete the program, although partial participation is an option for those who cannot commit three years.
In year 1, students read articles on a variety of scientific topics and disciplines. The year culminates with a Scholars Seminar to share readings, to discuss topics, and to begin to envision more specific areas of interest.
In year 2, students work with a mentor from the Science Department to do individual research, both in the lab and with a literature review. Students who demonstrate high quality research are invited to participate in year 3.
In year 3, students work with a professor or professional in the field to do lab research as outreach to the community. Networking with potential mentors is done through the Science Department and Office of Advancement.
Program Length: 3 years
Students who intend to pursue the St. Jerome Global Studies Medal must commit to taking four years of a world language, in addition to choosing from a menu of other courses related to cultures and languages. In addition, students will engage with international films and literature, earn culture points as part of one of Xavier’s World Language Honor Societies, and complete a final project such as:
- Share experiences about hosting an international student
- Present about experiences abroad on a world language trip
- Teach a world language at an elementary after school program
- Participate in a world language speaking contest
- Present to an elementary or a middle school class about world language experiences
Program Length: 3 years
Future business leaders can set themselves apart from their peers with this combination of work experience and networking. Business Scholars can job shadow, seek job experiences to enrich their perspective, attend lectures and seminars for business leaders, and engage with civic organizations to meet mentors in the business community. With the help of the Xavier Office of Advancement, Business Scholars will interact with Xavier alumni and friends in areas of business matching their particular interests.
The program culminates with each scholar preparing a summary report and presentation to explain their experiences, what they learned, and how they intend to pursue leadership in business in their future.
Program Length: Varies by project
Follow in the footsteps of St. Augustine by exploring the relationship between God and Creation through the avenues of theological research and community outreach. Work with a faculty mentor to explore possible topics for a major research project to be presented to the department at the end of the year.
Learn from fellow theologians while also exploring your own theological ideas. Identify Church teachings and discover their historical roots. Then put your research into action by considering how the theology calls you to interact in the world. Individual projects will be a combination of research, service, presentation, and defense of research to the Theology Department.
Program Length: 2 years
Engineering Scholars identify an area of engineering in which to specialize. After completing rigorous academic research, Scholars are invited to network in the community with engineers, especially engineers who are Xavier alumni. Internships and work experiences often form the foundation of the St. Patrick Engineering Scholars program. Successful completion of a set of PLTW engineering courses is also required to be a Scholar.
Program Length: Varies by project
St. Bede Scholars engage in a unique course of study in collaboration with the Social Studies Department. Given the broad range of fields in Social Studies, significant latitude will be offered for students to specialize in an area of interest.
Students will begin by designing a proposal in one of these categories:
- Politics/Law
- History
- Psychology
- Sociology
By December, they will have a project approved by the faculty of the department. The second semester of the year will be the time for the implementation of the project, research, interviews, community engagement, etc. In May, students will meet with the faculty for a midpoint review of the project. Final submission and presentation of the project occurs in fall of the following year. Seniors
will work within an adjusted timeline to complete the project before graduation.
Program Length: 1 year
St. Hubert Mathematics Scholars participate in a three year course of study to complete the program, although students may choose to do only part of the program.
In year 1, students prepare a proposal for research with the help of the Mathematics Department. This proposal is shared as part of a Math Scholars Seminar at the end of the year.
In year 2, students participate in individual research based on their accepted proposal. A mentor from the Mathematics Department supports the student in the research and presentation of findings. If the project demonstrates excellence, the student is invited to the third year.
In year 3, students work with a professor or professional in the field to do further research. Networking with potential mentors is done through the Mathematics Department and Office of Advancement.
Program Length: 3 years
St. Sebastian Strength & Conditioning Scholars set themselves apart through their process, and their outcome.
Concerning their process, through their own motivation and direction, they will have completed a minimum of 450 hours with our Strength & Conditioning Club.
Concerning their outcome, they will have needed to earn at least the level of "All State" for "The X Factor" performance testing.
Process to Apply to be a Xavier Scholar
- Meet with a teacher in the department of your interest. Ask for application materials and discuss the process.
- Complete the application paperwork and be accepted as a Scholar for the department.
- Maintain eligibility for the program by meeting the requirements of the department and staying in regular communication with your faculty mentor.
Benefits of Being a Xavier Scholar
- Students are able to pursue their passion with guidance from mentors at school and in the community.
- It is a unique experience that will set you apart from students at other schools. Being a Scholar looks great on college applications. Scholar projects make excellent college essay topics.
- Successful completion of the program earns the Scholar a special medal of their chosen program's patron saint to be worn at graduation.
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